Happy Tripper

Roots and Routes Travel and Tours

Posted by Carambs

Last week there was a travel expo at my husband’s office.  We discovered a very interesting group called Roots and Routes, an alternative travel and tours agency that has four thrusts:

1. sustainable tourism
2. experiencial tourism
3. exchange tourism
4. conscientious tourism

The representatives were very easy to talk to, and we are planning to try out one of their tours soon.  Hopefully, they’re as well-organized and exciting.

They have the following tours:

1. Art of Wellness (Camp at Isla Shakina) - Lake Caliraya, Lumot, Pagsangjan Falls in Pueblo El Salvador in Cavinti [3D2N]
2. Adventure in Mt. Banahaw [Daytour]
3. Adventure in Sierra Madre Resort and Daraknak Falls [Daytour]
4. Camiguin Lanzones Festival Tour [4D3N]
5. Banaue-Sagada Heritage and Adventure Tour [4D3N]

…and more.

Here are their contact details:

• Address: B2 L8 Topaz & Ruby Sts. San Pedro 6, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1107, Philippines
• Tel No.: (632) 4548100
• Fax No.: (632) 2727732
• Email: rootsnroutes@yahoo.com
• Website: http://www.rootsnroutes.com

Adventure Philippines: Ecotourism

Posted by Carambs

Ecotourism is gaining popularity all over the world, as more and more people are becoming ecologically and socially conscious. According to the International Ecotourism Society website, Ecotourism is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)

Here are the Ecotourism packages of Adventure Philippines:

Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp (Subic Bay Freeport)

An educational tour to the rainforest of Subic Bay Freeport where guides provide outdoor orientation on basic mountaineering, fire-building, trap making and wildlife identification. Learn wilderness survival techniques such as drinking water from vines, roasting coffee from indigenous seeds, or pounding barks to produce anaesthetic.

Trek through the world famous Subic rainforests escorted by JEST guides who will show you how to locate and set traps using natural materials. One has the option to take easy, moderate and difficult trails.

Other attractions include the Mini Zoo, Insectarium, Butterfly Garden, Aviaries and a viewing deck offering panoramic vistas of Subic.

Inclusions: Guided tour of JEST forest trails, rolling tour of Subic Bay Freeport, duty free shopping

Booking Information: FSC Tourism Department

H8211 MCO Bldg., Burgos St. cor Causeway Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Tel. No.: (6347) 2523143/2523375

Fax: (6347) 2522319

Pamilacan Island Tour (with Dolphin Watching)

A whole day experience in the blue sea waters and white sandy shorelines of Bohol’s islets. Dolphin watching adds color to the island hopping adventure. There is the excitement and thrill in watching dolphins frolic in their natural habitat in Pamilacan Island. A lunch of fresh seafoods is part of the island tour. A village tour gives a first hand interaction with the islanders.

Inclusions: Boat and land transfers, spotter, tour guide, lunch at Pamilacan Island, fruits and mineral water

Tour Operator: Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel

M.H. del Pilar Street, Tagbilaran City

Tel Nos.: (6338) 4112645/4115717

Fax: (6338) 4112476

Email: angelswings@globelines.com.ph

Website: http://www.boholangelswings.com

Mangrove Plantation and Oyster Farm Tour (Bohol)

See Asia’s biggest mangrove plantation in Banacon Island, Gestafe town. A boat ride will bring tourists to the vast 484 hectares of multi-layered canopy of mangrove plantation. Proceed to an Oyster farm, a community-based ecotour in Cambuhat where guests will do canoe paddling along the river through oyster farms and clumps of buri trees. A trek into the village provides guests a first hand observation of food crafts and industries.

Inclusions: air-conditioned transportation , tour guide, lunch, village tour, welcome leis, water, cold towel

Tour Operator: Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel

M.H. del Pilar Street, Tagbilaran City

Tel Nos.: (6338) 4112645/4115717

Fax: (6338) 4112476

Email: angelswings@globelines.com.ph

Website: http://www.boholangelswings.com

Adventure Philippines: Caving/Spelunking

Posted by Carambs

Caving Adventure  (Pinamungahan, Cebu)

Understand the existence of caves, go underground and see the magnificent world of rocks and other architectural works of Mother Nature.

Inclusions: interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide

Tour Operator:  Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc.

Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City

Tel Nos: (6332) 232 8886 to 89

Fax No.: (6332) 232 8890

Mabinay Tours (Negros Oriental)

Enjoy the outdoors as you head northwest passing through sugar plantations and rice fields, to the mountaintop town of Mabinay - home to numerous caves ranging from the easy basic caves to advanced.  Here you get the chance to spelunk three different caves.  Experience getting your feet wet, ducking under the centuries-old stalactites amid calcite formations and underground spring water.  Take a refreshing dip at the Mabinay Springs to cap off the day.

Inclusions: land transfers (4×4), lunch, snacks, refreshments, guide fee, caving helmet and light equipment, kayak

Mabinay 3 Caves Tour - 8 hours with side trip to Mabinay Springs

Mabinay Caving and Canyoning Adventure - 14 hours with side trip to Mabinay Springs

Tour Operator: Orientwind Travel and Tours

201 Flores Avenue, Piapi, Dumaguete City

Tel No.: (6335) 4225298

Email: owind@mozcom.com

Tour Operator:  Southwind Travel and Tours

3rd Level, JY Square Mall, Lahug, Cebu City

Tel No.: (6332) 4172247 to 49

Bulacan Puning Cave Explore - 3D/2N

Puning Cave to the south of Dona Remedios Trinidad drains a micro-watershed in Barangay Bayabas. Traversing this sinkhole takes about an hour.

Inclusions: Spelunking inside the Puning Cave, river crossing using carabao-drawn carriage, visit to the miraculous Nuestra Senora de Lourdes, a taste of famous Kapeng Barako, with roundtrip transfers from the municipal hall

Booking Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6344) 6627635

Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

Bulacan Biak-na-Bato Cave Explore - Overnight

A whole day cave exploration of the historic chambers of Bulacan: Aguinaldo Cave, Bahay Paniki (Bat Cave), including the so-called ‘Yungib 1-3′ and ‘Tangapan’.  Swimming is offered at the Paniki Cave.  Optional trek to Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad.  Optional mountain trek to the famous Mt. Susung Dalaga.

Booking Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6344) 6627635

Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

Adventure Philippines: Whitewater Action 2

Posted by Carambs

Here are additional whitewater tour packages from the Adventure Philippines brochure:

White Water Rafting (Davao River)

Experience 13km of wild water fun at the Davao River. Be ready to get wet and enjoy the exhilarating water adventure using a paddle and rubber boat.

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers from the hotel to the site, packed lunch and bottled water, user of gears and equipment, services of a guide, souvenir t-shirt, photo CD (2 CD per group of 6 pax)

Tour Operator: Mt. Apo Travel and Tours

Corner Monteverde and Guererro Streets, Davao City

Tel Nos.: (6382) 2218177 / (6382) 2211729 / (6382) 2271657 / (6382) 3008891

Fax No: (6382) 2218220

Email: mtapotravel@skynet.net / mtapotravel@yahoo.com / wandateo@yahoo.com

Libacao Wild River Adventure (Libacao, Aklan)

Upstream of the Aklan River is considered the longest “wild river” in the Philippines. It is known for its clean and clear waters great for bamboo rafting, kayaking and other water sports. Wild river rafting is encouraged for adventurous tourists while bamboo rafting is best for those who watn to enjoy a leisurely pace. The trip ranges from one to six hours of rafting downstream depending on one’s preference.

Inclusions: tour guide, free overnight stay at Municipal Tourism Cottage

Booking Information: Office of the Municipal Mayor, Libacao, Aklan

Tel No.: (6336) 2732200

Fax No: (6336) 2732099

Email: info@libacao.gov.ph

Website: www.libacao.gov.ph

Rafting Package

1. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)
2. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rappelling (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)
3. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rappelling with Camp out (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)

Inclusions: roundtrip airfare via Air Philippines, roundtrip airport-hotel-airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation in bay area with breakfasts,, roundtrip Tuguegarao-hotel transfers, 2 nights accommodation at Casa, daily breakfasts, lunch and dinner, kayaks / raft / lifevest equipment and guide

1. Sierra Madre Whitewater Kayaking

Inclusions: roundtrip airport-hotel transfers, 3 night accommodation in bay area with breakfasts, round trip hotel-Sierra Madre transfers, caving at Sanglao, complete kayak equipment and kayaking lesson, snacks, highly trained kayaking trip guide

Tour Operator: Cosmopolitan Travel and Tours

G/F DPPI Bldg., Congressional Avenue Extension, Quezon City

Tel No.: (632)

Adventure Philippines: Whitewater Action 1

Posted by Carambs

Here are the Whitewater tour packages from the Adventure Philippines brochure:

Kalinga White Water Rafting (Tabuk, Kalinga)

The Chico River challenge features a “heart-in-the-throat” excitement of Class 3 to Class 5 rapids for the ultimate adventure and offers a white rafting experience with side trips of village trekking, mountain climbing and overnight river camping. It also offers a diversity of sceneries from the lush green foliage, manmade rice terraces to hanging gardens, waterfalls and Kalinga villages. The one (1) to three (3) days trip of pure fun is an adventure and education rolled into one that inevitably links mountain culture and nature.

