An adventure holiday to the Philippines is a holiday with a difference. With over 7,000 islands in the Philippine archipelago and on the Pacific “ring of fire”, it’s a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural curiosities.
Pristine primary rainforest, ancient rice terraces, culturally rich tribal communities, smouldering volcanoes, deserted tropical islands, unsurpassed coral reefs and abundant marine life in its crystal clear waters, makes a holiday in the Philippines a truly unique experience, and ideal as a multi-activity trip, or for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming and trekking. As the best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season between November and April it makes a perfect destination for family adventure holidays, remote “Robinson Crusoe type” honeymoon adventures and for couples wishing to experience winter sun-filled tropical adventures to escape the European winter.
Palawan is a long narrow island aligned NE-SW with an area of 1.2 million hectares forming the southwesternmost part of the Philippines. A mountainous spine rising to over 2000 metres above sea level runs for almost the entire length of the island, although in the north the mountains give way to rolling hills, laced with steep and fast flowing rivers. There are very few extensive areas of lowland.
Palawan’s 1,959 kilometres of coastline are littered with 1780 islands and islets, rocky coves, sugar-white sandy beaches of primordial tropical splendour. Palawan harbours vast tracts of tropical rainforest; thick canopies of trees carpet the mountain ranges running the length of the mainland. The fauna tends to the endemic and exotic – leopard cat, Palawan bearcat (binturong), chevrotain (mouse deer – 8 to 14 inches), king cobra, Palawan stink badger (mongoose), pangolin (scaly anteater), palawan porcupine, calamian hog deer, rare parrots and birds, more than 30 species of bats and over 600 species of butterfly. The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern Calamianes islands is home to both endemic and exotic species of animals like zebras, topis, gazelles and giraffes! that roam freely in its verdant hills and plains
Although the country has remained a democracy it has enjoyed little stability. President Joseph Estrada was forced out of office in 2001 after months of protests at his corrupt rule. His successor Gloria Arroyo has also experienced a lack of popularity in the country.
We advise that you check the FCO (www.fco.gov.uk) for any new advice before travelling.
Regarding Crime – just as much as in your hometown, thefts and robberies can happen in the Philippines, especially in the larger cities. These are reduced by taking sensible precautions including: being met at the airport and using organised trip and transfer services (all part of your Pioneer trip). We would also recommend avoiding displays of cash and jewellery. Crime levels in the Palawan and Bohol are much lower than for the rest of the country.
Palawan is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races that live together in peace and harmony. Generally, the people are of Malay origin but there is a strong evident influence from Borneo, China and the Middle East. Eighteen percent of the populace is composed of the following cultural minority groups, including:
About 48% of Philippine workers live by agriculture, wood products, and by fishing. Approximately 37% of them work in industrial buildings. Only 15% are miners, construction workers, and manufacturers. Although currently an underdeveloped aspect of the country, tourism has been outlined as an area with good growth opportunities, but it still remains a relatively unique endeavour.
Filipino is the official language of the Philippines as well as English, following the American occupation of the country. Spanish is also frequently a second or third language in The Philippines, despite its gradual decline since the 1940s.
Over 90% of the Philippine’s population are Christians, 80%of which belong to the Roman Catholic church, making The Philippines is Asia’s largest Catholic nation. The majority of those remaining are Muslim, although many aboriginal- tribal groups practice Philippine traditional religions, often combined with Christianity.
The best time to travel to the Philippines is generally between December and May, during the drier season when warm temperatures, sunnier skies and calmer seas create ideal conditions for exploring the country’s tropical islands and beaches. The wettest period typically runs from June to November, when heavier rains and occasional typhoons can affect some regions, although showers are often brief and conditions can still vary across the archipelago.
“The Philippines is one of those destinations that constantly surprises me. With more than 7,000 islands, it offers an incredible mix of marine wildlife, tropical forests, and remote island landscapes that still feel wonderfully untouched. Some of my favourite experiences here are kayaking between the dramatic limestone islands of Palawan and snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs alive with tropical fish and manta rays. What really makes the Philippines special is the warmth of the people and the knowledge of the local guides we work with, who bring the marine ecosystems, wildlife, and island culture vividly to life.”
Whatever you want from your trip, our team of experts are ready to help.
These are trips which are perfectly created, organised, and lead specifically for you. If you are considering one of our wildlife, multi-activity adventures, small group trips or family holiday adventures then we would be delighted to design a tailormade itinerary, to meet your interests, travel dates and accommodation requirements. Just get in touch!
Learn MoreWe operate small group holidays for a maximum of 8-12 persons. As well as multi-activity trips we offer trekking trips, kayaking, rafting, wildlife, cycling and photography. These small group trips make ideal holidays for singles and couples, particularly for those wishing to visit Madagascar, the Galapagos islands, explore Borneo or kayak the Komodo Dragon islands, Indonesia.
Learn MoreWe are delighted to offer a number of specialist trips, depending on your interests. We organise a number of specialist holidays such as family adventure holidays that can be designed to meet the requirements for children of certain ages. We also design unique and interesting luxury holidays and honeymoon trips as well trips for celebrating special events and anniversaries.
Learn MoreEntry Visas NOT required by UK, Australia, NZ, USA for a stay up to 21 days only. Other nationalities should consult their consular office. All nationalities require a full passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Visa costs are not included and are the client’s responsibility.
Much of this expedition is fully inclusive. All parks, entrances, fees, guiding, logistics, hotels, meals and most drinks are included. Not included are visas, tips, optional extra excursions (e.g. diving) and personal expenses. The currency in the Philippines in the Philippine peso. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9am until 3pm. Currency can be exchanged at banks and various accredited money changers. Most banks handle travels cheques. Visa and MasterCard’s are accepted in all major hotels and resorts but a limited number of business establishments.
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for everyone who participates in a Pioneer expedition. Please bring a copy of your insurance policy and contact numbers to give to your expedition leader in case of illness or accident.
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