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Tropical Experience Travel Services - Tours of the Philippines
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TOUR E - Adventures and Traditions of the Philippines
Guides/Assistance
Our tours could be organized in two different ways:
A- Self-guided version, with English assistance
We'll organize your trip, then you and your companions will travel by yourself, supported (in English language) by experienced local operators in each destination. Before the start of the tour, you will received a Travel Handbook with your itinerary in full detail along with travel documents and tickets, passes and vouchers, so you'll be able to travel around the Philippines in a smooth and organized way. This solution is advised for those that have some travel experience and can communicate using the English language (a bit, at least!). Of course, it's also a good solution for those who want privacy or choose a rather simpler / not too complex tour.
B- Fully guided version, with an English-speaking tour leader
Alternatively you could choose to have a private tour escort appointed by Tropical Experience, who will coordinate all your activities and transfer, to offer the most comfortable way to travel around. We offer privacy and a professional approach. This option is ideal for bigger groups, people who are not comfortable speaking in English and/or have too little or zero travel experience. It can also be an advised solution for certain destinations that may have complicated logistics. Surely, it is also a service that fits those who need prime-level guide services.
Other "combinations" or different options can be discussed by E-mail.
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General description
This tour stems from our commitment towards sustainable and responsible tourism, an advocacy that has been part of Tropical Experience since its birth. This active and rich itinerary will take you around some of the most unique places of the Philippines, in an adventurous and off-the-beaten track vibe! Get ready for the true Filipino experience by witnessing the local cultures and the serene life of people living in contact with mountains and seas. You will enjoy a genuine, meaningful and pleasant tour, while enriching your mind and body by experiencing some of the most beautiful places of the Philippines.
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You can start your trip with an option to glance of the busy capital of the country, Manila. Here you can witness the modern life of one of the busiest Asian metropolises. You will learn about the past in the colonial walled city of Intramuros and experience the vibrant life of neighbourhood such as Quiapo, Binondo and Luneta.
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Right after, you will leave the urban life behind and immerse yourself in the countryside of the Philippines, discovering the Northern Luzon region. The itinerary literally starts from “the top '', both for latitude and altitude, discovering the marvellous Banaue Rice Terraces, in the Ifugao province. The villages around Banaue are UNESCO Heritage and truly represent some of the most ancient ethnic cultures of South-East Asia. Banaue is probably the best place to have a glimpse of life and ancestral traditions as they were before the colonization of the Philippines. You will trek around the small village dwellings scattered around this breathtaking and ancient agricultural landscape, of which you will discover the rich culture. You will visit the typical one-room Ifugao houses, commonly known to the locals as “fale”, where you could even sleep for the night, just like the locals. You will also witness the authentic local handcrafting as the province is famous for housing talented woodcarvers.
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The next stop on the mountains Philippine Cordillera is Sagada, Mountain Province. This small provincial town is famous for the funeral tradition of the “hanging coffins” in the Echo Valley and for its rugged limestone rocks of marine origin. The area is full of caves and covered by lush forests. Artistic pottery and loom weaving are the local handiwork goods of Sagada that you could observe.
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On the way back to Manila, you may have a stopover in Baguio, the "summer capital" of the Philippines. Filipinos truly love Baguio as they like to enjoy a cooler climate, something different from the rest of the country.
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After heading back to Manila, you will move at the most Southern part of Luzon, exploring the charming flatlands and the seas of the Philippines. Indeed, it will be time to visit the Bicol region.
Though this area has more traces of the Spanish and American colonisations, you will be in another place full of cultural peculiarities. Be ready for another original experience!
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Bicol’s queen, the majestic Mayon Volcano, is a huge active stratovolcano located in Albay Province. Moving to different towns and cities in the area, you will always be able to admire its cone-perfect shape, even from a far distance. Its outlook changes during the different parts of the day or depending on the weather: this wonderful artwork of mother nature, that is considered as sacred in the local mythology, continuously offer new perspectives. You won’t just experience the view of the most famous volcano of the Philippines: you may get closer and even trek on its sides, walking on the lava trails left during its eruptions and now part of the Mayon Volcano National Park.
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The nature surrounding the volcano is lush, bountiful and exciting. Another attraction is strictly connected to the qualities of the local landscape and its natural resources: the Bicol cuisine. You will be able to experience it through an exciting master class. The local cuisine is famous for the extensive use of coconuts – amazingly available all-year round – and chilies: you will discover how to put them together creating new flavours with an exciting Filipino food demo. You will learn to cook the Bicol Express, the signature dish of the region, the chicken cooked in “burnt” coconut and laing, a dish made with the delicious leaves of a root crop that grows by the creeks and rivers flowing on the sides of Mayon Volcano.
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A tour of the Philippines would never be complete without experiencing its wonderful sea. And Bicol has a lot to offer on that side too! You will head towards the town of Donsol, in Sorsogon Province. Here you could have the wonderfully extraordinary experience of swimming with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These animals populate the area between the months of November and May and can be sighted through designated boat trips. These huge migratory animals are free in the ocean; they are not attracted with food or other tricks: they are just sighted by local expert fishermen. This way, you could encounter the whale sharks in the Philippines in a sustainable, ethical and responsible manner.
