philippine discovery

Visiting: No Longer For Sale

Code: ITTSL

Tour for 15 days - Land Only

The Tour Price displayed here is for the tour only and does not include international flights. Our flight prices are very competitive, please ask for a quote when making your booking

Kitty: As this trip is an overland trip. it has a kitty on top of the tour price. As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.
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ITTSL Kitty Details

This trip is an overland trip run in an overland truck. In addition to paying for your trip, you're require to make a separate payment to your tour leader at the start of the trip, usually in USD. Kitties are flexible and change as prices are updated. Therefore you should check the latest kitty amount on this website before you depart.

A kitty is a group fund which covers all accommodation, meals while camping (not in hotels) and activities listed as included. It's a system unique to overlanding to provide the maximum flexibility and best value on the road (you get everything at cost price!). The kitty is your money, not ours, so any amount left over is divided among the group as a refund.

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Trip CodeStart DateEnd DateCurrencyKitty
Saturday 22 Jun 2013Saturday 29 Jun 2013
Saturday 06 Jul 2013Saturday 13 Jul 2013
Saturday 17 Aug 2013Saturday 24 Aug 2013
Saturday 31 Aug 2013Saturday 07 Sep 2013
Saturday 14 Sep 2013Saturday 21 Sep 2013
Saturday 28 Sep 2013Saturday 05 Oct 2013
Saturday 12 Oct 2013Saturday 19 Oct 2013
Saturday 26 Oct 2013Saturday 02 Nov 2013
Saturday 09 Nov 2013Saturday 16 Nov 2013
Saturday 23 Nov 2013Saturday 30 Nov 2013
Saturday 07 Dec 2013Saturday 14 Dec 2013
Saturday 14 Dec 2013Saturday 21 Dec 2013
Saturday 21 Dec 2013Saturday 28 Dec 2013
Saturday 04 Jan 2014Saturday 11 Jan 2014
Saturday 18 Jan 2014Saturday 25 Jan 2014
Saturday 01 Feb 2014Saturday 08 Feb 2014
Saturday 15 Feb 2014Saturday 22 Feb 2014
Saturday 01 Mar 2014Saturday 08 Mar 2014
Saturday 15 Mar 2014Saturday 22 Mar 2014
Saturday 29 Mar 2014Saturday 05 Apr 2014
Saturday 12 Apr 2014Saturday 19 Apr 2014
Saturday 26 Apr 2014Saturday 03 May 2014
Saturday 10 May 2014Saturday 17 May 2014
Saturday 24 May 2014Saturday 31 May 2014
Saturday 07 Jun 2014Saturday 14 Jun 2014
Saturday 21 Jun 2014Saturday 28 Jun 2014


Generated: 15/04/2013

philippine discovery (ITTSL)

Manila to Manila 15 days.

  • Trip Type: Traveller Plus
  • Route: Manila to Manila
  • Length: 15 days
  • Transport: Bus, taxi
  • Accommodation: Hotel (5 nts), guesthouse (8 nts), camping (1 nt). 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Trip Type: Traveller Plus

For those of you who dream of experiencing a location in depth and comfort but are mindful of budget. These tours use comfortable tourist class hotels allowing you to relax and take in all you’ve seen as well as private transport, giving you the freedom to stop for that perfect picture although on occasions local transport is the best and most colourful way to go! Perfect for those of you who like to pay for most costs before departure, we have included most items that most people want to do (such as entrance fees, highlight activities and a few meals) but there is also the flexibility to do your own thing. Usual max group size is between 12 and 15 Comfortable tourist class hotels, family homestays, private and local transport. More inclusions than Traveller Basic tours, fully trained and experienced leaders

Countries Visited

Philippines

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Manila

Dive into this Philippines adventure in the country's capital city, Manila. With contradictions and surprises around every corner, Manila is packed full of things to do, see, taste and experience.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

An intriguing, bustling and overwhelmingly chaotic city, Manila is the worthy capital of the Philippines. With contradictions and surprises around every corner, Manila is packed full of things to see, do, taste and experience.

