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
THE FOOD:
Culinary techniques in the forest are highly influenced by foraging from the natural surroundings. The Aetas have identified dozens of edible items in the forest. During your visit, you will get the chance to detoxify with different varieties of forest tea, while sampling food cooked in traditional bamboo. The bamboo pole provides fish, rice, pork, chicken and vegetables with a unique flavor profile which enhances taste and
With its intact ecosystem, the forest provides unique flavors and hidden edibles that change with the we
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.
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.
Click HERE to learn more about our Feast in the Forest Tour
Advanced Reservations are REQUIRED. Walk-Ins Not Allowed.
Reach out to us at info@madtravel.com for a quote.
*Overnight requests and longer itineraries also available.
Partnership with Lighthouse Legacy Foundation
This program supports the projects of Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, which is a MAD Travel partner focused on reef to ridge conservation and restoration + the recycling and reduction of waste in Subic Bay and the greater Zambales area.
