Philippines Adventure
9 Days, 8 Nights
The Philippines is spread across 7,000 islands, a land of breathtaking mountains, rainforests, and diving spots. It's the twelfth most populous country in the world, with influences from both East and West.
This project focuses on Palawan, a stunning island province with green mountains and clear blue seas. Local communities struggle to provide education, especially English learning opportunities. On this trip, you will immerse yourself in Filipino life, help teach at a school and carry out crucial environmental conservation. You will also be assisting in a construction project, positively impacting people’s lives and picking up some new skills along the way.
It’s not all hard work, as your trip will also take you to an underground river, to visit a tribal village, and take an island-hopping boat cruise. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 1: Arrival
You will be met at Puerto Princesa airport by your tour manager, who will take you to your accommodation. Once you have unpacked and had time to settle in, the afternoon will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days. The evening will be spent at the volunteer house, learning about the local customs and traditions.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 2: Conservation Work
In the morning, you will be helping to rehabilitate Tigman Village’s deteriorating mangrove plantation, which has suffered a severe decline over the last decade. The mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges, prevent soil erosion, and provide a diverse ecosystem for wildlife. Your work is essential to helping both the local population and wildlife by preserving these natural resources.
Your environmental action continues in the afternoon by helping to clear up the coastline and making eco-bricks that prevent plastics from ending up in the trash. You will also design a poster promoting environmental awareness based on what you have learned. Your evening will be spent preparing a lesson plan for your teaching work tomorrow.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 3: Teaching
Today, you get to put your lesson plan into action by teaching English in fun, creative and engaging ways. Your lessons will help provide practical English skills to the children who will be very curious to learn about your background, country, family and friends. There is also the opportunity to look after and play with the kindergarten children.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 4: Construction Project
This project aims to aid individuals facing financial difficulties in maintaining their homes. The broader community needs construction and renovation services for residences, communal spaces, schools and other facilities. By participating you can offer your assistance in the maintenance of houses, healthcare centers and schools.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 5: Construction Project
On the last day of the construction project, take some time to admire the work you have completed and contributed to the community. In the evening, there is a karaoke night.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 6: Underground River
Following breakfast, it’s time to explore the Puerto Princesa underground river, a subterranean cave system that stretches 24 km under the mountain. You will travel by boat through a series of vast chambers and caverns in what is considered to be one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature. Dinner is served at Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park, a picturesque seaside promenade lined with palm trees.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 7: Island Hopping
On today’s adventure, you get to see some of the smaller islands around Honda Bay. Your boat will take you to tropical islands with pristine white sand beaches and clear blue seas which are perfect for snorkeling. After a day in the sun, you will be taken to an authentic Filipino restaurant for dinner.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 8: Batak Tribal Village
The last full day of your trip is spent with the Batak tribe. In the morning you will hike through the jungle for an hour and a half to reach the village. Once there you will learn all about the indigenous peoples’ customs and have lunch with the locals. After heading back it is time for your last evening meal together.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 9: Departure
It’s paalam from the Philippines for now, and time to head home.
Total Cost: From $2800
What is included
Activities:
Underground River Tour
Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
Swimming
Jungle trek and Batak Tribal Village tour
Karaoke
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation in project center
Post project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included
Tickets & Tours:
Puerto Princesa underground river tour
Batak Tribal Village tour
Projects:
Mangrove planting
Coastal clean-up
Making Eco-bricks
Teaching English
Not included in this Trip
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Any vaccinations required
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)