13 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027 (22 days)
USD6,950 NO SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Price (Per person): USD6,950 (GBP5,328 * AUD9,952)
Single Supplement: USD760 (GBP583 * AUD1,088)
Flight costs: USD440 (GBP337 * AUD630)
12 Mar 2028 - 02 Apr 2028 (22 days)
USD7,300 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Lisle Gwynn
Tour Price (Per person): USD7,300 (GBP5,596 * AUD10,453)
This tour pairs with: Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2028
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
11 Mar 2029 - 01 Apr 2029 (22 days)
USD7,700 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Tour Price (Per person): USD7,700 (GBP5,902 * AUD11,026)
This tour pairs with: Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2029
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
Composed of 7,107 islands strewn across a vast stretch of tropical sea, the Philippines occupy the unenviable position of harbouring the most birds facing imminent extinction. Many of these critically endangered yet spectacular species survive only in increasingly shrinking remnants of habitat. During our tour, we can expect to encounter close to 150 endemic birds and many other spectacular migrants and residents. Our Endangered Endemics tour explores the Philippines’ three largest islands. On Luzon, we visit sites for Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Scale-feathered Malkoha, Coleto, the sensational Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, secretive Whiskered Pitta and recently discovered Chocolate Boobook. Mindanao hosts the largest tracts of remaining lowland forest and here we search for the secretive Wattled Broadbill, Azure-breasted Pitta and beautiful Philippine Trogon.
The forested slopes of Mount Kitanglad are the most reliable site for the magnificent Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle, this giant raptor is often rated as the world’s single-most desirable bird! Here we will also search for another recently discovered bird, Bukidnon Woodcock, as well as Apo Myna and Giant Scops Owl. On Palawan, white sandy beaches, extensive coral reefs and an underground river make a spectacular backdrop for several specials we are likely to find. Highlights include the mound-building Philippine Megapode, Philippine and Hooded Pittas, the incredibly beautiful Blue Paradise Flycatcher and glittering Palawan Peacock-Pheasant.
Due to the impact of both the COVID pandemic and recent typhoon damage (2021), some sites and lcoations noted in our Philippines itineraries may have to be changed closer to the tour time.
Philippine Eagle; Philippine Serpent Eagle; Philippine Frogmouth; Giant Scops Owls; Luzon & Chocolate Boobooks; Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo; Stripe-headed Rhabdornis; Scale-feathered & Red-crested Malkohas; Short-crested Monarch; Spotted Wood & Hombron’s Kingfishers; Wattled Broadbill; Whiskered, Azure-breaste, Hooded & Philippine Pittas; Philippine Trogon; Philippine Megapode; Palawan Peacock-Pheasant; Bukidnon Woodcock; Blue-headed Racket-tail; Palawan Hornbill; Ashy Thrush; Sooty & Philippine Pygmy Woodpeckers; Coleto; Balicassiao; Elegant & Palawan Tits; Sulphur-billed Nuthatch; Red-keeled & Striped Flowerpeckers; Guaiabero; Apo Myna; Lina's Sunbird; Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove; Whiskered Flowerpecker
Philippine Colugo, Philippine Tarsier, Slow Loris, Asian Palm Civet
lowland and montane rainforest, woodlands, rivers and wetlands, mudflats
hot and humid, rain expected
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local leader
demanding to moderate pace, some long walks on forest trails
mostly comfortable, one basic lodge
challenging
310 - 330
coral reefs, St Paul’s underground river, fast disappearing forests
poor
It was amazing that the guides could make the tour so enjoyable despite having rain 8 days out of 10! Guides were excellent. Erik Forsyth was very knowledgeable and personable.
The accomodations, local guides and logistics exceeded expectations. The adjustment RBT made to the itinerary due to plane flight changes beyond their control (subtracting one day from Mindanao and adding a day in Palawan) was seemless. I felt the extra day in Palawan was an improvement over the original itinerary and should be considered for future trips. The bird hides visited were fantastic and the 3 night stay at Mt. Kitanglad was a lot more plesant than I'd envisioned. Lovely meals, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and the staff making kettles of hot water for sponge baths in a private shower stall. Glen, as always, was the consumate tour leader, promoting the commaraderie of the group as well as an extensive knowledge of the birds. I especially appreciated his sensitivity to minimizing bird disturbance during night birding sessions. A good balance of making sure everyone gets looks at the birds, while minimizing disturbance from camera flashes, over-use of playback etc. The pre-tour info on how to walk to the hotel through the maze of the Manilla airport was extremely well done.
Although we had plenty of rain the trip turned out to be very rewarding. Erik Forsyth did an excellent job in trying to accommodate my strange request for knowledge on the vegetation of the Philippines. Although both Mark and he had no idea on how to respond to this request, they were able to get a tree book for my use. After losing the use of my cell phone which was used to take photos of the vegetation for future identification, Mark followed up by taking photos for me.
The guides were knowledgeable, energetic, and very personable. I would go with Erik Forsyth anytime, anywhere. He made sure we were comfortable, well fed, and saw the birds, not an easy feat with the constant rainy conditions. I also appreciated his sense of humour. Yes, I would go with Rockjumper again, and I am planning on a 2019 trip already. They have become my favourite bird tour company for many reasons.
The Philippines endangered endemics and the Visayan Extension were spectacular. Lots of good and rare birds, despite a number of problems and pressure on the birds and their habitats. Glen, our main tour leader is top = knowledgable, super well organized, considerate etc. He was very well supported by Ivan, Yu and others. I personally liked the sites Mt. Kintanglad, Palawan, Twin Lakes and Bohl, where the habitat is still mainly intact. Id recommend the tour to other birding enthusiasts !
Philippines - Luzon, Visayan & Palawan Endemics (Relaxed) 2026 - May 2026
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2026 - March 2026
Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2025 - March 2025
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2025 - March 2025
Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2024 - March 2024
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2024 - March 2024
Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2023 - March 2023
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2023 - March 2023
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2019 - May 2019
Philippines - Highlights 2018 - June 2018
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2018 - May 2018
Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2016 - May 2016
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2016 - May 2016
Philippines - Highlights 2015 - April 2015
Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2014 - March 2014
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2014 - February 2014
Philippines - MacPhail 2014 - January 2014
Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2011 - April 2011