You will also go island hopping around the pristine beaches and seabeds of Ticao Island, a small paradise in the center of the Philippines, located in the near Masbate Province. You will admire its turquoise waters populated by colorful fishes, manta rays, turtles and many other creatures, while enjoying the beach during a day of full contact with the peaceful nature of the Philippines!
While doing all these things, you will also experience other fun and picturesque activities, like swimming at the small and fun Jovellar Underground River, observing the fireflies at night during a night trip on Donsol River and exploring the cultural attractions of Albay, like the ruins of Cagsawa Church, destroyed by an eruption of Mayon in 1814.
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You will travel back to Manila full of incredible memories that will stay with you forever.
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What kind of tour
This tour is ideal for active travellers with a strong interest in eco and responsible tourism, who want to have a genuine experience of the Philippines, of its environment and its people. The stay in Manila is organized in average level hotels, in Banaue and Sagada in simple locally-owned and family-managed guesthouses, while in Bicol we could offer you both a basic and middle-range type of hotels, depending on your budget and preferences. Though the accommodations provided will be clean and with all the standard accessories, this tour is more indicated to travellers that are adaptable and more focused on the destinations rather than on the accommodations.
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Even if it is active and it requires an adaptive attitude, this tour still offer chances for relaxation and tranquillity and it unfolds at a reasonable pace. Trekking is suitable for all and can be adjusted – also at the moment - depending on personal preferences and physical state. More in general, though the tour is not a first choice for those with physical and health problems, it is possible to re-adapt the itinerary with a more relaxed pace, enjoying the landscapes from comfortable panoramic viewpoints.
Just ask us how you imagine your ideal tour and we will tailor it based on your needs.
Transfers
You will reach Ifugao and Mountain Province areas with a private vehicle with driver services. It will take about 8-10 hours from Manila to Banaue and about 10-11 hours from Sagada to Manila. The transfer from Manila to Legazpi (Bicol) and back will be made with short domestic flights. Other minor transfers will be needed during the tours on the sea (small boats) and on land (car or van or jeep or ATV).
In Manila, taxis or other private means of transportation will be used depending on the size of the group.
Meals
If you will not be having barbecue picnics or on-the-go pocket lunch during the daily trips, we will let you try the specialties of the tasty local cuisine. The local cuisine is quite varied, mostly comprising fish and other seafood, meat (especially pork and chicken), some choices of vegetables, rice and plenty of tasty and fresh tropical fruits and juices. The Filipino cuisine generally matches with the Western taste.
In Bicol Region, where you will also have your own Filipino cooking lesson, the cuisine is famous for the extensive use of chilis. However, it is easy to find non-spicy options or to ask to remove or reduce the amount of chilis.
Some meals are included in the price (see specification for "included" or "not included"). Included meals are only the ones explicitly mentioned as “included” in the program. Included meals are standard set proposed by the guides: additional orders are not included.
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Tour Program
Day 1 - Arrival and Time to Rest
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Arrival at the airport, transfer to hotel for resting. There are no other activities or meals included for this day.
[optional] Day 2 – Visit of Manila: A Trip Through History, Modernity and Local Culture [Optional]
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During this day, you will discover the walled colonial city of Intramuros. You will also experience the chaos of modern Manila, with the popular Quiapo market and Rizal Park. Lunch on the way (not included).
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In the evening, included dinner in a typical Filipino restaurant, where you could enjoy authentic live Filipino performances.
Day 3 – Transfer to Banaue, Ifugao Province
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Departure in the morning with a private vehicle and transfer towards the Ifugao province, passing by the countryside and rice fields of the Luzon region. Lunch on the way (not included).
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On the way, you will have a side trip to Bacolor to witness the local church that sank after the eruption of a nearby volcano.
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Arrival in the evening, check-in at a local guesthouse. Dinner (not included).
Day 4 – The Majestic Banaue Rice Terraces: Batad and Bangaan Villages
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With the help of a local guide, you will visit the local villages (UNESCO Heritage) of Batad and Bangaan, where you will be able to admire the famous rice terraces and enjoy a bit of the local life. Lunch on the way (not included).
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Back to the hotel in late afternoon, autonomous night and dinner (not included).
Day 5 – Visit of Banaue Town + Sleeping in a Traditional Native "Fale" Hut
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Visit of Banaue Town during the morning. You will stroll around the local village and the most beautiful viewpoints, to contemplate the magnificent rice terraces. A visit to the tiny yet interesting Banaue museum will also give you a special view on the past of the town. You could also visit the local handicraft and wood carving shops. Lunch (not included) choosing among one of the local restaurants (not included).
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In the afternoon, transfer to a traditional Ifugao fale* hut accommodation, where you will have an overnight and dinner (not included).
