Manila & Bohol Heritage Retreat

Wander through the cobblestone alleyways and explore San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Marvel at its huge collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other sacred artefacts. Just across stands Casa Manila, a recreation of a 19th-century mansion filled with Oriental and European design, together with antique Philippine furniture. You will continue the journey to Fort Santiago, Manila's major bulwark against marine invaders. This stone stronghold has witnessed many critical episodes in Philippine history and defends the city's entry from Manila Bay. Following the fort visit, proceed to Quiapo, the center district sometimes termed the heart of Manila. Experience its bustling market, the pilgrimage church of the Black Nazarene, jeepney stations, and bazaars.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Chinese Cemetery, where mausoleums surpass mansions in size and beauty. Witness the unique blend of Buddhist and Christian influences reflected in the architecture. Take some time for shopping before returning to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Manila.

Next, venture to Baclayon and take a little pause at the ancient Blood Compact site. Here, the friendship between Spain's Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, was sealed with a ceremonial drink. Despite recent damage to its bell tower and portico from a violent earthquake, the church nevertheless contains a museum with an enormous collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, and church music librettos inscribed in Latin on animal skins.

Continue the excursion, travelling through the Bilar man-made forest—a dense grove of gigantic mahogany trees bordering the route toward the Chocolate Hills, one of the country's geological marvels. Pause at the authorised observation spot to see the hills, which change hues with the seasons. In the summer, the hill grasses take on a deep brown, resembling droplets of chocolate candy, hence the name 'Chocolate Hills.' Return to the hotel by late afternoon and spend the night in Bohol.