Tour Operator: Chico River Quest, Inc.

Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga

Mobile: (63) 9178043468 / (63) 9202052680

Email: chicoriver@yahoo.com

Whitewater Rafting Wester Style (Cagayan de Oro City)

Min 4pax. Go wild over water at the raging Cagayan de Oro River! See the spectacular beauty of nature along the only whitewater destination in the Philippines located within city limits. 14 rapids await you ranging from Class 2 to 4. Be ready to get wet! Duration of tour: 4 hours (basic) - Mambuaya, 7 hours (advanced) - Uquiaban

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers, use of rafts and other safety equipment, services of a river guide

Tour Operators:

• Grandscape Travel and Tours
• Xavier Square, Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8591236
• Fax No: (6338) 8566173
• Email: grandscape_2004@yahoo.com

• House of Travel
• Anflo Motors Bldg., CM Rector Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel Nos.: (6388) 8564153 / (638822) 724 195
• Fax No.: (633822) 8566173
• Email: hticgy@skynet.net

• Tourmakers Philippines Inc
• Mezzanine, MG Insurance Bldg., 57 Abejuela St., Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8581448
• Fax No: (633822) 710 185
• Email: tourmakers@yahoo.com

• Northmin Tours and Travel
• 9th-16th Streets, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 721 329 / 721 421
• Email: northmin_tours@yahoo.com

• Sunbee Travel and Tours
• G/F RJJS Bldg., Yacapin-Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8562360
• Fax No: (633822) 727 475
• Email: sunbee_tours@yahoo.com

• Adventure One Travel and Destinations
• Tiano-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 714 166 / (6338) 2316065
• Email: adventure_travel_destination@yahoo.com

• Filipino Travel Center
• 1555 M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila
• Tel No.: (632) 5284507
• Fax No: (632) 5284503
• Email: info@filipinotravel.com.ph

Whitewater Rafting Pinoy Style

Min 10pax. Go whitewater rafting using inflated rubber tubes! Let our expert river guides show you a wild time on the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. Duration of tour: 4 hours.

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers, use of tubes and other safety equipment, services of a tour guide

Tour Operators:

• Grandscape Travel and Tours
• Xavier Square, Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8591236
• Fax No: (6338) 8566173
• Email: grandscape_2004@yahoo.com

• House of Travel
• Anflo Motors Bldg., CM Rector Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel Nos.: (6388) 8564153 / (638822) 724 195
• Fax No.: (633822) 8566173
• Email: hticgy@skynet.net

• Tourmakers Philippines Inc
• Mezzanine, MG Insurance Bldg., 57 Abejuela St., Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8581448
• Fax No: (633822) 710 185
• Email: tourmakers@yahoo.com

• Northmin Tours and Travel
• 9th-16th Streets, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 721 329 / 721 421
• Email: northmin_tours@yahoo.com

• Sunbee Travel and Tours
• G/F RJJS Bldg., Yacapin-Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8562360
• Fax No: (633822) 727 475
• Email: sunbee_tours@yahoo.com

• Adventure One Travel and Destinations
• Tiano-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 714 166 / (6338) 2316065
• Email: adventure_travel_destination@yahoo.com

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 3

Posted by Carambs

Here are the other packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:

Climb to the “Sacred” Volcano of Sugarlandia

Bacolod City. Mt. Kanlaon, towering at 8,000 ft above sea level, is considered as the sacred volcano of Sugarlandia (Negros Occidental), an abode of the gods worshipped by ancient inhabitants.  It is one of the country’s favorite destinations for mountaineering, trekking, camping, research and bird watching.  A typical trek takes about 3 or 4 days,, giving adventure tourists enough time to see Buslogan and Oro waterfall, the Samok lagoon and the Margaha valley.  You may choose the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia of the Guintubdan summit trail as your jump-off points in climbing Mt. Kanlaon.

