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Trek For Hope 2018 – Philippines*
From Our Light to Yours

This is our 5th year working together with Oikos Helping Hand (OHH). OHH is a non-profit NGO run by Singaporeans in the heart of slums of Tondo.  Their goal is simple – to ease the suffering of poverty in any way possible every day. 

5 years - It is a milestone for all of us in Adventures Unlimited.  
Trek For Hope Philippines throughout the years

Our Commitment, Our Passion and Our Giving Behaviour to help and support those in the New Smokey Mountain region, whilst we hike and relish the nature’s beauty in Philippines is admirable.  

In March 2018, we will hike 2 mountains - Mt Timbak (2,717m) and Mt Pulag (2922m) and savour the serenity of 4 lakes in our quest for adventure.  For the spirit of giving, we will engage in 2 charity days.  We will spend a day working with AGAPE HOUSE and have an outreach programme in the New Smokey Mountains Slum Area.

The 5th year edition will see hikers from Thailand in addition to the usual hiking community from Singapore and Malaysia.  We will raise our Torch for Hope, each representative (nominated) of each nation will have a chance in this incredible summit ritual.  

Join us for a fulfilling fruitful fun hike laden with cultural exchanges and add fuel to your soul with the charity component of this hike. 

Event Hosts: Simon Chan, and Mala Krishnan
Picturesource: http://www.trover.com/
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Mt. Timbak and the 4 Lakes
Grade: 2/5 Easy (See AU's Trail Grading here) 

At 2717m, Mt. Timbak is a summit that can be reached during a day trip. You’ll find yourself trekking for a few hours through beautiful farms and small villages until reaching a stunning summit. Assuming the day is clear, you’ll be able to view Mt. Pulag.
 
At the summit, you’ll find three large, white crosses in position and this is the icon of the mountain. Sometimes referred to as “Mini Calvary,” this is a beautiful opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying big skies and the cool breezes that only a mountain can provide.
 
The 4 Lakes of Kabayan will take you through pine forests, some with moss growing thanks to the moisture in the region, while being surrounded by vegetable plantations. The area is somewhat residential, but there are still many opportunities to experience moments of quiet bliss.
 
Bring your camera and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots because these are memories that you’ll want to capture for a lifetime.

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​Magnificent Mt. Pulag and its Sea of Clouds
Grade: 2/5 Easy (See AU's Trail Grading here) 
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Mt. Pulag offers one of the world’s best views of the Milky Way when dawn arrives. It is also a cultural treasure for the people of the Philippines, as the Ibaloi people have numerous burial caves on the mountain. Standing at 2922m, the wetter climate of this mountain allows for over 500 different plant species to grow.

There are several endangered animal species that can be found on Mt. Pulag as well, along with more than 30 different bird species.
 
Outside of the stunning views of the universe beyond our own heavens, our trek will lead us through montane forests that offer a tall canopy that seems to enclose us in an entirely different world. It really is a magical experience that is best described by a first-hand experience with the mountain.
TFH: Philippines 2019 Itinerary*
 

Day 1(16 March, Sat) 
Arrival at Manilla 
 10:00 PM - Depart Manila 
 
Day 2 (17 March, Sun) 
 
09:00 AM - Arrive Banaue, breakfast.
10:30 AM - Arrive at Cambulo Jump-off, shor trekking. Check in, rest.
​12:00 PM - Lunch
01:00 PM - Proceed to school for activities
03:00 PM - Visit nearby river (Optional), Free time
07:00 PM - Dinner, socials, watch cultural show
09:00 PM - Lights out 
 
Day 3 (18 March, Mon) 
 
07:00 AM - Breakfast, prepare for possible late lunch.
09:00 AM - Start trek to Batad Village.
01:00 PM - Arrive Batad Village, check in, lunch.
Visit Tappi-yah falls (Optional), rest.
07:00 PM - Dinner, Socials
10:00 PM - Lights out 


Day 4 (19 March, Tue) 
 
07:00 AM - Breakfast, prepare for possible late lunch.
10:00 AM - Start trek to Bangaan Exit trail
02:00 PM - Arrive at Bangaan exit trail, Travel back to Banaue
03:00 PM - Arrive at Banaue - Buy souvenirs, roam around Banaue while waiting for bus bound to Manila.
07:00 PM - Depart Banaue. 
 
