Join our upcoming tours to Nepal, Turkey, India, Egypt, Dubai & many more!

We've got a number of tours lined up for 2013 and 2014! Check out our latest tour calendar and we hope you could join us during one of our trips!

Tour Schedule

• Nepal via KL (August 21-28, 2013)
• Hanoi and Halong Bay, Vietnam (September 24-29, 2013)
• Italy (October 19-27, 2013)
• Chiang Mai, Thailand (October 24-28, 2013)
• Penang, Malaysia (November 14-18, 2013)
• Turkey (November 15-26, 2013)
• India (December 27, 2013-January 2, 2014)
• Egypt and Dubai (January 18-26, 2014)

Join our Nepal tour from August 21-28, 2013!

Why backpack when you can travel comfortably in Nepal for even less? Join us on a tour to Nepal via Kuala Lumpur from August 21-28, 2013! And note that the dates include two holidays!

Our tour price of US$725 already includes twin/triple sharing hotel accommodation (including one night at Nagarkot Resort), all meals as stated, transfers and tours (guides, entrance fees and gratuities). Note that lunch and dinner are included in the package as well as tips and gratuities. Please book your own flights on Cebu Pacific and AirAsia but coordinate with us first via tours@ivanhenares.com.

August 21 (Wednesday) - Ninoy Aquino Day
Flight options are:
MNL – KUL via Cebu Pacific – 5J499 14:10–17:50 or 5J501 20:55–00:35
CRK – KUL via AirAsia – AK1875 11:05–14:50 or PQ7455 15:15–19:15
Overnight in KL

August 22 (Thursday)
Breakfast at hotel in KL
KUL – KTM via AirAsia D70193 11:50–14:00
Arrive – KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT (32km) (L, D)
Overnight at Nagarkot Resort for a spectacular view of the Himalayas

August 23 (Friday)
NAGARKOT – POKHARA (232km) (B, L, D)
Awake in the morning to the cold but stunningly spectacular sunrise over Nagarkot Hill. The first ray of the sun firing the peak glimmering red, slowly lighting the Himalaya range. You will see Mt. Everest in the east and Langtang and the Dhaulagiri Peak in the west.

At Pokhara, free at leisure walk around the lake side bazaar for some delightful shopping bargains. Late afternoon boating at scenic Lake Fewa and visit Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

August 24 (Saturday)
POKHARA-SARANGKOT-POKHARA (B, L, D)
Early morning, drive up to Sarangkot (1200m) sunrise view point for 30 minutes. After sunrise, drive back to Pokhara for breakfast. After breakfast, visit Tibetan Refugees’ Camp, Devi’s Fall and Mahadev Guptes War Cave.

August 25 (Sunday)
POKHARA-KATHAMANDU (200KM) (B, L, D)
Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture.

August 26 (Monday) - National Heroes Day
KATHMANDU (B, L, D)
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess) and Taleju Temple. After that, visit Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest stupas. After lunch, explore Asan Tol, the colorful local market area and shopping. Traditional Nepalese cuisine with cultural performance for dinner.

August 27 (Tuesday)
KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (B, L)
After breakfast, free time. Transfer to airport after early lunch.
KTM – KUL via AirAsia D70192 15:30–22:30
Dinner on flight. Please book your own meals when you purchase ticket.

August 28 (Wednesday)
Flight options:
KUL – MNL via Cebu Pacific 5J502 01:20–04:55
CRK – MNL via AirAsia AK1874 06:45–10:30

Package excludes international airfare, taxes and terminal fees, travel insurance, Nepal visa fees, other meals, beverages not included in meals and all personal expenses. We can arrange your travel insurance by request.

Book now for Penang, Malaysia tour with Old Manila Walks!

From Manila to Malaysia! Experience culture, architecture and traditional multi-ethnic dining in Georgetown, Malaysia from July 4-8, 2013 with Ivan Man Dy. We’re in love with this northern city on Penang Island. And we like it so much that we are sharing what we love about this place to you.

Old Manila Walks and EEI Global Holidays Corporation bring you our favorites in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Georgetown, especially its food! Best of all, our visit is timed on the weekend of the Georgetown Festival when the city's multi-ethnic communities: Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and more come out in full force to celebrate Penang's multicultural mix through the arts and performances. It's one big cultural fiesta!

Join us as we immerse ourselves and eat our way to Malaysia's Pearl of the Orient!