If you arrive early, why not spend time exploring what the sprawling city has to offer. A unique mixture of the modern and historic, Manila boasts attractions ranging from the walled city of Intramuros, built by the Spaniards in the 16th Century, to the Mall of Asia, a shopping centre spreading nearly a kilometre in length. A unique way to get around Manila and the Philippines is by jeepney, colourfully and flamboyantly decorated vehicles originally made from jeeps left by American troops after the war.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Day 2: Banaue

Travel by bus to the quaint town of Banaue. Famous for its stunning rice terraces that appear to stretch like stepping-stones to the heavens, it'll be easy to understand why Banaue is sometimes referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Take a walk to a nearby vantage point for sensational views or rest up in preparation for the trekking ahead.

The Banaue rice terraces were constructed over 2000 years ago by the native Ifugao people. Still in use today, these remarkable rice terraces reach an altitude of 1500 m (4920 ft). The best way to view the terraces is from the nearby viewpoint, where the lush green terraces unfold below and sunlight reflects off the surface of the pools. Awe-inspiring views are offered from the road above, and hiking from the viewpoint back into town is well worth the effort.

The drive to Banaue takes 9-10 hours.

Optional Activities

  • Banaue Museum, Banaue - USD1.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Day 3 to 5: Banaue

Set off through rice fields and forests on a trek. Stay overnight in local Ifugao villages and meet people farming rice in the same way their ancestors did 2,000 years ago.

We leave our main luggage in Banaue and carry just a day pack with our necessities for the next few days. Over the next 3 days and 2 nights, we'll trek through rice fields, forest and villages, staying overnight in local villages where the people are still farming rice the way their ancestors did 2000 years ago. Our accommodation will be in basic village guesthouses with shared facilities and cold water for bathing. Bedding will be provided but you may like to bring your own sleeping sheet and a warm layer for cool nights. Our meals, which will mostly be vegetarian, are provided for us at the guesthouses.

On the first day of our trek we'll walk approximately 7-8 hours (a mixture of up, down and flat terrain), stopping for lunch on the way, as we climb to the highest point of our trek at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level. Keep the camera handy for those scenic photos! We'll spend the night in Cambulo Village.On the second day we'll walk approximately 3 hours to Batad Village where we spend the night. This afternoon we'll have some free time to relax or explore the village. Batad's rice terraces are famous as they are constructed in the shape of an amphitheatre. There's the option to do an additional trek (1 hour return) to the Batad rice terraces and Tappiya Waterfall for a refreshing swim.

On the third day we'll walk approximately 3 hours. We return to Banaue by road (approx 1 hr), stopping at Guihob Natural Swimming Pool for a refreshing dip on the way before returning to our guesthouse and being reunited with our main luggage. Maybe enjoy a celebratory drink while watching the sun set over the rice terraces for the last time.

Included Activities

  • 3-day trek with local guide
  • Guihob Natural Swimming Pool

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

Day 6 to 7: Sagada

Travel across alpine mountains, stopping off in Bontoc to peruse its museum and arriving in the tranquil surrounds of Sagada. Visit the hanging coffins in Echo Valley, which dangle high up on limestone cliffs - the coffins are both mystifying and eerie.

It takes 3 hours to drive to Bontoc. This is the capital of the Mountain Province (3 hrs from Banaue), and we'll have time for some lunch and a visit to the Bontoc Museum, which is packed with captivating memories from the past, such as photographs of headhunters with their loot.

From Bontoc, it's a 1 hour drive to reach our destination at Sagada.

The villagers of Sagada retain their traditional way of life in tranquil and calm surroundings. There's fresh mountain air and stunning views everywhere you look.

Enjoy a walking tour to visit the Hanging Coffins in Echo Valley then continue to a small waterfall where we can have a refreshing dip in the cool waters before heading back to Sagada.