Inclusions: guide, facilitation of equipment rental

Booking information: Park Area Superintendent

MKNP Liaison Station, DENR-PENRO Compound, South Capitol Road, Bacolod City

Tel No.: (6334) 4333813

Email: eloibibar@yahoo.com

Zambo Ecozone Highlands Adventure

Upper La Paz, Zamboanga City.  Nestled in the midst of a forest paradise of lush green foliage, vibrant flora and exotic fauna, the Zambo Ecozone Agro/Edo-tourism Park is an integrated Eco-tourism and Agro-tourism area in the zone’s Second Development Site.  The park caters to camping and eco-trekking activities.

Booking information: Team Kaguang

Zambo Ecozone Authority and Freeport

Tel No.: (6362) 9920409 loc. 121

Email: team_kaguang@yahoogroups.com

Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape Trail (min 20pax)

Zamboanga del Sur. Rugged river trails, lush forests, exciting rock climbs, majestic sceneries, exotic flora and the songs of wild birds in the background, climbing Mt. Timolan gives a new meaning to the expression “getting there is half the fun”.  Upon reaching the top of the mountain, experience the sight of clouds slowly descending upon the lake.  Activities: bamboo rafting, bamboo pole diving, lake boating and fishing, river trekking

Inclusions: Climb guide fee, swimming fee, climb ID/lamination, certificate, land transportation, meals, DENR permit fee, tour guide fee

Tour Operator: Caberte Travel and Tours

JF Sibugal-Caberte Bldg., Rizal Avenue, Balangasan District, Pagadian City

Tel Nos.: (6362) 2143181 / (6332) 2152412

Fax No.: (6362) 2143182

Email: fscaberte@yahoo.com

Website: www.fscaberte.com

Bulacan Verdivia Falls Tour (Overnight)

Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad is one of the natural wonders of Bulacan due to its cascading waterfalls and wide catch basin.  The village is known for its sweetest pineapple in Luzon.  Includes the following activities: trekking, swimming, nature observation, and community immersion

Booking information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6344) 6627635

Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

More tour packages here:

• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 1
• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 2

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 2

Posted by Carambs

Here are the other packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:

Mt. Pinatubo Trek (Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac)

An opportunity to relish the peace and quiet of the 2.5km, jewel-blue crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales via Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. Drive on board a 4×4 all-weather jeep along O’Donnell streambed; hike up to the crater for an hour and back.

Inclusions: 4x ride, briefing/conservation fee, mountain guide fee, barangay fee. For overnight tour, includes home stay accomodation

Contact Persons:

Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647

Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle

Mt. Pinatubo Trek, via Porac, Pampanga (overnight)

A 7-hr trekking safari to the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo via the Pasig-Potrero River in Brgy. Mancatian while traversing fast streambeds, grand waterfalls and fantastic lahar (volcanic ashfall) landscapes. An optional climb up to the crater takes two hours. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle up to Apu Malyari Gate, trek for about 7 hours to a waterfall, with optional uphill climb to Mt. Pinatubo. Alternatively, one can take the Sapang Uwak route to reach the crater on board an all-weather vehicle. Proceed to Balibago, Angeles City for an overnight stay and city tour. Shop at Nepo Mart before heading back home.

Inclusions: 4×4 ride, briefing / conservation fee, mountain guide fee, barangay fee. For overnight tour, includes home stay accomodation

Contact Persons:

Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647

Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle

Mt. Pinatubo Trek and Wellness Spa, via Capas, Tarlac (overnight)

An opportunity to relish the beauty and tranquility of the 2.5km jewel blue crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for an hour and trek for two hours starting at Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac to Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales. Tour options include community immersion with native Aetas or visit to the Mt. Pinatubo Wellness Spa in Brgy. Sta. Juliana

Inclusions: 4×4 ride, trek to the crater or dip in hot sulphur spring pools in Tarukan, foot spa, thermal bath and lunch, hot sand bath, Shiatsu massage

Contact Persons:

Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647

Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle

Angelito Mallari, Capas Tourism Office

Tel No.: (6345) 9250154 / (6345) 9250112 local 109 or 124

Telefax: (6345) 9250408

Email: wowpinatubo@yahoo.com.ph / jollypie_2006@yahoo.com

Trek Aurora

Aurora is a prime spot for mountain climbing and nature trekking activities, with its large forest reserve areas, its vast lowlands and foothills, and the presence of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The variety of terrain coupled with the abundance of clear streams, waterfalls and vegetation can make for a unique and challenging trekking experience.

