Private 21-Day Philippines Birding Journey
A private 21-day island-spanning birding journey through Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, Mindanao and Palawan with local guides for each section.
About this tour
This flexible private journey connects five major Philippine birding regions over 21 days. Starting in Manila, the route moves through the forests and foothills of South Luzon before continuing to Bohol and the migratory wetlands of Olango Island. Domestic flights then link the central islands with Mindanao, where birding focuses on the Philippine Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park and the montane habitats of Mount Kitanglad.
The Palawan section explores St. Paul’s National Park, the Balsahan Trail and the Rasa Island area for island endemics and the critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo. The final stage returns to Luzon for Candaba Marsh and the forests around Subic, combining wetland birds with endemic woodland species.
Local guides are used for the different regional sections, and the published route can be shortened, combined or extended to suit available time. The program includes substantial road transfers, several domestic flights, early starts and a basic mountain stay at Mount Kitanglad. Wildlife sightings remain subject to season, access and natural conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Philippines.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Manila
Airport welcome and transfer to the Manila hotel.
Day 2
Villa Escudero
Travel south for afternoon birding in lakeside, woodland and agricultural habitats.
Day 3
Villa Escudero surrounds
Continue birding Villa Escudero and nearby habitats with the local guide.
Day 4
Mount Makiling
Bird forest and campus habitats before returning to Manila.
Day 5
Bohol and Rajah Sikatuna
Fly to Bohol and begin afternoon birding in Rajah Sikatuna.
Day 6
Rajah Sikatuna
Spend a full day searching forest habitats for Bohol specialties.
Day 7
Bohol flexible day
Continue birding, with the optional marine excursion only if requested.
Day 8
Transfer to Cebu
Travel by fast ferry to Cebu and settle into the accommodation.
Day 9
Olango Island
Visit the island wildlife sanctuary and its migratory-bird wetlands.
Day 10
Fly to Davao
Transfer to Davao and prepare for the Mindanao birding section.
Day 11
Eden Park and Eagle Center
Visit the Philippine Eagle Center and bird the upland habitats of Eden Nature Park.
Day 12
Mount Kitanglad transfer
Fly to Cagayan de Oro, transfer toward Mount Kitanglad and begin late-afternoon birding.
Day 13
Mount Kitanglad
Spend a full mountain birding day searching for Philippine Eagle and Mindanao specialties.
Day 14
Mount Kitanglad
Continue birding the montane forest and surrounding habitats.
Day 15
Fly to Palawan
Travel to Puerto Princesa and transfer to the Palawan accommodation.
Day 16
St. Paul's National Park
Explore forest habitat for Palawan endemics and regional specialties.
Day 17
Rasa Island and Balsahan Trail
Bird the Balsahan Trail and visit the Rasa Island area for Philippine Cockatoo and other Palawan birds.
Day 18
Candaba Marsh and Subic
Fly to Manila, bird Candaba Marsh and continue to Subic.
Day 19
Subic
Search Subic forest and wetland habitats for Luzon endemics and resident birds.
Day 20
Subic
Continue birding productive sites around Subic.
Day 21
Return to Manila
Check out and transfer back to Manila.
Locations & map
- Philippines birding circuit - Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, 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.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Twenty nights accommodation - Air-conditioned standard rooms except where the route uses basic mountain lodging.
- Meals and non-alcoholic drinks with meals - As specified in the final itinerary.
- Domestic flights and private land transport - Internal flights, airport transfers and private air-conditioned road transport.
- Local guides and stated fees - Local guides, taxes, service charges and environmental fees.
Not included
- International flights - Not included.
- Travel insurance and personal expenses - Traveller responsibility.
Transport & stays
- Domestic flights and private road transport The route combines internal flights, ferries and private air-conditioned vehicles. | Meet: Manila
Accommodations
- Locally selected accommodation (days 1-20) Standard air-conditioned room where available Varies by destination
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can this itinerary be shortened?
Yes. Individual regional sections can be selected or combined, and the route can be adjusted for the available dates.
What group sizes can travel?
All Philippine Trails tours are private. Departures can run for two guests, while a solo departure can be arranged with an adjusted price.
Are the listed birds guaranteed?
No. Local guides choose sites according to season and current conditions, but all sightings involve wild birds.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.