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Rafflesia Lobata Ecotour
VISION AND MISSION • TOUR PACKAGES • ACCOMMODATION • TESTIMONIALS • BOOKINGS • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS • CHECKLIST FOR ECOTOURISTS • TERMS AND CONDITIONS • OTHER PRODUCTSExperience the beauty of Panay Island in the Philippines in a guided walking/trekking tour in the jungle to see wild animals, exotic plants and a rare new flower species, Rafflesia Lobata. Be it during the day or at night, you will get the opportunity to see and hear endangered species like the spotted deer, hornbills, eagles, monitor lizards, frogs, and wild pigs. Experienced guides, headed by the discoverer of the Rafflesia Lobata, will take you through the maze of wild foliage: pitcher plants, giant trees and the iconic species of Rafflesia.The jungle is also located only 40 km away from the premiere party island in the Philippines, Boracay Island. Discover why Boracay is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world! Click here to view photos of Panay Island.
VISION AND MISSION
My vision is to work with the local Phillipine community to responsibliy, and sustainably use the natural resources for the benefit of the community, myself and the ecotourists. The ecotourists will leave with a feeling that they have contributed to the community and to the preservation of their precious, untainted environment and at the same time had a great holidaying.
I foresee the future managing a successful, sustainable ecotourism business and discover and document more new species of plants and animals. I will start the process of proclaiming the mountain ranges a National Park.
Mission statement
To be recognized by my customers as a leading conservationist who provides a world-class service and as a world leader in Ecotour Service provider in the Philippines.
1 WEEK GUIDED ADVENTURE PACKAGE AU$500
3 separate days adventure walks to Igpasungaw, Bowlang and Navarro waterfalls
1 day adventure walk to the rafflesia lobata sites
1 day on the coast to mingle with the local fishing community
1 day short drive to the coast and a couple of hours boat ride to reach a coral reefs for snorkeling and even scuba diving.
1 day 40 km drive to Caticlan and jump on a boat for a lap around Boracay island and walks on its famous bars, shops and restaurants.
2 WEEK GUIDED ADVENTURE PACKAGE AU$1,000
All the day trips above plus extended 5 days overnight camping/trekking in the jungle. Tourists needs to be physically fit and psychological able to cope with the extreme isolation in the middle of the jungle with porters and guides.3 WEEK GUIDED EXTREME ADVENTURE PACKAGE AU$1,500
All the day trips above plus 10 days overnight camping/trekking deep in the jungle. Tourists needs to be physically fit and psychological able to cope with the extreme isolation in the middle of the jungle with porters and guides.
All packages include pick up and drop-off at Kalibo airport in Panay (45 min flight form Manila) and transport to accommodation site. Packages are customisable. See contact details for your own customised package tour.
ACCOMMODATION
Modern 4 bedroom house (3 double bedrooms and one single bedroom) with a kitchen, dining and lounge room, laundry area, toilets and showers. The town hall is next door and manned 24 hours. Rooms airconditioned and have electric lights and power points. The accommodation site is a based in an area where the guided package tours will begin and end. 3 meals are included per day.To make a booking, click here.
In October 2005 I was fortunate enough to travel with Renee to the island of Panay in the Philippines. This was an incredible adventure through spectacular coastal mountain wilderness area. I was fortunate enough to be one of a very few visitors to summit the breathtaking Mt Sakpaw and participate in data collection for the incredible new species of rafflesia, Rafflesia lobata in this ecological Eden. With awe-inspiring vistas, un-spoilt jungles, beautiful coastal beaches remote villages and welcoming and intriguing locals this was an adventure of a lifetime that I would highly recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure and an environmental conscience.— Darren Jones
This is a trip where your physical and mental abilities will be pushed. The unique and untouched wilderness makes every step worth while. There were times when you’d be running on pure adrenaline and the lure of a camp fire, cooked meal and a good night’s sleep never sounded so good. Few outsiders have step foot in parts of this jungle and once in the heart you will know why. The local guides are amazing and always willing to lend a hand. The beauty of the Philippines and it’s undiscovered secrets awaits.
This is the real wilderness adventure where narrow paths are made along the way, not followed.— Peter Fragopoulos
I travelled with Renee to the island of Panay in 2004 and spent 3 weeks in the jungle of Mt Sakpaw. 3 weeks spent sleeping in hammocks under the stars, walking through unspoilt jungle, I had a great time. I found the local people to be very friendly and helpful. The views from the top of the mountain across to the coast were breathtaking, the walks through the jungle and up the mountain were both challenging and exhilarating, but well worth the effort!
