Luzon: Island of Legendary Birds

A mountain paradise for serious birders

With its misty forests and rugged highlands, Luzon is home to some of the Philippines’ rarest and most iconic endemic species. From the Cordillera ranges to Mount Polis, every site offers exceptional birding opportunities.

Target species include the dazzling Celestial Monarch, the elusive Whiskered Pitta, the Luzon Hornbill, and the secretive Luzon Striped-Babbler. Led by expert local guides and staying close to prime birding areas, you’ll explore rich habitats with precision and comfort.

A rewarding itinerary at the heart of the archipelago’s most species-rich island.



Day 1 – Arrival in Manila

(dinner)

Welcome at the airport by your guide, transfer and check-in at a charming hotel in the heart of Manila. Presentation of the birding program. Depending on arrival time, first birding possible in the hotel gardens.

Day 2 – Candaba Marsh → Subic

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Early departure to Candaba wetlands. Observation of waterbirds: Philippine Duck, herons, rails, and waders. In the afternoon, drive to Subic Bay. Check-in at a comfortable hotel.

Day 3 – Subic Bay Forests

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Birding day in the secondary and primary forests of Subic.

Target species: Green Racket-tail, Coleto, Luzon Hornbill, White-browed Shama.


Day 4 – Subic > Banaue

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Drive to the Cordillera mountains. Scenic road with possible birding stops. Check-in at a hotel overlooking the rice terraces.

Day 5 – Mount Polis (Day 1)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

First full day on the famous mountain road between Banaue and Bontoc. Target species: Montane Racquet-tail, Long-billed Rhabdornis, Island Thrush (Luzon).

Day 6 – Mount Polis (Day 2)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Return to the cloud forests of Mount Polis. Key targets: Philippine Bullfinch, Luzon Sunbird.

Day 7 – Mount Polis (Day 3)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Third day dedicated to searching rare species and exploring a variety of high-altitude habitats.

Day 8 – Banaue > Infanta

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Long drive to the Pacific coast and the Sierra Madre foothills. Overnight in a comfortable beachside accommodation.

Day 9 – Infanta Road (Day 1)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Early birding along the forest road. Key species: Luzon Bleeding-heart, Purple Needletail, Philippine Frogmouth, Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Luzon Hornbill.

Day 10 – Infanta Road (Day 2)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Second morning on the forested slopes. Opportunity to find missing targets or explore different microhabitats. Return to the beachside lodge for the night.

Day 11 – Infanta > Los Baños

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Drive to Los Baños at the foot of Mount Makiling. Check-in at a charming hotel with lake view. Late afternoon birding possible.

Day 12 – Mount Makiling Forest

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Exploration of UPLB trail and the botanical garden.

Target species: Whiskered Pitta, Philippine Trogon, Pink-throated Green-Pigeon

Day 13 – Mount Makiling Forest

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Morning birding in another part of the mountain. Last chances for target species or photo opportunities.

Day 14 – Departure

(breakfast)

Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

See dates and prices for this trip


Candaba Marsh (Pampanga)

Located north of Manila, along the road to Subic, this seasonal wetland spreads across rice fields and fishponds in the central plain. When flooded, it becomes a lively sanctuary for both migratory and endemic waterbirds.

Target species: Luzon Buttonquail, Chinese Pond Heron, Philippine Duck


Subic Bay Forest (Zambales)

Just a few hours west of Manila, the forests of Subic Bay roll over low hills covered in tropical trees. Once a military base, this green haven is now a surprisingly well-preserved refuge for many forest species. 

Target species: Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Coleto


Mount Polis – Banaue (Ifugao)

Overlooking the UNESCO-listed rice terraces, Mount Polis pass offers cool air, mossy forests, and a mountain atmosphere ideal for high-elevation specialties. 

Target species: Long-billed Rhabdornis, Philippine Shrike, Luzon Jungle-Flycatcher


Sierra Madre – Infanta (Quezon)

On the Pacific side of Luzon, the great Sierra Madre range rises like a green wall. Near Infanta, lush forests sweep down toward the coastal highway, offering privileged access to foothill birdlife. 

Target species: Philippine Eagle, Long-horned Owl, Green Racket-tail


Mount Makiling (Laguna)

Just two hours south of Manila, this dormant volcano is cloaked in lush forest crisscrossed by research and interpretive trails. It is a key site for discovering Luzon’s avian diversity. 

Target species: Green Racket-tail, Long-horned Owl, Luzon Jungle-Flycatcher, Philippine Hanging Parrot


see the dates and prices for this trip


Les dates de départs & prix du voyage

next departure ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Price ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Statut

On request  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Guaranteed from 2 participants ​ ​ ​Book ​ ​


​ ​

Our prices include :


  • The services of an English-speaking tour leader,
  • Accommodation on the basis of a double or twin room in the hotels mentioned or equivalent,
  • Full board meals,
  • Transfers and transport on site,
  • Les vols intérieurs 
  • Entrance fees,
  • La prestation des guides.



Our prices do not include :

  • International flights,
  • The single room option if desired and subject to availability. Price upon request, 
  • Non-meals drinks,
  • ​Alcoholic drinks,
  • Tips and other personal expenses.
  • In case of air transport, air surcharges in the event of excess baggage or increased fuel.
  • Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
  • Expenses related to force majeure (adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)


The best time for a birdwatching trip to Luzon is from January to March. The dry season runs from November to May, but the weather is more stable from January to March. May is the hottest month of the year. June to November is the rainy season and hurricane season.

Additionally, many endemic species are more vocal between February and April during the breeding season.

We therefore recommend the months of January to March.

Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.

We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.

Accommodation is in 3- and 4-star hotels 

Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.

Visa :

Nationals of most countries are issued a free 30-day visa upon arrival. Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date; return or onward ticket; for a stay of more than 30 days, prior visa or possible extension on site. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours prior to travel.

Health

none

​Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.

  1. Registration: your request is made through the  Booking form. We will prepare a quote for you with all the information related to your trip, which you will receive by email within 2 to 5 days of your request.
  2. Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.

The best time for a birdwatching trip to Luzon is from January to March. The dry season runs from November to May, but the weather is more stable from January to March. May is the hottest month of the year. June to November is the rainy season and hurricane season.

Additionally, many endemic species are more vocal between February and April during the breeding season.

We therefore recommend the months of January to March.

Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.

We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.

Accommodation is in 3- and 4-star hotels 

Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.

Visa :

Nationals of most countries are issued a free 30-day visa upon arrival. Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date; return or onward ticket; for a stay of more than 30 days, prior visa or possible extension on site. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours prior to travel.

Health

none

​Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.

  1. Registration: your request is made through the  Booking form. We will prepare a quote for you with all the information related to your trip, which you will receive by email within 2 to 5 days of your request.
  2. Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.