Ethnic Tribes of Ifugao

Welcome to the Philippines! You will be greeted by your driver upon arrival at Manila Airport and head south towards Tagaytay. It takes you about two hours from the capital, to reach Tagaytay. Check in and settle down at your hotel facing Lake Taal. Tagaytay is a popular destination with Filipinos due to its pleasant climate and landscapes. The view of the Taal volcano, located on a small island in the middle of the lake is a beautiful first glimpse into to the natural beauties of the Philippines. Rest well and get ready for the start of your adventure in the Philippines!

After breakfast, embark on a bangka, a traditional Filipino boat, for a quick crossing through the middle of the lake to reach the banks of the small Taal volcano. Start the easy ascent which takes about an hour and find yourself in another small lake in the middle of Taal Lake! You descend and have lunch by the lake in an enchanting wild setting. Cross back to Talisay where your driver is waiting to drive you to Manila. Overnight in the capital of the Philippines. Take your first steps in this megalopolis, one of the most populated in the world!

Early this morning, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and bring you by private car to the north of Manila, to reach the Pinatubo volcano, culminating at 1,486m. A 4x4 is waiting for you to take you closer along an adventurous track. It is then on foot that you reach the magnificent crater lake after about one hour of trekking. Enjoy a picnic by the lake of this mythical volcano, known for its impressive eruption in 1991. You return on the same path, and climb aboard your 4x4, stopping at the village of the Aétas tribe, original inhabitants of the region on the way. This cultural experience is a true highlight of your adventure in the Philippines! Your driver will then drive you to the old American air base in Clark, where you will spend the night.

This morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving by private vehicle for the small town of Banaue in the province of Ifugao. You cross immense rice plains of Central-Luzon, then the arid massif of the Sierra Madre. The landscape changes and the excitement increases as you approach Banaue. After a long day on the road, you arrive at Banaue viewpoint and admire the magnificent rice terraces. Upon arrival in Banaue, enjoy a free afternoon in the village taking in the pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful rice fields. If the weather is nice, why not take the opportunity to visit the town's craft market.

Today, enjoy a hearty breakfast and fuel up to prepare for your trek in Ifugao country, named after the Ifugao ethnic group. The region is renowned for its magnificent terraced rice fields, some of which are listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites. You climb aboard a Jeepney (old Jeeps left by the US military at the end of World War II ) to reach Awan-Igid. You then start your trek to Cambulo via the village of Pula with a picnic lunch on the way (approximately 6 hours, including 2 hours of steep ascent). On arrival, you put your bags in a local guesthouse and settle down. Why not go for an afternoon swim in the river to cool down after your long hike? In the evening, enjoy a friendly dinner with the locals and overnight in a guesthouse.

Wake up and enjoy a local breakfast before setting off on the second day of your trek. Your destination: Batad. The first part of the trek takes around 1h30 and is divided into short climbs with a 1h descent, passing a few waterfalls along the way. Stop for a cozy picnic lunch in the village of Batad, known for its rice fields which form a natural amphitheater, regarded as one the most beautiful in the world. In the afternoon, a stroll through this lush world leads you to the Batad waterfalls where you can jump in for a  a well-deserved swim. Return back to your guesthouse and enjoy dinner with the locals.

After breakfast, you start your walk to the village of Banga-an along a famous panoramic track nicknamed "The Ridge Trail". The walk is easy and you soon arrive in Banga-an where you have lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Banga-an rice terraces. Take the time to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Banaue by Jeepney where you check-in to your hotel for the night.

Have an early breakfast and savor the last moments of tranquility in this peaceful village. Take the time to stroll around Banaue and admire the rice fields before taking the long road south to reach Manila. Along the way, the landscapes change and you witness all the diversity of the Philippines. Arriving in Manila at the end of the afternoon, take the opportunity to do a little shopping or visit the places of interest of the city.

This morning, you leave the megalopolis of Manila for a few days of relaxation by the beach. Your private driver picks you up from your hotel and brings you to Batangas Pier where you take a boat to Puerto Galera, located on Mindoro Island. After your adventures in the mountains and your 3-day trek, you are ready for some seaside relaxation at Puerto Galera, nicknamed the "Pearl of Mindoro". Settle down in your hotel and enjoy not having to do anything except listen to the sound of the waves. Enjoy a free evening and watch the sunset with your toes in the sand!

Wake up slowly and take the time to enjoy breakfast to the sound of waves. Today, you have a free day to spend at your leisure. Puerto Galera is nestled at the end of a very pretty bay with hidden coves and paradisiacal beaches and is popular amongst travelers for its sublime diving spots. By organizing directly with your hotel, you can sail from island to island, explore the surroundings by sea kayak or go for a diving or snorkeling session to swim among the coral reefs, colorful fish and (if you’re lucky), sea turtles!

Today, you have another free day to spend as you wish. The surroundings of Puerto Galera are full of riches and activities. Go for a walk to the village of Mangyan to meet the nomadic people of Mindoro, take a stroll near Muelle Bay and sample a local Filipino specialty made with fresh fish or bathe at the Tamaraw waterfalls – the choice is yours! If you prefer, you can also relax at the hotel, on a hammock with a good book or sunbathing and enjoying the beach while drinking a coconut or fresh fruit juice. Vacation in the Philippines is like a dream!

Enjoy your last breakfast by the beach in this enchanting setting. Then pack your bags and leave Puerto Galera by boat. At the harbor, your driver will be waiting to drive you to Manila. Depending on the schedule of your international flight, you might have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in the capital. According to your flight schedule, your driver will take you to Manila International Airport for your return flight. End of our services.