Day 1: Arrival in Manila – Exploring Intramuros
Your first stop in the Philippines is Manila, the nation’s vibrant capital. After you settle in, head straight for Intramuros, the city’s historic heart. This centuries-old walled district was built by the Spanish and boasts many important landmarks.
Visit Fort Santiago, a former military base that now houses museums dedicated to national hero José Rizal. Walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial architecture.
Next, stop by San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The intricate design will give you a glimpse into the Philippines’ religious history.
Wrap up the day by visiting Plaza San Luis, a cultural and commercial center. You can also grab dinner nearby. Consider dining at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, where you’ll get both traditional Filipino dishes and a cultural performance.
Day 2: Manila to Banaue – The Rice Terraces
Start the day early as you will be heading to Banaue to marvel at the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey from Manila is long (about 9 hours by bus or private van), so you’ll want to get a head start.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent rice terraces, referred to by some as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These terraces were carved into the mountains by the Ifugao tribe over 2,000 years ago.
Take a guided trek through the lush paths to Batad, a nearby village with even more impressive terraces. The trek takes around 2-3 hours, but you can take it slow and stop for photos.
For accommodation, consider staying in one of the local homestays to immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll wake up surrounded by mountains and fresh air.
Day 3: Sagada – Caves and Hanging Coffins
From Banaue, head to Sagada, which is about 3-4 hours away by road. This small town is known for its unique burial traditions and outdoor activities.
One of the highlights is the Hanging Coffins, an ancient burial practice where coffins are mounted on cliff sides. Take a short trek to Echo Valley to see this fascinating sight.
After that, visit Sumaguing Cave, where you can join a local guide on a cave spelunking adventure. Be prepared for a bit of physical activity as this is no casual walk; you’ll have to duck, crawl, and climb.
In the afternoon, hike up to Kiltepan Viewpoint. If you’re there for sunset or sunrise, you’ll get panoramic views of mountains and sea of clouds. A perfect way to end your day in Sagada.
Day 4: Fly to Cebu – Discovering Cebu City
Fly from Manila to Cebu City (around an hour). Once you land, you’ll be ready to explore one of the country’s oldest cities.
First, visit Magellan’s Cross, a simple yet important historical landmark. It was planted in 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and symbolizes the start of Christianity in the Philippines.
Your next stop should be the Basilica del Santo Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. The basilica houses a statue of the Christ Child, which was brought to the Philippines in the 16th century.
After a lunch break, head to Fort San Pedro, a military defense structure that dates back to the Spanish period. It’s smaller than Manila’s fort, but still offers a glimpse into the colonial past.
Cap off the day with a stroll around Colon Street, the oldest street in the country. Here, you can shop for souvenirs or try local street foods. If you’re up for some Cebuano food, try dishes like lechon (roast pig) and puso (hanging rice).
Day 5: Moalboal – Snorkeling and Sardine Run
Today, leave the city behind and head to Moalboal. You can get there by bus in around 2.5 hours from Cebu City.
Moalboal is famous for its marine life, and you won’t want to miss snorkeling at Panagsama Beach. The highlight here is the famous sardine run, where massive schools of sardines fill the waters. You don’t need to arrange a boat; you can just swim a few meters from the shore to witness this amazing natural event.
Apart from the sardine run, you’ll also encounter sea turtles if you’re lucky – something every snorkeler hopes for!
If snorkeling isn’t enough, you can rent a boat out to Pescador Island, one of the best diving spots in the region. It’s known for its coral walls and plenty of colorful fish.
In the evening, relax by the beach or indulge in some fresh seafood. You’ve earned it after an action-packed 5 days!
Conclusion
This 5-day itinerary will give you a taste of what the Philippines has to offer: landscape wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural gems. With this itinerary, you get to experience a good mix of both city and rural life. Plus, you’ll go from mountain rice terraces to stunning underwater worlds. If you have more time, there are plenty more islands to explore, but for 5 days, this itinerary will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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