Terms and Conditions
In order to ensure the smooth operation of the adventure, the following general terms and conditions are set for our trips.
LANGUAGE
The Owners/ Guides are all English speaking bird-watching Filipinos so there should be no language problem with English speaking clients and with the residents in any locality visited. We can also provide interpreter for non - English -speaking clients.
INCLUSIONS
We generally provide all tourist class accommodations as indicated in the tour itinerary, food (three meals per full day), safe drinking water at all times, air/ground/boat transportation as required by the itinerary, airport transfers, tour leader services, local guides where necessary, park entrance fees, and a bird list.
All room bookings are on twin sharing basis. If a roommate is not available, single supplement will be charged to a person utilizing single accommodation. Should a single occupancy booking be desired, this should be indicated upon reservation and a single supplement will be charged. There is no guarantee for the availability of single occupancy booking in some remote areas.
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare and country airport departure taxes therein, optional side trips not in the itinerary, visa costs, personal expenses, medical expenses, alcoholic drinks.
INSURANCE
A comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to be taken by our clients from their country of origin which should at least cover accident, medical expense, repatriation, and loss of effects. All expenses in this regard shall be for the client’s account. We do not recommend taking local insurance as claims made against Philippine Insurance Companies take an inordinate amount of time to process.
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS
It is the sole responsibility of clients to seek the most up to date information and recommendation from their country of origin for the necessary vaccinations and prophylaxis in visiting a tropical country like the Philippines.
Although Birding Adventure Philippines (BAP) will endeavor to assist in facilitation of medical assistance and services when necessary, it makes no representation of its availability at any given site. All health and medical costs are for the account of the Clients.
Trips are designed for anyone with good health and stamina. Although, exceptional fitness is not required, reasonable physical effort is necessary as some trips will require 4-6 hours of walking, sometimes on graded and rough terrain. Most destinations will require very early morning starts and late evening completions. The more productive times for the adventure are early morning and late after noon. Some species require night time observation.
Should a client have specific medical requirements and condition, this should be made known upon booking. The tour leader has the right to disqualify anyone from the tour or from certain activities thereto should there be reason to believe that the person is not capable of such activities. Should a client be so disqualified during an on going tour, only the expenses saved as a result of non-participation will be reimbursed. All extra expenses will be charged.
CLOTHING
Since we are in a tropical country, wear cool lightweight breathable clothes as much as possible. Avoid wearing white and bright colors. Wear colors that match natural surroundings. Do not wear camouflage outfits.
RESPONSIBILITY:
In case of events beyond the control of Birding Adventure Philippines such as severe weather, earthquakes, mechanical breakdowns, political instability and other forms of force majeure, Birding Adventure Philippines reserves the right to modify the itinerary in order to avoid such problems.
Birding Adventure Philippines is not responsible for errors and omissions, damage and losses, accidents and injury, delays and cancellations caused or made by transportation companies. All losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes are borne by the Client as tour rates provide only for arrangements for the time stated.
Because the guides are themselves the owners, Birding Adventure Philippines endeavors to choose only those routes and itineraries known to be safe for tourists and birders alike. However, Birding Adventure Philippines cannot be held liable for crimes committed by third parties.
Birding Adventure Philippines accepts no responsibility for a Client who breaks the laws or rules and regulations of the site visited.
AUTHORITY OF THE TOUR LEADER
The tour leader has the right to make any tour changes should the need arise due to unforeseen circumstances. If the tour leader determines it is best to deviate from the activities described in the trip program, he/she will make reasonable efforts to substitute an activity of comparable interest and satisfaction to the trip participants. On matters relating to the safety and proper conduct of the trip, the tour leader's decision is final.
CANCELLATION
The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which latter case, full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties, and there will be no refund for an absence of less than three days unless arrangements are made prior to commencement of the tour. The prices of the tour are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of the printing of the itinerary, and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change in tariffs and/or exchange rates. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. In such case, a refund of unused land tour services will be the limit of liability. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATIONS
A completed registration form and a 50% deposit per person constitute registration and will be accepted in order of receipt. Full payment is due two months prior to departure on receipt of our interim statement. On some tours, payment will be required up to three months before departure (the date will be specified on your interim invoice). If there are any late changes in price or additional charges (e.g. domestic air fare) payment will be due upon receipt of a final invoice. Refund of deposit, less $75 per person handling fee, will be made if cancellation is received up to 60 days before departure. Since the tour involves considerable administrative and operating expenses, if cancellation is received between 30 and 60 days before departure, the cancellation rate is 50% of the land cost, unless the space is resold. If cancellation is made within 30 days of departure, only those costs which do not have to be paid because of the individual's absence (e.g. meals, room or portion thereof) will be refunded. Refund will not be made for expenses which must be paid whether the individual is present or not (e.g., leader's expenses, rental transportation, etc.). All cancellations must be in writing and received within the time specified above. Cancellation insurance is recommended and is available at nominal rates.
TOUR GROUPS AND OPERATORS: A deposit of US$ 6,000.00 per tour should be made to reserve the dates for each of the tour and this amount will be deducted in the final tour cost. This deposit will be forfeited in the event that your tour will not push through on the scheduled dates. This deposit should be wire-transferred 6 months before the tour starts. Full payment of the tour should be made 120 days before the start of the tour.