Mindanao: Philippine Eagle & Montane Forest Circuit — 10 Days

Fly into Cagayan de Oro, where your search for the Philippine Eagle begins. This giant forest raptor is endemic to the Philippines and ranks among the world's largest and most powerful eagles—yet it remains critically endangered, restricted to the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. The species faces severe threats from habitat loss and its own biology: it lays only one egg per year, with an incubation period of 58 to 68 days. In Mindanao, Philippine Eagles nest across varied habitats, from lowland dipterocarp forests to montane and mossy forest transitions, typically at elevations between 750 and 950 meters along steep slopes and ravines. From Cagayan de Oro, travel by private vehicle to Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon province. After registration at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office, begin a two-hour trek through forest to reach the base camp. Mt. Kitanglad is one of the remaining strongholds where Philippine Eagles have been recorded nesting. The mountain's varied forest types and protected status make it a critical refuge for this rare species. Upon arrival at camp, settle in and prepare for late afternoon birding as light permits. Watch for movement in the canopy and listen for calls as the forest transitions toward dusk. Camp accommodation and all meals are provided.

Mt. Kitanglad, a dormant volcano and the Philippines' fourth-highest peak at 2,899 meters, rises from the Kitanglad Mountain Range in Bukidnon between Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Lantapan, Impasug-ong, Sumilao, and Libona. Now protected as Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, the mountain is an ancestral domain of the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig peoples and represents a unique ecological diversity shaped by human communities, interconnected landscapes, and immense natural biodiversity. Today's birding focuses on accessible lower and mid-elevation sites. Easy birding just off the road yields sightings of McGregor's Cuckoo-shrike, Elegant Tit, Streak-breasted Rhabdornis, and Black-and-cinnamon Fantail. The Lower Eagle View Point and Higher Eagle View Point are prime locations for White-cheeked Bullfinch, Cinnamon Ibon, and Mountain White-eye. Above the Higher Eagle View Point, the mossy forest zone opens habitat for additional endemic species adapted to cooler, cloud-wrapped elevations. Camp accommodation and meals are included.

After breakfast, drive to Kidapawan, one of the municipalities situated on the slope of Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,956 meters above sea level. The mountain's landscapes shift dramatically across elevation: from craggy rockscapes and virgin forests to mossy swamps and volcanic structures. Kidapawan serves as a primary take-off point for Mt. Apo climbs and is known for its orchard farms and primary dipterocarp vegetation, making it an excellent natural birding site. A captive-bred Philippine eagle was released here in March 2004. Arrive early afternoon and check in at your hotel. Spend the afternoon birding in the surrounding area, where endemic species thrive amid the diverse terrain.

After breakfast, drive to Kidapawan, a municipality on the slopes of Mt. Apo — the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,956 meters above sea level. The mountain's landscape spans from rocky terrain and virgin forest to mossy swamps and volcanic formations, creating a spectrum of ecological zones. Kidapawan and its surrounding orchards and primary dipterocarp vegetation serve as both a base for climbs to Mt. Apo and a birding site in their own right. One captive-bred Philippine Eagle was released here in March 2004. Early afternoon arrival allows time for hotel check-in and afternoon birding. Accommodation in Kidapawan.

Begin with early morning birding near Kidapawan before heading to Eden Nature Park and Resort, situated at the foot of Mount Talomo in Toril, Davao City. The resort occupies 3,000 feet of elevation on what was once a logged-over landscape of wild grass. In 1971, the owners recognized the land's potential—both for its commanding views of Davao City and the Davao Gulf—and began an ambitious restoration project. Terraces were carved into the mountain slope, and thousands of pine seedlings were planted across the property. As these trees matured, they created forest canopy, allowing secondary growth of understory plants and trees. Today, Eden is home to over 100,000 pine trees, extensive gardens, orchards, and animal sanctuaries. The presence of resident and endemic bird species throughout the park stands as proof of the forest's successful ecological recovery. The resort demonstrates how human effort and environmental stewardship can reclaim degraded land. Check in for your overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, proceed to Davao City with an optional side visit to Samal Island's bat cave or zip-line activity in Kapatagan. The Philippine Eagle Center, approximately one hour's drive from the city, houses 36 Philippine Eagles (18 captive-bred), 10 additional bird species, four mammal species, and two reptile species in a simulated tropical rainforest environment. The surrounding lush vegetation with preserved primary-growth forest trees and maintained gardens has attracted additional lowland forest bird species. Following a site briefing, transfer to Malagos Garden and Resort — a 12-hectare inland nature-themed property in Brgy. Malagos, Calinan, Davao City. The resort is home to Vanda Sanderiana (Waling-Waling), an endemic Philippine orchid, and hosts indigenous bird and wildlife species. An optional late afternoon bird show is available. Late afternoon forest trail birding follows. Accommodation at Malagos.

Early morning birding near Malagos, followed by breakfast and a four-hour drive to Bislig on Mindanao's eastern coast. Bislig serves as the entry point to the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP) concession area — 182,682 hectares extending from lowland forest to higher altitude zones on Mt. Pasian and Mt. Agtuuganon. The concession provides access to scarce lowland forest bird species and is recognized as one of the Philippines' premier birding destinations. The Rufous Hornbill and Writhed Hornbill remain present here, with birding roads 1–4 serving as primary survey routes. Inn accommodation.

Jeepney-based birding across the rugged logging roads within the PICOP concession forest. Lunch and dinner at camp.

Continued birding within the PICOP concession across primary and recovering lowland forest. Lunch and dinner at camp.

After breakfast, drive to Cagayan de Oro. The day offers two options: experience the region's renowned whitewater rafting on the Cagayan River, or visit the thrills of Makuhombas Adventure Park. Later, transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Manila, concluding your journey through Mindanao's natural attractions.