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Description
The name “Northern Landscapes and the vanishing tribes” have said it all about the primary activities of our journey. This photography tour concentrates on landscapes and we all know that Northern Vietnam is incredibly perfect for it. And, once you have picked the north of Vietnam, our leaders and local experts know where to take you to the most off beaten paths & authentic spots to experience and photograph the unique hill tribal cultures and lifestyles. |
Date/s
19th - 26th September 2023 Duration 7 days & 6 nights (including the air travel) Starting Place Hanoi, Vietnam Ending Place Hanoi, Vietnam Airport Arrival and Departure Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi, Vietnam) Season Summer Group Size 5 - 12 not including the tour leader and driver Accommodation Type Hotels and homestays Difficulty Easy to moderate Tour Leaders Francis Ansing Diep Van |
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Itinerary
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September 19: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi. Take a cab to our hotel near the airport. September 20: Good morning Vietnam After breakfast, our guide & driver will pick you up and then we will make our way to Lam Binh, Tuyen Quang which is the home of Pa Then and Tay ethnic groups. It is a long drive to Lam Binh but it pays off the journey by offering many scenic views and beautiful stops on the way. When we get there, spend some time with the locals and feel their warm hospitality, then start our photography shoot in the village before heading to a Tay tribal homestay when we spend the night after a long but exciting day. Accommodation: Tay Tribal Homestay in Na Hang Meals: D September 21: Goodbye Lam Binh- Ha Giang - Quan Ba – Yen Minh After having our complimentary breakfast at the homestay, we will do a boat trip on Na Hang Lake with an opportunity to capture the stunning landscapes while cruising and also visit the Nam Me waterfall. Say goodbye to Lam Binh before driving to Ha Giang, we will take you to a seduced spot named Quan Ba where is the home of hill tribe villages and the spectacular Twin Mountains “Nui Doi”. It therefore will be an opportunity to do landscape and portrait photography shoots. Then continue heading to Yen Minh for overnight. Accommodation: 2* Hotel in Yen Minh Town Meals: B, D |
September 22: Geopark – Vanishing Tribes – Dong Van – Meo Vac
We will start the day in a beautiful valley then riding into Dong Van Plateau, an extremely wild region made of limestone pitons and black granite needles. This is a truly breathtaking panorama. The whole Dong Van Karst Plateau is a major heritage sight in Vietnam. we will visit & photograph the 2 vanishing tribes which are Bo Y (Bố Y) with approximately 3000 inhabitants and Pu Peo (Pu Péo) with 903 inhabitants left in Vietnam. Although the Pass in Ha Giang (Ma Pi Leng pass) is popular for motorbiking, it is definitely a great place for landscape photography! On one side are dangerous cliffs and the abyss on the other side, Ma Pi Leng is a fascinating scenery for any camera frame. And of course, we cannot miss the boat trip on Nho Que river to get closer to the Tu san Abyss Alley which is described as the most splendid canyon in Southeast Asia and a one-of-a-kind wonder that cannot be missed on a northern Vietnam trip. Accommodation: H’mong Lodge in Meo Vac Meals: B, D September 23: Meo Vac – Cao Bang – Phong Nam We know it is hard to say goodbye to Ha Giang but there is more to see & photograph in this trip. Make our way to Trung Khanh, Cao Bang province which is known for being the home of the fourth biggest waterfall in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. Besides the stunning Ban Gioc waterfall, Trung Khanh is a paradise for landscape photography lovers with vast rice paddy fields laying on the side of the karst peaks & a poetic Quay Son River that originates in Guangxi Province of China and through the Po Peo border. Before spending our evening at a Nung tribe’s homestay, we will capture the sunset over Phong Nam Valley. Accommodation: Nung Tribal homestay (charter, dorm room) in Phong Nam Meals: B, D |
September 24: Karst Peaks, Rice Paddies & Waterfall
Our day starts early with a sunrise at Phong Nam/ Ngoc Con valley which is home to the Tay tribe who significantly contributed to the beauty of the town through their agricultural works a hundred years ago with rice terraces cultivated in the valley along the Quay Son River. Similar to the other parts of Northern Vietnam, the town will be in the most beautiful version of itself during the rice harvest season, in Autumn (September to October) and it attracts visitors not only to the rice terraces but the wild beauty and peaceful rural life. The day continues with a landscape photography shoot in the frontier area of Trung Khanh and ends at Ban Gioc Waterfall. Accommodation: Private room at homestay in Ban Gioc Meals: B, D September 25: Sunrise over the Waterfall- Hanoi Wake up in the early morning to capture the sunrise moment over Ban Gioc Waterfall and feel free to walk around to find your best photography position. Head back to the homestay and enjoy our delicious breakfast before packing & getting back to Hanoi. Accommodation: 3* hotel Meals: B, D Septemebr 26: Farewell Hanoi You’ll be driven to the airport according to your departure time and given a fond farewell. You’ll be tired and probably ready to go home, but part of you will miss not getting up in the morning for another shoot! Meals: B |
