Wanderlands Travel FAQs
Indonesia & Philippines
1. Booking & Payment
How far in advance should I book?
Peak months (Jun–Sep & Dec/Jan) sell out quickly. If your dates are fixed, book 2–3 months ahead. Flexible? Drop us a message. Last-minute spots do pop up.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to secure your spot, then clear the balance in interest-free instalments up to 30 days before your tour. Need longer? Talk to us. We’re flexible where we can be.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Plans change, we get it. Just pop us an email (cancellations must be in writing).
Indonesia (Bali, Gili & Lombok tours)
31+ days before departure: Deposit is forfeited (it’s already gone to secure rooms & activities).
30 days or less: Full payment is forfeited. Suppliers are paid by then.
Philippines tour
60 days or less before departure: Full payment is forfeited. Island logistics lock in earlier.
We can’t waive fees for injury/illness, missed/delayed flights, weather events, political unrest or other force majeure issues.
Tip: Travel insurance may reimburse these costs. Check your policy and keep receipts.
Are there any hidden fees?
No surprises. Everything in “What’s Included” is covered. Optional extras (diving, ATV, extra drinks, extra nights, etc.) are clearly marked and totally up to you.
Do returning guests get a discount?
Yes. Alumni get 5–10% off future tours and first dibs on flash deals. Just tell us you’ve travelled with us before.
2. Arrival & Kick-Off
When should I land?
Day 1 is arrival day only. Nothing official until the welcome dinner. Aim to land before 5 PM so you can check in, freshen up and meet the crew. Arriving later or the day before? Totally fine. Just give us a heads up.
3. Start & Finish Points
Where do we start and end?
Indonesia
Bali 8-Day: Canggu ➜ Ubud
Gili & Lombok 7-Day: Ubud ➜ Kuta, Lombok
Bali & Lombok 13-Day: Canggu ➜ Kuta, Lombok
Philippines (12-Day)
Start: Manila (Lub d Hostel, Makati)
Finish: El Nido, Palawan
4. Getting To/From The Tour
Is airport pick-up included?
Yes, if you arrive on Day 1 or the day before and you’re staying at our starting accommodation.
How do I get back to the airport or move on after the tour?
Indonesia:
Bali 8-Day: We’ll organise your transfer to DPS. Fly after 3 PM on the last day.
Gili & Lombok 7-Day / Bali & Lombok 13-Day: Either fast boat back to Bali (then fly after 8 PM) or fly from Lombok (LOP). We’ll sort whichever suits.
Philippines:
Fly from El Nido (ENI) or Puerto Princesa (PPS). PPS is cheaper but it’s a 4–5 hr van ride. Book flights after 6 PM on the last day.
5. Visas & Passports
Do I need a visa?
Indonesia: Most nationalities can get a 30‑day Visa on Arrival. The passport must be valid 6+ months from entry. Check the latest rules before you fly.
Philippines: Many travellers get 30 30-day visa‑free. The same 6‑month passport rule applies; always double-check current requirements.
6. Insurance (Non‑Negotiable)
Is travel insurance required?
Yep mandatory. Your policy must cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Personal belongings
- All itinerary activities (e.g. snorkelling, surfing, Mount Batur, diving add‑ons, whale sharks, canyoneering, etc.)
We’ll ask for proof before Day 1.
7. Tour Details & Itinerary
What’s included in the tour price?
Indonesia & Philippines tours all include:
Boutique/shared accommodation (hostels/hotels listed in your itinerary)
Daily breakfast (plus listed lunches/dinners – see “Meals” section)
All group activities and entrance fees are stated in the itinerary
All in-country transport between itinerary stops
Professional Group Leader + local guides as specified
Airport pick-up (Day 1 or the day before, if staying at the start hotel)
What’s not included?
International & domestic flights to/from the tour
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Visas & passport fees
Most lunches/dinners in Indonesia, dinners on free nights in the Philippines
Optional/extra activities (diving courses, ATV, extra spa treatments, etc.)
Personal spending (drinks, snacks, souvenirs)
Tips (optional but appreciated for local crews)
Are optional activities available?
