The Great Philippine Budget Escapade (20 days)

The Great Philippine Budget Escapade (20 days)

$1300 per person (1 to 5 persons)
$1150 per person (6 to 8 persons)
Maximum of 10 persons per tour schedule.

The Great Philippine Escapade starts from your airport of entry - whether in Manila or Clark for an unforgettable 20 days of the best of the Philippines. From exotic cultures, that you did not know existed in this country to the bluest waters you will ever see in your lifetime and the friendliest, most accommodating people on the planet. Yes, there are a lot of superlatives in the description above but you will just have to see that for yourself

• Marvel the majestic rice terraces carved by hand on entire mountains, hidden from the rest of the world. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces are not to be missed when visiting the Philippines. You will also be surprised that the climate in this region is like nowhere else in the country with temperatures dropping to 6degC
• A couple of hours away is the town of Sagada, blessed with natural wonders - vertical caves, beautiful waterfalls and a unique burial culture of hanging the dead in coffins on the sides of limestone cliffs.
• Hop to the country’s oldest city - Cebu, and get started with the huge party that the Philippines is all about - canyoneering, whale shark interactions and sandbars in turquoise blue waters. You can also the experience the city’s vibrant nightlife after all that beach bumming
• Soak it up at a consistent top spot holder as the world’s best island - Palawan, boasting of one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World - the Puerto Princesa Underground River.
• And the highlight - El Nido with its ageless towering marble cliffs, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, a true paradise. El Nido is where you fulfill your fantasies of island hopping, bringing along some food, some drinks in a cool box and disappear into this heavenly marine reserve.
• During this whole tour, we will make sure that you get to try the food and drinks in this country, a real gastronomic experience - it’s the Philippines’ turn to shine foodwise.
• If time permits we’ll throw in a free half day city tour of Manila - an unstoppable growing city, which also has its own hidden historical gems.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Manila

Day 2 - Banaue

Day 3 - Batad

Day 4 - Banaue

Day 5 - Sagada

Day 6 - Sagada

Day 7 - Sagada

Day 8 - Baguio

Day 9 - Cebu (City)

Day 10 - Cebu (South)

Day 11 - Cebu (South)

Day 12 - Cebu (South)

Day 13 - Cebu (City)

Day 14 - Puerto Princesa

Day 15 - El Nido

Day 16 -  El Nido

Day 17 - El Nido

Day 18 - El Nido

Day 19 - El Nido

Day 20 - Manila

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation
  • Hotel - 12 nights
  • Guest house - 5 nights
  • Native Ifugao Huts - 3 nights
• Meals
  • 19 breakfasts
  • 2 boodlefight lunches, 2 regular lunches
  • 4 dinners
• Transportation
  • Domestic air transfers
  • Jeepneys and tricycles
  • Private minibuses and vans
• Tours
  • Guided Batad Tour
  • Sagada Guided Tour - Hanging Coffins, Bomod-ok Falls and Sumaguing Cave
  • Baguio - Guided City Tour
  • Manila - Fort Santiago / Intramuros
  • Cebu - Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Sumilon Island beach hopping, Whale shark interaction.
  • Palawan - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Cruise and City Tour
  • El Nido - Island Hopping boat trip with snorkelling

EXCLUSIONS

• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visa and visa processing

PAYMENT

• 45% down payment. Balance to be paid in full 50 days before the actual tour start date.
• Payment modes accepted - Bank Transfer or Deposit, Credit card via Paypal

Need to Know

• The most physical part of this tour is the Banaue/Sagada part involving mountainous treks that may last from an hour to 2, as well as vertically scaling cave walls.
• The included meals are for us to suggest the character of the Philippines through its food. The rest is for you to discover and experience on your own.
• Accommodation is on a twin-share or multi-share basis of up to 4 persons per room. There may be instances when alternative accommodations will be provided but will be similar to that previously booked.
• We may not be able to check-in immediately upon arrival depending on our arrival at a certain place ( due to flight schedules, traffic, etc)
• In cases that the itinerary may not be followed to the letter,(e.g weather conditions, etc) you will be notified immediately. We have prepared optional activities in such instances.

Amazing Highlands Plus (8 days)

Amazing Highlands - Banaue, Sagada and Hundred Islands

$650 per person (1 to 5 persons)

$500 per person (6 to 8 persons)
Maximum of 16 persons per tour group

The Amazing Highlands Plus is for those who want to experience exotic cultures, breathtaking sites and tropical island fun but with limited time. In 8 lovely days, you can experience the warm Philippine islands and cool mountain air and there won't even be a need to get on a plane.

