Bird Guides / Birders in Manila (1 Viewer)

[simmojunior]

Hi,

It looks like I will have a layover in Manila on my way back from my New Zealand trip (thread here:http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=313302) so I was wondering if anyone knew any inexpensive bird guides or local birders that may be willing to pick me up in the airport for a day's birding?

I am due to arrive in Manila at 3.30 am on Wednesday 6th January this year and fly out on Tuesday 7th January at 12.45pm.

Thanks,

Oli

 

[simmojunior]

The New Zealand side is coming on nicely but not getting anywhere with this layover (now booked). Anyone able to suggest a guide or local birder?

 

[temmie]

Hi, maybe you can ask https://www.facebook.com/bram.demeulemeester.3?fref=ts
if he can guide / arrange something / recommend someone...

 

[simmojunior]

Hi, maybe you can ask https://www.facebook.com/bram.demeulemeester.3?fref=ts
if he can guide / arrange something / recommend someone...

Thanks Temmie. I did actually try e-mailing Bram last week but in common with every other bird guide I've tried in the Philippines, he has not responded. I will try on Facebook next week if I am still looking.

 

[temmie]

maybe he is out in the field... keep me updated, so I can give it a try if you don't succeed.

 

[simmojunior]

maybe he is out in the field... keep me updated, so I can give it a try if you don't succeed.

Thanks Temmie.

Bram did reply but is quoting $350 for a day in Subic Bay or $700 for the day and a half (including a night's stay). This is far too much.

I have also been quoted $280 by another guide but this would just be birding around Manila.

The accommodation options round the airport all look really expensive or a bit dubious so I'm beginning to think spending a day in Manila was not a winning idea. I'll keep looking before going back to one of the guides.

 

[temmie]

it's always an option to self-organize this day or not?
If so, there are 2 locations in or nearby Manila I can think about:
1. Candaba Swamp: https://goo.gl/maps/DLdcgdiFHsv
2. La Mesa eco park: https://goo.gl/maps/F1Rg77jRaau

If you have a day and a night, Subic is doable, I did it, but I had my flight out from Clark airport, and this makes a huge difference regarding travel time from Olangapo.
To get to Subic, I took a bus (followed the info here: http://www.birding2asia.com/W2W/Philippines/Subic.html )

 

[simmojunior]

it's always an option to self-organize this day or not?
If so, there are 2 locations in or nearby Manila I can think about:
1. Candaba Swamp: https://goo.gl/maps/DLdcgdiFHsv
2. La Mesa eco park: https://goo.gl/maps/F1Rg77jRaau

If you have a day and a night, Subic is doable, I did it, but I had my flight out from Clark airport, and this makes a huge difference regarding travel time from Olangapo.
To get to Subic, I took a bus (followed the info here: http://www.birding2asia.com/W2W/Philippines/Subic.html )

Thanks Temmie. Candaba Marsh looks too far but I could do La Mesa Eco Park by taxi if I can't sort a guide. I'd need to get the hotel to agree to hold my bags all day as I land at 3.30 am. I haven't booked a place to stay yet because I'm struggling to work out where the best places near to the airport would be? Ideally somewhere relatively inexpensive but with or near somewhere I can work around in the morning before my flight and find a couple of new birds.

 

[HighNorth]

Hi!

I'm going to Manila for a week in the beginning of February, and would be interested to know some good birding locations. I am particularly interested in seeing the Philippine Eagle/Eagle Owl and the Philippine duck. Is there anywhere near Manila that you can see these species? La Mesa Eco Park also sounds like a good location. Can you get to these sites by public transport, or do you need a car? I would also be interested in other good birding locations maximum 1 overnight stay away from Manila, if anyone has any suggestions.

Cheers,
HN

 

[Roman M.]

Hello Oli,

maybe you want to try to contact one of this guys:
http://birdingpal.org/Philippines.htm

 

[simmojunior]

I've only got a day so decided to splash out on a guide as anything else was too much hassle with my flight times. Will let you know how I get on.

 

[andrewins]

Hi! Is it safe to go birdwatching and photographing birds alone via public transport in Subic Bay, La Mesa Ecopark, Candaba swamp?