About me:I'm a 28 year old Aussie girl living out her dream. My background is in nursing and I am a qualified nurse with 10 years experience. I love to travel and teach others the importance of responsible tourism. I feel most at home when I am by the water or hiking out in nature.
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Share your thoughts on the itinerary, guide, and overall organization of the adventure.
A
Thank you so much for an incredible tour! We were blessed with a jam packed adventure from day 1. Mel is an incredible tour guide, she is super fun and very helpful with any issue or question. The tou…Thank you so much for an incredible tour! We were blessed with a jam packed adventure from day 1. Mel is an incredible tour guide, she is super fun and very helpful with any issue or question. The tour itself couldn't be faulted except for wishing for more hammock time ;) I think all our group felt the same by the end of the tour: happy, relaxed and grateful for an incredible experience! Thanks so much to the One Life team for organising everything we could wish for and an amazing group of now friends to travel with. Create an experience for Columbia and I'm in!!
R
Wow!! What an absolutely incredible holiday away from normal life in London! The tour was so packed full of culture, adventure, gorgeous snorkelling and swimming spots, the perfect variety of activiti…Wow!! What an absolutely incredible holiday away from normal life in London! The tour was so packed full of culture, adventure, gorgeous snorkelling and swimming spots, the perfect variety of activities and chill time with an absolutely amazing group of like-minded people :) everyone jelled so well, with a HUGE THANKS to our tour leader Mel who really made the trip what it was. She looked after and inspired the whole group to be the best at all times, she’s so caring and fun all wrapped up in one, loved it!!!
M
This trip was amazing, and the value for money is unrivalled. Incredibly well organised, with lots of fun activities and experiences. Mel was an outstanding guide too. No question was too big, too emb…This trip was amazing, and the value for money is unrivalled. Incredibly well organised, with lots of fun activities and experiences. Mel was an outstanding guide too. No question was too big, too embarrassing or too hard, and I cannot wait to travel with her on a OneLife trip again in the future!
I
Had the absolute best 10 days exploring the Philippines. Mel was the most incredible leader with excellent knowledge and organisation skills and she was an all round good time. I can’t wait to plan an…Had the absolute best 10 days exploring the Philippines. Mel was the most incredible leader with excellent knowledge and organisation skills and she was an all round good time. I can’t wait to plan another one life tour with Mel.
C
Mel and the One Life team were absolutely fantastic! I cannot fault this tour. The inclusions, local knowledge and guides, food, accommodation (the list goes on) well exceeded my expectations!
I can…Mel and the One Life team were absolutely fantastic! I cannot fault this tour. The inclusions, local knowledge and guides, food, accommodation (the list goes on) well exceeded my expectations!
I can not recommend this tour enough for anyone who is interested in the Philippines!
T
This tour was absolutely incredible. It went to place I wouldn’t have known to go to, we did activities that were suited to everyone and our guide (Mel) was so informative and helpful, she knew the be…This tour was absolutely incredible. It went to place I wouldn’t have known to go to, we did activities that were suited to everyone and our guide (Mel) was so informative and helpful, she knew the best places to go, and could help out in any situation.
I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
E
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting or even thinking about going to the Philippines. It's the perfect mix between culture and touristy activities. Mel our guide was wicked too, helpin…I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting or even thinking about going to the Philippines. It's the perfect mix between culture and touristy activities. Mel our guide was wicked too, helping us with anything, right through from any medical issues to dietary conditions to the history of the Phillipines. Its the perfect way to travel a foreign country solo and meet new friends and create unforgettable memories.
K
Mel was a really great tour guide! She was always very social having dinner and drinks with us and making conversation. A few of us got sick and Mel always knew where the doctors/pharmacies were in to…Mel was a really great tour guide! She was always very social having dinner and drinks with us and making conversation. A few of us got sick and Mel always knew where the doctors/pharmacies were in town which was helpful.