• Marvel the majestic rice terraces carved by hand on entire mountains, hidden from the rest of the world. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces are not to be missed when visiting the Philippines. You will also be surprised that the climate in this region is like nowhere else in the country with temperatures dropping to 6degC on the coldest months
• A couple of hours away is the town of Sagada, blessed with natural wonders - vertical caves, beautiful waterfalls and a unique burial culture of hanging the dead in coffins on the sides of limestone cliffs.
• Have 3 days side trip to soak up on the white sand beaches of Northern Philippines - complete with island hopping, snorkeling and even parasailing if you are up to it. Have lunch while your hut is being pulled by a boat as you go on a river cruise - yes while having lunch.
• During this whole tour, we will make sure that you get to try the food and drinks in this country, a real gastronomic experience - it’s the Philippines’ turn to shine food-wise.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Manila

Day 2 - Banaue/Batad

Day 3 - Banaue

Day 4 - Sagada

Day 5 - Sagada

Day 6 - Bolinao

Day 7 - Hundred Islands

Day 8 - Manila

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation
  • Hotel - 6 nights
  • Native Ifugao Huts - 2 nights
• Meals
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 boodle fight lunch
  • 1 river cruise
  • 1 dinner
• Transportation
  • Jeepneys and tricycles
  • Private minibus/van
  • Boat
• Tours
  • Guided Batad Tour
  • Sagada Guided Tour - Hanging Coffins, Bomod-ok Falls and Sumaguing Cave
  • Guided island hopping with picnic lunch

EXCLUSIONS

• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visa and visa processing

PAYMENT

• 25% down payment. Balance to paid 45 days before the actual tour start date.
• Payment modes accepted - Bank Transfer or Deposit, Credit card via Paypal

Need to Know

• The most physical part of this tour is the Banaue/Sagada part involving mountainous treks that may last from an hour to 2, as well as vertically scaling cave walls.
• The included meals are for us to suggest the character of the Philippines through its food. The rest is for you to discover and experience on your own.
• Accommodation is on a twin-share or multi-share basis of up to 4 persons per room. There may be instances when alternative accommodations will be provided but will be similar to that previously booked.
• We may not be able to check-in immediately upon arrival depending on our arrival at a certain place ( due to flight schedules, traffic, etc)
• In cases that the itinerary may not be followed to the letter,(e.g weather conditions, etc) you will be notified immediately. We have prepared optional activities in such instances.

Visit our Page to know more

https://www.facebook.com/travelnorth/

travelnphil@gmail.com

Amazing Highlands - Banaue, Sagada, Baguio (6 Days)

$500 per person (1 to 5 persons)
$375 per person (6 to 8 persons)
Maximum of 16 persons per tour group

If you feel like you need to take a break from all the sun, sand and surf then this tour is for you. Experience the face of the Philippines that is rarely featured in the travel circles. The 7107 islands is not all beach. High up in the mountainous regions of the north lie a hidden pot of exotic cultures, cool mountain air and breathtaking sights that you did not know existed in this country.

• Marvel the majestic rice terraces carved by hand on entire mountains, hidden from the rest of the world. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces are not to be missed when visiting the Philippines. You will also be surprised that the climate in this region is like nowhere else in the country with temperatures dropping to 6degC on the coldest months
• A couple of hours away is the town of Sagada, blessed with natural wonders - vertical caves, beautiful waterfalls and a unique burial culture of hanging the dead in coffins on the sides of limestone cliffs.
• During this whole tour, we will make sure that you get to try the food and drinks in this country, a real gastronomic experience - it’s the Philippines’ turn to shine foodwise.
• If time permits we’ll throw in a free half-day city tour of Manila - an unstoppable growing city, which also has its own hidden historical gems.

 Itinerary

Day 1 - Manila

Day 2 - Banaue/Batad

Day 3 - Banaue

Day 4 - Sagada

Day 5 - Sagada

Day 6 - Manila

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation
  • Hotel - 4 nights
  • Native Ifugao Huts - 2 nights
• Meals
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 2 regular lunches
  • 1 dinner
• Transportation
  • Jeepneys and tricycles
  • Private minibus/van
• Tours
  • Guided Batad Tour
  • Sagada Guided Tour - Hanging Coffins, Bomod-ok Falls and Sumaguing Cave
  • Baguio - Guided City Tour

EXCLUSIONS

• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visa and visa processing

PAYMENT

• 25% down payment. Balance to paid 45 days before the actual tour start date.
• Payment modes accepted - Bank Transfer or Deposit, Credit card via Paypal

Need to Know

• The most physical part of this tour is the Banaue/Sagada part involving mountainous treks that may last from an hour to 2, as well as vertically scaling cave walls.
• The included meals are for us to suggest the character of the Philippines through its food. The rest is for you to discover and experience on your own.
• Accommodation is on a twin-share or multi-share basis of up to 4 persons per room. There may be instances when alternative accommodations will be provided but will be similar to that previously booked.
• We may not be able to check-in immediately upon arrival depending on our arrival at a certain place ( due to flight schedules, traffic, etc)
• In cases that the itinerary may not be followed to the letter,(e.g weather conditions, etc) you will be notified immediately. We have prepared optional activities in such instances.

