We’re embarking on an epic 8-day, 7-night adventure through the captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines! From the historic streets of Intramuros to the serene beauty and enchanting waters of the islands of Palawan. Explore underground rivers, pristine lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, and connect with local communities. Get ready for our very first Black Travel Fest Philippines escapade!
By DayYour journey begins with your arrival in the vibrant capital city of the Philippines, Manila. You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and be whisked away to a boutique hotel that is set within the walls of the oldest district and historic core of Manila.
Shake off your jetlag with a low-key hotel hang-out or if you arrive early in the day, you will have the chance to explore the historic Spanish-walled city of Intramuros at your own pace.
By NightGet ready to break bread with your newest travel fam! Join us for a delightful BTF-Style Welcome Dinner, a feast of Filipino flavors that will introduce your taste buds to the local cuisine. Enjoy a special dinner with a mesmerizing cultural show, immersing yourself in the artistic traditions of the Philippines.
After dinner, you’ll have the choice to head back to the hotel to turn in early or explore the bustling Manila nightlife, where the city truly comes alive with music, dance, and a kaleidoscope of entertainment.
By DayAs the sun rises, your adventure begins with a captivating tour of Manila, focusing on the historic district of Intramuros. Here, you’ll delve deep into the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and heritage.
Your journey through Intramuros may include visits to two iconic attractions if time permits: Fort Santiago, the well-preserved fort, and San Agustin Church, a centuries-old church.
By NightAs the day gently transitions into the evening, we’ll board a local flight to Puerto Princesa City. Here, in the heart of Palawan, nature’s splendid wonders await to captivate your senses.
By Day Begin a long but rewarding day of travel, as we drive from Puerto Princesa City to El Nido. The first stop will be at the Palaw’an Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to connect with the local community and witness the vibrant butterflies that grace the gardens.
Then, prepare to be amazed as you explore the awe-inspiring Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the ‘7 Wonders of Nature.’ The subterranean wonders of this river will leave you in awe.
After your adventure-filled day, you’ll check in at a lovely resort in El Nido.
By NightYour evening dining plans are flexible – savor a solo dinner or opt for a memorable culinary experience with your BTF companions. If you still have the energy, we can go for an island night out that promises more excitement and adventure!
By DayIt’s your Free Day! This is your opportunity to unwind and pamper yourself, ensuring you’re fully recharged for the exciting El Nido tour on the horizon. Enjoy a leisurely day in the charming town of El Nido at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore the pristine beaches, savor local cuisine at restaurants, or unwind at beach bars, today is all about relaxation and rejuvenation.
By NightEnjoy the rest of your FREE time and dine at your preferred local restaurant.
But just so you know, you can also revel in the culinary creations of the resort. Nestled on a pristine beachfront, with sweeping views of the sea, this dining experience is designed to elevate your evening with exceptional flavors, all amidst a picture-perfect backdrop.
By DayPrepare for an extraordinary day of exploration as you set sail on an exquisite yacht for our El Nido Island Tour! A delectable lunch will be expertly prepared by the chef, ensuring you’re fully energized for this remarkable day.
Big Lagoon: The limestone cliffs rise majestically, and the tranquil emerald waters invite you to swim and snorkel amidst vibrant marine life!
Payong-payong Beach: Soft powdery sands meet gentle waves, offering a slice of paradise for relaxation and beachcombing.
Secret Lagoon: Concealed behind towering limestone walls, this hidden treasure reveals a secluded pool of emerald waters surrounded by lush foliage.
Shimizu Island: Beckons with its white sandy shores and vibrant underwater world. Snorkelers and divers will revel in the kaleidoscope of marine life, while those who prefer to relax can explore the island’s unique rock formations.
Commando Beach: Offers a perfect finale to our yacht day. The soft sands and calm waters invite you to unwind and relish the sense of solitude that only nature can provide.
By NightAfter a full day of exciting island-hopping adventures, your evening dining plans are entirely at your discretion. You can choose to savor a peaceful solo dinner, enjoying some tranquil time for yourself. Alternatively, you can opt for a memorable culinary experience in the company of your fellow BTF travelers, creating new bonds over delicious dishes.
By DayDeparting from the tropical haven of El Nido, you’ll embark on a brief yet remarkably scenic local flight to the captivating island of Coron.
Upon arrival in Coron, you’ll be enveloped by an immediate sense of tranquility as you’ll be whisked away to our lovely eco-friendly resort.
