PEOPLE
The tribe of Aetas are among the oldest in the country, and in the world, sharing the same bloodline as the Aborigines of Australia. The community are the last gatekeepers of the forest ecosystem that holds the key to water, clean air, medicine and different varieties of food. Learn from their perspective and rich culture.
PLACE
The forests of Bataan in Subic Bay are among the last 3% rain forest in the Philippines and home to a diverse set of faura, fauna and animals. The land is consistently under threat as parties see it as prime land to convert into commercial areas.
CONTEXT:
With its intact ecosystem, the forest provides unique flavors and hidden edibles that change with the weather. Drink water from vines all year; eat insects in August and September; try fresh Rattan heart at the start of the rainy season. Try a sour fig, or herbs that grow by the waterfalls.
In the summer, the flowers bloom and you can smell their floral sweetness in different sections of the forest
ACTIVITIES
Enjoy the 45-60 minute hike inside the forest. Pay attention to the smallest insects and the colorful details that the forest has to offer. Ask your guide to show you the biggest trees and finish your trek by a river pool.Make sure to grab a camera, bottle of water and sturdy hiking shoes!
SCHEDULE:
- 0800am: Arrival
- Briefing and getting walking sticks
- Trek through the forest
- Stop by forest pools and mini falls
- Visit agro forest and permaculture farm
- 1200nn: Lunch
INCLUSIONS:
- Local guide
- Trek through the old forest and along the Tingtingin River: 20 minute child friend trek and 60-120 minute adult hike available.
- Swim in the forest pools and mini falls
- Experience making fire on your own
- Discover edible plants along the forest path
- Bamboo walking stick
- Visit Dipterocarps - large forest trees over 100 feet tall
- Walk through an agro-forest and permaculture farm
- Taste vine water useful for jungle survival
- Tribe prepared lunch (Vegetarian option available upon request)
What to bring:
- Please bring fresh water and some snacks. A reusable water bottle is a must as the community does not have the ability to recycle non-biodegradables.
- Small backpack to carry your belongings
- face mask.
- extra shirt and shorts/leggings
- and get ready to swim! There is a river with a forest pool and you may want to swim.
- cellphone/camera - this is a must! The forest is full of small and big things.
- water proofing for your camera/cellphone
- Extra money in case you want to buy food or or some of their products.
- Bring your own towels and toiletries
-
Insect repellent.
Cellphone Signal
- There is strong signal of ALL NETWORKS in the area. It gets weaker as you go deeper into the forest.
COVID-19 Protocol:
- Upon arrival your temperature might be checked by the tour guide team on site. Those with a temperature higher than 37.5C, fever and flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to enter the premises.
- Fill out health declaration form - all guests may be asked to submit and truthfully fill out the Health Declaration Form prior to checking-in. An online form will be sent together with your confirmation.
- Foreign and local guests with travel history may be asked to present their passports, quarantine certificate or health certificate.
- Bring your face mask
- Wash your hands frequently inside the clean bathrooms of the area
- Your name, address and contact information must be declared for contact tracing
- DO NOT take off your mask during the trail as we do not want to risk infection within the community.
- Stay socially distant from your guides, staff and the community members. If they forget, please be pro active and remind them as well.
- No walk-ins. Prior reservation is required.
- The following are NOT ALLOWED:
- Pregnant women and immuno-compromised persons
Environmental Protocol:
- Do not throw anything on the trail. There are trash cans available at the entrance. We make an effort to keep everything clean.
- Do not take anything from the forest unless your guide allows you. The area is sacred to them and some items that you touch may be itchy or irritating to your skin.
Advanced Reservations are REQUIRED. Walk-Ins Not Allowed.
*For overnight requests and a longer itinerary, please reach out to us at info@madtravel.org