Options: (1) Mount Pamaza-pazan peak - 2 day ascend, 1 day descend, Level 3 Climb at Bayanihan, Maria, Aurora, (2) Dibutunan Falls - 2 day ascend, 1 day descend, river trails, and (3) Mt. Udok - maximum of 10 pax per guide

Contact Information: Aurora Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6342) 2094373

Mobile: (63) 9213207015

Email: tourism_aurora@yahoo.com

Wind and Wave

Capurpuraoan is a rugged coastal area in Burgos Ilocos Norte, about 4 kilometers from the national highway. Capture the sight of stunning nature-sculpted white rock, standing majestically, facing the sea like a vanguard of the land. Strongs winds and waves shaped the rock monolith, resulting in an unequated “work of art”. Experience climbing the powdery and relatively soft rock.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines. The octagonal stone tower is 65 feet high. Established on March 31, 1892, it still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panel. Access to the lighthouse is through a two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the Maharlika Highway. Visitors are allowed to climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a majestic view of the South China Sea.

Kaangrian Waterfalls is located in Brgy. Paayas, a 5km drive from the Naitonal Highway to the head of the trail. From there, it is a 4km hike to the falls. The falls are everywhere, creating a semicircle of water cascading down multiple layers of rock. Limestone deposits have created hundreds of small sparkling pools around the base of the falls.

Inclusions: Air conditioned transportation, tour guide, entrance fees and permits

Minimum of 3 persons

Tour Operator: Gordion Travel and Tours

Alejandro Bldg., Tupaz Avenue, Laoag city, Ilocos Norte (beside Laoag City Hall)

Tel Nos.: (6377) 7714801 / (6377) 7731734 /

Mobile: (32) 9175680840 / (63) 9193110755

More trekking/hiking tour packages here:

• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 1 
• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 3

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 1

Posted by Carambs

Here are the packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:

Mt. Pulag Trekking Expedition (5D/4N)

Conquer Mt. Pulag and enjoy the scenic view of Benguet. Activities include: camping at Babalak Station and trekking Mt. Pulag plateau at 3000 meters. Temperature can go as low as 0 degree Celsius due to high winds at topside. Thermal jackets or windbreakers needed for chill protection.

Inclusions: Two nights hotel accommodation and 2 nights tent accomodation, full board, mountain guide and porter for common camping equipment

Tour Operator: Action Holidays Tour Corporation

555 E. T. Yuchengco (Nueva) St., Binondo, Manila

Tel Nos: (632) 2422001 to 04 / (632) 2430305 / (632) 2433067

Mobile: (63) 9209264911 / (63) 9177924911 / (63) 9228924911

Fax: (632) 2429736

Email: paullimso@yahoo.com / paulso@info.com.ph / actionht@info.com.ph

Nature Trekking

Busay, Cebu City. Take a walk and breathe in fresh air. Relax your senses with the soothing view of trees and mountain, while listening to the sound of nature. It is a worthwhile way to recharge yourself from work-related stress and city living.

Inclusions: Interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide

Tour Operator: Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu city

Tel Nos.: (6332) 2328886 to 89

Fax No.: (6332) 2328890

River Trekking

Barili, Cebu. Experience refreshing trails, trekking, tracing the source of a waterfall and swimming in cool and invigorating water.

Inclusions: Interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide

Tour Operator: Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu city

Tel Nos.: (6332) 2328886 to 89

Fax No.: (6332) 2328890

Mt. Apo Trekking

Conquer Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines at 9,691 feet above sea level, the mightiest upward surge of a long mountain range extending from Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City to Agusan and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao.

Inclusions: Roundtrip airconditioned transfers (Davao hotel - Kapatagan - Davao Hotel), tent, sleeping bag, meals, permit fee, porter, and professional guide

Tour Operator: Mt. Apo Travel and Tours

Corner Monteverde and Guerrero Sts., Davao city

Tel Nos.: (6382) 2218177 / (6382) 2211729 / (6382) 2271657 / (6382) 3008891

Fax No.: (6382) 2218220

Email: mtapotravel@skynet.net / mtapotravel@yahoo.com / wandateo@yahoo.com

Trails and Plains Challenge (5D/4N)

Crater and a Lake Trip (Tagaytay) - Drive upward to Tagaytay. Take a boat to the jumpoff point to start the ascending trail going to the tip of the crater. Experience a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and the lake within the volcano which is known as one of the smallest in the world.

