We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Philippines |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
50.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
50.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
30.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
50.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
300.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
600.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
800.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
150.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada and Australia may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six months beyond the contemplated period of stay.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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The central and northern islands of the Philippines have a tropical monsoon type of climate with a single season of heavy rain. In most areas the wettest time is from July to October with rainfall being particularly heavy in the period August to October, when much of it comes from tropical typhoons in the South China Sea. Temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year (late 20's Celsius) except in the mountains which will be cooler.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
The region is tropical (humid) and days can be very hot although evenings in the Cordillera mountains will be cooler. Casual, loose fitting clothes are the most practical. We recommend shorts, lightweight trousers and skirts, lightweight shirts and T-shirts. An umbrella is excellent in sticky, tropical conditions and a sunhat is essential.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes for the Mount Pinatubo and Banaue rice terrace walks. Trainers and/or sandals for other sightseeing
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. You may also wish to bring your own snorkel and mask for Coco Beach.
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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