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Price
1490 USD (Early bird rate if will book on or before April 2023) 1690 (Regular rate. Applies for booking after April 2023) ***Monthly Installment Plan is available. Please message us if you are availing this plan.*** Included ✓ Twin, double, or triple accommodations for 7 nights ✓ Meals stated in the itinerary ✓ Daily bottled water ✓ Taxi to the airport on day 8 ✓ Transportation service from day 2 to day 7 ✓ Motorbike taxis to reach shooting locations at high vantage points ✓ Fees for local models (if there are available) ✓ All entrance, zone, and camera fees ✓ Border permit to enter frontier of Ha Giang and Cao Bang ✓ English-speaking local guide ✓ Parking fees ✓ Local photographer tour guide ✓ 2 Tour leaders and 1 driver Solo Room Supplement Additional 200 USD for a solo room |
Not Included
X Accommodation outside the tour date X International and/or domestic flights X Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and the likes X Personal and accidental expenses X Meals not stated in the inclusions X Visa fees (if applicable) X Travel insurance X Laundry X Gratuity/tippings for drivers, tribes people/models and local photo tour guide |
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Requirements
✓ Complete Covid19 vaccination card or certificate
✓ Visa (if applicable)
✓ Travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage (minimum USD 10,000)
Payment Options (50% Downpayment or Monthly Installment Payment Plan)
1. 50% downpayment upon registration and 50% balance payment completion 3 months before trip departure OR
2. First payment of the Monthly Installment Plan. Please message us if you want to avail the Monthly Installment Plan.
Registration
1. 50% down payment or the first payment of the Monthly Installment Plan is required upon registration.
2. Balance requires to be settled 30-60 days before the first day of the tour (for 50% down payment). For Monthly Installment Plan, the final payment is made 30 days before the first day of the tour.
3. Registration shall be done by filling up the registration form below. Click on the yellow "REGISTER" button.
4. Please send the following as your register: Identification/passport and proof of down payment.
5. Download the waiver form sent to your email, fill out and send it back to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
✓ Complete Covid19 vaccination card or certificate
✓ Visa (if applicable)
✓ Travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage (minimum USD 10,000)
Payment Options (50% Downpayment or Monthly Installment Payment Plan)
1. 50% downpayment upon registration and 50% balance payment completion 3 months before trip departure OR
2. First payment of the Monthly Installment Plan. Please message us if you want to avail the Monthly Installment Plan.
Registration
1. 50% down payment or the first payment of the Monthly Installment Plan is required upon registration.
2. Balance requires to be settled 30-60 days before the first day of the tour (for 50% down payment). For Monthly Installment Plan, the final payment is made 30 days before the first day of the tour.
3. Registration shall be done by filling up the registration form below. Click on the yellow "REGISTER" button.
4. Please send the following as your register: Identification/passport and proof of down payment.
5. Download the waiver form sent to your email, fill out and send it back to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Payment Channels (any of the following)
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
G-Cash
Francis Ansing
09177302505
Paymaya
Francis Ansing
09201233942
Paypal
francisansingphotography@gmail.com
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya or using your credit cards via PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
G-Cash
Francis Ansing
09177302505
Paymaya
Francis Ansing
09201233942
Paypal
francisansingphotography@gmail.com
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya or using your credit cards via PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received: |
Cancellation fee: |
60 days or prior |
100% of down payment |
59 to 31 days prior |
50% of entire tour fee |
30 days or fewer |
100% of entire tour fee |
International Tours
If written cancellation is received: |
Cancellation fee: |
150 days or prior |
100% of down payment |
149 to 91 days prior |
50% of entire tour fee |
90 or fewer days |
100% of entire tour fee |
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Personal Things to Bring
- Travel document (passport) - Covid-19 vaccination card - Comfortable clothes for 8 days - Warm jacket or fleece - Waterproof and windproof jacket - Waterproof trekking shoes - Trekking pants - Bonnet - Gloves - Flashlight or headlamp - Personal medicines - Pocket money - Cellular phone |
Camera Equipment to Bring
- Camera body (mirrorless or DSLR) - Lenses (ultra-wide, standard zoom, telephoto) - Sturdy tripod - Filters (CPL, NDs and GND) - Extra batteries - Extra memory cards - Rain protector |
Terms & Conditions
By using www.shutteradventuresco.com, you agree to be legally bound by these terms, which shall take effect immediately.
If you do not agree to be legally bound by all the following Terms & Conditions, please do not use Shutter Adventures Co. website.
