From Manila: 3-Day Buscalan + Banaue + Sagada Tour

Setting out on a 3-day tour from Manila, adventurers can enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ northern region. The itinerary includes the chance to receive a traditional hand-tapped tattoo from the renowned Apo Whang-Od, trek the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, and explore the fascinating Hanging Coffins of Sagada. With transportation, accommodations, and most meals included, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, though participants should be prepared for physical exertion and potential itinerary changes due to weather conditions. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the unique highlights of this captivating journey.

Key Points

• This 3-day, 2-night tour from Manila takes you to the cultural highlights of Buscalan, Banaue, and Sagada, including a hand-tapped tattoo experience with Apo Whang-Od.

• The tour provides roundtrip transportation, accommodations, and most meals, but additional expenses are expected for optional activities and fees.

• While the tour is not suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or the elderly, it offers the opportunity to explore the Banaue Rice Terraces and Sagada’s Hanging Coffins.

• The tour has received an overall rating of 1 out of 5 based on customer reviews, citing issues with poor organization, last-minute schedule changes, and inadequate communication from the tour provider.

• Participants are required to arrive 15 minutes early, bring a valid ID, wear comfortable clothing, and strictly adhere to the prohibition of alcohol and drugs during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 3-day, 2-night tour takes travelers from Manila to the cultural hubs of Buscalan, Banaue, and Sagada.

Priced from Kč 4,373 per person, the tour lasts from Thursday evening to Sunday evening.

Highlights include getting a hand-tapped tattoo from Apo Whang-Od, trekking the Banaue Rice Terraces, and visiting Sagada’s Hanging Coffins.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, accommodations, fees, and most meals.

Participants should bring their passport/ID, comfortable clothes, and cash for optional activities.

While not suitable for those with altitude sickness or the elderly, the tour offers a chance to immerse in the region’s rich culture and natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The 3-day tour offers a range of captivating experiences.

Travelers can get a hand-tapped tattoo from the legendary Apo Whang-Od, the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. They’ll also trek through the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces and learn about the culture of the Ifugao people.

Enjoy the rich cultural experiences of the Philippines, from getting a hand-tapped tattoo by the legendary Apo Whang-Od to trekking the Banaue Rice Terraces.

In Sagada, visitors can see the eerie Hanging Coffins, a unique burial practice of the Igorot tribe. Other highlights include exploring the Inverted House, Paytukan, Marlboro Hills, and tasting the renowned Sagada Lemon Pie.

Activity schedules may vary based on time, weather, and group dynamics.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour package includes roundtrip transportation from Manila to the destinations of Buscalan, Banaue, and Sagada.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided if the private option is selected. Accommodation is included in Buscalan and Sagada.

Participants can enjoy the Ifugao culture and witness the hand-tapped tattoo by Apo Whang-Od, as well as visit various sites in Banaue and Sagada.

The tour fee covers environmental fees, registration fees, guide fees, all meals, and the tattoo fee.

Participants should budget around Php 1,500 for optional activities and fees.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.

Participant Guidelines

Individuals with altitude sickness or over 95 years old may find this tour unsuitable.

Participants must arrive 15 minutes early at the One Ecom Starbucks Mall of Asia meeting point. Bring a valid passport or ID, comfortable clothes and shoes, and sufficient cash.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour. The tour involves activities like trekking, caving, and pottery making, so participants should be prepared for physical exertion.

Weather conditions may affect the itinerary, and group cooperation is essential for a successful tour. Optional activities and fees should be budgeted around Php 1,500.

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Customer Feedback

Based on 3 reviews, the overall rating for this tour is a concerning 1 out of 5.

Common complaints include:

1. Poor organization and last-minute changes to the schedule.

2. Inadequate communication from the tour provider.

3. Issues with accommodation arrangements, including lack of proper lodging.

Specific incidents involved delayed departures, missed activities, and overall dissatisfaction with the tour experience.

Prospective customers should carefully consider these reviews before booking this 3-day tour from Manila to Buscalan, Banaue, and Sagada.

Getting to Buscalan

Although the journey to Buscalan, the home of the renowned tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od, may seem daunting, the tour package includes roundtrip transportation from Manila.

Participants will board a bus in the evening from the meeting point at the One Ecom Starbucks in Mall of Asia. The bus ride to Buscalan takes approximately 10 hours, with a stop for a light breakfast along the way.

Once in Buscalan, guests will trek for about 30 minutes to reach the village. The return trip to Manila follows the same route, ensuring a hassle-free experience throughout the 3-day tour.

Exploring Banaue

After experiencing the hand-tapped tattoos of Apo Whang-Od in Buscalan, the tour moves on to the next destination – the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Nestled high in the Ifugao mountains, the terraces are a stunning example of man’s ingenuity and harmony with nature.

Nestled high in the Ifugao mountains, the terraces are a stunning example of man’s ingenuity and harmony with nature.

Travelers can:

1. Trek along the terraces, marveling at the intricate system of irrigated paddies carved into the hillsides over 2,000 years ago.

2. Visit a local Ifugao village to learn about their rich cultural heritage, including traditional weaving and wood carving.

3. Explore the Banaue Museum to deepen their understanding of the Ifugao people and their way of life.

Discovering Sagada

Leaving the striking Banaue Rice Terraces behind, the tour now turns its focus to the enchanting town of Sagada.

The group will visit the iconic Hanging Coffins, where coffins are placed on the side of limestone cliffs, reflecting the unique Igorot customs around life and death.

Travelers will also explore Sagada’s other sites, including the Inverted House, Paytukan, various caving opportunities, the picturesque Marlboro Hills, and the renowned Sagada Pottery.

Don’t miss the chance to savor the local delicacy – lemon pie – at the Lemon Pie House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Option?

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on this tour, but you’ll need to request them in advance. The tour provider can accommodate dietary requirements with prior notice to ensure you enjoy suitable meals throughout the journey.

How Is the Wifi Connectivity and Cell Phone Reception in the Areas?

The wifi connectivity and cell phone reception in Buscalan, Banaue, and Sagada are generally limited. Guests should expect intermittent or no access in remote areas, and plan accordingly. Checking with the tour operator for specific details is recommended.

Are There Opportunities to Explore the Local Markets and Shop for Souvenirs?

There are opportunities to explore local markets and shop for souvenirs during the tour. Visitors can find traditional crafts, textiles, and locally-made products in the markets of Banaue and Sagada. However, selection and availability may vary depending on the itinerary and schedule.

What Is the Recommended Packing List for the Trek and Activities?

The recommended packing list includes comfortable clothing and shoes, a light jacket or sweater, sun protection, insect repellent, snacks, water bottle, camera, personal medications, and cash for optional activities and purchases. Pack light and layer clothing for the various activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Participants?

The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old or those with altitude sickness. Participants should be physically fit to handle the trekking and activities. The meeting point is the One Ecom Starbucks at Mall of Asia, where guests should arrive 15 minutes early.

The Sum Up

This immersive 3-day tour from Manila offers a unique opportunity to experience the heart of the Philippines. Participants can receive a traditional hand-tapped tattoo from the renowned Apo Whang-Od, trek through the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces, and explore the fascinating Hanging Coffins in Sagada. While the itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather, the tour provides a comprehensive and memorable cultural adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: