Want to discover Biliran differently, at the pace of local life?
The terms of your immersion stay in the Philippines
A stay with Chez Mamang lasts 14 days in total, depending on your flights. You spend 11 full days with a host family on Biliran, in genuine immersion. Here, everything follows the local rhythm.
- Accommodation and meals shared with the family
- Simple comfort, a warm and authentic welcome
- Local transport (van, tricycle) arranged
- Joining in with everyday chores
- Local activities: cooking, fishing, gardening…
- Excursions: waterfalls, beaches, treks, islands
- Discreet support from our Local Manager
We deliberately limit the number of stays per family to preserve the quality of the exchanges. Respect for local life and the environment is at the heart of our approach. An immersion stay in the Philippinesis also a way of travelling differently: with care, respect and humanity.
Authentic activities, at the pace of local life
Experiencing immersion in the Philippines means discovering a new side of local culture on Biliran every day. All activities are shared with members of the host family, with nothing staged and no imposed programme.
Daily life and family traditions
- Preparing meals together: learning to cook Kinilaw (marinated fish), an adobo or even taking part in a lechon baboy, the roast pig served at big celebrations.
- Taking part in household chores: feeding the animals, going along to the market…
- Visiting the local school to talk with the children and teachers.
Farming activities and local know-how
- Helping with the rice harvest.
- Learning everyday skills: cutting banana leaves, weaving baskets, looking after the house.
Fishing, nature and excursions
- Discovering traditional fishing techniques, from the shore or by boat.
- Hiking in the mountains of Biliran: Mount Panamao, Tres Marias or Camp Beben. Camping out is possible.
- Exploring waterfalls: Bagongbong, Kasabangan, Saob Falls…
- Snorkelling around Sambawan Island or Dalutan Island, with crystal-clear waters.
- Fancy a refreshing break? Enjoy an afternoon at the Bethany Hills swimming pool.
An immersion stay: 11 days in a homestay on Biliran
Here is a sample immersion stay in the Philippines, to give you a feel for the pace, the activities and the encounters that await you. Every stay remains unique, because nothing is set in stone: it all depends on your host family, the seasons, the tides… and what you would like to do.
International flight France / Manila
Arrival in Manila, where Ephraim, your local manager, welcomes you to ease your transfer to Tacloban.
Day 1 – Arrival on Biliran
- Welcome at Tacloban airport by Mark, your local manager on the island.
- Transfer to your host family on Biliran (van + tricycle).
- Settling in and welcome dinner with the family.
Day 2 – First steps into local culture
- Visit to the market with the family.
- Cooking workshop and meal preparation.
- First conversations about local customs.
- Courtesy visit from Rose to make sure everything is going well.
Day 3 – Nature and swimming
- Excursion to Ulan-Ulan waterfall + picnic.
- Swimming at Agta Beach or Talahid.
- Family dinner and videoke.
Day 4 – Rural life and an educational encounter
- Helping with farm work or household chores (gardening, upkeep, etc.).
- Visit to the local school and exchange with teachers and pupils.
- Typical dinner at a small barbecue restaurant in Naval.
Day 5 – Excursion to Sambawan Island
- Early start depending on the tide.
- A day on Sambawan Island: snorkelling, relaxing and tasting Kinilaw.
- Return and family dinner. Rose drops by to see how you are.
Days 6–7 – Hiking and camping
- Climb of Mount Panamao and a night camping out.
- Descent towards the sea the next day.
- Return and family dinner.
Day 8 – Fishing day
- Going out with one or more of the village fishermen.
- Preparing and tasting the catch.
- A convivial evening with the family.
Day 9 – Relaxing and snorkelling
- Free morning or chores shared with the family.
- Excursion to Dalutan Island (snorkelling, beach).
- Barbecue evening in Naval.
Day 10 – Lechon Baboy
- Preparing the Lechon Baboy (spit-roasted pig) together.
- Festive family lunch.
- Last evening in Naval with Rose.
Day 11 – Departure
- Farewell breakfast.
- Return transfer to Tacloban with Mark.
- Flight Tacloban / Manila.
- Welcome in Manila by Ephraim, who can assist you as needed.
- Last night in Manila.
- Return flight Manila / France.
This programme is only an example. Every immersion is different, shaped by real life, the weather, local festivities… and your wish to reach out to others.
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