Shutter Adventures Co. may change these Terms & Conditions at any time by posting changes online. Please review these Terms & Conditions regularly to ensure you are aware of any changes made by Shutter Adventures Co. Your continued use of www.shutteradventuresco.com website after changes are posted means you agree to be legally bound by these terms as updated and/or amended.
You may not copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use content owned by Shutter Adventures Co. (inclusive of text, images, URLs, pricing information, etc.) in any way except for your own personal use.
Any commercial use of Shutter Adventures Co. content requires the prior written permission of Shutter Adventures Co.
You agree to use www.shutteradventuresco.com only for lawful purposes, and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of Shutter Adventures Co.
Your use of www.shutteradventuresco.com is intended for personal, use and/or to make legitimate requests to book the products or services offered. You agree not to use this site to make any speculative, false or fraudulent requests. You agree not to use robots or other automated means to access this site, unless specifically permitted by Shutter Adventures Co.
We grant you permission to use the site subject to the restrictions in these Terms & Conditions. In accessing or using the site, you may be exposed to content that is offensive, indecent, inaccurate, objectionable, or otherwise inappropriate. Shutter Adventures Co. does not endorse such content, and cannot vouch for its accuracy. You therefore access and use the site at your own risk.
Tour Costs
Information supplied upon registration describes the specific costs that are included in your tour fee. Generally, these costs include lodging in double/twin/triple room occupancy; meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch or dinner); ground transportation during the trip in vans, SUVs or small busses; National Park fees, entrance fees, and coordination/guide services provided by the tour leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the tour staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses), tips and gratuities to local guide, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Shutter Adventures Co. tour leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure tour information or message us for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share.
Tour Cost Amendments
Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations and currency fluctuations, among others. Shutter Adventures Co. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. All photo tour quotes are based on known costs and rates of exchange at the time of booking and any significant changes beyond the control of Shutter Adventures Co. will be passed on to the client. Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. An increase in tour prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.
Items Excluded in the Tour Price
Passport and visa fees, camera fees, (excluding Photo Tours), excess baggage charges, medical and evacuation costs, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), client communication expenses, room service, optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour, meals not included in the itinerary, and gratuities for the drivers, guides, and hotel porters. If any tour is delayed due to weather or road conditions, flight delays, illness, or other contingency over which Shutter Adventures Co. or its agents or contracted tour operators have no control, the cost incurred by such delay is not included in your tour cost.
Logistics
Whenever possible, our tour participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the above average to best available accommodations, but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins or tented camps.
Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Shutter Adventures Co., our tour leaders or the local guides.
The second tour leader listed for each tour on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a tour, and logistics permit, we accept two persons traveling together, even if it exceeds the tour maximum participants.
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit cards using PayPal Checkout. Additional 4% PayPal fee applies if you are paying thru PayPal or PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation via email, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received
60 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
59 to 31 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
30 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
International Tours
If written cancellation is received
150 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
149 to 91 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
90 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
Contact Schedule
Participants will receive four messages/emails before the tour departs:
1. Confirmation of the the deposit and issuance of acknowledgement receipt.
2. Information about clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, applicable health advisories and reading list. Visa information will also be included (if applicable).
3. Issuance of Official Receipt within 30 days for local and international tours.
4. Final tour Information includes pick up and drop off locations (local tours), flight arrival instructions (if it involves air travel), itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, tour telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the tour leader's telephone number(s) and/or e-mail address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding the tour. We welcome your calls or e-mail messages to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Trip Insurance
We provide a travel insurance for all our local tours. AXA PH is our choice of company to provide our clients' domestic travel insurance. For international tours, it is mandatory for our clients to get their own travel insurance with coverage depending on the country of destination.
Health Considerations
Our tours are within the capabilities of people with average fitness / health. Some photography adventures require several kilometers of trek on uneven terrain. There are tours that require motorcycle and boat rides. Photography adventures in the mountains usually require trekking at high elevations - all while carrying your camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and tour down payment, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or tour leader's judgement shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a tour. Once a tour has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. “Meatless” meals are normally available at most locations. Due to the remote nature of many photo locations, and the growing diversity of today’s dietary trends, participants requiring special food items are encouraged to bring their own.
Responsibility
Shutter Adventures Co. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (tour participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft or other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
Alteration of Tours
The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any tour prior to departure due to low registration, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s/business’ sole discretion, suspend or postpone any tour due to force majeure in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute tour leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.
Registration Form and Waiver
A Registration Form including the Registration Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the tour. Participation by any tour participant will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no tour fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.
Should Shutter Adventures Co., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the registering tour participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the registering participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the Municipality of Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.
