Terms & conditions and general information
Booking and Payment
For booking and reservations please contact through email: br.demeulemeester@gmail.com
A 500 USD deposit needs to be paid to make the booking valid. Along with a copy of your passport that you will be using on the tour. And a copy of your personal travel insurance.
The balance of the tour cost need to be sent 90 days before the start of the tour date.
In case of any cancellations before the tour:
- 90-30 days before the tour: 50% of the total tour price
- 29-1 days: 75% of the total tour price
Cancellation during the length of the tour 100% of the total tour price
Prices for custom tours, extensions and remote destinations
The price per person can vary according to the number of participants. Please email us for price indications.
Costs include
all accommodation throughout the duration of the tour; vehicle transport, ferries, domestic flights; meals including two beverages for each meal (drinking water provided at all times) and snacks; guiding fees; entrance fees.
Costs exclude
international flights; departure tax, travel insurance; alcoholic drinks and any items for personal use.
Single room supplements
Any person who wishes to stay in a single room will need to cover the additional cost (on average 350 - 400 USD depending on the duration of the tour).
Travel insurance
A personal travel insurance is always required and a scanned copy of the insurance will need to be emailed to make any tour booking valid.
Passport & Visa
Any person travelling on a tour is responsible for the validity of his/her passport and visa.
Passport needs to be still valid for at least 6 months beyond the start of the tour.
A 30 day visa is granted upon arrival in the Philippines. For longer stays, please contact the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country.
Health and Vaccinations
A medical check up with your local doctor and advice on required vaccinations for the Philippines is recommended. Malaria occurs in some parts of the Philippines (f.ex. Palawan) therefore malaria prophylaxis is recommended. For people visiting south Palawan (Mount Mantalingajan); malaria prophylaxis and prevention against mosquito bites is highly recommended.
Group size limit
Small groups make birding much more effective and the main and short tour group size limit is 7 people.
Accommodation on the main tours
On the main and short tours all accommodation will be in standard hotels where available. On Mount Kitanglad we will stay in tented camps.
Accommodation on the “remote destinations” tours
Accommodation on the trekking will be mostly in tented camps. But we will have the opportunity to stay in comfortable standard hotels between the areas.
Well organized / Liability
All transport, domestic flights, accommodation, permits and local guides are organised by a local ground agent. Our tours are well planned and we will take responsibility for the quality of the tours. But we cannot accept any liability, however, for any loss, damage or expense resulting from circumstances beyond our control (war, political turmoil, extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, etc.). If a change of the tour itinerary would become necessary, we will motivate the decision to change the programme.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed during the tour while bird watching; during meals; during transport and in the rooms with other guests. Smoking is only permitted during the breaks outside, away from the non-smoking guests.
Long days - short nights
Early starts are always needed. Mostly we will have an early start between 4 and 5 am. We will often have long days in the field; sometimes including nocturnal sessions when looking for nightbirds. So be prepared for short nights of sleep during the length of the tour.
Walking difficulty
Walking will be easy to moderate at most times with a few harder walks requiring a reasonably good condition. At some of the remote destinations the walking will often be harder to strenuous, mainly on the trekkings.
Arriving before the start of the tour
Arriving at least one day before the tour starts is highly recommended. It allows you to recover from the long flight and take a rest so you are fit before the start of the tour. We can help with hotel reservations in Manila upon request.
What clothing to bring
We recommend lightweight clothing for the lowlands and humid conditions. A warm jacket for the cooler mountains and comfortable walking shoes. Rubberboots or other waterproof jungle shoes are recommended as trails can be very wet and muddy . A raincoat and umbrella can come in handy at all times as rainfall can be very unpredictable.
Best time
The best time to visit the Philippines is from December till the end of May. The period with the least rainfalls on average is from February till April.
Climate
Warm and humid in the lowlands, cool in the mountains. Rain showers are possible at all times.
Photograph opportunities and telescopes
The Philippines is not always the easiest country for bird photography but opportunities can certainly be very worthwhile. Some sites will offer better opportunities than others. Bringing a scope on a tour is the guest's own choice and he/she will have to take care of it at all times.The guide’s telescope is a Swarovski ATX-85 25X60 and will be available at all times.