Manila/River Trail (Angeles) - Trek the mystical and awesome remains of the ravaged Mt. Pinatubo. then board a 4×4 jeep and feel the excitement of crossing the rivers. Enjoy the rolling tour of Clark in the afternoon. Option: Take the extensive tour to the crater. The ashes and the sand deposited by the 1991 eruption created a fabulous landscape, and the criss-crossed ravines molded impressive terrains.

Angeles/100 Islands Hopping Tour (Angeles/Alaminos, Pangasinan) - Go island hopping and enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the islands.

Tour Operator: Annset Holidays, Inc.

Unit 502, Dona Felisa Syjuco Bldg., Remedios St. cor. Taft Avenue., Malate, Manila

Tel Nos.: (632) 4006521 to 24 / (632) 4006527 or 28

Fax No.: (632) 4006526

Email: tours.travel@annsetholidays.com.ph / fina_annset@yahoo.com

Website: www.annsetholidays.com.ph

Ifugao “Banaue Rice Terraces” Heritage Tour (4D/3N)

Manila/Banaue Journey - From Manila, pass through countryside settings such as rice fields surrounding small towns and villages. Stop at Dalton Pass, a historical landmark, on to Bagabag where picturesque mountains and rivers start to ascend.

Rice Terraces and Village Tour - Tour Banga-an Village on board a local jeepney and experience life in a traditional village nestled in a panoramic valley of terraces. The 20-minute walk in a descending trail permits a closer look into the inner lives of the Ifugaos. Mingle and discover their daily lifestyle. Move onto the vantage point to view the Rice Terraces as clouds pass under or over you, an unimaginable experience.

Sagada/Bontoc Discovery Tour - Visit the town of Sagada and see the ancient burial caves and mummified coffins. Proceed to Bontoc where you can find varied collection of authentic artifacts and photos from the tribes housed in a museum founded by a Belgian sister. Before retiring, watch a cultural show by the tribes as they interpret their customs and traditions, through songs and dances.

Tour Operator: Annset Holidays, Inc.

Unit 502, Dona Felisa Syjuco Bldg., Remedios St. cor. Taft Avenue., Malate, Manila

Tel Nos.: (632) 4006521 to 24 / (632) 4006527 or 28

Fax No.: (632) 4006526

Email: tours.travel@annsetholidays.com.ph / fina_annset@yahoo.com

Website: www.annsetholidays.com.ph

More trekking/hiking tour packages here:

• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 2
• Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 3 

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

Recreational Outdoor Exchange: Adventure Philippines!

Posted by Carambs

I visited Recreational Outdoor Exchange at Bonifacio High Street yesterday and got my fix of Life is Good, buying a pair of pink river shorts. With my purchase, I got a copy of DisPatch, and a copy of Adventure Philippines. It just makes perfect sense that ROX is promoting adventure activities within the Philippines.

DisPatch seems like the official publication of ROX. But instead of just being a brochure and featuring its products, there are articles about personalities, destinations, and other adventure topics. It’s a very interesting paper, but I have 2 complaints. First, the size. It’s too big. Second, some of the pictorials are too “fake”. The models are made up, the clothes are too clean - I just think this contradicts the essence of “adventure” which is the raw soaking up of the outdoors, if that even makes sense. Still, DisPatch is a good supplement for the ROX customer.

Adventure Philippines has a brochure, a result of a collaboration among the Department of Tourism, Recreational Outdoor Exchange, and Wow Philippines. It is “Your Guide to Outdoor Escapes in the Philippines”. It starts with

The Philippines is a perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. Here’s why!

Variety - There are dozens of extreme escapes waiting for you. We have adventures that will push you to the limit, and also more relaxed pursuits that you’re sure to enjoy. From aquatic sports to hiking and spelunking, the Philippines can satisfy any kind of craving for adventure.

Affordability - Everything in the Philippines is within your budget, from accommodations, transportation and food, especially when you’re out in the provinces. You’ll be amazed at how far your money can go!

Modern infrastructure - All adventure destinations in the Philippines are easily accessible by land, sea, or air. Plus an excellent cellular phone network and convenient pre-paid mobile phone services help keep you in touch.

No language barrier - Almost everywhere you go, English is spoken and understood. Leave those phrase books at home!

Click here for ROX Philippines’ official site.

I will try my best to post all of the tour packages included in Adventure Philippines.