The tour itself was really great! I loved all the spots we went to and wouldn't change that much. It was nice to do some unique things e.g. Camping on a private island. The only thing I would suggest is maybe going to some cheaper dinner/drink places occasionally as we always went to semi pricy ones
H
The tour was awesome!! It was such a nice group and I felt we clicked straight away. Definitely the best vibe and experience I’ve had. Mel the tour guide was brilliant! she felt like part of the group…The tour was awesome!! It was such a nice group and I felt we clicked straight away. Definitely the best vibe and experience I’ve had. Mel the tour guide was brilliant! she felt like part of the group and had a chilled but really helpful approach. 10/10 for me.
L
Fantastic tour. Mel was a gem being both tour guide and nurse as I hit my foot on coral. Her knowledge of the phillipines helped us whenever we needed an atm or pharmacy. She also had backup plans in …Fantastic tour. Mel was a gem being both tour guide and nurse as I hit my foot on coral. Her knowledge of the phillipines helped us whenever we needed an atm or pharmacy. She also had backup plans in place if something went wrong.
Great tour. Would recommend
M
I’m really happy with this tour. Got to experience the Philippines in a unique way. The guide was amazing and could help whith everything I asked for. Mel was also very positive and solution orientate…I’m really happy with this tour. Got to experience the Philippines in a unique way. The guide was amazing and could help whith everything I asked for. Mel was also very positive and solution orientated (for example with the volcano eruption and our island hopping that was cabcelled). This was my first time on a group tour and in Asia and I am really happy with it:-)
R
Our tour guide Mel was fab! Our tour didnt get off to the best start, taal volcano erupted causing lots of travel problems for us all and mel was great in helping and advising us all in the travel cha…Our tour guide Mel was fab! Our tour didnt get off to the best start, taal volcano erupted causing lots of travel problems for us all and mel was great in helping and advising us all in the travel chaos! Mel was super fun and made sure everyone had a good time. Thanks for a great 10 days
I had a great experience! Tour guide mel made us all feel comfortable and at ease with her knowledge and high energy. The tour itself was a great balance of chill with activities. I had a fab time
E
Class tour with a great group! Mel was ace and a lot of fun.
J
Loved the tour. Mel was great and always around for a laugh.
Started my tour on New Year’s Eve and had the best ten days, our tour leader Mel was amazing! Was always there to help with anything you needed, at any time of day. Favourite part was the el nido isla…Started my tour on New Year’s Eve and had the best ten days, our tour leader Mel was amazing! Was always there to help with anything you needed, at any time of day. Favourite part was the el nido island hopping (so much so I booked another boat trip for when the tour ended as I had a few day’s to play with before going home) id do it all again if I could! Just book it!
G
I loved the tour and thought Mel did an excellent job, we loved all of the activities and felt safe and well looked after with Mel. I would have loved a little more history on the country and wish tha…I loved the tour and thought Mel did an excellent job, we loved all of the activities and felt safe and well looked after with Mel. I would have loved a little more history on the country and wish that the prison/ school visits could have been rescheduled (due to being closed for public holidays) as these were the things I was most looking forward too but other than that. We also did the add on tour and would have preferred to choose our own hotel and paid extra for better quality but enjoyed the tours planned out for us. Mel had a bubbly personality which made the group gel and get along and was knowledgeable about what to do and general info.
J
First time travelling solo & from the minute I got there, I didn’t feel like I was travelling alone at all. Mel did such a great job of mingling the group together with activities & making sure everyo…First time travelling solo & from the minute I got there, I didn’t feel like I was travelling alone at all. Mel did such a great job of mingling the group together with activities & making sure everyone was okay at all times! couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide, her knowledge of the Phillipines made it so much more enjoyable because she made sure we were experiencing everything to the max! The tour has its good share of lots of activities plus some down time to experience areas on your own, will be recommending this tour to everyone I speak too! Loved every second
I had an amazing trip in the Philippines! Such a lovely experience and place and met some great people. Our tour leader, Mel was fab. She was always enthusiastic and good fun and was helpful if any of…I had an amazing trip in the Philippines! Such a lovely experience and place and met some great people. Our tour leader, Mel was fab. She was always enthusiastic and good fun and was helpful if any of us had a question. I miss it already!
