Northern Philippines Highlights
Deal Number 19462244
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Get to the heart of the Philippines on this 10-day adventure exploring the north. Move around multicultural Manila on a bamboo bike and then trek to Mt Pinatubo’s crater lake. Hike the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of the Cordilleras while listening to stories from a Kalinga local guide along the way. Visit local villages to meet the Ifuago rice terrace builders, learn about Faery village’s unique burial traditions and connect with locals over a community feast. Go beyond the guidebook and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this beautiful archipelago.
Duration 10 days
Destination Philippines
Company Intrepid
Availability From 14/01/2025 to 27/12/2026
Call 1300 018 390
What's Included?
- Hike the UNESCO-listed rice terraces in the Cordilleras, crafted over 2000 years, and trek to the crater lake of Mt Pinatubo for breathtaking views
- Savour Manila’s food scene – enjoy a community feast in Tarukan village, learn culinary secrets from a Baguio chef, and start one day with a sunrise picnic breakfast
- Hop on a bamboo bike in Intramuros, ride a traditional Jeepney, and traverse rugged valleys in a 4WD – the journey is just as important as the destination!
- Visit local villages to meet the Ifugao who shaped the rice terraces, learn about Favery village’s unique burial traditions, and discover Kalinga culture and 1930s Ifugao life through a famous Spanish photographer’s lens
- Connect with the inspiring women at the Harvest Hub Studio – a social enterprise empowering women artists from the mountains to expand their market and achieve financial independence
- Breakfasts Included: 9
- Lunches Included: 2
- Dinners Included: 1
- Hotel (8 nights),Guesthouse (1 night)
- Private Vehicle,4x4,Jeepney,Bicycle
- Age: min 15
- Group Size: 1 - 12
- Manila - City Tour
- Manila - Intramuros bamboo bike cycling tour
- Mt Pinatubo - Crater hike
- Tarukan Village - Community lunch
- Banaue - Bangaan rice terrace hike
- Bontoc - Maligcong rice terrace hike
- Bontoc - Favarey Village visit
- Sagada - City tour
- Sagada - Eduardo Masferre’s home visit
- Kiltepan - Sunrise viewpoint & picnic breakfast
- Baguio - Cooking class & dinner
- Baguio - Art gallery visit
- Baguio - Women co-op weaving studio viist
Availability
- From 14/01/2025 to 27/12/2026
Visit Philippines
1 Manila
Kumusta! Welcome to the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon – the largest of the county’s 7641 islands – Manila is the Philippines' lively capital. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive before then, take some time to explore the city and get your bearings. A walk around Rizal Park, conveniently located in the city's centre, is a great place to start. In the evening, maybe get your group together for dinner and sample some regional specialities, like abodo (pork marinated in vegetables and spices) and buko pie (coconut pie).
2 Manila
After breakfast, dive into a guided tour of multicultural Manila. Taste the different flavours that have been cooking up in the country over the past few hundred years with food tastings in the Muslim Quarter and the world’s oldest Chinatown. While you’re in Chinatown, sit down with your group for lunch in a restaurant that was once a fire station. When you’re full, hop on an eco-friendly bamboo bike and ride around Intramuros – a historic walled area that was constructed by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Enjoy a free evening, where you can relax and unwind before your early start tomorrow.
3 Mt Pinatubo
You’ll set off for Crow Valley at 4 am this morning so you can get an early morning view of the crater of Mt Pinatubo. You’ll arrive at the foot of the trailhead by a 4WD jeep. The hike isn’t easy – but the views of the crater lake at the top are definitely worth it. Formed after Mt Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the rainwater lake is framed by dramatic cliffs. Reward your body with a traditional lunch in Tarukan Village with the Aetas, the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines. The chieftain and a local interpreter will join you, making it a unique cultural experience. Do as the Aetas do and eat the meal – which will be laid out on banana leaves – with your hands. When you’re finished, head to Abe’s Farm – a countryside guesthouse with a pool.
4 Banaue
Wake up early and head for Banaue, travelling through rice fields and mango plantations. Break up the drive with a stop in Bacolor – this town was devastatingly destroyed by the Mt Pinatubo eruption. Visit the local church that has been half buried by lahar – yet locals still use it to worship by climbing through the upper windows. Hit the road again before stopping off for lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll arrive in Banaue in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a free evening before exploring the rice terraces tomorrow. For dinner, maybe ask your leader for recommendations on where to try pinikipan (a local chicken dish).
5 Banaue
Jump on the local jeepney this morning to Sadel, where you’ll start the trek through the UNESCO listed Banaue rice terraces. These rice terraces were created by the Ifugao people and can be traced back 2000 years. A feat of engineering, the terraces were crucial to the survival of the people and are now known for their combination of functionality and beauty. Stop for lunch in Batad, where you’ll have the opportunity to talk to local Ifuago people in the village and try some rice activities. Return to Banaue in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day as you wish.
