Private 18-Day Philippines Birding Tour
An 18-day private birding journey through Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan, combining endemic-rich forests with dedicated searches for Philippine Eagle.
About this tour
This private 18-day journey links three of the Philippines' most important island birding regions. The route begins in Manila and explores Luzon's lowland and montane forests at Subic Bay, Mount Makiling and the Sierra Madre foothills along Infanta Road. It then continues by air to Mindanao for Mapawa Nature Park, Mount Kitanglad, the lowland rainforest around Bislig and PICOP, and the Mount Apo highlands.
Three full days are reserved for Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park, where Philippine Eagle is the principal target and local guiding focuses on Mindanao highland endemics. Two further days around Bislig cover a contrasting lowland forest environment, followed by birding near Mount Apo. The final regional section is based in Puerto Princesa, with a full day along Napsan Road, a morning in the watershed forest at Irawan Eco Park and an additional session for priority birds before the return flight to Manila.
The package includes 17 nights in twin-share accommodation, air travel between the island regions, an air-conditioned vehicle for road journeys, four-wheel-drive transfers where required, local bird guides and forest spotters, park permits, airport transfers and meals as specified in the itinerary. The program is designed for no more than eight guests. It involves frequent travel and repeated full birding days, so participants should expect an active pace. All wildlife sightings remain subject to season, access and natural conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Philippines.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Manila
Arrive in Manila and meet the local representative for the private transfer to TRYP Hotel Manila.
Day 2
Subic Bay lowland forest
Travel to Subic Bay for a full birding day in lowland forest habitat, focusing on Luzon endemics before returning to Manila.
Day 3
Mount Makiling and Los Banos
Explore montane and secondary forest trails around Mount Makiling, then stay overnight at Tracey Suites in Los Banos.
Day 4
Infanta Road and Sierra Madre foothills
Bird the forested foothills along Infanta Road for Luzon forest specialties, returning to Manila after the field session.
Day 5
Cagayan de Oro and Mapawa Nature Park
Fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, check in at Chali Beach Resort and spend the afternoon birding in Mapawa Nature Park.
Day 6
Mount Kitanglad birding
Begin the first of three full birding days in Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park, with Philippine Eagle as the principal target alongside Mindanao highland endemics.
Day 7
Mount Kitanglad birding
Continue guided birding through the highland habitats of Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.
Day 8
Mount Kitanglad birding
Use a third full field day to cover additional Mount Kitanglad sites and search again for priority birds not yet seen.
Day 9
Transfer to Bislig and PICOP
Travel to Bislig and begin exploring lowland rainforest in the PICOP concession area for Mindanao endemics.
Day 10
PICOP lowland rainforest
Continue birding the lowland rainforest habitats around PICOP with the local guiding team.
Day 11
Transfer to Digos
Transfer toward Digos City, check in at Twin Mountain View Resort and meet the guide for the Mount Apo section.
Day 12
Mount Apo full-day birding
Spend a full day birding the Mount Apo area for Mindanao highland birds.
Day 13
Mount Apo and Davao City
Complete a half-day birding session around Mount Apo before transferring to Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.
Day 14
Fly to Puerto Princesa
Fly from Davao to Puerto Princesa and transfer to Hue Hotel and Resort for the Palawan section.
Day 15
Napsan Road
Spend a full day birding along Napsan Road, concentrating on Palawan endemic birds.
Day 16
Irawan Eco Park
Explore the watershed forest trails of Irawan Eco Park during a morning birding session.
Day 17
Final Palawan birding and Manila
Use the morning to revisit priority birds, then fly back to Manila and transfer to TRYP Hotel Manila.
Day 18
Departure from Manila
After breakfast, transfer to Manila airport for the onward international flight.
Locations & map
- Philippines birding circuit - Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan Philippines
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: October to June. Tours do not operate during the monsoon and typhoon season because conditions can reduce tour quality.
Included
- Seventeen nights twin-share accommodation - Hotels are listed by stage in the itinerary.
- Meals stated in the itinerary - Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included only where shown for each day.
- Domestic flights within the Philippines - The Manila-Cagayan de Oro, Davao-Puerto Princesa and Puerto Princesa-Manila sectors are included.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver - Includes four-wheel-drive transport where required for Mount Kitanglad and PICOP.
- Local bird guides and forest spotters - Regional birding support is included.
- Park entrance fees and permits - Fees and permits stated for the program are included.
- Airport transfers and transfer water - Includes airport transfers and bottled water during transfers.
Not included
- International airfare to and from Manila - Not included.
- Travel insurance - Mandatory and arranged by each guest.
- Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks - Traveller responsibility.
- Guide and driver gratuities - Not included.
- Services not specifically listed as included - Confirmed in the final written proposal.
Transport & stays
- Domestic flights and private road transport The route uses included domestic flights, a private air-conditioned vehicle and four-wheel-drive transfers where required for Mount Kitanglad and PICOP. | Meet: Manila airport | Pickup: Arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
Accommodations
- TRYP Hotel Manila or similar (days 1-2) Twin-share room
- Tracey Suites Los Banos or similar (day 3) Twin-share room
- TRYP Hotel Manila or similar (day 4) Twin-share room
- Chali Beach Resort or similar (day 5) Twin-share room
- Hotel Susana or similar (days 6-8) Twin-share room
- Hotel de La Salle or similar (days 9-10) Twin-share room
- Twin Mountain View Resort or similar (days 11-12) Twin-share room
- Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao or similar (day 13) Twin-share room
- Hue Hotel and Resort Puerto Princesa or similar (days 14-16) Twin-share room
- TRYP Hotel Manila or similar (day 17) Twin-share room
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What group sizes can travel?
This is a private tour for up to eight guests. It can run for two guests, while a solo departure can be arranged with an adjusted price.
What does the advertised price cover?
The USD 7,895 price is per person based on two guests sharing a room. A USD 900 single supplement applies for single occupancy.
When are payments due?
A 30% deposit is due to confirm the booking, with the balance due 60 days before arrival. Current payment instructions are provided with the written proposal.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and is not included in the package price.
Are the listed birds guaranteed?
No. The route targets wild birds in natural habitats, so sightings depend on local and seasonal conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.