Embark on an unforgettable 7-day bird photography adventure on the Philippine island of Luzon, where lush mountains, tropical forests, and serene wetlands provide the perfect backdrop for capturing nature’s finest avian wonders. Luzon is a hotspot for birders and photographers alike, boasting a remarkable number of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. From the vibrant hues of the Philippine Eagle Owl to the elusive Luzon Hornbill, every day brings new photographic opportunities across diverse habitats, from misty mountain slopes to lowland forest trails and shimmering coastal wetlands.
Guiding you throughout this immersive experience is a renowned expert in bird photography, whose knowledge of local species, behaviors, and optimal lighting ensures you capture stunning, once-in-a-lifetime shots. Whether you are an experienced wildlife photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, our carefully curated itinerary provides exclusive access to Luzon’s most photogenic locations, maximizing your chance to observe and photograph the island’s extraordinary avifauna. Prepare to fill your portfolio with vibrant images and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Kingfishers: Spotted Wood Kingfisher / Northern Silvery Kingfisher / Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher / Blue-capped Kingfisher / Rufous-lored Kingfisher / Blue-eared Kingfisher / Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Woodpeckers: Luzon Flameback / Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker / Northern Sooty Woodpecker / Buff-spotted Flameback / Spot-throated Flameback
Owls: Chocolate Boobook / Luzon Boobook / Philippine Scops Owl / Luzon Scops Owl / Negros Scops Owl / Everett’s Scops Owl / Mindanao Scops Owl / Giant Scops Owl / Spotted Wood Owl
Sunbirds: Flaming Sunbird / Maroon-naped Sunbird / Magnificent Sunbird / Bohol Sunbird / Apo Sunbird / Grey-hooded Sunbird / Lina’s Sunbird
Hornbills: Rufous Hornbill / Visayan Hornbill / Mindanao Hornbill / Writhed Hornbill / Palawan Hornbill / Samar Hornbill
White-eyes: Yellowish White-eye / Mindanao White-eye / Warbling White-eye / Everett’s White-eye / Lowland White-eye
Flowerpeckers: Whiskered Flowerpecker / Olive-backed Flowerpecker / Orange-bellied Flowerpecker / Fire-throated Flowerpecker / Palawan Flowerpecker
Fantails: Blue-headed Fantail / Visayan Fantail / Visayan Blue Fantail / Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail / Mindanao Blue Fantail
Flycatchers: Rufous Paradise Flycatcher / Cryptic Flycatcher / Blue Paradise Flycatcher / Palawan Blue Flycatcher / Palawan Flycatcher / Mangrove Blue Flycatcher / Little Pied Flycatcher
Pittas: Philippine Pitta / Whiskered Pitta / Steere’s Pitta / Blue-naped Pitta / Western Hooded Pitta
Eagles: Philippine Eagle / Crested Serpent Eagle / Changeable Hawk Eagle / Grey-headed Fish Eagle / White-bellied Sea Eagle
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-2 Luzon Island, National Capital Region, Manila [1N, 0D, 1S]. Arrive Manila International Airport. Photographic Targets: Ashy Thrush / Philippine Nightjar.
Days 2-4 Luzon Island, Zambales Province, Subic Bay [2N, 1D, 3S]. Drive 3-hours to Subic Bay. Photographic Targets: Rufous-crowned Bee-eater / Philippine Hanging Parrot / Buff-banded Rail / Brown-breasted Kingfisher / Luzon Flameback / White-bellied Woodpecker / Luzon Boobook / Luzon Scops Owl.
Day 4-6 Luzon Island, Province of Quezon, Infanta [2N, 1D, 3S]. Drive 5-hours to Infanta. Photographic Targets: Cream-breasted Fruit Dove / Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove / Luzon Sunbird / Flaming Sunbird / Handsome Sunbird / Olive-backed Sunbird / White-bellied Sunbird / Tawny Grassbird / Spotted Kingfisher / Yellow-bellied Whistler.
Day 6-7 Luzon Island, Province of Quezon, Bangkong Kahoy Valley [1N, 0D, 0S]. Drive 2-hours to Bangkong Kahoy Valley. Photographic Targets: Whiskered Pitta.
[Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