J
First of all I would like to make it clear that I’m not difficult to please. I’m very easy going, happy to go with the flow and have done many trips around Asia with G adventures, therefore I feel I h…First of all I would like to make it clear that I’m not difficult to please. I’m very easy going, happy to go with the flow and have done many trips around Asia with G adventures, therefore I feel I have something to compare it with.
The trip was well planned generally and and I wouldn’t critique the itinerary (other than Xmas day I mention below). However what I love about G is they have local tour guides with knowledge, culture and unique personality. One life do not use local tour guides and therefore I feel so much is lacking. We were given no information about local life, culture etc. In fact I quote from our guide Mel ‘the Philippines has no culture ‘ . And a lot of what we were told turned out to be untrue. Therefore I feel the best day for me and most others was at the end of the tour when we had the Philippines experience, hosted by a local lady (and her English husband) and we could learn something about the beautiful country we were in.
I also felt there was lack of communication throughout. G would always provide you with a detailed itinerary of start times, meal times, costs etc so you could know how to plan. This was not the case here and information was limited, you didn’t really know what you needed to pack or how much money etc. Information was also only via Facebook which some members of the group didn’t have. It wasn’t until we arrived in port baton that we were told we wouldn’t have WiFi for 3-4 days. I’m not someone who needs social media but when I’ve promised my family 1 message a day this could be quite worrying for them. We were told that everything closes on Xmas day and we would have a chilled day on the beach playing games, drinks etc... great! Except at 11am on Xmas day we got a message to say we were doing the canopy walk and zip line. Fine, but it was very last minute and no effort was made to make it feel like Christmas, instead we spent a lot of the day queuing.
I could go on... in short i had a great time on the trip with a great bunch of people. I just think there need to be more information, local knowledge and more professionalism from the guide. I would be recommending G adventures over one life for certain
M
Overall I enjoyed this tour and its activities however the guide really let it down. All other tours I have been on in the past had a local guide and I feel this is much more beneficial. Local guides …Overall I enjoyed this tour and its activities however the guide really let it down. All other tours I have been on in the past had a local guide and I feel this is much more beneficial. Local guides truly immerse and teach you about a country, culture, food, people and traditions. For example they know the best place to stop for a snack or street food and they know various things to point out on the road.
Quite frankly Mel seemed like she just couldn’t be bothered and when asked about the culture her response was, “the Philippines doesn’t really have a culture”. She also stated on the first night that she could run this tour with her ‘eyes closed walking backwards’ and told the group her salary of £400 plus all accommodation and food. All of which I feel were highly inappropriate.
Mel’s language on the tour was far from acceptable, every second word was a swear word and during a group ‘icebreaker’ she said the part of the trip that she was most looking forward to was ‘seeing us all drunk at some point’. I think this exemplifies how unprofessional she was. Moreover, Mel often smoked among the group which was distasteful. On another occasion when sitting two seats down from a Hungarian on the tour she stated how Hungarians aren’t friendly.
Mel’s organisational skills had a lot to be desired. We left for places too late each day meaning that when we arrived we didn’t have enough time to take part in any of the optional activities available to us. Furthermore, the bus or transport never arrived until at least 30mins after the time that we were advised to meet every day. It was so bad on one occasion that I had to suggest we left earlier and the whole group agreed so that Mel was over ruled. Personally I feel that Mel just wanted a sleep -in. We also arrived at a pizza restaurant on Christmas day to find there was no reservation for us.
Mel’s communication skills were short of what was required. No one knew what our plans or timings were in advance. In fact she told us that Christmas Day would be a beach day as everywhere was closed, yet on the morning she wrote into the Facebook group with only 1 hour’s notice that we were going to do the Canopy Walk and Zipline. This was far too short notice and not everyone had Facebook to read the update. The opening of activities should have been tested well in advance so that the expectations were communicated to the group and they could plan accordingly. Heading out until the early hours the night before didn’t really suit a busy schedule the next day. Mel also had a habit of communicating to individuals in the group but not to the group as a whole so often you received snippets of information but not the full picture.