July 04, 2013 (Thursday): Manila - Singapore - Penang
Meet and greet by local guide at Penang International Airport. After check-in, pick-up at hotel lobby for
Penang Night Tour with dinner. First things first, chow time! Our tour begins by visiting the famous Gurney Drive Hawker Food Center to try some of the famous local Penang delicacies.

July 05, 2013 (Friday)
To burn off last night’s calories, we take a guided walk and ride tour of Old Georgetown: Khoo Kongsi Temple, Peranakan Heritage Mansion, Chew Clan Jetty, Penang Art Gallery and State Museum as well as many other historical and architectural treasures (time permitting) that make Penang special. Lunch at one of Penang’s most historical sites before taking the afternoon break to recharge your battery in time for a walk-eat-trishaw experience at night to experience more of Penang’s culinary offerings. Free time afterwards to catch the festivities of the Georgetown Festival. Trishaws will be provided but participant pays for the meals to allow you to choose and try what from the selection

July 06, 2013 (Saturday)
The tour is more interesting as it falls during the July month fruit season. We’ll make stop at a durian stall in Balik Pulau, for a typical local fruit tasting stop then visit the Kek Lok Si Buddhist- the largest in SEAsia. For lunch, we’ll stop by a traditional Malay Kampung and try out the local laksa dish! Free time afterwards to catch the festivities of the Georgetown Festival and dinner (own expense)

July 07, 2013 (Sunday): Penang - Singapore
We say farewell to Georgetown by taking a funicular and going up cool Penang hill for a
lovely view of the city. Lunch then off to the airport.

July 08, 2013 (Monday): Singapore - Manila

Tour cost is US$435.00/head (based on twin-sharing) inclusive of transport within Geogetown, guided tour, site entrances, and meals (as stated). E-mail fun@oldmanilawalks.com ASAP to book your slots!

Join me on a tour to Siem Reap, Cambodia (May 23-26, 2013)

Take a ride on a traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake, watch the sunset on Bakheng Hill, experience the night markets of Siem Reap, witness Angkor Wat's magnificent beauty and splendor and immerse yourselves in the breath-taking cultural experience that is Cambodia! Discover Cambodia with Asia Society and Ivan About Town this May 23-26, 2013!

For my next international tour, I'll be collaborating with Asia Society to bring you to Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit the temples of Angkor! If you register early or form a group of five, we'll give you a discount! Details in the Asia Society webpage. E-mail info@asiasociety.org.ph for more information.

Related entry
Cambodia: Day tour to Preah Vihear Temple from Siem Reap

Mangan Tamu! Giant Lantern Festival and Pampanga food tour on December 15!

The spectacular Giant Lantern Festival is coming up! And Ultimate Philippines Tours invites you again to journey to the central heartland as we immerse ourselves in things Kapampangan!

From Buro to Baroque, it's a fun-filled day as we poke around and get intimate with the very best of Pampanga's cultural offerings. Gaze at the jewel-box of a church in Betis while wading through the lahar-buried town of Bacolor.

We'll stuff ourselves silly with a pre-Christmas Kapampangan noche buena fare by Claude Tayag, one of the country's best known Kapampangan chefs! And to it cap it off, get a front row view of the most dazzling display of Kapmpangan artistry the Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival) of San Fernando! It's a tour with nothing but Kapampangan cool!

Tour will be on December 15, 2012 (Saturday) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Rate is P4,500.00 per person inclusive of transfers from Ayala 6750 or Trinoma, tour and some serious food binging! E-mail reservations@ultimatephilippines.com to book a slot.

Pahiyas Festival 2012: Tour Quezon's San Isidro Labrador festivals

We're visiting the Pahiyas Festival again! And you're most welcome to join us! It may be a weekday, but Ultimate Philippines Tours will be driving down south on May 15, 2012 to bring you to the San Isidro Labrador festivals!



Yes, it's fiesta time this coming May and what better way to drink, eat and be merry as we head south to explore charming Quezon Province. It's the best time of the year as we join in the revelry and celebrate the feast of San Isidro de Labrador!

First stop is Lucban for breakfast and on to the Pahiyas Festival where we'll feast our eyes over a smorgasbord of food, music, artistry and local color in one of country's most spectacular fiestas!


Then it's on to the town of Tayabas where a traditional Tayabense lunch awaits over looking rustic Mount Banahaw. We'll also visit the town jewel, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, a National Cultural Treasure, and experience the flying suman at the Mayohan Festival.


