Add-ons and experiences available in The Philippines

Looking for your own private space and ensuite while volunteering in the Philippines? Upgrade to IVHQ’s affordable accommodation option and enjoy a self-contained cabin during your volunteer program.

Perfect for couples, retirees, or volunteers seeking extra comfort, this cabin is located right on the beach, offering a peaceful and private retreat.

Designed for up to two people, the cabin includes a king-size bed, air conditioning, a fan, and a private bathroom for your convenience and comfort.

If you're booking with another person, only one person needs to purchase the upgrade. Please let your Program Manager know who the other volunteer is who will be sharing the cabin with you.

This upgrade provides the perfect balance of comfort and privacy, allowing you to fully relax and recharge after a fulfilling day of volunteering.

***Must Read***
The private cabin upgrade is located offsite and is approximately a 5 minute drive from the main accommodation. You’ll be picked up and dropped off daily for all meals as these are served at the main accommodation.

Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? IVHQ makes it easy to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and offers extra nights of accommodation that you can pre-arrange before you depart. 

You will be accommodated in the same volunteer house that you will be staying during your time on the program so you can settle right in with no need to be moving around. Please note that maximum you can book for is one day before or after.

Want your own private room with a shared bathroom while volunteering in the Philippines? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer program, with IVHQ’s affordable accommodation upgrade.

For couples, families, retirees or volunteers wanting more comfort, we would recommend a private room at the volunteer accommodation. Please note that the private room is in a separate small building but is located on the same compound as the main volunteer house.

These private rooms are designed for up up to four people and include a single bed for each volunteer, private bathroom with cold water and air conditioning.

If booking with another person, only one person needs to buy this upgrade and please contact your Program Manager to inform who the other volunteer is that will be using this upgrade.

Introduction Week Orientation: The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, visiting a farm and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines.

Introduction Schedule:

Day 1 - Start off with an introduction to the Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, learn about the local projects, take a walking tour of the local area, and arrange your sim card. You will able to see the typical houses of the locals and the way they live in the village. And at night, there will be a welcome night and you will see a Philippine cultural dances performed by the local children. 
Day 2 - In the morning you will have the chance to join a Filipino cooking class. After lunch, you will take part in a Filipino language lesson to help communicate better with the locals who cannot speak or understand English. 
Day 3 - You will be able to experience and see one of the beautiful waterfalls in Palawan. You will enjoy a picnic while you are there. After you will visit a local market located in Narra town. 
Day 4 - You will get to make a local hand fan using local materials with assistances from the locals. In the afternoon you will get to create your own design of necklace or bracelet using local materials to take as a souvenir. 
Day 5 - After breakfast, volunteers will meet about the upcoming placements and receive the placement specific introduction. In the afternoon, volunteers will be working at their placements.  

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on the needs of the project, local weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances

Important note:
The Introduction Week is offered as an extension to your program duration and it’s a comprehensive orientation that runs for the first 5 days of your stay. Once you complete the Introduction Week, you’ll be ready to start volunteering on the following Monday. This means that if you want to volunteer for 2 weeks and you add the introduction week to your itinerary, you’ll be hosted by the local team for a total of 3 weeks.

The introduction week only runs on the first and third Monday of each month so if this does not align with your program, you can join the introduction week on the second week of your itinerary.

This week offers an unforgettable week of island hopping, snorkeling, diving, beach relaxation, and cultural immersion. Explore stunning lagoons, hidden beaches, and rich marine life while enjoying outdoor activities and learning about the local way of life. Interact with friendly residents, visit local markets, and experience the culture and traditions that make El Nido a paradise beyond its breathtaking landscapes.

Please note that this excursion is only available to start on the first Monday of each month.

Itinerary:

Sunday - arrival

Want your airport drop off organized for you for the end of your IVHQ Philippines trip? We can book an airport transfer for you from your volunteer accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport at an affordable price. 

Without knowing what the right price is to pay in the Philippines for an airport transfer, you can easily get overcharged, or spend a long time trying to haggle a decent price. Enjoy a stress free ride back to the airport arranged by our local team. 

You’ll be picked up from your volunteer accommodation in the Philippines at your chosen time, and driven directly to Puerto Princesa International Airport with plenty of time for your flight. Transfers to other destinations can also be arranged if you are heading somewhere else. 

For groups of two or three traveling together, only one person needs to purchase this add-on. Groups of 4+ please enquire with your Program Manager.

If you arrive outside the designated hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday before your program starts, airport pickup is not included in your Program Fee. In this case, you can either arrange your own transportation to the program or book this add-on for the local team to organize your airport pickup.

For groups of two or three traveling together, only one person needs to purchase this add-on. Groups of 4+ please enquire with your Program Manager.