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ISLANDS, ENDEMICS & EXOTIC WILDLIFE
Philippines Highlights
A sweeping adventure through one of the world’s most biodiverse archipelagos, the Philippines Highlights tour explores tropical forests, volcanic mountains, and pristine islands alive with color and song. With over 240 endemic birds—from the dazzling Palawan Peacock-Pheasant to the rare Visayan Hornbill—this journey showcases the remarkable wildlife and warm culture of the Philippines. Expect world-class birding, scenic beauty, and the comfort of inviting hotels throughout.
Starting At
$9,695 per person
19 Days
19 Days
8 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
The Philippines, a nation of more than 7,000 islands, harbors one of Earth’s richest concentrations of unique wildlife. Its rugged terrain, shaped by volcanoes and seas, has created habitats that gave rise to nearly 300 endemic bird species—each found nowhere else on the planet. From the lush lowlands of Luzon to the limestone forests of Palawan and the volcanic peaks of Negros and Bohol, this journey unveils the best of them all.
We begin near Manila, exploring Mount Makiling, Subic Bay, Canarem Lake, and La Mesa Ecopark, where a dazzling array of Luzon endemics await—among them Philippine Hawk-Eagle, Luzon Hornbill, Scale-feathered Malkoha, and Flaming Sunbird. We then fly south to Palawan, a tropical paradise bridging the Philippines and Borneo. Here, we’ll walk beneath towering dipterocarps in St. Paul’s National Park, home to Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-headed Racquet-tail, Palawan Hornbill, and the haunting calls of the Palawan Frogmouth at night.
Continuing to the Visayan Islands, we’ll visit Negros and Bohol, two forested gems that safeguard some of the archipelago’s rarest birds. In Twin Lakes National Park and Rajah Sikatuna National Park, we’ll search for Visayan Hornbill, Flame-templed Babbler, Azure-breasted Pitta, and the striking Black-belted Flowerpecker. Between forest trails and ferries across calm tropical seas, this immersive journey reveals the Philippines’ exceptional natural and cultural richness.
Ecosystems Experienced
A mosaic of lowland rainforest, montane cloud forest, mangrove wetlands, and island limestone habitats, each supporting rare endemic species and rich tropical biodiversity.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Warm tropical climate: 72–90 °F (22–32 °C) at low elevations, cooler in uplands such as Mount Makiling.
Rainfall
March falls within the dry season, with mostly sunny days and brief, refreshing showers in the highlands.
Seasons
This tour coincides with the cool, dry season—ideal for bird activity, clear travel conditions, and vibrant landscapes.
Key Species
Luzon Hornbill
Great Philippine Eagle
Leader
+ Local Leader
Dion Hobcroft
Primary Leader
Australian naturalist and senior tour leader with over 40 years of field experience and unmatched expertise in the birds and wildlife of the Asia-Pacific region.
Read MoreItinerary
Day 1
Travel to Manila the capital of the Philippines,
Day 2
Arrive in Manila, capital of the Philippines, and transfer to the Manila Hotel, Manila.
Settle in after your international flight and join your leaders and fellow travelers for an evening orientation dinner.
Day 3
Make an early departure for Canarem Lake, a haven for Philippine Duck, Philippine Swamphen, and a variety of Asian waterbirds and shorebirds.
Continue to Subic Bay, birding through coastal forests alive with Luzon Hornbill, Red-crested Malkoha, and Brown-breasted Kingfisher.
Evening spotlighting may reveal Philippine Scops-Owl or Chocolate Boobook.
Kick back for the night at the Kamana Sanctuary, Subic Bay hotel.
Day 4
Spend a full day exploring Subic Bay’s lush secondary forest and quiet roads for Philippine Falconet, Northern Sooty Woodpecker, and White-browed Shama.
Take a midday siesta at the lodge before resuming late-afternoon birding when the forest stirs again.
Day 5
Spend the final morning birding in Subic before returning to Manila, stopping en route at marshes that host Philippine Swamphen and Little Grebe.
