| Starts | Manila, Philippines |
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| Ends | Manila, Philippines |
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| Region | Asia |
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| Duration | 8 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | APIS 23449 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Manila & Finishing: Manila
Please look out for signs in the hotel with details of the group meeting this evening. The meeting is a chance to meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the rest of the group before heading out for an optional evening meal.
Day 2 - Starting: Manila & Finishing: Cebu City
Fly to bustling Cebu, home to the country's busiest sea port. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Cebu.
Day 3 - Starting: Cebu City & Finishing: Bohol
Hop on a ferry to the island of Bohol, home to the tiny tarsier primates and beautiful Chocolate Hills formations. Stay in a homestay and learn a bit about local life in the Philippines from the community.
Day 4 - Starting: Bohol & Finishing: Bohol
Free day to tour the island, go snorkelling, or lend a hand in the village.
Day 5 - Starting: Bohol & Finishing: Siquijor
Travel to the mystical island of Siquijor, rumoured to be a place of magic and sorcery.
Day 6 - Starting: Siquijor & Finishing: Siquijor
Enjoy free time to explore caves, waterfalls, coral-filled waters, and 106km (65 mi) of white-sand beaches. Snorkelling and diving are both great options here.
Day 7 - Starting: Siquijor & Finishing: Siquijor
Enjoy free time to explore caves, waterfalls, coral-filled waters, and 106km (65 mi) of white-sand beaches. Snorkelling and diving are both great options here.
Day 8 - Starting: Siquijor & Finishing: Manila
Fly back to Manila where the tour finishes upon arrival at the airport in the early afternoon. Book onward travel after 3 pm.
Instructions
Please book onward travel after 3 pm.
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More Information
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
Important Notes
RAMADAN
Depending on the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between June 7th and July 7th, 2016. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to see and do, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however, they may also be Asian style, consisting of noodles, congee (rice porridge), bread or eggs; this may vary depending on the city we’re visiting. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
About our Transportation
We will be travelling via a variety of transportation types from local flights to public ferries to taxis. We believe that getting there is half the journey, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Baggage weight restrictions may apply. You are responsible for any bags that are overweight.
Solo Travellers
Joining Instructions
For travellers with a transfer arranged through G Adventures:
Please look for your driver holding a G ADVENTURES sign in the arrival area.
For travellers arranging their own transport:
There are several transportation options at the Manila airport:
1) Airport Metered Taxi (vehicle color is yellow, taxi line is usually found within airport premises, upon exit at the arrival area)
Flag down rate is PHP 75 and PHP 4 for every 350 metres, the total journey to the hotel should cost approximately PHP 400-500 (USD12), depending on traffic and your airport yerminal of origin
2)Airport-Coupon Taxi (vehicle color is white, booth is usually found within airport premises, upon exit at the arrival area)
They have fixed rates per destination/distance, transfer going Oasis Paco Park ranges from PHP 600-1500. Rate varies depending on the airport terminal of origin and the vehicle to be used.
3) Regular Public Metered Taxi (usually White in color),
If you wish to take a regular taxi, you will need walk to the main road and hail a regular taxi as they are not allowed to get passengers inside airport premises. Flag down rate is PHP 40 additional PHP 3.50 for every 300 meters, the pproximate taxi fare from the airport to the hotel is 200-300, depending on traffic and airport terminal of origin
**Notes:
· There is a well known land mark right across Oasis Hotel called Paco Park. Should the taxi driver be unfamiliar with Oasis Hotel, you may use the landmark as as a reference point.
· Oasis Paco hotel is approximately 30 km from the airport, roughly 30-45 minutes travel time by vehicle depending on traffic
Arrival Complications
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
Checklist
Suggested Items:
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•Sun hat
•Personal clothing (See also “What to Take” and “Local Dress” sections of this dossier)
•Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Headlamp/flashlight/torch
•Money belt
-Any required prescription medication
-Rehydration powder
-Insect Repellent
•First-aid kit
Optional Items:
▪ Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
▪ Personal Entertainment
▪ Binoculars
▪ Waterproof backpack cover
▪ Pocketknife
▪ Ear plugs
Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•USD cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Most nationalities are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. Check with the nearest Philippine Embassy before traveling.
Spending Money
Money Exchange
During this tour the local currency you will use is the Filipino Peso. As currency exchange rates in Southeast Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout Southeast Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals.
USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency.
Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
Emergency Fund
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
CEBU
Casa Gorordo Museum PHP70
Basilica Del Santo Nino/Magellans Cross Free of Charge
Shopping in Ayala Mall Free of Charge
Taboan Public Market Free of Charge
Taoist Temple 30-60min taxi to temple, PHP400 return
BOHOL
Mangrove Planting – help rebuild and protect the new shoreline by planting mangroves on land ridges
Shared Jeepney PHP80, Mangrove saplings PHP80
Guided Half Day Tour 5-6hrs – Hinagdanan Cave, Tarsiers, Chocolate Hills;
2-3 passengers PHP 4,057 per person
4-5 passengers PHP 2,254 per person
SIQUIJOR
Rent a Share Tricycle and Driver ($30USD per day, 3 people max) to visit your choice of Cambugahay Falls, Salogdoong Beach, Lazi Church and Convent, Balete Tree, Capilay Spring and Guiwanon – all free entry upon arrival.
Snorkelling PHP250
Kayaking PHP200
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary PHP300
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO’s are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Medical Form
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
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Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