Then, enjoy your FREE time, a blank canvas to paint your own Coron adventure today! Whether you choose to unwind on postcard-perfect beaches, stroll along the shoreline’s powdery sands, or meander through the quaint town’s bustling markets and inviting eateries, the possibilities are as endless as the horizon.
By NightAs you delve deeper into your journey, you’ll find a range of dining options to suit your taste. While exploring the local scene, you can discover numerous local restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of your resort, you’ll be delighted to know that it hosts a variety of dining establishments. Within the resort, you have access to a Filipino restaurant, specializing in local flavors, a seafood restaurant for ocean-to-plate freshness, a relaxing poolside bar, and a cozy café for casual bites. The choice is yours.
By DayPrepare for a captivating journey that immerses you in the pristine natural beauty of Coron, as we go island hopping! This will be a traditional boat tour, complete with a picnic-style lunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
Kayangan Lake: Celebrated as the cleanest lake in Asia. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs draped in lush greenery, the crystal-clear waters of Kayangan Lake boast a mesmerizing shade of blue that seems almost surreal.
Las Islas de Coral: Explore its vibrant underwater world. Snorkeling here unveils a kaleidoscope of coral formations and marine life, a testament to the diversity of aquatic species that call this area home.
Sunset Beach: Lives up to its name, providing a tranquil spot to unwind, soak up the sun, and absorb the serene beauty of the coastline.
The Green Lagoon: A hidden gem tucked away amidst the limestone formations with its emerald waters and serene surroundings.
Quin Reef: Known for its vibrant coral gardens, invites you to explore the underwater world once more. Snorkel among colorful fish and coral formations, and witness the vibrant marine ecosystem that thrives beneath the waves.
CYC Beach: Offers a picturesque cove fringed with swaying palm trees and soft sands, a quintessentially tropical paradise that beckons you to savor the serenity and natural beauty.
By NightTo wrap up your journey, gather for a memorable BTF-style farewell Dinner. It’s a time to celebrate all the unique experiences and friendships forged during BTF Philippines 2024!
By DayLast day in the Philippines. As your journey comes to an end, it’s time to board your flight back to Manila to catch your flight back home. Carry with you the cherished memories of the Philippines’ breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and the countless moments that made your journey an unforgettable chapter in your life.
“So I had AGAIN a great time with #BlackTravelFest. ✈️ I also enjoyed all of the temples. Got to LEARN some history.
As always, Dev, our host, or whoever is hosting. And Matthieu, our photographer, has just constantly been ACCOMMODATING. I was just CAREFREE the entire trip, just cruising on the way. I ENJOYED it, and I will continue to do Black Travel Fest.”
“An incredible trip that I’ll remember forever.
Thanks to @deirdredares @blacktravelfest this was an amazing experience 🖤 Bali.”
“Travel Thursday ✈️: Throwing it back #tbt to Bali 🇮🇩.
This is one of my absolute favorite pictures. Such was a wonderful experience, thanks to @blacktravelfest. 🥰✨
If you are debating on going, don’t! It’s well worth the travel time. I met some dope individuals & this trip will forever be one of my favorites ❤️”
“FLASHBACK! [In 2018], I flew to Bali alone with Black Travel Fest and ended up meeting some amazing people! 🥰
Today, I looked through some of the vids and my whole soul smiled soooooo hard! I will never forget that trip. 100+ Black people in a foreign land meeting new people, learning about another culture, being embraced by amazing locals, sharing amazing stories, looking out for each other, and living it up! 🙌🏿
You could feel the ease. I hope our paths cross again! Posting some of my fave moments to my stories! Miss and love ya’ll!”
“I decided to travel with Black Travel Fest for the first time during my 30th birthday. 🎂✨ I extended the invitation to so many friends and family to come along. Still, ultimately, I decided to travel by myself. 🙏🏾
Traveling with the BTF group was terrific! 🥰 I quickly found a group of boss babes that became my travel group.
But wow! I mean, my experience was breathtaking. Of course, I was scared; I did not think I had it in me to travel across the world alone. ✈️🌍 But ended up with a fantastic group of women who shared their insights into relationships, life, and building wealth. 👑
My experience was soul cleansing… I have thought about traveling again with BTF! ❤️”
What vaccinations are required to travel to Philippines?
Note: This is subject to change. As of August 2023, the presentation of COVID-19 vaccination status and certificates is no longer a requirement. All international travelers arriving are accepted, regardless of their vaccination status.
What entry documents are required?