In the afternoon consider a guided tour to the Lumiang and Sumaging Caves. Lumiang (Burial) Cave, is another example of the ancient burial traditions of the local people. Coffins carved from tree trunks are stacked on top of each other, until the wood falls away and coffins tumble into the depths below. The atmosphere is both intriguing and macabre. Sumaging (Big) Cave is filled with limestone formations that are named after what they resemble, such as the 'Kings Curtain' or the 'Rice Terraces'. Also nearby is the Big Waterfall, the Kiltepan Tower and the Masferre photograph studio.Another option is to take a walk to the outskirts of town where you can see some of the local weavers at work creating cloths and bags.

Included Activities

  • Bontoc Museum
  • Guided walk to Hanging Coffins and Bokong Falls

Optional Activities

  • Guided tour to Lumiang and Sumaging Caves, Sagada - USD12.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Day 8: Baguio

Located high in the Cordillera Central mountain range, the bustling metropolis of Baguio will be a welcomed retreat from the heat of the lowlands below.

The bus ride to Baguio takes approx 7 hours and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Philippines. Travelling through the Cordillera Central - the highest and largest mountain range in the Philippines - we pass mountains of incredible heights (and drops) dotted everywhere with small villages and terrace upon terrace of rice and other crops. This is one journey you don't want to sleep through.

Baguio City was established by the American troops in 1900 and has become a popular destination for travellers and local tourists wanting to retreat from the heat of the lowlands. It's now a bustling urban centre offering town comforts high in the Cordillera Mountains.

Explore the city market and sample fresh strawberries, climb the Lourdes Grotto to view the town from an entirely different perspective or simply soak in the lively student atmosphere from a cosy cafe.Other sights include the local cathedral, Camp John Hay - a former US recreation facility - and Burnham Park, complete with a man-made central lake.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Day 9: Mt Pinatubo

Trek to the crater on Mt Pinatubo and camp for the night near the crater's lake.

Our journey starts early with a public bus ride to the small town of Capas (approx 4 hrs), where we meet our guides and prepare for our Mt Pinatubo trek.

Our main luggage will be stored at the base of Mt Pinatubo and we'll take only a small day pack to carry our necessities for the overnight trip. Please make sure everything is waterproofed as it can rain heavily at times.

Travel by 4x4 along a bumpy, dusty road (bring a scarf and sunglasses to protect your eyes - approx 2.5 hrs) before disembarking and trekking the final hour to the crater. The terrain is uneven so bring supportive shoes with good grip.

We may have an opportunity to meet some of the indigenous people of the area, the Aetas, who have lived on the slopes of the volcano and in surrounding areas for several centuries, surviving as hunter-gatherers in the dense jungles of the area. Nowadays, they live in more modern settlements and some of them work as guides on the volcano.

On arrival at the crater we'll have free time to relax and take photos. There's the option to go boating to the other side of the crater lake - this must be arranged at the base before we set out on our trek. Tonight we'll camp in tents at the crater lake. Sleeping bags will be provided but it can be cold at night here so bring warm clothing as well.

Included Activities

  • Mt Pinatubo climb

Optional Activities

  • Boating on crater lake, Mt Pinatubo - USD10.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Day 10: Manila

Stock up on supplies back in Manila.

Our journey back to Manila involves returning on foot and by 4x4 to Capas. There will be an opportunity to have a shower and lunch before we board our bus to travel back to Manila (approx 2.5 hrs).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Day 11 to 13: Puerto Galera

Catch a ferry to the island of Mindoro and spend days relaxing in this tropical paradise. From our base in Puerto Galera, explore the nearby pristine beaches where swimming, snorkelling and serenity await.

To get to Mindoro we first take a bus to the southern end of Luzon (approx 3 hrs) and board a ferry for the 3 hour journey across to the island and the harbour town of Puerto Galera ('Port of Galleons' in Spanish). This is our base to explore the coast and beaches of this region that's a favourite for yachting, scuba diving and just hanging out by the sea.

Discover waterfalls and caverns, seek out beaches, jump aboard a boat or yacht for a cruise, and of course explore under the surface by scuba or snorkel.