​Day 5 (20 March, Wed) 
​

04:00 AM - Arrive Manila
05:00 AM- Check in into Hotel, rest
11:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
12:00 PM – Lunch with Agape staff and Set-up at Agape House together
01:30 PM - Opening Remarks, Song & Dance, Teach Dancing
01:45 PM - Activities at different stations 
05:00 PM - Food distribution 
5:30 PM - Leave Agape House 6:30 PM – Free and easy  

 
Day 6 (21 March, Thursday) 
 
10:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
11:00AM -0400PM – Smokey Mountain visits
04:30 PM – Finish charity work and wash up
05:30 PM - Harbor Square watch sun set
06:00 PM - Celebratory Dinner / Pass it on
​8:00 PM – Hotel 

 
Day 7 ( 22 March Friday)
Fly back to Singapore or extension activity
* subjected to change depending on weather,traffic and human conditions
Extension Programme for 22 - 24 March - Mt Pinatubo / Taal Volcano Day Hikes

22 March - Mt Pinatubo
2:30 AM - Depart Lotus Garden Hotel

06:00 AM - Estimated arrival at the Tourism Office, register. Breakfast.
07:00 AM - 4x4 Ride to Jump off point
08:30 AM - Start trek to Crater
10:30 AM - Arrival at the Crater - Free time, picture taking, Lunch.
12:30 PM - Start Descend.
2:30 PM - Arrive at the jump off and ride 4x4
3:30 PM - Arrive at the Tourism Office, log-out. Head back to Manila.
8:00 PM - Arrival at Lotus Garden Hotel


23 March - Mt Taal
04:00 AM - ETD Hotel (Breakfast prior to departure or along the way, ℅ participants account)
07:00 AM - Arrival at Talisay Batangas, Orientation
07:45 AM - Depart port, take 15 minutes boat ride
08:00 AM - Start trek, or optional Horseback riding.
09:00 AM - Arrival at view deck, free time. Photo time
10:00 AM - (Descent time is flexible.) Head back to shore.
12:00 PM - Lunch at the resort ℅ participant's account
02:00 PM - Head back to Hotel
06:00 PM - Arrival at Hotel
​

24 March
Back to SG

Inclusions:
Transportation from hotel in Manila and back
Boat ride (6 per boat)
Local Tour Guide
Local Tour Coordinator
Entrance Fees
Environmental Fees
Terminal Fees
​
Life Jacket
2 Nights stay at Lotus Garden hotel
Transportation from Hotel to Airport


Exclusions:
Horseback riding - P500
Meals - P200 per meal during trek

Cost $600/= SGD
​(add $280 sgd for 22nd - 24th extension)
Inclusions
- Regular Air-conditioned bus from Victory Liner Pasay to Baguio and back
- Chartered Jeepney from Baguio and back
- 8 Meals (during hike), 2 x Lunch and farewell dinner (Community Days)
- Homestay accommodation, blankets, shower

- Camping gears and equipments
- Tent accommodation, 2 persons per tent
- All guide fees, registration fees, cultural fees, environmental fees
- Climb certificate
- Eating utensils
- Stay at Lotus Garden Hotel (Roxas Boulevard) 3D 2N
- Trek For Hope 2018 t shirt

Exclusions
Airtickets, Travel Insurance, Visa Application
Personal gears, such as head-light, sleeping bags and liners, warm clothing, hiking gear and clothes
Other meals not mentioned in the programme

CHARITY – What do you need to know?

We need to raise $6,000 for our 2 planned charity programmes in Philippines.  We are seeking to raise funds for Oikos Fencing project at Agapeland Discipleship Training Centre, Cavite Province.  Across the river, there are drugs addicts and on several occasions, they have tried to climb in to the Centre.  For the security of the children and occupants of the facility, we are seeking funds to build the fence around the compound.  

This project requires digging a 1m deep perimeter trench and pour cement as foundation for the metal poles, before installation of fencing materials.  The budget is about SGD$5,000 and we will try to support part of it or if possible the whole project.