Definitely. Examples: Mount Batur hike, ATV, extra dives/fun dives, ziplining/canyoneering (PH), additional spa sessions, cooking classes beyond the included one. Your leader will brief prices and book safely with vetted operators.
Can I skip an activity?
Yes. It’s your holiday. Just let your Group Leader know so we can plan logistics. Included activities you skip aren’t refundable, but you’re free to chill or explore.
How much free time will I have?
Plenty. We balance structured highlights with downtime most days. Expect free blocks most afternoons/evenings and at least one lighter day in each destination to do your own thing (or nothing at all).
What is the maximum group size?
Bali 8‑Day: up to 16
Gili & Lombok 7‑Day: up to 14
Bali & Lombok 13‑Day: up to 18
Philippines 12‑Day: up to 12
We cap numbers to keep it social but personal.
8. Group Size, Ages & Comms
Who will I be travelling with?
Bali 8‑Day: 12–16 travellers (18–39)
Gili & Lombok 7‑Day: 10–14 travellers (18–39)
Bali & Lombok 13‑Day: 12–18 travellers (18–39)
Philippines 12‑Day: 8–12 travellers (18–39)
Expect a mix of solo adventurers, couples and small friend groups.
Will there be a WhatsApp group?
Yes. Your Group Leader sets it up about two weeks before departure so questions get answered and friendships start early.
9. Meals & Restaurants
What meals are included?
Bali 8‑Day: Breakfast daily
Gili & Lombok 7‑Day: Breakfast daily
Bali & Lombok 13‑Day: Breakfast daily + 1 group dinner (during the cooking class)
Philippines 12‑Day: Breakfast daily + island‑hopping lunches (Port Barton & El Nido) + cooking class lunch
Where do we eat?
We book clean, high‑standard spots that can handle vegan, veggie, gluten‑free and allergy-friendly requests. Want to explore on your own? Go for it—there’ll always be a group reservation if you’d like to join.
10. Budget & Daily Spending
How much should I budget each day for food & drinks?
Breakfast is included. These ranges cover lunch, dinner and soft drinks—boozy nights & shopping are extra.
Indonesia (Bali, Gili, Lombok)
Lunch: IDR 100k–180k
Dinner: IDR 150k–250k
Coffee/juices/soft drinks: IDR 25k–70k each
Typical daily total (food + non‑alcoholic drinks): IDR 300k–500k
Philippines
Lunch (non island‑hopping days): ₱300–₱500
Dinner: ₱450–₱700
Coffee/juices/soft drinks: ₱70–₱180 each
Typical daily total (food + non‑alcoholic drinks): ₱900–₱1,500
Approx. conversions (guidance only)
Rates move—always double‑check with a live FX tool. Rounded for simplicity.
Indonesia (IDR 300k–500k ≈):
GBP: £18–£30
USD: $22–$36
EUR: €20–€33
AUD: A$30–A$48
Philippines (₱900–₱1,500 ≈):
GBP: £16–£27
USD: $18–$30
EUR: €17–€28
AUD: A$26–A$44
Alcohol: Local beers (Bintang / San Miguel) are cheap; cocktails & imported spirits hike the bill.
Cash vs Card: Cards are widely accepted, but tiny warungs or island shacks may be cash‑only. Keep some local currency handy.
11. Connectivity & Photo Sharing
Is there Wi‑Fi?
Yes every accommodation has Wi‑Fi. (Island life can mean slower speeds embrace it!)
What about mobile data?
Indonesia: Grab a Telkomsel SIM at the airport or load an eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) before you fly.
Philippines: Pick up a Globe or Smart SIM on arrival or use an eSIM. Coverage dips on the remotest islands.
How do we share photos?
We use PhotoCircle—everyone uploads their best bits and we’ll drop a post‑tour highlight reel for you to keep forever.
12. Packing & Gear
What should I pack?
