PHILIPPINES 2026 -
Off the beaten track birding tour!
Welcome to our Philippine Endemics Birding Expedition where we explore the unparalleled avian diversity of the Philippines on our exclusive 20-day birding tour, designed for passionate birdwatchers seeking rare endemics and breathtaking natural encounters. As one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, the Philippines hosts over 700 bird species, with more than 250 unique to its islands—many of which are vulnerable or critically endangered. Starting in Manila on 9th March, this adventure whisks you across Luzon, Bohol, Negros and Mindoro, targeting must-see species like stunning Indigo-backed Kingfishers, elusive Whiskered Pitta, Critically Endangered Isabela Oriole, and vibrant Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker. From the urban-adjacent La Mesa Ecopark near Manila, where we'll pursue the Ashy Thrush and Spotted Wood Kingfisher, to the misty trails of Mt. Banahaw for Bicol Ground Warbler and Flame-breasted Fruit-Dove; the northern wonders of Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park for Cordillera Ground Warbler and Blue-breasted Blue Flycatcher; the lush forests of Bohol's Rajah Sikatuna National Park for Visayan Broadbill and Samar Hornbill; Negros' high-elevation specialists like Negros Striped Babbler at Mt. Talinis; and Mindoro's dense rainforests for Mindoro Bleeding-heart and Mindoro Hornbill—each day unfolds with expert-guided explorations of diverse habitats, including rainforests, wetlands, mountains, and coastal areas. Whether you're a seasoned birder or new to the thrill of spotting rarities, our tour offers comfortable accommodations, seamless domestic flights and transfers, and a focus on conservation-aware birding. Join us to immerse yourself in the Philippines' stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, culminating on March 28th in Manila. So why not book your spot for an unforgettable journey into the heart of this endemic bird paradise!
Monday 9th - Saturday 28th March 2026
KEY SPECIES
Here are just a few of the key species we will be targetting on this tour:
Philippine Honey Buzzard
Luzon Boobook
Chocolate Boobook
Mindoro Boobook
Everett's Scops Owl
Negros Scops Owl
Philippine Nightjar
Chirruping Nightjar
Philippine Frogmouth
Mindoro Racquet-tail
Philippine Cuckoo-Dove
Spotted Imperial-Pigeon
Pink-bellied Imperial-Pigeon
Cream-breasted Fruit-Dove
Yellow-breasted Fruit-Dove
Luzon Bleeding-heart
Mindoro Bleeding-heart
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Rough-crested Malkoha
Rufous Coucal
Black-faced Coucal
Black-hooded Coucal
Northern Silvery kingfisher
Indigo-backed Kingfisher
Luzon Hornbill
Samar Hornbill
Visayan Hornbill
Mindoro Hornbill
Philippine Trogon
Buff-spotted Flameback
Northern Sooty Woodpecker
White-lored Oriole
Isabella Oriole
Philippine Oriole
Short-tailed Drongo
Whiskered Pitta
Azure-breasted Pitta
Philippine Pitta
Visayan Broadbill
Visayan Cuckooshrike
White-winged Cuckooshrike
Black-bibbed Cicadabird
Visayan Shama
White-browed Shama
Visayan Bulbul
Mindoro Bulbul
Ashy Thrush
Rufous Paradise-Flycatcher
Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher
Blue-breasted Blue Flycatcher
Furtive Flycatcher
Visayan Blue Fantail
Visayan Fantail
Yellow-bellied Whistler
Luzon Striped Babbler
Negros Striped Babbler
Golden-crowned Babbler
Visayan Babbler
Trilling Tailorbird
Yellow-breasted Tailorbird
Visayan Tailorbird
Bicol Ground Warbler
Cordillera Ground Warbler
Sierra Madre Ground Warbler
Striated Wren-Babbler
Metallic-winged Sunbird
Magnificent Sunbird
Black-belted Flowerpecker
Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker
Leader: Mark Jason Villa and local guides.
Ground Price: £5125.00 - Manila/Manila
Airfare: £860 - £1200.00 (Approx)
Single supplement: £515.00
Deposit: £500.00
Group size: Minimum of 4 and maximum 7.
Included in cost: Acommodation in twin rooms, all en-suite, all meals including field breakfasts & picnic lunches, bottled water, ground transport throughout, domestic flights, entrance fees to national parks, and services of leaders.
Not included: International airfare, insurance, alcoholic drinks, tips, and items of a personal nature.
Accommodation: we will utilise a wide range of accommodation on our journey ranging from small guest houses to fine hotels.
Tour Code: This tour is primarily aimed at those birders already having some experience of Philippines birding, primarily to fill in the gaps from the regular Luzon, Palawan & Mindanao tours. But even if this is your first time to this wonderful birding area, you are going to get a ton of lifers! Most of the days offer normal/regular birding walks, although the hike for Whiskered Pitta takes over an hour to reach the site but we'll take it easy! Be prepared for warm weather with reasonably high humidity and the odd shower is possible.
All photos copyright Mark Jason Villa





