17 May 2026 - 30 May 2026 (14 days)
USD5,500 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Daniel Danckwerts
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD5,500 * GBP4,080 * EUR4,817 * AUD8,456
06 May 2027 - 19 May 2027 (14 days)
USD5,500 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD5,500 * GBP4,080 * EUR4,817 * AUD8,456
Composed of 7,107 islands scattered across a vast stretch of tropical sea, the Philippines unfortunately hold the unenviable distinction of harbouring the highest number of bird species facing imminent extinction. Many of these critically endangered, yet spectacular, species now survive only in increasingly fragmented and shrinking remnants of habitat. During our relaxed tour we may encounter up to 100 endemics!
We begin on the island of Luzon, where we’ll explore montane, foothill, and lowland forest localities in search of specials such as Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkoha, Rufous Coucal, Coleto, Flaming Sunbird and the sensational, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, among many other fabulous endemics.
On the remarkable Visayan archipelago, we visit the islands of Bohol and Negros, where we’ll enjoy numerous highly sought-after and extremely range-restricted species such as Negros Striped Babblers, Black-belted Flowerpecker, Bohol Sunbird, Visayan Tailorbird and Visayan Broadbill. We also have good chances of finding rare endemic mammals, including the strange Philippine Tarsier and the Philippine Colugo (Flying Lemur), while the Chocolate Hills scenery is simply spellbinding!
On Palawan, white sandy beaches, extensive coral reefs, and an underground river form a spectacular backdrop to our birding. Highlights are likely to include the mound-building Philippine Megapode, Philippine Pitta, the incredibly beautiful Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Spot-throated and Red-headed Flamebacks, Palawan Frogmouth, and Palawan Hornbill—among the nearly 30 endemic species inhabiting the island.
Hooded, Whiskered, Azure-breasted & Philippine Pittas; Samar, Palawan & Visayan Hornbills; Philippine Trogon; Visayan Broadbill; Philippine Pygmy & White-bellied Woodpeckers; Luzon, Spot-throated & Red-headed Flamebacks; Bicol Ground Warbler; Balicassiao; Coleto; Philippine & Palawan Fairy-bluebirds; Guaiabero; Red-vented Cockatoo; Green & Blue-crowned Racket-tails; Rough-crested & Chestnut-breasted Malkohas; Philippine Hawk-Eagle; Philippine Serpent Eagle; Philippine Falconet; Philippine Honey Buzzard; Whiskered Treeswift; Visayan Babbler; Negros Striped Babbler; Northern Silvery, Stork-billed, Ruddy & Spotted Wood Kingfishers; Magnificent, Bohol, Copper-throated & Maroon-naped Sunbirds; Visayan Tailorbird; Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon; Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove; Philippine Oriole; White-vented Shama; Blue Paradise Flycatcher; Palawan Crow; Palawan Drongo; Palawan Bulbul; Palawan Flowerpecker; Palawan Tit; Philippine Pied & Visayan Blue Fantails; Philippine Magpie-Robin.
Philippine Tarsier; Philippine Colugo; Philippine, Large & Golden-crowned Flying Foxes.
lowland, foothill and montane rainforest, bamboo forest, woodlands, rivers and wetlands, mudflats
hot and humid in the lowlands, cool at night but warm during the day in the highlands, some rain expected
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local leader
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.
Our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers. Moderate. Suitable for most birding interest levels. Has some walking in hot & humid conditions. A few early morning departures.
Moderate to comfortable standard.
Moderate. Bird density is low overall, mostly within the forest interior. Some endemics require patience & persistence.
around 100 Philippine endemics, Underground River National Park, highly threatened forests & endemic birds.
Worthwhile to good. Some ad hoc blinds. Typical forest habitat difficulties.
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 !
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.
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.
We saw some good birds and are happy about that. Erik Forsyth is an excellent guide and companion. We would certainly travel with him again. He was most helpful for those of us whose eyes are not as sharp as they once were. Erik managed the group well and group dynamics were excellent. Local guides, such as at PICOP, were very friendly and most helpful. The Philippine ground agent/bird guide, Mark Villa, was certainly knowledgeable about the local birds and a good source of information. We have enjoyed Rockjumper tours in the past and hope to again.
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 - Visayan Islands Extension 2025 - March 2025
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2025 - March 2025
The Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2024 - March 2024
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2024 - March 2024
The Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2023 - March 2023
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2023 - March 2023
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2019 - May 2019
The Philippines - Highlights 2018 - June 2018
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2018 - May 2018
The Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2016 - May 2016
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2016 - May 2016
The Philippines - Highlights 2015 - April 2015
The Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension 2014 - March 2014
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2014 - February 2014
The Philippines - MacPhail 2014 - January 2014
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2011 - April 2011
The Philippines - Endangered Endemics 2010 - April 2010
The Philippines - Menart 2007 - June 2007
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