Our Visayan Islands Birding extension is a tour that takes in the smaller islands of Cebu, Bohol and Negros where we target some highly sought-after and endemic birds. These include Flame-templed Babbler, Visayan Hornbill, the lovely White-winged Cuckooshrike, Visayan Broadbill and the smart Yellow-breasted Tailorbird. Here we also stand our best chance for the strange Philippine Colugo as well as the endearing Philippine Tarsier, while the scenery at the spectacular Chocolate Hills is second to none!
White-winged Cuckooshrike; Tarictic & Visayan Hornbill; Flame-templed Babbler; Mindanao & Negros Bleeding-heart; White-throated Jungle & Turquoise Flycatchers; White-browed Shortwing; Southern Indigo Banded, Spotted Wood & Winchell’s (Rufous-lored) Kingfisher; Negros Scops Owl; Cebu Hawk-Owl; Negros Striped Babbler; Yellow-faced Flameback; Philippine Frogmouth; Azure-breasted Pitta; Visayan Broadbill; Black Shama; Cebu Flowerpecker; Crested Goshawk; Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon; Blue-crowned Raquet-tail; Philippine Needletail; Visayan Rhabdornis; Maroon-naped & Magnificent Sunbirds.
Philippine Colugo, Philippine Tarsier, Philippine Flying Fox
lowland and montane rainforest, woodlands, rivers and wetlands
hot and humid, rain expected
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
moderate to brisk pace, some long walks on forest trails
basic but comfortable hotels
challenging
+-120
Chocolate Hills, fast disappearing forests
good
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.
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 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 !
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.
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.
29 Mar 2024 - 05 Apr 2024 (8 days)
USD2,795 - 2 Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Peter Kaestner
28 Mar 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 (8 days)
USD4,000 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn
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