Birding the Philippines

Our journey begins in bustling Manila, where we enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay, allowing time to recover from international flights before the adventure begins in earnest. The following morning, we take a short flight to the island of Bohol, where we will spend three nights in comfortable riverside accommodation. From here, we explore the outstanding Rajah Sikatuna National Park, one of the country’s premier birding sites, home to a rich selection of endemics including Ivory-breasted Pitta, Black-faced Coucal, Visayan Broadbill and the striking Yellow-breasted Tailorbird. We will also visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary for close encounters with these remarkable primates and stop at the iconic Chocolate Hills, with further opportunities to see species such as Samar Hornbill and Rufous-lored Kingfisher.

A scenic ferry journey then takes us to Negros, where we spend two nights exploring a variety of habitats including forest reserves and upland lakes. Here, we search for a range of highly localised species such as Negros Scops Owl, Flame-templed Babbler and Visayan Flowerpecker, with additional birding at sites such as the Twin Lakes and EDC forest enhancing our chances of finding these island specialities.

Returning to Luzon, we enjoy five nights exploring some of the island’s finest birding locations. The forested slopes of Mount Makiling offer a wealth of endemics, including Luzon Hornbill, Scale-feathered Malkoha and Spotted Wood Kingfisher. We then spend time along the famed Infanta Road, a rich forest corridor where highlights may include Whiskered Pitta, Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher and the elusive Luzon Bleeding-heart. Our time on Luzon concludes in the lowland forests of Subic Bay, where species such as Green Racquet-tail, Philippine Falconet and White-fronted Tit provide a fitting finale.

The final stage of the tour takes us to the enchanting island of Palawan for a 3-night stay. Renowned for its dramatic limestone landscapes and high level of endemism, Palawan offers some of the most exciting birding in the Philippines. Here, we focus on key species such as the remarkable Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Palawan Hornbill, Blue-headed Racquet-tail and the endangered Philippine Cockatoo. We also visit the UNESCO-listed Underground River National Park, where additional specialities include Palawan Scops Owl, Mantanani Scops Owl and a host of other island endemics.

Throughout, the tour is carefully paced to balance intensive birdwatching with opportunities to relax and enjoy the surroundings. With expert local guides and a Naturetrek tour leader throughout, this is a thoughtfully designed itinerary for keen birders, offering an ever-changing and rewarding experience, with exciting possibilities each and every day.