Solidarity ecotourismPhilippines
Cultural tour in the Philippines
A week on Palawan, off the tourist trail: first words of Filipino, a cooking class, a swim at Estrella Falls, Narra market, fan-making, nipa weaving and pottery.
The tour
This week shows you the island of Palawan as locals know it: its traditions, language, food and places tourists rarely reach. It starts with the basics of Filipino and local customs, so you can connect more easily with the people around you.
The week takes in the local town, an afternoon at Nelson’s Farm, a cooking class to prepare three traditional dishes, a day at Estrella Falls with a swim and a picnic, Narra market, and workshops in fan-making, nipa hut weaving and pottery. Evenings bring music, with a cultural night and a karaoke night.
It suits adults and families who enjoy walking and want to get close to Filipino culture. A moderate level of fitness is enough.
What makes it different
- A swim and picnic at Estrella Falls
- A cooking class: three Filipino dishes
- Fan-making, nipa weaving and pottery
- Narra Public Market
- A cultural night and a karaoke night
Day by day
Monday: Welcome to Palawan
A welcome meeting (house rules, what to expect, safety tips), an introduction to Filipino traditions and some basic language. A look round the local town, with the chance to buy a SIM card. An afternoon at Nelson’s Farm, then a cultural night with music.
Tuesday: Filipino cooking
A cooking class to prepare three traditional dishes, followed by a language class to help you connect with the community.
Wednesday: Estrella Falls and Narra market
A swim at Estrella Falls in Narra and a peaceful picnic lunch. In the afternoon, a wander round Narra Public Market before heading back.
Thursday: Crafts
A workshop in fan-making and nipa hut weaving, then a pottery class to make your own keepsakes. Karaoke night.
Friday: Wrapping up
A closing meeting and project briefing for those going on to a volunteering placement.
The programme may change depending on the weather and local conditions.
On site
Accommodation
Accommodation in a shared house on Palawan for the whole week.
Meals
Meals are included, with a picnic lunch at Estrella Falls on Wednesday.
Arrival
Airport pick-up and transfer to the accommodation are included; the return transfer is not. The programme starts on Monday.
Included
- Airport welcome and transfer
- Accommodation in a shared house
- Meals
- All activities in the programme
- 24/7 support and supervision
- A donation to the local project
Not included
- Flights
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Return transfer
Volunteer in the Philippines
The tour can be combined with a Freepackers volunteer programme in the same country, before or after.
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Education project in Palawan schools
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- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
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Environmental project in the Philippines
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
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Construction and renovation project in Palawan
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
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