Volcano Trekking in the Philippines

As you fly in over the island-centric nation of the Philippines, take in the country’s spectacular natural beauty from an aerial perspective. Upon your arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (also known as the Manila International Airport), your local guide will greet you. 

After the introduction, a shuttle will take you to your accommodation in the metro area of the city and you’ll be given a brief run-down of the week’s upcoming adventures. Welcome to the Philippines!

Today you will take a full-day trip and hike the second most active volcano in the country, Taal Volcano. Located outside of Metro Manila, this natural beauty is actually situated in the middle of a crater lake, so to reach it, you will take a 10 to 15-minute boat ride across the lake to reach the hiking area. 

Take note that this is a very moderate hike and should take you less than one hour to summit. However, once you are at the top, take some time to indulge in the area’s natural surroundings. Post-hike, you will head back to metro Manila and be able to explore the city at your own pace.

The Philippines currently faces several human-influenced climate issues including (but not limited to) deforestation, depletion of agricultural lands, loss of biodiversity, water and air pollution. Today you will get the chance to connect with the Biodiversity Management Bureau and look into the current status of the country’s well-being on several fronts. 

Afterward, your local guide will take the afternoon to showcase some of the must-visit spots in the city. Check out local street food vendors, entertainment options and more. In addition, you will also get a glance at the social contrasts that exist in Manila’s sprawling metropolis.

Wake up early to catch a 1.5-hour flight to the island of Negros. This island is the fourth largest in the country and is located more or less in the center of the archipelago. Upon your arrival to Negros, a shuttle will take you to your accommodation before you embark on your next volcanic excursion. 

Today you will be hiking up a stratovolcano known as Mount Canlaon. At 2,435 meters high, this is one of the tallest volcanoes in the Philippines. Although this hike is more advanced than the previous one up Taal Volcano, your expert guide will provide you with all the support you need to summit the volcano safely.

After a fresh breakfast in Negros, head over to the ferry terminal and set sail to the environmentally friendly island province of Camiguin. You will then be brought to your beachfront accommodation to get settled before commencing your next hike. 

Camiguin Island hosts varied ecosystems, diverse terrain and stunning natural landscapes. The island is also home to the iconic Mount Hibok-Hibok, which you will get the opportunity to summit today. As you hike upwards, your local guide will give you some background information about the different ecosystems on the island. However, during the hike, ensure that you do not leave a trace so that the trail remains in the natural state in which you found it.

On the final day of your Philippine excursion, you will be taking another ferry to the island province of Cebu. To cap off your journey, you will get the chance to sail down the Bojo River while learning about the biodiversity in the area, along with the threats it faces. Believe it or not, most of the fishermen in this area are BAETAS tour guides. 

During this aquatic excursion, you will visit extensive mangrove forests, marine sanctuaries as well as other stunning landscapes. Following this adventure, you will head over to the tranquil Hermit’s Cove to relax and catch the sunset. As the sun descends below the water’s edge, take some time to let all of the information you’ve learned and new adventures you’ve experienced to sink in fully.

Begin your day with a local breakfast before getting ready to head to your next destination. Upon your departure from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, know that you have made an impact by merely getting educated by experts in the field and taking the leap to take part in this adventurous journey. Carry on everything you have learned as you embark on your upcoming adventures.