Adventure Week in Palawan, Philippines

• Moderate fitness is necessary as the tour includes activities like hiking, kayaking, and extended walking.
• Proof of comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure activities is mandatory.
• A positive attitude and readiness to embrace new experiences are essential!

Day 1: Arrival in Aborlan

• Location: TGL Accommodation – Tigman Village
• Activities:

• Introduction to the program and meet fellow participants.
• Guided walk around Tigman Village to explore its beautiful beaches and local culture.
• Enjoy a lively cultural night featuring traditional Filipino music and dance.

• Meals: included
• Transportation: Airport transfers (self-arranged or pick-up).
• Overnight at Tigman Village Accommodation

Day 2: Waterfalls and Mountain Adventure

• Location: Narra, Palawan
• Activities:

• Discover the serene Estrella Waterfalls.
• Hike up Narra Mountain to reach the stunning 15th Falls.
• Enjoy a packed lunch along the trail and relax with your camp buddies.
• Spend the night camping under the stars at a scenic mountain campsite.

• Meals: 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Transportation: private vehicle
• Overnight at Narra Campsite

Day 3: River Relaxation and Waterfall Exploration

• Location: Manggahan River and Inuman-Banog Waterfalls, Palawan
• Activities:

• Relax and enjoy lunch by the peaceful Manggahan River.
• Hike to the stunning Inuman-Banog Waterfalls.
• End the day at Batang-Batang River Camp with a barbecue night and bonding with fellow travelers.

• Meals: included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Transportation: private vehicle
• Overnight at Batang-Batang River Camp

Day 4: Sandbar Fun and Karaoke Night

• Location: Tigman Village, Aborlan
• Activities:

• Visit the picturesque Aborlan Sandbar for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing.
• Enjoy a lively karaoke night back at the center with new friends.

• Meals: included breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Transportation: private vehicle
• Overnight at Tigman Village Accommodation

Day 5: Underground River and Adventure Activities

• Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Activities:

• Explore the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy a buffet-style Filipino lunch at a local restaurant.
• Experience ziplining, trekking, and caving at Ugong Rock Adventures.
• Conclude the adventure with a relaxing dinner at Puerto Princesa’s Baywalk.

• Meals: Breakfast included, buffet lunch, and dinner at Baywalk – Puerto Princesa
• Transportation: private vehicle
• Overnight at Tigman Village Accommodation

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You must arrive between 10:00 – 17:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport the accommodation, it takes 1.5 hours by road.

Beaches of Boracay

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

Bohol Chocolate Hills

Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

Diving

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

Twin Lagoon on Coron Island

You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.  

Ziplining

For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

Kayaking

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Vigan Town

This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

Underground River, Palawan

Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

Manila

The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

Additional Requirements

• Moderate fitness is necessary as the tour includes activities like hiking, kayaking, and extended walking.
• Proof of comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure activities is mandatory.
• A positive attitude and readiness to embrace new experiences are essential!
• Medical clearance for participants over 65 years.
• Signed parental consent for participants under 18 years

Additional Equipment

Packing List

Clothing

• Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
• Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• A small backpack for day trips.
• Waterproof bags to keep electronics safe.
• A flashlight or headlamp for nighttime adventures.
• Snorkeling gear, if you’d rather use your own.
• A camera or smartphone to capture memories.
• A travel journal to jot down your experiences.

The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.

Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.

About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.

Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.

November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall. 

June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds.  The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year. 

The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday. 

Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!

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