At the airport on our trip to Puerta Princesca, Mel checked in first and went straight through security ignoring us and leading to her not being there when there was an issue with one of the group at check in.
All in all, the tour and its activities were great however Mel seriously let down One Life. We were lucky that the group and activities were good and therefore we tried to make up for Mel’s inadequacies as best we could. The only downside of the actual tour was Elsa’s where we had no water for 3 days with no alternative provided. We also weren’t advised to bring a torch for camping which would have been helpful for night time toilet.
M
Mel was fabulous and tried so hard to keep things running smoothly over a very bumpy Christmas period. We had some issues but nothing that Mel didn’t handle and nothing that is anyone’s fault. I parti…Mel was fabulous and tried so hard to keep things running smoothly over a very bumpy Christmas period. We had some issues but nothing that Mel didn’t handle and nothing that is anyone’s fault. I particularly enjoyed the island hopping and Philippine Experience.
A
I had a lot of fun and loved my time. Mel was so funny and happy and always wanting to help.
M
We had issues with water in Port Barton and no one could shower for 3 days! Mel did everything she could to help us but it was a horrible time. I did find things just didn’t run smoothly and while I k…We had issues with water in Port Barton and no one could shower for 3 days! Mel did everything she could to help us but it was a horrible time. I did find things just didn’t run smoothly and while I know it was not Mel or the tour company’s fault, it was frustrating. In saying all of that, I did enjoy the majority of my time and Mel always did everything she could to keep spirits up and people happy.
M
I loved this tour and wished I could have stayed longer. Mel is so much fun and always so happy and bubbly.
E
Fun tour and Mel was great.
M
This was an amazing trip and I wish I could do it all over again. We had great weather, the island hopping was fantastic and our guide Mel was the best person ever and so much fun to be around.
M
If you are thinking of booking this trip, do it! We had so much fun and loved every single second. Mel is the nicest person you will ever meet and always goes above and beyond to help. Can’t rate this…If you are thinking of booking this trip, do it! We had so much fun and loved every single second. Mel is the nicest person you will ever meet and always goes above and beyond to help. Can’t rate this highly enough.
T
Mel is the best guide I have had and the itinerary was great and mixed everything together so well. Would do this tour again and again and again.
B
I enjoyed my time with One Life Adventures and Mel.
T
This tour was fantastic and everything was so smooth. Mel was a dream and such a great person.
A
So loved this tour! Mel was fabulous and always went above and beyond for us all. The itinerary was full of fun activities and also a even mix of down time.
S
This tour was fantastic and I really enjoyed my time. My guide Mel was always so friendly, organised and always making sure people felt comfortable. I especially enjoyed the island hopping in El Nido.
D
Sick time with One Life Adventures and our guide Mel.
K
I had so much fun on this tour and I loved the island days. Mel was so kind and funny. Thank you guys for the best holiday.
J
Incredible is the only word to describe this tour. Everything from island hopping to the underground river to the Philippine Experience is amazing. Mel is one of a kind, so funny and always happy! I r…Incredible is the only word to describe this tour. Everything from island hopping to the underground river to the Philippine Experience is amazing. Mel is one of a kind, so funny and always happy! I really felt like she cared about every single one of us individually and even though we were a group, she saw us as individual people and made a strong effort to get to know everyone. I will recommend this tour to everyone I know.
F
Mel was amazing on tour and I loved my time with her and One Life in the Philippines. As a guide, Mel is fantastic! Firstly, she’s a nurse and it’s so calming to know you are being looked after by som…Mel was amazing on tour and I loved my time with her and One Life in the Philippines. As a guide, Mel is fantastic! Firstly, she’s a nurse and it’s so calming to know you are being looked after by someone who knows what to do in a medical situation. Secondly, she’s very organised and is always two steps ahead of everyone else. Lastly she has the heart of an angel! Her love for the local people, the animals and the environment is huge and she’s forever talking about and encouraging everyone to do whatever they can to help wherever they can. I enjoyed every day I spent in the Philippines and I can’t fault a single thing. Both One Life and of course Mel are amazing and made my holiday ace!
