Our extension to the amazing Visayan Islands takes in the smaller islands of Cebu, Bohol and Negros where we target some highly sought-after birds, including Cebu Flowerpecker, Azure-breasted Pitta, Flame-templed Babbler and Visayan Broadbill. This extension also provides chances for the strange Philippine Tarsier and Philippine Colugo, while the Chocolate Hills scenery is simply spell-binding!
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Top Birds
Philippine Duck; Barred Rail; Pinsker's Hawk-Eagle; Philippine Trogon; Philippine Fairy-bluebird; Black-bibbed Cicadabird; White-winged Cuckooshrike; Striated Wren-Babbler; Visayan & Samar Hornbill; Flame-templed, Negros Striped & Visayan Babblers; White-throated & Philippine Jungle Flycatchers; Philippine Shortwing; (Southern) Indigo-banded, Spotted (Visayan) Wood, Northern Silvery & Winchell’s Kingfisher; Negros & Everett's Scops Owl; Luzon (Visayan) & Cebu Boobook; Philippine Frogmouth; Negros Striped Babbler; Yellow-faced & Buff-spotted Flameback; Azure-breasted (Steere's) Pitta; Visayan Broadbill; Visayan & Black Shama; Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon; Blue-crowned Racket-tail; Philippine Spine-tailed Swift; Visayan Rhabdornis; Maroon-naped, Bohol & Magnificent Sunbirds; Black-belted (Visayan) Flowerpecker; Black-faced Coucal; Amethyst (Grey-breasted) Brown Dove; Visayan & Visayan Blue Fantails; Yellow-breasted Tailorbird; chance of Mindanao Bleeding-heart
Top Mammals
Philippine Colugo, Philippine Tarsier, Philippine Flying Fox
Habitats Covered
lowland & foothill rainforest, woodlands, rivers, crater lakes and wetlands
Expected Climate
hot and humid, rain expected
Max Group Size
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking
moderate to brisk pace, some long walks on forest trails
Accommodation
basic but comfortable hotels
Ease of Birding
challenging
Number of Species Expected
+-120
Other Attractions
Chocolate Hills scenery, highly threatened forests & endemics, forest-surrounded crater lakes in Twin Lakes NP, tropical oceans with chances of cetaceans during ferry crossings
Photographic Opportunities
fair/reasonable/worthwhile
Client Testimonials
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.
I participated in the Jan-Feb [private] tour to the Philippines guided by Rich Lindie.... I have to say that Rich's ... indefatigable attempts to make our trip a success was exemplary in every way. His birding skills are definitely well above the norm in birding companies I am familiar with (including some very elite companies). Rich is also enthusiastic, energetic, fun loving, patient and always in full control of his clients. In short, he is in the elite echelons of the guiding profession and should be considered a valuable asset to your organization. It is my intent to single out trips guided by him for my travel considerations.
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.
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.