I highly recommend a trip to this area of the world for anyone wanting a trip a little bit out of the ordinary and off the beaten track. You’ll love the Philippines!
— Simon Brady
Where is Panay Island in the Philippines?
Panay Island is one of the many islands in the central part of groups of islands in the country. It is in the western side and is the 6th largest but has the least populations. This low population probably has contributed to the present large areas of remaining jungle in the island.
There are many ways to arrive in Panay Island. I would suggest to fly from Manila to Kalibo airport. It will be a 45 minute flight. Before landing you will have an aerial view of the Boracay Island. When you arrive in Kalibo I will be there to pick you up and this is when my guided package tour begin.
The alternative is a more tiresome half a day bus trip that jumps from one island to another. This is a more fun, adventurous and economical way but again it will be tiresome. This will be a great for “backpacker” type traveler.
What is it like camping in the jungle?
If you have decided to take the 2 or 3 week guided package you have decided to camp in the jungle! Chances are you haven’t camped in the jungle before. It is different from a flat ground camping. In the camping sites, the ground is not flat and has many plants and rocks. What we do is spread a tarp and tie its ends on trees. The hummock is then tied up to opposing trees and that is it! This works best because it minimize the damage to the environment and it works. The camping sites are near the river, creek or stream. Camp fire is lit for cooking and light at night. The activities in the camp are on during day light. When the light disappeared in the night you will see fireflies creating a line of light in darkness and you will hear the ambient nocturnal sounds coming from birds, insects, bats, crabs and even the deer! You may take a digital sound recorder if you want to capture the unique nocturnal ambient sounds of the jungle.
Would I see the Rafflesia lobata?
Yes I would guarantee that you would but to see it in bloom you have to be in the right place and right time. The best time is during February to May, and the right place, just leave it to us to find them for you.
Would I see the deer and other animals?
Most likely, but you will have to take the 2 or 3 week guided package tour. The animals are in the jungle so you have to go there and camp. These animals are wild and many are rare and threatened species. These will be the only opportunity for you to see them in their wild environment.
Where should I exchange my money to the local currency?
The Philippine currency is Philippine Peso. You can exchange them in Manila airport or in Manila money exchange shops which are very common in Manila and you will get the best deal. You can exchange them in Boracay Island too.
Is it ok to take electronic equipment in the jungle?
Small electronic and digital devises are best but you have to make sure that you case is airtight otherwise humidity will make you devices temperamental. Make sure you have enough digital space and power.
O No Philippine visa requirement if staying less than 21 days in the Philippines.
O Full comprehensive travel including medical insurance is required before flight.
O The policy need to be sighted by Renee Galang. The no insurance policy no ecotour is a very strict policy by Rafflesia lobata ecotour.
O Mini-first aid kit that include insect repellant spray/lotion, paracetemol and/or any other medication required by you when traveling. Please see your general medical doctor to find out what medicine you will need when you travel to the Philippines.
O Tropical designed sleeping bag.
O If on a 2 or 3 week package tour, you will need a mossy net and a hummock.
O Spending money for shopping, extra food and beverages including alcohol, upgrades of service/s etc.
O Police check. This document need to be sighted by Renee Galang prior to departure.
O Malaria is non-existent in the island but Dengue fever is known to be present. It is highly unlikely that you will get Dengue nevertheless you need to familiarize yourself with this fever by reading background information especially symptoms of Dengue.
O Appropriate walking boots that is light, comfortable and made of fabric that water easily runs through. You will be crossing rivers and creeks up to knee height thus your walking boots needs to get rid of water inside your shoes otherwise you will be carrying that extra weight.
O Appropriate pants or long shorts. Ideally is made of synthetic materials not cotton. Cotton tends to hold water when you walk across rivers and creeks. Thin shorts are good but vegetation along the trail will give you lashes that may be deep enough to cause slight bleeding.
O Thin long sleeve, T-shirt and singlet are best top clothing to wear. Again long sleeve is best if you want to protect your skin from vegetation cuts.
O Snorkeling mask and diving skins if you plan to swim in the coral reefs.
O Fitness level is good, meaning can walk for 5-6 hours slow to moderate pace. If not at this level of fitness, make sure you train your legs at least 3 weeks before departure. Lack of fitness would mean lack of fun once you reach your destination!
Please click here to download and sign the terms and conditions of the tour.
OTHER PRODUCTS
• Photographs (printed on paper or canvas up to from A4 to 44x66 inches of the landscapes/waterfalls/Rafflesia in 2006
• Photogravure of Rafflesia mounted on canvas
• DVD/Blu-ray of Rafflesia lobata
• CD of ambient jungle sounds.