How can I prepare mentally?
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.
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.
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.
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.
It depends on which project you have chosen. Some projects require formal dressing. Therefore, packing a few formal clothes won’t harm
Are there any age restrictions for this tour? We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
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.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
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.
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 sure! Around 1–2 weeks before your trip, you’ll get a welcome email with a welcome message and more trip info.
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.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The staff at your camp can help you organise your onward travel or suggest things to do if you plan to stay in the area longer.
The trip starts and finishes in Palawan.
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