No visa is needed for stays of up to 30 days. Travelers must possess a valid ticket for the return journey to their country of origin or the next destination and a passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond their stay in the Philippines.
Is there a specific airline recommended?
Several airlines operate flights from the United States to Manila, Philippines. The availability of these airlines can vary depending on your departure city.
Here are some major airlines that frequently operate flights on this route: Philippine Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.
When planning your trip, it’s advisable to check the current flight schedules, routes, and any travel restrictions imposed by the airlines or authorities. Additionally, consider using online travel agencies or flight comparison websites to find the best deals on flights from the U.S. to Manila.
What is the name of the airport we are flying into?
Airport code: MNL or Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Upgrade requests may be made by emailing [email protected]. Upgrades will be accommodated on a per reservation basis, and you will need your roommate to also agree to upgrade or accept entry into the roomie matching program.
Downgrades are prohibited. No Downgrade request will be taken.
Rooms with double occupancy may have a shared king or queen bed, though this won’t be frequent.
The double occupancy package is for two people in one room with one or two beds depending on preferences and availability. If you select this package both you and your roommate would need to make the purchase separately. If you are looking to be matched with a roommate you can simply purchase the double occupancy package, and we’ll take it from there.
This package is for folks who are sharing finances and would like to make one monthly payment instead of paying and registering separately. This option is most frequently used by our couples and family members traveling together.
Once you’ve made a payment you’ll be redirected to an online registration form. Following completion of the form, you’ll receive an email confirmation of your registration. You’ll also receive a detailed information pack prior to the start of your trip.
All payments must be completed One Month before the start of the trip.
If you do not make your payment deadline you will have 3 additional days to pay in full, and a late payment fee of $75 will be assessed thereafter.
You can pay for the entire balance of your trip by selecting the “One Time Payment” option.
You will have two options if you’ve booked double occupancy and your roommate fails to complete payment.
1. You can upgrade to the next package within your selected accommodation style. For example if you have selected a hotel double occupancy package, you can upgrade to the single occupancy package for $500. The same applies for the villa packages.2. You can find a replacement roommate and set up the replacement arrangements with your current roommate. If this happens your replacement will need to pay your former roommate directly for any portion already paid to Black Travel Fest, and pay the remaining balance directly to Black Travel Fest.
Refund Schedule
Initial Deposit of $250
Non-Refundable
90 – 60 days to the trip start date
Fully Refundable
59 – 31 days to the trip start date
50% Refundable
30 days to the trip start date
Non Refundable
Days to the trip start date will be calculated by adding the number of days from the current date at time of refund request to the day prior to the trip start date.
For example If the trip start date is August 31st:
the trip would be fully refundable from June 2nd to July 2nd
the trip would be 50% refundable from July 3rd to July 31st
the trip would be non-refundable starting August 1st
Please note: PayPal processing fees and vendor transaction fees will not be refunded.
Cancel for any reason trip insurance can help if you have a need to cancel unexpectedly.
If you have questions regarding trip insurance coverage, please contact Cici Chandler, travel agent with Mahogany Fly International ([email protected]). If you live outside of the United States, please contact your local travel agent to purchase travel insurance for the festival.
Name changes are permitted for $75 per person. Name Changes are not permitted for Roomie Matching Program. Name changes can only be made with people not currently booked for the festival. The person taking your place needs to register with a staff member at Amola Enterprises, LLC and provide their credit card information. You must work out the money already paid between yourselves. The person taking your place pays the remaining balance to Amola Enterprises, LLC.
Name changes can be completed up to 2 weeks prior to the Festival. No name changes will be made after the deadline.
Please see the Terms and Conditions for additional information regarding name changes and transferability.
All are welcome at the Black Travel Fest. Just be sure to come prepared to have a good time and do it for “the” culture.
Sure. You are welcome to arrive before the trip and stay after if you like. Just note that the package only covers 8 days, and airport transfers outside of these dates will not be offered.
If you’re unable to attend all the scheduled days that’s okay, but we’d love to see you enjoying all of the events.
You’ll have the opportunity to list your roommate and travel partners in the registration form. We also have an additional step to collect this information as the trip gets closer.
Unfortunately, we do not have any activities & events only package as we negotiate a set number of spots with our vendors.
Should travel to the destination become impossible, the trip will be rescheduled to a date 6 to 12 months in the future. For example, if the trip is scheduled for October 2024 it may be rescheduled to April 2025 up to October 2025.
Major Exclusions
International Flights
Tips & Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
Vaccinations
Optional Activities
Please note: Anything not listed as included is excluded.