N
I really liked this tour and my time in the Philippines. I’m a shy person at times but my guide Mel made sure that I always felt included which was very nice.
J
Hands down brilliant time. Mel was awesome and such a highlight. She had a good relationship with all of the Filipino people and was always happy to help. I met some cool people and could not have ask…Hands down brilliant time. Mel was awesome and such a highlight. She had a good relationship with all of the Filipino people and was always happy to help. I met some cool people and could not have asked for a better time. Thanks One Life!
M
This tour was fantastic and a highlight of my time in South East Asia. Mel is so knowledgeable and helpful, you always feel comfortable in her presence and well looked after. I enjoyed the prison and …This tour was fantastic and a highlight of my time in South East Asia. Mel is so knowledgeable and helpful, you always feel comfortable in her presence and well looked after. I enjoyed the prison and the Philippine Experience! The island hopping was also a highlight. I rate this tour highly and will recommend to all of my friends.
C
I often do tours alone and this is by far one of the best. I found the itinerary was full of included activities and my guide Mel was very approachable at all times.
C
What a trip! Mel was ace and such a laugh.
S
Best time of my life! Exceeded all of my expectations and I had a blast. So many included activities and island hopping is amazing. I will say the tents get hot at night time when camping but that is …Best time of my life! Exceeded all of my expectations and I had a blast. So many included activities and island hopping is amazing. I will say the tents get hot at night time when camping but that is expected. Mel was lovely and always so happy and helpful! She made everyone feel calm and at ease and was so approachable.
A
Highly recommend this tour if you are thinking about booking it! I had a great 10 days and the itinerary mixed both activities and down time very well. My guide was Mel and she was a champ! Very organ…Highly recommend this tour if you are thinking about booking it! I had a great 10 days and the itinerary mixed both activities and down time very well. My guide was Mel and she was a champ! Very organised, happy and down to earth.
A
Great tour with a lot of inclusions and a great guide! I was a little older than the rest of the group but Mel was so good at creating a group dynamic that I didn’t even notice it.
A
This tour was fantastic from start to finish and I can’t recommend it more highly. Mel is a dream as a guide and would help you at any time of the day or night in any situation! She is also fun and in…This tour was fantastic from start to finish and I can’t recommend it more highly. Mel is a dream as a guide and would help you at any time of the day or night in any situation! She is also fun and instantly it feels like you’ve known her your whole life. Love love loved this tour and Mel.
D
I can’t rate this tour highly enough!!! I had the time of my life and I’m dying to book another. Mel was my guide and she is without a doubt the best guide I have ever had! She created the most incred…I can’t rate this tour highly enough!!! I had the time of my life and I’m dying to book another. Mel was my guide and she is without a doubt the best guide I have ever had! She created the most incredible group environment that felt like a family and we had so much fun together. I know for a fact, my trip would not have been the same without her! Every single thing exceeded my expectations and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. If you are thinking of booking this trip, do it!!!!! Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to have Mel as your guide too.
T
Honestly such an awesome trip that has left me itching to book in another straight away. As a tour guide, Mel is not only fun, friendly, and approachable, she is also full of knowledge, tips and recom…Honestly such an awesome trip that has left me itching to book in another straight away. As a tour guide, Mel is not only fun, friendly, and approachable, she is also full of knowledge, tips and recommendations and treated everyone on the trip like adults (that everyone was) not children. When I was unwell, Mel was very caring, practical and would check in with me (and was full of supplies). Thank you, you're an angel! In terms of the actual trip, it was well organised and had a great mix of people & ages. I loved every minute of it, the island hopping being my favourite activity. The trip definitely exceeded my expectations which were quite high anyway. It was good to travel with an organisation that has great values- promoting giving back to the community rather than exploiting. Thanks for the fantastic experience, would 100% recommend, the only downside being that it goes too fast.