The remaining SGD $1,000 is for the Rations distribution for the slums in the New Smokey Mountain Region.  We will also distribute the Rations to the participants attending our charity day in AGAPE Discipleship Training Centre. 
CHARITY – What do you need to do?

We need your help to raise the funds and be a part in this humbling fund-raising project.  We appeal to all participants to raise funds.  You can help to raise either by one or combination of the below efforts:-

1. Trek For Hope T-shirts (new design) – at $25 each
2. Pledge Ration Bags for the affected slum families at $15 each bag 
3. Raise cash donations (official receipts will be issued by Oikos Helping Hand after the trip) 

We will continue to support you in this fund raising efforts with personal testimonials and videos and photos.  

For any queries on charity fund-raising, please approach Mala @9871 3089.
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How the 2017 Trip Changed Lives

Truly glad to join this year TFH Phillipines, the trek was memorable, new friends aplenty and great quantity of laugh was given and shared…….
Although I have visited other slums in my previous projects, the visit still leave an impression as I witnessed not only the spirit of compassion (both locals and participants), a testament of the toughness of human spirit in the face of tribulations and a prove that “It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
SUCAN SUTANTO


As much one individual can make an impact on the lives of others, it is my belief that a series of individuals coming together to form a group can do so much more. Thank you Trek for Hope for opening my eyes again and again to worlds I might not otherwise have seen. You changed my life for the better.
NADIA AYESHA


This day is probably the most tiring and exhausting of my first visit to Phillipines, but it is definately one if the most life rewarding journey for me. It has made me richer towards my perception of humanitarian needs. Our little efforts might not change their life, but in exchange for their smiles and heartfelt handshakes, it is suffice.
Thank you Trek for Hope for the opportunity for me to partake in this event. Many of us complain of the little things in life, while forgetting that in this world, there are people dealing with their daily meals, shelter, and livinghood. This trip reinforces the decision I made 1 year ago to spend more time on the needies, and more important, value and cherish what I have and given in my life.
ALAN CHEN

I am grateful and blessed to join Trek For Hope team for this amazing experience. Though it's just so little we had done and it may not have change the lives of the people there, I believed it's the LOVE & HOPE we've brought to them and upon ourselves.
CHERYL TAN
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Are You Ready to Join the Adventure?
 
The Philippines is a land where there is something beautiful just waiting to be found around every corner. Whether that is at the summit of a mountain or the smile of someone grateful to have some company, if but for a moment, this place will speak to your soul like none other.
 
There are challenges to meet on this journey. It will not be an easy quest. Yet the best rewards that life can offer come not in what is easy, but in what is right.
 
We will have moments to come together and create lifelong friends. We will have opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. We will keep learning, keep seeking, and keep knocking on every closed door to discover the treasure of service that lies in wait for us.
 
Trek For Hope: Philippines 2018 is a chance to revisit past moments, build new memories, and continue relationships established before. Our commitment must not waiver. Will you join us on this adventure?
 
How to confirm your attendance

1. Arrange for a call-back (if more information is required).  
2. Pay a deposit of $300SGD to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED DBS CURRENT A/C – 0039351950
3. Forward proof of payment (with transaction reference) to J.A.N.E at 9102 0550 (whatsapp)
4. Book your flight tickets (details will be shared upon receipt of deposit)
5. You are in for adventure for body, mind and soul


Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 8 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
4 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
2-1 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid

Others:


1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.

2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:

–  they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.

    Interested in this event. ​ARRANGE FOR A CALL BACK WITH MORE INFO 

Submit
JOIN US AT THE ADVENTURE VILLAGE
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ADVENTURES UNLIMITED (TA02844) IS A TRAVEL AGENCY LICENSCED BY THE SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

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  • Home
  • BLOG
    • PAST EVENTS / PHOTO GALLERY
  • Our Upcoming Events
  • WHO ARE WE / TREK FOR HOPE
  • STORIES FROM OUR TRAVELS
  • Adventures Unlimited's Trail Grading
  • The 7 Mantras of Travel
  • WHY TRAVEL WITH ADVENTURES UNLIMITED
  • Work With Us
  • Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – Trekking in High Altitude
  • Our Training Guarantee
  • The SG Camino
  • Get Ready for the Mountains!
  • New Page