Philippines: Urban Birding & Forest Reserves — 5 Days

Arrival in Manila with transfer to a standard city hotel and tour briefing. The afternoon and evening introduce birding opportunities within the metropolitan area. The University of the Philippines Diliman campus, Ateneo de Manila University along Katipunan Avenue, and reclamation sites in Paranaque City function as established birding locations in an urban setting. Dinner is included; accommodation is at the city hotel.

Early departure south for Mt. Makiling in Laguna Province, approximately 65 kilometers from Manila. The mountain is an extinct volcano covered in rainforest habitat, home to 2,000 flowering plant species, 45 mammal species, and 181 bird species. Many species are endemic to Luzon. The natural terrain includes mud springs, waterfalls, and dense forest canopy, contributing to habitat diversity. The Luzon-endemic Ashy Ground-Thrush is among the target species here. Afternoon birding occurs at the Botanical Garden of the University of the Philippines campus in Laguna. Lunch is at a local restaurant. The group then continues to Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon, arriving in late afternoon for birding and overnight accommodation at the plantation resort.

Early morning birding at Villa Escudero sets the day's pace, followed by breakfast at the resort. The estate, located in Tiaong, Quezon approximately two hours south of Manila, is a converted plantation owned and managed by the Escudero family. The site functions as habitat for indigenous bird species. Fruit-bearing trees, flowering plants, running rivers, and lakes provide observation conditions for birdwatching. The Indigo-banded Kingfisher remains a primary photographic target. The site also preserves the remains of the Philippines' first hydroelectric power plant, which began operation in 1921. After lunch at the resort, the group drives south to Mt. Palay-Palay / Mataas na Gulod National Park in Cavite. This protected area represents the province's largest conservation zone, distinguished by high biodiversity and wildlife endemism. The forest has served as a critical water source for generations and harbors species with restricted geographic range. The park's resident Rufous Hornbill (Buceros Hydrocorax), locally known as Kalaw, is classified as near-threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. At least 123 wildlife species inhabit the park, with 31 percent designated as endangered or threatened. Notable species include the Luzon Bleeding-Heart, Philippine Falcolet, and Blue-naped Parrot. Upon afternoon arrival at Mt. Palay-Palay, check in at the resort accommodation and join other guests for dinner.

Early morning birding at Caylabne Bay Resort, located at the fringe of Mt. Palay-Palay National Park. The resort grounds support over 70 bird species, with the endemic Philippine Duck among the residents. The site is bordered by forest, mangrove stands, and shoreline habitat. Additional fauna includes wild jungle fowl, lizards, monkeys, and numerous avian species. After lunch, the return drive to Manila includes a stop at a reclamation area birding site in Paranaque and Las Pinas, just off the Coastal Road. This seven-hectare area is designated a critical habitat and ecotourism zone. Evening accommodation is at a hotel in Manila with dinner at a local restaurant.

The day remains largely at leisure until transfer to the airport for the departure flight.