This is a small group adventure holiday to the beautiful Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean full of natural wonders. There are untouched tropical landscapes, incredible birdlife, and a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. The local people are incredibly welcoming and the seas fabulous for diving and snorkelling.
Contact us now on 01728 748209, use the live chat or send an enquiry!
Travel is by private minibus, 4x4, public bus and ferry. A ...
This is a small group adventure holiday to the beautiful Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean full of natural wonders. There are untouched tropical landscapes, incredible birdlife, and a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. The local people are incredibly welcoming and the seas fabulous for diving and snorkelling.
Contact us now on 01728 748209, use the live chat or send an enquiry!
Travel is by private minibus, 4x4, public bus and ferry. A good standard of general fitness is required for 3 days of moderate walking and altitudes of about 1500m. There are 11 nights in standard hotels all ensuite, 2 nights basic guesthouses and 1 night camping. Most meals you will buy as you travel. Expect some culture shock. You'll be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location. The normal group size is maximum 12 and the minimum age is 12.
There are regular departures between mid December and mid June priced from £1,645 per person (land only).
Summary Itinerary
Day 1 - Your holiday starts in Manila with a welcome meeting. If you arrive earlier take time to enjoy this bustling and chaotic city! A good way to get around is by jeepney, colourful jeeps left by Americans after the war.
Day 2 - Travel to Banaue on a long drive. This quaint town has markets and a museum but most attractive are the rice terraces. Sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Banaue Rice Terraces were built over 2000 years ago and reach up to 1500m altitude.
Day 3 - 5 - the next few days are spent trekking through rice fields, forests and villages, staying overnight in local Ifugao villages where people still farm the way they did 2000 years ago. The first day of trekking is about 7-8 hours, the next day you walk 3 hours. Overnight stops are in the villages of Cambulo and Batad. Explore the villages and swim at waterfalls.
Day 6 - travel today into scenic alpine mountains, stop at Bontoc for lunch. In the afternoon arrive in Sagada where this traditional mountain village welcomes you.
Day 7 - Walking tour to visit the Hanging Coffins in Echo Valley. On to waterfalls and back to the village. Afternoon optional guided tour to Lumiang and Sumaging Caves, coffins carved from tree trunks are stacked on top of each other in a fascinating and macabre atmosphere. You can also visit Big Waterfall, Kiltepan Tower and Masferre photograph studio. Or you can take a walk to the local weavers just out of town.
Day 8 - Take a public bus to Baguio City on a long but scenic journey. Travel through the Cordillera Central, the highest and largest mountain range in the Philippinesm dotted with small villages and terraces. Baguio City is a bustling centre with a market and lively cafes.
Day 9 - Early start by bus takes you to the small town of Capas where you meet guides for the Mt Pinatubo trek. You will take just a small daypack for this overnight trip. A 4x4 takes you up the mountain before you trek to the crater. You have the chance to boat on the other side of the crater lake. Overnight camping.
Day 10 - Pack up camp and return to Capas where you can shower and have lunch before boarding the bus back to Manila.
Day 11 - Travel by bus to the southern end of Luzon for a ferry across to the island of Mindoro and the harbour town of Puerto Galera which will be your base to explore the coast and beaches of the region. There is plenty of free time here for boating, snorkelling or just relaxing.
Day 12 - 13 At leisure in Puerto Galera.
Day 14 - Return to Manila for the last night of the tour.
Day 15
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.