6 Bontoc/ Sagada
Another day, another trek through rice terraces – this time you’ll start in Bontoc and hike along the Maligcong Rice Terrace to Faverey village. Listen to stories from a Kalinga local guide along the way and find out about their traditions. When you arrive in Faverey, you’ll learn about one pretty unique tradition in the village – the practice of living with deceased family members. Hike back to Bontoc and refuel with lunch before continuing to Sagada in a comfy private vehicle.
7 Sagada
Get to know Sagada on a half day tour around the town. Your local guide will bring you to some of the key spots, like the Hanging Coffins – an ancient burial tradition where coffins are suspended on a cliff – and the Lumiang Cave – home to coffins over 500 years old. Next, head to the home of famous Spanish photographer Eduardo Masferre, where family members will show you his rare photos chronicling the Ifuago way of life in the 1930s. The afternoon is then yours to explore Sagada in your own way – maybe you’ll check out the coffee plantations (and sample the delicious Sagada coffee) or explore local farms.
8 Baguio
Wake up bright and early this morning at around 5 am for breakfast at the Kiltepan viewpoint, where you’ll catch the Sagada sunrise. Then, drive to Baguio, affectionately called the City of Pines due to the greenery that thrives here. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon. Maybe walk around Mirador Hill and Eco Park – a Japanese-inspired garden – or the Igorot Stone Kingdom – a modern-day castle. Later, come back together as a group for an interactive dinner with a famous local chef. Get hands-on by selecting the ingredients for your traditional Cordillera meal at the market, then join the chef and his wife for a live cooking demonstration. When you’ve picked up some tips, tuck into the grilled goods you helped prepare!
9 Manila
Get to know Baguio culture today by visiting the local art studios and galleries, which showcase a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. Stop by the Harvest Hub Studio and learn about a foundation set up to support women weavers in the Cordilleras through entrepreneurship training. These mountain-based women are working to scale their businesses and need this vital support. You’ll be guided through the studio, where you can meet local artists and learn about their craft, and maybe even try some traditional techniques yourself! Head back to Manila in the afternoon and perhaps rally your group together for a farewell dinner.
10 Manila
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to extend your stay in Manila, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation ahead of time.
View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.
Departure dates and Pricing
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Tue 14th January, 202516/01/2024 | Thu 23rd January, 202525/01/2024 | Available | Per person from$3830* | Enquire » |
Tue 28th January, 202530/01/2024 | Thu 6th February, 202508/02/2024 | Available | Per person from$3281* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 18th February, 202520/02/2024 | Thu 27th February, 202529/02/2024 | Available | Per person from$3685* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 11th March, 202512/03/2024 | Thu 20th March, 202521/03/2024 | Available | Per person from$3685* | Enquire » |
Tue 25th March, 202526/03/2024 | Thu 3rd April, 202504/04/2024 | Available | Per person from$3545* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 8th April, 202509/04/2024 | Thu 17th April, 202518/04/2024 | Available | Per person from$3545* | Enquire » |
Tue 22nd April, 202523/04/2024 | Thu 1st May, 202502/05/2024 | Available | Per person from$3545* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Tue 18th November, 202519/11/2024 | Thu 27th November, 202528/11/2024 | Available | Per person from$3545* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Tue 2nd December, 202503/12/2024 | Thu 11th December, 202512/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$3685* | Enquire » |
Tue 9th December, 202510/12/2024 | Thu 18th December, 202519/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$3830* | Enquire » |
Fri 19th December, 202520/12/2024 | Sun 28th December, 202529/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$3860* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 13th January, 202616/01/2024 | Thu 22nd January, 202625/01/2024 | Available | Per person from$3720* | Enquire » |
Tue 27th January, 202630/01/2024 | Thu 5th February, 202608/02/2024 | Available | Per person from$3720* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Tue 3rd February, 202606/02/2024 | Thu 12th February, 202615/02/2024 | Available | Per person from$3720* | Enquire » |
Tue 17th February, 202620/02/2024 | Thu 26th February, 202629/02/2024 | Available | Per person from$4215* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 10th March, 202612/03/2024 | Thu 19th March, 202621/03/2024 | Available | Per person from$3870* | Enquire » |
Tue 24th March, 202626/03/2024 | Thu 2nd April, 202604/04/2024 | Available | Per person from$4020* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 7th April, 202609/04/2024 | Thu 16th April, 202618/04/2024 | Available | Per person from$4020* | Enquire » |
Tue 21st April, 202623/04/2024 | Thu 30th April, 202602/05/2024 | Available | Per person from$3870* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 17th November, 202619/11/2024 | Thu 26th November, 202628/11/2024 | Available | Per person from$3720* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tue 1st December, 202603/12/2024 | Thu 10th December, 202612/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$3870* | Enquire » |
Tue 8th December, 202610/12/2024 | Thu 17th December, 202619/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$4020* | Enquire » |
Fri 18th December, 202620/12/2024 | Sun 27th December, 202629/12/2024 | Available | Per person from$4380* | Enquire » |
Terms and conditions
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 28 December 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
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- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
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- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
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- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
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The above information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
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