Light, breathable clothes
Swimwear & a quick‑dry towel
Trainers/sandals (hiking shoes for Mount Batur; water shoes handy in the Philippines)
Reusable water bottle
Reef‑safe sunscreen (Philippines) + insect repellent + after‑bite cream
Waterproof phone pouch / dry bag
Light rain jacket
Toiletries & personal meds (laundry is available)
Power bank (boats & buses eat battery)
Travel money card, spare bank card & some local cash
Do I need a special kit?
No. All optional activity gear is provided by our licensed partners (surfboards, snorkels, dive kit, life jackets, etc.).
13. Health, Safety & Emergencies
Is it safe?
Yes. We run these routes year‑round with experienced Group Leaders, vetted transport and trusted local partners. Weather & sea conditions are monitored constantly.
What about mosquitoes?
They’re part of the tropics. Repellent daily, AC rooms at night (all our stays are air‑conditioned), and after‑bite cream if they get you.
What happens if I get sick or injured?
Your Group Leader will get you to the nearest clinic/hospital, help with translation & paperwork, and guide you through insurance claims. Ensure your policy covers treatment & evacuation.
14. After The Tour
Can I stay longer or head somewhere else?
Absolutely.
Indonesia: Extra nights in Ubud or Lombok, Nusa Islands, Komodo, Java—name it.
Philippines: Coron, Siargao, Bohol, Boracay are favourites.
Tell us early so we can lock in boats, vans and flights before spots fill up.
15. Sustainability & Ethical Travel
How does your tour practice sustainability?
We favour locally owned stays and restaurants, limit single‑use plastics (filtered water everywhere), use vetted operators who pay fair wages, and keep groups small to reduce impact. We offset office emissions and review suppliers annually.
Can I volunteer during my trip?
We don’t run drop‑in volunteering on tour—it can do more harm than good. If you want to contribute, ask us pre‑trip, and we’ll point you towards reputable long‑term projects or ways to support communities we visit.
16. Money & Budgeting (Extras)
What payment methods should I bring?
A main debit/credit card + a backup, plus some local cash. Revolut/Wise cards work well. ATMs are common, but can run out on small islands. Withdraw ahead.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, in most cafes/shops. Tiny warungs, market stalls and island kiosks may be cash‑only.
Is tipping required?
Not mandatory, but appreciated. Round up bills or tip guides/boat crews if they made your day. Your leader can advise local norms.
17. Connectivity & Technology (Extras)
Is Wi‑Fi available and reliable?
All accommodations have Wi‑Fi. Speeds dip on boats and remote islands, download playlists/Netflix ahead.
What adapters are required?
Indonesia: Type C & F plugs (European two‑pin). 230V.
Philippines: Type A/B (US) & C plugs. 220V.
Bring a universal adapter + surge protection for peace of mind.
18. Meals & Dietary Preferences (Extras)
Is tap water safe?
No. Use the filtered water provided at accommodations or buy sealed bottles. Brush your teeth with filtered water if you have a sensitive stomach.
19. Cultural Etiquette
Are there dress code requirements?
Yes at temples/churches: shoulders and knees covered. We provide sarongs in Bali where needed. Swimwear is for the beach/pool only.
Any etiquette tips?
Smile, be patient, remove shoes when entering homes/temples, use your right hand for giving/receiving, and ask before photographing locals.
20. Health, Safety & Support (Extras)
Is Bali/the Philippines safe for travellers?
Yes, common-sense precautions apply. You’re with trained leaders and trusted partners.
Will I have emergency contact access?
Yes. Your Group Leader is on call 24/7 during the tour. You’ll also get head office contacts in your pre‑departure pack.
Do you accommodate health concerns or allergies?
Yes. Tell us in advance so we can prep restaurants/hotels and brief the team.
What COVID‑19 measures are in place?
We follow current local regulations. If requirements change (tests, masks, etc.), we’ll update you before departure.
21. Post‑Tour Support
Can you assist with onward travel plans?
Absolutely. Flights, boats, vans, extra nights. Let us know early so we can snag the best options.
Still Curious?
Ping our office team anytime or drop a question in the WhatsApp group. We’re here to make this the easiest, most epic trip you’ve ever taken, so you can focus on the good stuff: culture, fun and adventure with new mates.
See you soon. Let’s make memories worth sharing.