* The fale is small but comfortable and doesn't have a private bathroom. There will be common bathrooms that are regularly clean. The fale is a very limited offering, in case of no availability at the moment of the reservation you will have another overnight in a guesthouse in Banaue. If you prefer to sleep in the regular guesthouse, please tell us before your reservation.
Day 6 – Sagada: The Mysterious Funeral Traditions of the "Hanging Coffins"
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In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Sagada via van. Optional stop in the mountain city of Bontoc. Check-in at a local guesthouse and some free time for freshening up. Lunch (not included) in one of the local restaurants.
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In the afternoon, time to walk around the Echo Valley, discovering the “hanging coffins”, the famous funeral tradition. You will also visit the "burial cave". You can also see some of the handcrafting centres of pottery and weaving.
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In the evening, dinner (not included) in Sagada.
Day 7 – Travel Back to Manila
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After breakfast, depart for Manila. Lunch (not included) during one of the stops on the way.
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Optional stop in Baguio city for viewpoints, shops and short activities (entrances and other fees are not included).
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At night, arrive in Manila, check-in at a hotel and rest.
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Dinner (not included) on the way or upon arrival, depending on your preferences.
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Day 8 – Discovering Bicol: After a First Glimpse at Mayon, Let’s go Cooking!
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Transfer to Manila Airport with shuttle service. Flight Manila-Legazpi.
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Arrival in Legazpi, meeting with driver and transfer to the small coastal town of Bacacay, where you can admire the Mayon Volcano from the local bay and witness the everyday life of a Filipino fishing town.
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Here, you can rest a bit, have your lunch (not included) and get ready for your cooking experience. You will prepare local dishes like Bicol Express, Laing and Tinutungan na Manok. A dedicated cook will teach how to cook these from scratch to devour for dinner.
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In the evening, it will be time to eat dinner. The recipes you cooked are included: you will taste your own creations.
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Free evening.
Day 9 – A Beautiful Journey on Mayon Volcano and the Underground River of Jovellar
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Early morning departure from your hotel: it is time to head towards Mayon Volcano. You will enjoy the first part of the trail using ATVs (or “quad”), going around beautiful natural landscapes. You will then start your trek on the volcano, admiring an extraordinary view and going down following the old lava trails. A small packed lunch is included.
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You will then go back to your vehicle and proceed towards Donsol, with a stop-over in the small town of Jovellar. Here using a small raft, you will pass through a cave and swim in a river, wonderfully surrounded by lush nature.
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Return to your vehicle and arrival in Donsol. Check-in at your hotel and free time.
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Free evening, dinner not included.
Day 10 – Island Hopping with Ticao Island
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Day trip exploring the beauties of Ticao Island and surroundings by boat. You will admire limestone rock formations, swim in lagoons and relax on white sand beaches. Included lunch.
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Return to your hotel during the afternoon.
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Free evening, dinner not included.
​Day 11 – Wonderful Creatures of Nature: Whale Sharks and Fireflies
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In the morning, you will depart for a sensational adventure searching for the Donsol Whale Sharks. You will get out by boat with local fishermen and, following their typical routes, you will search for the whale sharks. You may observe them free in the sea just with a simple snorkelling activity.
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Return to the hotel. Free time and lunch (not included).
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In the evening, it will be time to cruise on Donsol River, to observe the fascinating spectacle of the fireflies roaming around the mangroves by the banks of the river
Day 12 – A Final Taste of Bicol in Albay and Return to Manila
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In the morning, check-out and transfer to Albay for a historical tour. You will see the famous Cagsawa Ruins, a famous site with the remains of a XVI Century Church destroyed by Mayon Volcano, iconically visible on the background.
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You will also visit Daraga Church and have a glimpse of the city of Legazpi, while having your lunch (not included) by the Sumlang Lake.
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You will then transfer to the airport, where you will catch your flight to Manila.
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Arrival in Manila and transfer to the hotel.
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Free evening and dinner (not included).
​Note: if you prefer to skip the Manila day tour on day 2, you can go straight to the airport in the morning and fly to Manila, where you could still enjoy half day visiting the capital as you like.
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Day 13 – Goodbye!
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport and fly back home (or to your next country destination). End of your trip in the Philippines.
​Price
For a free quotation, write an e-mail to experiencetropical@gmail.com
How you could modify or extend this trip
You might also want to explore Palawan, with Puerto Princesa and its famous Underground River, as well as the pristine bay of El Nido. Want more off-the-beaten path yet iconic destinations? Try Bohol staying in the pristine area of Anda Beach. If you like more volcanic experiences, head to Camiguin and explore this tiny treasure of an island with 5 towns and 7 volcanoes!
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Terms and conditions
Before booking this tour, please read the page Terms and Conditions on our website.The itinerary presented above should be considered as broad and just for a general idea. It may vary due to weather, obstacles,booking availability or other uncontrollable variables.If one of the guests has allergies or other issues linked to food, please let us know in advance. Inform us too if there’s be any physical obstacles or a particular health status that we should be made aware of.
For inquiries, you can also use the Contact Form below. You will receive an answer by E-mail as soon as possible!
Some of our videos around these places