Philippine Discovery

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Manila)

Destinations visited: Philippines, Manila, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,970

Book now

Description

The Philippines is an incredibly diverse mix of cultures, traditions and sights, each intended to entice and intrigue. With more than 7,000 islands packed to the brim with natural wonders, and unlike anywhere else in the world, this country is just waiting to be explored. Be embraced by the friendly locals, gaze in awe at untouched landscapes and get ready for an exhilarating taste of the real Philippines. From trekking Mt Pinatubo to exploring the stunning Banaue rice terraces to the coastal getaway of Puerto Galera - this country will really grab a hold of your senses. So pack your bags and take a dive into the unknown - we promise you won't want to leave!

Highlights

Jump into the adventure of lively Manila city.
Be left breathless by the Banaue terraces .
Take a village trek through lush rice paddies.
Be mystified by the hanging coffins in Echo Valley.
Go trekking to the summit of Mt Pinatubo.
Enjoy a coastal getaway in Puerto Galera.
Discover the warm and welcoming Filipino culture.

Itinerary

Day 1 Manila

Dive into this Philippines adventure in the country's capital city, Manila. With contradictions and surprises around every corner, Manila is packed full of things to do, see, taste and experience.

Day 2 Banaue

Travel by bus to the quaint town of Banaue. Famous for its stunning rice terraces that appear to stretch like stepping-stones to the heavens, it'll be easy to understand why Banaue is sometimes referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Take a walk to a nearby vantage point for sensational views or rest up in preparation for the trekking ahead.

Days 3-5 Trekking

Set off through rice fields and forests on a trek. Stay overnight in local Ifugao villages and meet people farming rice in the same way their ancestors did 2,000 years ago.

Days 6-7 Sagada

Travel across alpine mountains, stopping off in Bontoc to peruse its museum and arriving in the tranquil surrounds of Sagada. Visit the hanging coffins in Echo Valley, which dangle high up on limestone cliffs - the coffins are both mystifying and eerie.

Day 8 Baguio

Located high in the Cordillera Central mountain range, the bustling metropolis of Baguio will be a welcomed retreat from the heat of the lowlands below.

Day 9 Mt Pinatubo

Trek to the crater on Mt Pinatubo and camp for the night near the crater's lake.

Day 10 Manila

Stock up on supplies back in Manila.

Days 11-13 Puerto Galera

Catch a ferry to the island of Mindoro and spend days relaxing in this tropical paradise. From our base in Puerto Galera, explore the nearby pristine beaches where swimming, snorkelling and serenity await.

Days 14-15 Manila

Well rested and relaxed, head back to the hustle and bustle of Manila where the Philippine Discovery comes to an end.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Private minibus, Bus, 4x4, Ferry

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,970

Book now

Traveller reviews for Philippine Discovery (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.