Cultural and natural highlights
A trip to various locations of the cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Philippines is a journey through time. The four baroque churches are not only magnificent structures, they tell of the colonial past and important historical events. You will take city tours and along the way visit landmark sites that are part of the country's cultural wealth, accompanied by expert guides with extensive historical knowledge. Much older than these churches are the impressive rice terraces in the Cordillera region, a living cultural landscape estimated to have been created by human hands starting about 2,000 years ago. The art of maintaining the rice terraces is passed down from generation to generation, the result is a rhythmic landscape that follows the contours of the mountain slopes.
By canoe, you will glide through the underground river at St. Louis. Paul's Bay, one of the natural sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This unique environment is older than humanity. You will hear only the sound of paddles in the water, drops falling down from stalactites into the river and the cries of bats. The echo lingers in spaces as large as cathedrals.
Luxury beach stay on Banwa Island
The private island of Banwa is a luxurious cocoon fringed by white sandy beaches and azure sea. Near the island are beautiful coral reefs where you can enjoy the colors of the underwater world. Let time stand still during the relaxing days by the sea, this too is the essence of the Philippines. Where the world can't find you...
Tips & tops from World Heritage Tour Philippines:
- Visit the four baroque churches and many other historic sites, including the town of Vigan
- Travel by local jeepney to the rice terraces of Banaue and visit a local village
- Visit the ethnographic museum of Bontoc and the 'hanging coffins' of Sagada
- Take a city tour in Iloilo city. Optional excursion to mango and cashew plantations on the island of Guimaras
- Visit a crocodile farm, a market, a workshop where rope is made from pineapple plants and a 'prison without walls' near Puerto Princesa
- During the boat trip to St. Paul's Bay Pass extraordinary formations and cliffs of limestone
- Does diving hold your interest? Consider a multi-day (optional) trip to Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Due to the exceptional biodiversity and excellent condition of the coral reefs, this is among the absolute top underwater locations worldwide
- Closer to your beach resort on Banwa Private Island are also beautiful coral reefs, where you can dive or snorkel