If you do not agree to be legally bound by all the following Terms & Conditions, please do not use Shutter Adventures Co. website.
Shutter Adventures Co. may change these Terms & Conditions at any time by posting changes online. Please review these Terms & Conditions regularly to ensure you are aware of any changes made by Shutter Adventures Co. Your continued use of www.shutteradventuresco.com website after changes are posted means you agree to be legally bound by these terms as updated and/or amended.
You may not copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use content owned by Shutter Adventures Co. (inclusive of text, images, URLs, pricing information, etc.) in any way except for your own personal use.
Any commercial use of Shutter Adventures Co. content requires the prior written permission of Shutter Adventures Co.
You agree to use www.shutteradventuresco.com only for lawful purposes, and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of Shutter Adventures Co.
Your use of www.shutteradventuresco.com is intended for personal, use and/or to make legitimate requests to book the products or services offered. You agree not to use this site to make any speculative, false or fraudulent requests. You agree not to use robots or other automated means to access this site, unless specifically permitted by Shutter Adventures Co.
We grant you permission to use the site subject to the restrictions in these Terms & Conditions. In accessing or using the site, you may be exposed to content that is offensive, indecent, inaccurate, objectionable, or otherwise inappropriate. Shutter Adventures Co. does not endorse such content, and cannot vouch for its accuracy. You therefore access and use the site at your own risk.
Tour Costs
Information supplied upon registration describes the specific costs that are included in your tour fee. Generally, these costs include lodging in double/twin/triple room occupancy; meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch or dinner); ground transportation during the trip in vans, SUVs or small busses; National Park fees, entrance fees, and coordination/guide services provided by the tour leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the tour staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses), tips and gratuities to local guide, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Shutter Adventures Co. tour leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure tour information or message us for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share.
Tour Cost Amendments
Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations and currency fluctuations, among others. Shutter Adventures Co. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. All photo tour quotes are based on known costs and rates of exchange at the time of booking and any significant changes beyond the control of Shutter Adventures Co. will be passed on to the client. Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. An increase in tour prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.
Items Excluded in the Tour Price
Passport and visa fees, camera fees, (excluding Photo Tours), excess baggage charges, medical and evacuation costs, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), client communication expenses, room service, optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour, meals not included in the itinerary, and gratuities for the drivers, guides, and hotel porters. If any tour is delayed due to weather or road conditions, flight delays, illness, or other contingency over which Shutter Adventures Co. or its agents or contracted tour operators have no control, the cost incurred by such delay is not included in your tour cost.
Logistics
Whenever possible, our tour participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the above average to best available accommodations, but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins or tented camps.
Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Shutter Adventures Co., our tour leaders or the local guides.
The second tour leader listed for each tour on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a tour, and logistics permit, we accept two persons traveling together, even if it exceeds the tour maximum participants.
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit cards using PayPal Checkout. Additional 4% PayPal fee applies if you are paying thru PayPal or PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation via email, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received
60 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
59 to 31 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
30 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
International Tours
If written cancellation is received
150 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
149 to 91 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
90 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
Contact Schedule
Participants will receive four messages/emails before the tour departs:
1. Confirmation of the the deposit and issuance of acknowledgement receipt.
2. Information about clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, applicable health advisories and reading list. Visa information will also be included (if applicable).
3. Issuance of Official Receipt within 30 days for local and international tours.
4. Final tour Information includes pick up and drop off locations (local tours), flight arrival instructions (if it involves air travel), itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, tour telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the tour leader's telephone number(s) and/or e-mail address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding the tour. We welcome your calls or e-mail messages to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Trip Insurance
We provide a travel insurance for all our local tours. AXA PH is our choice of company to provide our clients' domestic travel insurance. For international tours, it is mandatory for our clients to get their own travel insurance with coverage depending on the country of destination.
Health Considerations
Our tours are within the capabilities of people with average fitness / health. Some photography adventures require several kilometers of trek on uneven terrain. There are tours that require motorcycle and boat rides. Photography adventures in the mountains usually require trekking at high elevations - all while carrying your camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and tour down payment, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or tour leader's judgement shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a tour. Once a tour has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. “Meatless” meals are normally available at most locations. Due to the remote nature of many photo locations, and the growing diversity of today’s dietary trends, participants requiring special food items are encouraged to bring their own.
Responsibility
Shutter Adventures Co. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (tour participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft or other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
Alteration of Tours
The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any tour prior to departure due to low registration, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s/business’ sole discretion, suspend or postpone any tour due to force majeure in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute tour leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.
Registration Form and Waiver
A Registration Form including the Registration Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the tour. Participation by any tour participant will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no tour fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.
Should Shutter Adventures Co., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the registering tour participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the registering participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the Municipality of Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.