Visit our Page to know more

https://www.facebook.com/travelnorth/

travelnphil@gmail.com

Banaue Rice Terraces - 8th Wonder

Banaue Rice Terraces (Filipino: Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 metres (5000 ft) above sea level. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

HOW TO GET THERE:

By bus
Getting to Banaue directly might take a lot of effort if you're not taking a direct route from Manila or if you don't have a tour agency to help you. Visiting Banaue can be tied in with a tour of North Luzon, it can be reached easily from Bontoc, which is a close to Sagada, and easily reachable from Baguio, the capital of the region. Here are a few possible ways to get to Banaue:
Manila - Banaue
Ohayami Trans, Lacson Ave. cor. Fajardo St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near University of Sto. Tomas or take the train from the Legarda Station then just take a trickshaw to the terminal). Provides trips directly to Banaue. They have three daily trips - 21:00 and 22:00 leaving their terminal in Manila and taking 9-10 hrs

GV Florida Transport Inc./Dangwa Transport Co., Lacson Ave. cor. Earnshaw St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near University of Sto. Tomas or take the train from the Legarda Station then just take a trickshaw to the terminal, gvfloridatransportinc.com. Provides trips directly to Banaue and Deluxe bus w/ restroom equiped ,one stopover. daily trips - 22:45 p.m. leaving their terminal in Manila and taking 7-8 hrs. and from Banaue leaving @ 20:00 p.m.

Manila - Baguio - Banaue
Ohayami Trans, Otek St., Burnham Park, Baguio City (within Chowking area), [2]. 8 hrs. Provides trips from Baguio to Banaue. 
KMS, Near Rizal Park, Baguio City. 7 hr. Provides a mini-bus trip from Baguio to Banaue. They have two daily trips: 08:00 and 21:30
The first option may be a good choice if you don't like overnight buses or want to enjoy the very scenic drive during the day.

Manila - Baguio - Bontoc - Banaue
There are jeepneys going from Bontoc to Banaue (P150) and even Sagada to Banaue (P195) during peak season or holidays. Jeepneys arriving into Bontoc from Sagada (and no doubt other jeepneys and buses) are sometimes met by drivers who can offer you a minivan journey on to Banaue, which takes around 2-2.5 hours, we paid 150 Piso each for this in May 2014. There does not appear to be a fixed schedule for these but we left Sagada by jeepney at approximately 1220, reaching Bontoc at 1300, our van set off shortly before 1400 and we were in Banaue by 1610.

Manila - Solano - Nueva Vizcaya - Banaue Ifugao
Buses heading to Tuguegarao (e.g. Baliwag transit, Victory,Florida transport inc., etc.) pass by the town of Solano. Several jeepneys ply the Solano-Banaue route or the Solano-Lagawe, Ifugao route. From Lagawe, one can then take another jeepney to Banaue.

Manila - Tarlac - Solano - Banaue
Buses heading for Baguio pass by Tarlac. Vizcaya liner plies the Tarlac-Solano route at 05:00.

Tags: #travelnorth, #travelnorthph, #travelnorthphilippines

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banaue_Rice_Terraces
http://wikitravel.org/en/Banaue

Images:
http://www.riceterracesbanaue.com/
http://www.markmaranga.com/
http://www.bestourism.com/

Rice terraces' rehab stepped up

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – With the success of Palawan’s Underground River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature search, Ifugao officials are stepping up efforts to rehabilitate the province’s world-famous rice terraces.

Although beset by lack of funds, Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang said local government units have been working hard to restore the centuries-old rice terraces, threatened by landslides and earthworms that cause soil erosion.

“We are also trying to drum up private sector support for the restoration of the damaged portions of the terraces,” he said.

Balitang said Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat and Sen. Francis Pangilinan are also spearheading moves to get local and international support through the recently launched “Save the Ifugao Terraces” movement.

Once touted as the eighth wonder of the world, the rice terraces have been deteriorating, prompting the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to include it among the world’s endangered heritage sites.

The restoration efforts though have been beset by the seeming lack of interest among the young Ifugaos.

But Balitang said they are addressing this by convincing the young generation to continue nurturing the terraces which, aside from providing livelihood to thousands of local farmers, is also one of the country’s tourism gems.

Balitang said they are still awaiting the release of a P20-million fund that they requested recently from the Office of the President to prop up the rehabilitation work.

Initially, Balitang said they need some P200 million to restore collapsed portions of the rice terraces in the towns of Banaue, Kiangan, Mayoyao and Hunguan.

However, he said the successive typhoons last September and October not only hampered their efforts but also ballooned the rehabilitation cost.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala vowed to help in the restoration work by employing indigenous practices and promoting organic farming among villagers tilling the rice terraces. - By Charlie Lagasca (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)