In the afternoon, we're off to charming Sariaya where our merienda awaits. We'll have an option to join in the town's traditional Agawan Festival or take a stroll down to admire the town's gracious colonial-period homes, a great way to cap-off a our 3-in-1 Quezon festival experience!

The tour departs at 4 a.m. on May 15, 2012 (Tuesday) from Starbucks 6750. We expect to arrive back at 7:30 p.m. Tour fee is Php4,500 per person, inclusive of transportation, sumptuous meals and the best local guides led by Tina Decal. Book a slot now by e-mailing info@ivanhenares.com.

Ifugao: Plant rice at the Mayoyao Rice Terraces! Pfukhay ad Majawjaw 2012!

The Pochon Group is once again inviting everyone to join the Pfukhay ad Majawjaw (rice planting in Mayoyao) to be held from January 20-22, 2012 at Barangay Bongan, Mayoyao, Ifugao. This activity will be hosted by the Pochon and Maanichar Centennial Batch Association (Pochon Group) and the community of Barangay Bongan. Other partner organizations include the Mayoyao Tourguides and Indigenous Knowledge Holders Allied Organization (MATIKHAO) and the Akha’kha-emeh Cultural Performing Group.


During the tour, participants get to plant rice in the rice terraces, watch a cultural presentation showcasing the local dances of Mayoyao, learn how the traditional Mayoyao house is contructed and many more. Homestay accommodation will also be offered on the second night of the tour (January 21).

Tour cost is Php3,900 and includes meals, accommodation, transportation within Ifugao and activities. It does not include transportation from Manila to Santiago, Isabela; and from Banaue, Ifugao to Manila. Add Php450 to your deposit so Pochon can do the Banaue-Manila reservation for you. Contact Josh Nalliw at josh21020@gmail.com or +639065308242 for inquiries.

January 19, 2012 (Thursday)
9:00 p.m. - Depart Manila via Victory Liner Bus, Kamias/Kamuning Terminal (purchase your own ticket to Santiago, Isabela)

January 20, 2012 (Friday)
5:00 a.m. - Arrive at Santiago City (Victory Liner Terminal)
- Travel to Mayoyao via the Ifugao towns of Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista (Pochon Group will be waiting at the terminal)
6:30 a.m. - Breakfast at Ubao, Aguinaldo, Ifugao
10 a.m. - Arrive at Mayoyao, Ifugao (room assignments and rest)
12:00 noon - Lunch at the lodge
1:00 p.m. - Orientation followed by visit to Akakoy Nature Park, demo on native house construction and visit the Mayoyao Museum
5:00 p.m. - Roaming around the town plaza and shopping for souvenirs
7:00 p.m. - Dinner at the lodge

January 21, 2012 (Saturday)
7:00 a.m. - Breakfast at the lodge (pack things for transfer to homestays later in the day)
8:00 a.m. - Proceed to Barangay Bongan and join the rice planting
12:00 noon - Lunch with the community
1:00 p.m. - Trek to Abfo’or burial tomb and down to Mapawoy Rice Terraces Cluster
5:00 p.m. - Homestay assignments
7:00 p.m. - Dinner with respective host families
8:00 p.m. - Cultural presentation

January 22, 2012 (Sunday)
7:00 a.m. - Breakfast (pack-up for trip to Banaue)
8:30 a.m. - Visit to Chu’it Viewpoint
10:00 a.m. - Travel to Banaue
12:00 noon - Lunch
3:00 p.m. - Arrival at Banaue, Ifugao (free time)
8:00 p.m. - Depart for Manila via Florida Bus Liner

January 23, 2012 (Monday)
Between 4 to 5 a.m. - Arrival in Manila, Florida Bus Terminal, Lacson St. cor. Espana Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila

For more information on the tour, read Rice planting experience in Mayoyao, Ifugao.

Giant Lantern Festival 2011: Mangan Tamu! The Ultimate Pampanga Food and Heritage Tour (Christmas Edition)

It's Christmas once again and it's time for another Giant Lantern Festival. Join Ultimate Philippines Tours as we journey to the central heartland and immerse ourselves in things Kapampangan on December 17, 2011!

From buro to Baroque, it will be a fun-filled day as we poke around and get intimate with the very best of Pampanga's cultural offerings. Gawk at the jewel-box of a church in Betis while wading through the lahar-buried town of Bacolor.