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

Day 14 to 15: Manila

Well rested and relaxed, head back to the hustle and bustle of Manila where the Philippine Discovery comes to an end.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

What else you need to know

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.imaginative-traveller.com

Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

Included activities

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Optional activities

A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are for entrance only and don't include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. Optional activities aren't necessarily endorsed or recommended by Imaginative Traveller nor included in price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and doesn't form part of your contract with Imaginative Traveller.

Money Exchange

The official currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP).

There are plenty of ATMs available at the airport and in the main cities. You can also exchange US dollars, Euros, Australian Dollars and other major international currencies at money changers.

Please note that once leaving Manila, we will be travelling in remote rural areas and there will be no convenient access to ATMs or money changers until we return.

Spending money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping

If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Imaginative Traveller destinations. Although can be difficult to source we advise you to carry small notes of local currency each day to make tipping easier. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.

The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2-3 per day for local guides.

Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest US$1-2 per day for drivers.

Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline US$2-4 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

In total, we recommend you budget approx US$5-10 per day of your trip to cover tipping.

Departure tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Group size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes.

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Imaginative Traveller trips than your own. Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Some accommodation has shared bathing facilities and cold water only, and there may be occasions where we use mixed gender dormitories.

Meals introduction

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Meals

3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Budget for meals not included: USD 300.00

Transport

Bus, Private minibus, 4x4, Ferry

Group leader

All Imaginative Traveller group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Imaginative Traveller endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Imaginative Traveller we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Joining point

Citystate Tower Hotel

1315 A. Mabini Street, Ermita,

Manila

Luzon

PHILIPPINES

Phone: 632 4007351

Fax: 632 5262758

Joining point description

Centrally located with 214 rooms equipped with private en suite bathroom, phone, mini-bar, TV & AC. The hotel also offers 24hr room service, wi-fi & currency exchange.

We are currently unable to offer a pre/post accommodation service at the Citystate Tower Hotel, so please contact the hotel direct for any additional accommodation requirements.

www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph

Joining point instructions

From the Ninoy Aquino International airport, taxi ranks are located just outside the arrivals hall. Expect to pay around PHP200-250 for the approx. 30min journey.

Arrival complications

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your group leader.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the starting point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in these Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

Finish point

Citystate Tower Hotel

1315 A. Mabini Street, Ermita,

Manila

Luzon

PHILIPPINES

Phone: 632 4007351

Fax: 632 5262758

Finish point description

Centrally located with 214 rooms equipped with private en suite bathroom, phone, mini-bar, TV & AC. The hotel also offers 24hr room service, wi-fi & currency exchange.

We are currently unable to offer a pre/post accommodation service at the Citystate Tower Hotel, so please contact the hotel direct for any additional accommodation requirements.

www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph

Emergency contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, our Thailand Office can be reached on Tel: +66 898 103 722 (Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia, Burma & Phillipines).

We also have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in these trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked.   

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564

Emergency funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

PHILIPPINES:

 

Australia:No - not required
Belgium: No - not required
Canada: No - not required
Germany No - not required
Ireland: No - not required
Netherlands: No - not required
New Zealand: No - not required
South Africa: No - not required
Switzerland: No - not required
United Kingdom: No - not required
USA: No - not required

Citizens of most countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to 21 days, provided they hold a valid return ticket.

Issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb.

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

WATER BOTTLE:

Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.

Health

All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Imaginative Traveller reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Imaginative Traveller itinerary, and Imaginative Traveller makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:

While travelling in this part of the world there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:

Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

SEAT BELTS:

Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:

Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

SWIMMING POOLS:

You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty.

BALCONIES:

Some hotel balconies don't meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

We highly recommend the Imaginative Traveller travel insurance which is tailored specifically for adventure travel and covers ALL activities featured in any of our tours.  For more details please go to http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/travel-insurance

Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.

Our Aims

  • It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
  • We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
  • Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place. 
    Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.

Travellers' Guidelines

Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.

Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school.

Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.

Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this. Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in areas of predominantly hot climate. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.

Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!

When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.

Endeavour to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.

To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.

In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!

Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.

Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.

If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.

Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net

A couple of rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Imaginative Traveller travellers. Imaginative Traveller's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Carbon offset

Carbon Offset C02-e 462.00 kgs per pax.

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