Tuck-in for the night at the Manila Hotel, Manila.
Day 6
Take a morning flight to Puerto Princesa, gateway to Palawan’s tropical forests.
Visit coastal mangroves for Copper-throated Sunbird and Pink-necked Green-Pigeon before transferring to your seaside hotel, Princesa Garden Resort, Puerto Princesa.
Evening outing for Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops-Owl.
Day 7
Spend the day exploring Napsan Road, a forest corridor rich in endemics including Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Palawan Hornbill, Spot-throated Flameback, and Lovely Sunbird.
Watch from hides for Falcated Ground-Babbler, White-vented Shama, and Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, and enjoy views of Northern Palawan Squirrel and Treeshrew.
Day 8
Spend the day exploring Napsan Road, a forest corridor rich in endemics including Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Palawan Hornbill, Spot-throated Flameback, and Lovely Sunbird.
Watch from hides for Falcated Ground-Babbler, White-vented Shama, and Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, and enjoy views of Northern Palawan Squirrel and Treeshrew.
Day 9
Enjoy morning birding at Irawan Forest for Palawan Flycatcher, Palawan Babbler, and Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo.
Take an afternoon flight back to Manila and transfer back to the Manila Hotel, Manila.
Day 10
Make an early visit to La Mesa Ecopark, reliable for the elusive Ashy Thrush and Gray-backed Tailorbird.
Take an afternoon drive to Infanta in the Sierra Madre foothills and stay at the LA View Hotel, Infanta.
Day 11
Explore the montane rainforest of Infanta, home to Philippine Hawk-Eagle, Rufous Hornbill, and the rare Bicol Ground-Warbler.
Continue to Mount Makiling, where forest trails reveal Scale-feathered Malkoha, Philippine Trogon, and possibly Luzon Bleeding-heart.
Enjoy an evening search for Philippine Nightjar and Luzon Hawk-Owl. Then head back to the SEARCA Hotel, Los Baños.
Day 12
Explore the montane rainforest of Infanta, home to Philippine Hawk-Eagle, Rufous Hornbill, and the rare Bicol Ground-Warbler.
Continue to Mount Makiling, where forest trails reveal Scale-feathered Malkoha, Philippine Trogon, and possibly Luzon Bleeding-heart.
Enjoy an evening search for Philippine Nightjar and Luzon Hawk-Owl. Then head back to the SEARCA Hotel, Los Baños.
Day 13
Spend the final morning on Mount Makiling before flying to Bacolod on the island of Negros.
Arrive and settle into the Bacolod Hotel, Negros for dinner and review of upcoming Visayan species.
Day 14
Spend the morning birding at Gawahon Ecopark for Negros Jungle-Flycatcher, Flame-templed Babbler, and Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher.
Take an afternoon drive to Dumaguete, watching for open-country birds en route before checking into the Dumaguete Hotel, Negros.
Day 15
Spend the full day exploring Twin Lakes National Park, home to Visayan Hornbill, White-winged Cuckooshrike, and Maroon-naped Sunbird.
Enjoy afternoon birding around freshwater ponds for Barred Buttonquail and Java Sparrow.
Day 16
Take a morning ferry to Bohol, followed by birding at Rajah Sikatuna National Park for Azure-breasted Pitta, Rufous-lored Kingfisher, and Samar Hornbill.
Enjoy an evening search for Everett’s Scops-Owl and Philippine Frogmouth before relaxing back at the Loboc River Resort, Loboc.
Day 17
Continue birding in Rajah Sikatuna National Park, then visit the Corella Tarsier Centre for close encounters with the tiny Philippine Tarsier.
Enjoy afternoon birding for Yellow-breasted Tailorbird, Metallic-winged Sunbird, and other Bohol specialties.
Day 18
Enjoy your final morning birding in Bohol for any missed species before flying back to Manila in the afternoon.
Return to the Manila Hotel, Manila for your last night before heading home.
Day 19
Depart Manila at your convenience and transfer to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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