We'll stuff ourselves silly with a pre-Christmas Kapampangan noche buena fare by one of the country's best known Kapampangan chefs! And to it cap it off, get a front row view of the most dazzling display of Kapmpangan artistry the Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival) of San Fernando! It's a tour with nothing but Kapampangan cool!

Itinerary
9:00 a.m. ETD Metro Manila
10:30 a.m. Bacolor Church - We stop by this historic town which was almost wiped out by volcanic mud flows. We visit the half-buried San Guilliermo Church
11:30 a.m. Betis Church - Admire the beautiful interior of the province's most treasured Barouqe structure, the 17th century Santiago Apostol Church, a National Cultural Treasure.
1:00 p.m. Bale Dutung in Angeles City - Indulge in a Kapampangan feast as we learn cooking secrets with chef, artist and writer, Claude Tayag.
4:00 p.m. Depart for Giant Lantern Festival
5:00 p.m. Pasalubong Shopping
6:00 p.m. Robinsons Starmills Pampanga - You are free to check out and shop for bargains at Pampanga's biggest outlet mall while waiting for the festival to start.
7:00 p.m. Giant Lantern Festival - Be dazzled by the giant Christmas lanterns of San Fernando as they dance in an interplay of music and lighting artistry!
9:00 p.m. ETD San Fernando
10:30 p.m. ETA Metro Manila

The tour fee is Php4,500 per person inclusive of all meals and transportation. For bookings and inquiries, e-mail us at reservations@ultimatephilippines.com or call (0917) 3291622. For more details, check out the Ultimate Pampanga Christmas Edition event page on Facebook.

Book now for the Pinoy Mountaineer Mount Kinabalu Expedition 2012!

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia is one of the tallest peaks in Southeast Asia, rising at 4,095 meters. It is also considered one of the region's most important natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the success of this year's climb, PinoyMountaineer.com is pleased to announce its second annual expedition to this premiere hiking destination from April 13 to 16, 2012. In partnership with Ivan About Town, we have forged an agreement with a very reliable adventure company with presence in both the Philippines and Malaysia. This Mt. Kinabalu expedition is designed for participants to truly appreciate Mt. Kinabalu by staying at the park for two nights and experience Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia by staying at a four-star hotel prior to the climb.


Only thirty (30) slots for Laban Rata are available at the moment. Considering the interest in Mt. Kinabalu, these are bound to be taken quickly. So highly-interested parties are enjoined to reserve slots as soon as possible by emailing expeditions@pinoymountaineer.com.

Cost and Inclusions
The cost of the Mt. Kinabalu Expedition is Php23,000, which will include: three nights accommodation, airport transfers, all meals as stated in the itinerary, transportation to and from Kinabalu Park HQ, climbing permits, mountain guide, climbing certificate, entrance fees and climb support including orientations in Manila.

Note that air tickets, airport taxes, terminal fees, tips for mountain guides and other gratuities, porter fees, personal expenses, mountain gear and equipment are not included in the package. Blue Cross Climbing Insurance is also available on request.


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Kota Kinabalu. Check-in at Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Meals on own account

Day 2 (B/L/D)
0600 Breakfast at hotel
0700 Take private transportation from KK to Mt. Kinabalu Park HQ
0800 ETA Park HQ; present booking; secure permit
0830 Take service to Timpohon gate jumpoff (packed lunch)
1400 Arrival at Laban Rata guesthouse; rest
1700 Take buffet dinner
1900 Assault preparations
2000 Sleep early

Day 3 (B/L/D)
0200 Wake up / Early breakfast at Laban Rata
0230 Start summit assault
0600 Arrival at Mt. Kinabalu summit (4095 MASL)
0730 Start descent
0930 Back at Laban Rata;
1300 ETA Kinabalu Park HQ; buffet lunch at Balsam Cafe
1500 Transfer to Mesilau; stay at Bishop's Head Resthouse
1800 Dinner at Bishop's Head Resthouse

Day 4 (B)
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer to Kota Kinabalu for flight to Manila


Reservations and Inquiries
To receive further details and to place reservations, e-mail expeditions@pinoymountaineer.com. Please include the following information:

Name:
Age:
Address:
Contact Number:
Contact Person and Number (in case of emergency):
Passport Number:
Passport Issue and Expiry Dates:
Dietary Restrictions:
Medical Concerns (if any):

Related Entries
Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah (4,095 MASL)
Kinabalu Park & trekking up Mount Kinabalu in Sabah