S
Had an amazing time on this tour, it really shows you the best of the Philippines. My favourite part of this trip was when we arrived at Port Barton - the island hopping was incredible - a true paradi…Had an amazing time on this tour, it really shows you the best of the Philippines. My favourite part of this trip was when we arrived at Port Barton - the island hopping was incredible - a true paradise. The accommodation in El Nido was amazing and has a great bar. Mel was a fantastic guide, I travelled alone and felt safe from day 1. Mel was very organised, caring, funny and always made sure everyone in the group was having a good time. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone travelling solo, with friends or in a couple. Thank you Mel and One Life, I can’t wait for the One Life Japan Ski Tour in February
K
So much fun on this tour and Mel was wonderful.
R
This was a fantastic trip with a fantastic guide. Mel was always willing to help, informative and organised.
L
This was the most amazing tour!! Mel was a great guide and so much fun to be around. I will be recommending this tour to all of my friends.
I
I felt very safe and taken care of from the start to the end of this trip. Mel was lovely and always did everything she could to look after us and make sure we had fun.
E
Mel was an exceptional guide and I could not have asked for someone better. She was fun, very helpful and always organised! I had so much fun on this trip and would recommend it to anyone thinking of …Mel was an exceptional guide and I could not have asked for someone better. She was fun, very helpful and always organised! I had so much fun on this trip and would recommend it to anyone thinking of booking. The island hopping was my favourite part!
T
Absolutely loved this! I had the best time and loved my group. Mel was great and always around if we ever needed anything.
S
I really enjoyed this tour. Mel was a lot of fun and very organised. I plan to do Sri Lanka in the future.
C
This was easily the best trip hands down. I enjoyed the prison and the island hopping days. Mel was lovely, so attentive and caring and always happy to help with whatever was needed.
What a trip! Will recommend over and over again. Island hopping and staying on the private island is the best part. Lots of fun with the group I had and Mel was incredible. It felt like a bunch of fri…What a trip! Will recommend over and over again. Island hopping and staying on the private island is the best part. Lots of fun with the group I had and Mel was incredible. It felt like a bunch of friends travelling together and not like a tour we had just met on.
G
Amazing tour, amazing guide and amazing experience. So much love for what One Life do in the Philippines. Loved everything we did, the food was great and the accommodation was also great. Mel went abo…Amazing tour, amazing guide and amazing experience. So much love for what One Life do in the Philippines. Loved everything we did, the food was great and the accommodation was also great. Mel went above an beyond constantly and was very organised.
R
Had the best time with this group and would recommend again and again. Mel was great and was always happy to help, hang out or just have a chat.
I
Wow I cannot say enough good things about this tour! An amazing 10 days with an amazing group and a fantastic tour guide. Mel was super bubbly and happy all the time, she made connections with everyon…Wow I cannot say enough good things about this tour! An amazing 10 days with an amazing group and a fantastic tour guide. Mel was super bubbly and happy all the time, she made connections with everyone individually and was always happy to help. I loved the island hopping days and all the Filipino food we got to eat. Will be recommending this tour to everyone I know.
B
I had the most amazing experience with One Life Adventures and Mel! Mel was like a big sister, she made sure everyone was always happy and having fun and she went out of her way for us all the time. I…I had the most amazing experience with One Life Adventures and Mel! Mel was like a big sister, she made sure everyone was always happy and having fun and she went out of her way for us all the time. I can’t recommend this tour enough and I hope to travel with One Life again soon.
M
Great tour! Full itinerary with enough down time and a very informative and friendly tour guide.
W
Mel was great on the OneLife tour! Very organised and quick to answer any questions you had.
The itinerary was a good mixed of activities and free time which was good for when you wanted to explore …Mel was great on the OneLife tour! Very organised and quick to answer any questions you had.
