Mindanao : The Last Stronghold of Philippine Birdlife

An isolated haven for the most dedicated birders

The southernmost major island of the Philippines, Mindanao is home to some of the rarest and most iconic birds of the archipelago. From the slopes of Mount Kitanglad to the wetlands of Agusan, each site offers unique sightings in remote, untouched habitats.

The ultimate prize: the legendary Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s most powerful raptors. Also sought-after: the Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Mindanao Lorikeet, White-browed Jungle-Flycatcher, and Steere’s Pitta. Led by expert local guides and based near key birding zones, this tour promises unforgettable encounters in the wildest parts of the country.

A challenging and rewarding expedition for serious birders.






Day 1 – Arrival in Cagayan de Oro – Transfer to Malaybalay

(dinner)

Meet at Cagayan de Oro airport and transfer (2.5 hrs) to Malaybalay, at the base of Mt Kitanglad. Possible late-day birding around the lodge.

Day 2 – Mt Kitanglad: hike to the forest camp

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Early departure to Sitio Intavas. Motorcycle ride followed by a 1.5-hour forest walk to the camp. First observations include the Mindanao Racket-tail, Mindanao Boobook, and, with luck, the soaring Philippine Eagle.

Day 3 – Mt Kitanglad: highland forest birding

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Full day of birding at elevation. We search for species such as the garden Sunbird, Mindanao jungle Flycatcher, and the elusive Bukidnon Woodcock. The highlight remains the Philippine Eagle.

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Day 4 – Descent from Kitanglad – Transfer to Agusan Marsh

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Morning descent and final sightings. Transfer (6–7 hrs) to Bunawan on the edge of Agusan Marsh. Possible birding at local wetlands.

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Day 5 – Agusan Marsh: canoe exploration

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Pre-dawn departure by motorized canoe into the flooded forest. We look for Philippine Duck, Philippine Swamphen, Plain Bush-hen, Spotted Whistling-Duck, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana.

Day 6 – Transfer to Bislig (PICOP Forest)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Drive to Bislig (6–7 hrs). Arrival in the afternoon. Optional mangrove birding near town.

Jour 7 – PICOP : secondary forest (Road 1)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Full day in the legendary PICOP forest. Target species include Bartlett's Dove, Mindanao Hornbill, and Hombron's Kingfisher.

Day 8 – PICOP: Road 4 & secondary forest

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Birding in more open forest areas. We search for Celestial Monarch, Azure-breasted Pitta, Steere's Broadbill, and Striped Flowerpecker.

Day 9 – PICOP: Road 42 & final sectors

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Flexible day depending on missing targets. Possibilities include Brown-banded Rail, Black Shama, and Mindanao Scops-Owl.

Day 10 – Drive to Kidapawan (Mt Apo foothills)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Long transfer (7–8 hrs) to Kidapawan, at the base of Mt Apo. Arrival and check-in at a resort with mountain views.

Day 11 – Mt Apo: Sibulan forest

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Access by 4x4 or motorcycle to the trailhead. Birding in mid-elevation mossy forest for Gurney's Scops-Owl, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Black-masked White-eye, and Mindanao White-eye.

Day 12 – Mt Apo: Bongolanon sector

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

A full day exploring a more humid forest side. Possibility of Writhed Hornbill, Brown-eared Pigeon, and Rufous Paradise-Flycatcher.

Day 13 – Transfer to Davao

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Drive to Davao City (4 hrs). Final birding stops en route depending on target species. Free time in the city.

Day 14 – Departure from Davao

(breakfast)

Airport transfer according to your flight schedule. End of tour.

Extension available.


See dates and prices for this trip


Mount Kitanglad (Bukidnon)

Rising from Bukidnon’s highlands, Mount Kitanglad offers a mosaic of pine stands, grasslands, and montane forest. This is the realm of the national bird, reigning silently over its ancestral domain.

Target species: Philippine Eagle, Mindanao Racket-tail, Apo Myna


Agusan Marsh (Agusan del Sur)

In the heart of the Agusan valley, this mosaic of lakes, swamps, and flooded forests forms one of the country’s most important wetlands. Reached by canoe, it offers a serene aquatic world teeming with birdlife.

Target species: Striated Heron, Yellow Bittern, Ruddy Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle


Bislig – PICOP Forest (Surigao del Sur)

On the eastern foothills of Mindanao, the former logging roads of PICOP now cut through a forest teeming with life. Despite its industrial past, the forest remains vibrant, generous, and remarkably accessible.

Target species: Steere’s Broadbill, Mindanao Scops Owl, Philippine Hanging Parrot


Mount Apo (Davao del Sur / Cotabato)

The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo emerges from the mist, its flanks blanketed with mossy forests, giant ferns, and panoramic clearings. A last refuge for rare mountain species.

Target species: Black-chinned Whistler, Philippine Hanging Parrot, Luzon Jungle-Flycatcher


see the dates and prices for this trip


Dates & prices

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.)


Quand y aller?

La meilleure période pour un séjour ornithologique à Mindanao s’étend de mi-janvier à fin avril, avec un optimum entre février et mars.  En effet la saison sèche s’étend de novembre à mai, mais de Janvier à mars la météo est plus stable. Le mois de mai est le mois le plus chaud de l’année. Du mois de juin au mois de novembre, c'est la saison des pluies et la période des ouragans.

De plus beaucoup d'espèces endémiques sont plus vocales entre février et avril lors de la période de reproduction.

De par sa position géographique plus au sud, Mindanao a une saison des pluies un peu plus longue,  Nous recommandons donc les mois de février à avril.

Moderate. 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: Rustic forest camp, tented camp (organized bivouac) in Kitanglad, community lodge or simple guesthouse in Agusan Marsh, simple hotel in Bislig. Good quality hotels in Davao and Apo.

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.