Answers to the questions we are most often asked before an immersion stay on Biliran.
The stay
What does the stay offered by Chez Mamang involve?
Chez Mamang designs homestay immersion trips on the island of Biliran, in the Philippines. You spend ten nights with a Filipino family: you share their meals, their daily life and their activities, such as fishing, harvests or cooking.
Do we share the stay with other travellers?
No. Each stay is organised for a single family or a single group of travellers. Activities and excursions take place without other tourists, at your own pace.
How is the host family chosen?
We choose the family who will host you ourselves, according to your interests and the make-up of your group. There is no catalogue: each encounter is planned with you in mind.
How long does the stay last?
The standard stay lasts 11 days and 10 nights. We recommend at least 8 days, as getting to know the family takes time. If your schedule requires it, we adapt the length.
Is the stay suitable for children?
Yes. Family stays are tailor-made: the pace and activities are adjusted to the children’s ages. Let us know the make-up of your family when you first get in touch.
Prices and booking
How much does a stay on Biliran cost?
For 11 days and 10 nights, excluding flights and à la carte activities: €1,010 for a solo traveller, €1,482 for two travellers (€741 per person) or €2,600 for a family of four (€650 per person). For any other group, we prepare a quote. The full breakdown is on our page Prices.
What does the price include?
Accommodation with the family, shared meals, local transport, the welcome in Tacloban, family activities (fishing, harvests, waterfalls) and the design of the stay by Chez Mamang, with a detailed travel pack provided before departure.
What is not included?
International and domestic flights, restaurant meals and à la carte excursions, such as a boat day trip to Sambawan or a two-day trek. These excursions must be booked in advance.
Who sells the stay?
Two organisations, two contracts. Chez Mamang, a French business, designs your trip and advises you. Tita’s Travel Services, an agency based in the Philippines, sells and delivers the stay on the ground; you pay the agency directly, in Philippine pesos.
How do I book?
Write to us via our page Contact. We will get back to you with a quote tailored to your dates and your group. Once the quote is accepted, you sign two contracts: one with Chez Mamang for the trip design, the other with Tita’s Travel Services for the stay.
Getting there and formalities
How do I get to Biliran?
There are two possible routes. The first goes via Manila: an international flight to Manila, then a domestic flight to Tacloban. Mark, your local manager, meets you at Tacloban airport and drives you to the family, about 2 hours 30 minutes away by road.
The second goes via Cebu, which can be reached with a single stopover from Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong or Seoul. From Cebu, you reach the island of Malapascua by road and then a short boat trip. Mark meets you there for the crossing to Biliran. This route avoids transiting through Manila.
Flights are at your own expense; we advise you on airlines and schedules. On request, Tita’s Travel Services can also arrange your welcome in Manila with a hotel stopover.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Not for British or French nationals staying less than 30 days. You need a passport valid for six months after your return date, a return ticket and an online eTravel registration within 72 hours before arrival. The practical travel guide covers formalities and health in detail.
What language is spoken there?
On Biliran, the family speaks Cebuano. English is widely understood in the Philippines. We support you in English before departure and throughout your stay.
When should I go to Biliran?
The stay is possible all year round. The weather varies with the seasons: the page When to go to the Philippines describes it month by month.
On the ground
What support is there on the ground?
A local manager takes care of day-to-day logistics: transport, excursions, the unexpected. We remain reachable in English throughout your stay.
How do I get cash there?
The simplest way is to withdraw pesos from cash machines with a Visa or Mastercard card. You will find them in Manila, in Tacloban and in Naval, the main town on Biliran. In the villages, small purchases are paid in cash: bring enough cash before joining the family.
Fees vary widely depending on your card and your bank. A traditional bank often charges a fixed fee plus a percentage of the amount on each withdrawal abroad, on top of which come the Philippine bank’s fees. Some online banks and multi-currency cards offer free or low-cost withdrawals, with an exchange rate close to the real rate: check before you leave.
Once there, withdraw larger amounts at a time to limit fixed fees. When the cash machine offers to charge you in your home currency, always choose pesos: the conversion offered by the machine is generally unfavourable. Remember to let your bank know about your trip, too.
Is the stay safe?
You live within a family who is expecting you, a local manager organises your travel around the island and we remain reachable throughout your stay. Before you leave, also check the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) travel advice.