How can I get in touch with my group leader?
Your group leader will email you around 1 - 2 weeks before the tour starts with a welcome message and more trip info.
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Your group leader will email you around 1 - 2 weeks before the tour starts with a welcome message and more trip info.
You can fly out of Caticlan airport, also known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. This airport is located in Boracay. Please arrange your flight to depart at any time on this date, but please be aware that check-out time at the hotel will be at 11 a.m.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
You can fly from Busuanga Airport, also known as Fransisco B. Reyes Airport. This airport is located in Coron. Please arrange your flight to depart at any time on this date, but please be aware that check-out time at the hotel will be at 11 a.m.
When you arrive at the airport, you can pick up your SIM card here. Choose either Globe or Smart. This will allow you to access the free airport Wi-Fi using your new Filipino phone number. We always recommend getting a SIM card, it is better to have one at the start rather than choosing to get one later in the tour which may not be possible in remote areas.
PLEASE NOTE: Some people are able to connect to the Wi-Fi without switching SIM cards and some are not. There are times when Wi-Fi will not be available to you on tour so if you want to be able to access the internet, social media, etc., you will also need to put credit on your phone.
Please note that we have a 20kg limit on checked luggage on our domestic flight from Manila to Palawan, if you need to add extra at the airport you can do so but it can be very costly. We would recommend bringing a suitcase or backpack that weighs under 20kg.
You have a few options, our general advise would be the Yellow Airport Taxis.
Yellow Airport Taxis: These are the official metered taxis that you’ll find in designated taxi ranks at the airport. They are usually more expensive than regular city taxis but are considered safe and reliable.
Coupon Taxis: These are flat-rate taxis also available at the airport. You’ll need to purchase a coupon or voucher for your destination beforehand. These taxis are generally more expensive but are convenient if you want to avoid the hassle of a meter.
Grab (App): One of the most popular ride-sharing options in Manila is Grab. You can book a GrabCar directly from the airport, and the fare is generally reasonable. The app provides an estimated fare, which can give you an idea of the cost before you commit to the ride.
White Taxis: These are regular city taxis that might be waiting around the airport. While cheaper than yellow taxis, they are not officially sanctioned by the airport and are considered less reliable.
Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.
We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.
It depends on which project you have chosen. Some projects require formal dressing. Therefore, packing a few formal clothes won’t harm
We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.
During your time, you will be accommodated at our accommodation. All our accommodations are dormitory style, shared and gender based rooms. We also provide private rooms (Dormitory style) subject to availability which you can request for at an extra cost. Whichever room you will choose, we provide clean, tidy, secured and basic facilities.
This can be possible depending on the availability of accommodation and the project that you have chosen. We will try our best to accommodate your request.
We're all about serving up tasty veggie and non-veggie dishes, made with simple, fresh, and local ingredients. We've got your allergies covered, so no worries there. We've got you sorted with three yummy meals on weekdays, and two awesome meals on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.
We accept participants aged from 16 and above. Participants under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian. There is no upper age limit however, we recommend participants to check with the program options that are available.
You sure do. After you finish for the day during weekdays, it is your free time to do whatever you like.However, we request you to follow the rules, that are explained to you, at all times. Saturdays and Sundays is your free days.
Our Culture week program covers most of the topics including culture shock and how to adapt to Culture and Traditions. One should come with an open mind. We suggest you to go through the program guide.
Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.
Most countries will get a free 30 day tourist visa in the Philippines upon arrival. Please check with your local consulate or embassy for the most up to date information regarding your country of origin.
June to December generally sees heavier rainfall, but has mostly sunny days. January to May is hot and dry and is the peak season for Philippines tourism. Please note we don’t run tours in July or August due to the rainy season.
Yes, we include 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners.
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
We stay at the award winning Z Hostel in Makati.
The main opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines is located in Cebu which is a different island to Palawan where we visit on tour. While we don’t support or include whale shark swimming on tour, there are ethical opportunities within the Philippines & should you travel further around the country once the tour has finished your guide can help advise you on the best places to do so.
There is a little walking involved in the Philippines but not much. Sandals and some trainers/running shoes would be fine.
Unfortunately we only offer airport pick ups on day 1 of the tour, but we include very easy and straightforward instructions in your welcome pack to help you on getting from the airport to the first hostel.
Sleeping in a tent on the beach will be one of the most unique and incredible things you will get to experience. It is a private beach with a purpose-built shelter to protect you from the weather. Each tent comes with a mattress, pillow & sheet and can fit 2 people. There is nothing like waking up on a deserted island, watching the sunrise and going for a morning swim.
You can arrive at any time on day 1, but if you arrive after 3pm your tour guide won’t be able to personally collect you. Instead they will arrange your car and meet you at the hostel for your first night.
We recommend a minimum of 250 GBP for the full fourteen days, but it depends on what kind of spender you are. We include a spending guide in your welcome pack. You can withdraw from ATMs at various points throughout the tour, but we recommend withdrawing plenty of cash in Manila since you cannot rely on the ATMs in Palawan.
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.