The itinerary was a good mixed of activities and free time which was good for when you wanted to explore off the beaten track a little. Highly recommend this tour company! Thank you again Mel!! #21November2019
T
By far the most amazing tour I’ve been on !
This is Paradise, I could do it all over again. I wish it was longer and I was still out there. We had an amazing tour guide called Mel. I usually worry lots on holidays about where to go, Where t…This is Paradise, I could do it all over again. I wish it was longer and I was still out there. We had an amazing tour guide called Mel. I usually worry lots on holidays about where to go, Where to eat , how to get there, etc, But this was all taken care of and I could just Enjoy this amazing place and have so many laughs with my one life family (the other people of the tour).
The island Hopping, Snorkelling and the night you spend on a remote Island is epic. I had gone through a really rough time at home and this tour did such a good job of picking my spirits up from day 1, that I actually Won the MVP Award (thanks One Life).
I was close to tears when I was at the airport after the tour ( I didn’t want to leave).
If your hesitating to book this , don’t just book it YOU WONT REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS: This is my second One life Tour, I did Sri Lanka Last year, I will Be booking Bali soon :)
Xx
?
Best 10 days ever. Mel is class and helped create a tight knit group by the end of the trip❤️
Loved this tour, Palawan is a great part of the world! Very impressed with accomodation, much better than other tours I've done. Mel was great and kept us on schedule and happy to help at any point. I…Loved this tour, Palawan is a great part of the world! Very impressed with accomodation, much better than other tours I've done. Mel was great and kept us on schedule and happy to help at any point. It was great to go on a well structured tour that included some unique experiences. Thanks!!
L
Amazing experience on this tour! Mel was awesome
Awesome tour guide, great trip and would definately use one life adventures again!
B
Absolutely loved it! Mel was amazing and interacted well with everyone!
The tour is pretty average for a number of reasons. The itinerary: It sounds super jammed packed when in actual fact we spent a lot of time hanging around places that are not even that nice, or travel…The tour is pretty average for a number of reasons. The itinerary: It sounds super jammed packed when in actual fact we spent a lot of time hanging around places that are not even that nice, or traveling to the next destination. A person traveling on their own could definitely go to nicer places in a shorter amount of time. The night after camping on the deserted island spent in Port Barton is too much. It really is not that great of a place in terms of the standard of accommodation / beach / general activities in that area. The day we got to the Prison we were informed we actually couldn't go in after driving there and our tour guide had no clue what was going on. Transportation : There was way too much time getting from one place to the next. They could be way more strategic about where we stay and for how long. On the final day we were sent to the bus station to get our bus home. We were not told that when we get to the station that we would be bombarded by men trying to sell us tickets. We were ushered into a Van and gave the man the money our tour guide had given us. The man then informed us it was not enough money and there was a big drama. Shortly after a woman comes over and asked if we were with One Life which we answered yes. She then told us we should be on her bus so we essentially had been sitting in the wrong bus and were nearly scammed to pay more money. - Our tour guide should of made us aware who we were meeting. It was pretty hectic. This lack of information from here was pretty consistent throughout the whole trip. Accommodation: The only luxury accommodation is when you get to Peurto Princessa which is one night. The rest are pretty average. Guide: Unfortunately our guide was just completely inexperienced. She honestly was really nice but we all as group agreed that if it was not for the fact that we all were pretty confident in making friends- that if you are any way shy, you would of struggled. She had a really good first aid kit, would constantly tell us our itinerary, we got a short history lesson one of the days on the bus and she defo chatted to us all but it was honestly like it was a chore by the end of the trip to be with us. She was indifferent about everything and as a tour guide surely part of your job is to get good group atmosphere going at the minimum ? We were told we were going to island hop for the day and then camp but we actually got to the island super early. When we questioned Mel you could tell she was also wondering why we had gotten there so early but instead of just admitting it , her responses to any criticism of the trip were almost slightly defensive. I have read sooooooooooo many of these reviews and have also seen some pretty defensive answers back to people that have done this trip which is probably why this has been passed down to your employees. As a tour guide she should of been like right guys we have gotten here really early but let me show you around the island, lets play a game together etc - we were just left to our own devices. Only for the last part of the trip in El Nido and the people I had in my room who I made really good friends with - this trip would of been so disappointing. You need to rewrite the itinerary for this trip and just be a little more honest about what to expect.
K
I was originally going to give 3 stars, however upon realising that there are 6 fake reviews posted below using the names of participants of my group (including mine!!) I will take 1 star away. It's a…I was originally going to give 3 stars, however upon realising that there are 6 fake reviews posted below using the names of participants of my group (including mine!!) I will take 1 star away. It's appalling someone feels the need to do this.
Back to the tour - The Philippines are absolutely stunning. I loved spending my time on gorgeous islands and snorkelling in the crystal clear sea. However, the tour didn't offer much insight into the culture of the country (except half a day of Filipino experience with local guides) and focused more on the party side of things. The tour started on New Year's Eve - there was no formal meeting for the group (even if it was for 20 mins down in the lobby it would have helped a lot) and it was down to us to make the effort to slowly get to know the others. We also didn't have a welcome dinner, we ended up having a rather poor buffet with masses of other people from the hostel.
The next day we were due to visit a local school and prison - both activities were cancelled due to public holiday. This wasn't rescheduled and I feel it was a shame we just skipped it.
The accommodation was fine, Spin hostel in El Nido was great but Elsas Place in Port Barton was just too basic. Cold bucket shower, thin mattresses and our cottage literally backing onto a bar next door (we had party at ours each night!).
I've done many group tours and in comparison I felt like Mel could have been a bit more professional. She smoked a lot while sitting with the group and spoke ill of specific people from previous groups. However she did spend time with us and didn't just leave us to our own devices which was good. She was also chatty and considering she was a nurse it was reassuring.
All in all it was fun, shame about the fake reviews.
I
The tour was okay, the scenery was really nice and the people I met were really cool. Unfortunately the size of the group is a bit too big for comfort, sometimes there was not enough chairs when havin…The tour was okay, the scenery was really nice and the people I met were really cool. Unfortunately the size of the group is a bit too big for comfort, sometimes there was not enough chairs when having lunch and it was just too busy sometimes. The tour guide was not really good, didn’t give any insight about the country actually she even made some rude comments about it. Once we stayed in a hotel where there was no water in the rooms for 2 days, which was really unpleasant. Overall I don’t think it worth the money.
A
We had an amazing time on this tour. Everything was so well planned as well as having flexibility to do as we pleased. The locations we visited were just incredible and a must-see for everyone. Loved …We had an amazing time on this tour. Everything was so well planned as well as having flexibility to do as we pleased. The locations we visited were just incredible and a must-see for everyone. Loved it!
C
The tour was amazing! I would highly recommend both the Philippines and this company! Our tour guide Mel was so lovely, bubbly and just a overall great personality! Anytime you needed any help with an…The tour was amazing! I would highly recommend both the Philippines and this company! Our tour guide Mel was so lovely, bubbly and just a overall great personality! Anytime you needed any help with anything Mel was there to help straight away in any situation. I couldn’t of chosen a better guide.
I am so happy that I got to experience a one in a life time trip with a bunch of great people! I will never forget this experience and will definitely book another tour in the future!
Thank you for the amazing experience and all of the people that were involved!
I absolutely loved this tour. It far exceeded my expectations. Going into the tour I was worried about the accommodation but once I got there it was alot better than expected. Everywhere we visited on…I absolutely loved this tour. It far exceeded my expectations. Going into the tour I was worried about the accommodation but once I got there it was alot better than expected. Everywhere we visited on the tour was absolutley stunning ! Our tour leader Mel was amazing nothing was a problem for her she was always very accommodating and ensured we had the best time. The food was delicious everywhere we went. I would definitely reccomend this tour to anyone wanting to go to the phillipines.
