No Surrender: Hiroo Onoda's Lubang Island

In 1944, Hiroo Onoda was sent to Lubang Island and given two orders: 1) hold the island against the enemy, and 2) do not surrender under any circumstance. World War 2 ended less than a year later. Onoda, however, staying true to his orders and disregarding all reports that the war was over, continued to fight on Lubang Island. For 30 years he harassed villagers and soldiers with his guerilla activities, surviving through his wits and the island's abundant resources. Only in 1974 when his original commanding officer flew to Lubang Island and ordered him to lay down his arms did Hiroo Onoda finally surrender.

The Lubang Island of today is surprisingly unchanged from the time of 2nd Lt. Onoda. Partly due to his destabilization operations that slowed down development, much of the island remains wild and mysterious. On this adventure we take to the jungles, caves, rivers and beaches where Onoda waged his 30 year war. As we surrender to the rugged beauty of Lubang Island, we may understand why for Hiroo, giving it up was not an option.

Activities and trip highlights:

• Hike jungle trails and enter caves that Hiroo Onoda used
• See the abundance of life in Lubang Island and learn some of Onoda's survival techniques
• Ply the island's coastline on boat and come ashore to explore its many distinct beaches
• Skin dive in one of the biggest marine sanctuaries in the country
• Explore Lubang Island's amazing features such as mangroves, waterfalls and seaside rock formations

Day 1: Sail to Lubang Island
We assemble in Manila and take a ship to Lubang Island. As we sail, we take in the sights of Luzon's western seaboard. Upon arrival in Lubang, we drive on a dirt road and hike over a seemingly impassable cliff barrier to arrive at a beautiful seaside hut that will be our home for the next 4 nights.

Day 2: Onoda Trail
We drive to the highest point of the island to get a view of our playground over the next few days. Then we proceed to the trailhead to begin our all-day hike. We visit caves that Onoda sheltered in and hike to a spring that is the source of a river. We follow this river out of the jungle, passing rich flora and fauna and learning about Onoda's survival techniques.

Day 3: Lubang beaches
We take a boat to Cabra, an island off of Lubang with beautiful beaches and an old Spanish lighthouse. We then sail back to Lubang where we visit a rich mangrove forest before heading to our breathtaking lunch area: a beach lined by sheer rock cliffs. The bottom of these cliffs is lined by caves that beg to be explored, and the water beneath them teems with marine life.

Day 4: Lubang coastline
The beachside rock formations near our hut are amazing, and early risers may opt to join our trip leader to explore them at daybreak. After breakfast we take a boat to ply the coastline of Lubang Island. We stop at select areas in the marine sanctuary for skin diving and come ashore often to enjoy features such as hiking trails, streams, waterfalls and beaches.

Day 5: Back to Manila
After an early morning hike to catch our ship, we say goodbye to Lubang Island and sail back to Manila.

* This adventure is offered throughout the year. Contact us to schedule your Private Tour.

US$ 510  (VAT* inclusive) per person for a minimum group of 4. Please contact us for smaller or larger groups.

Included:

• All land and water transportation for the duration of the trip
• 4 nights accommodations at a seaside hut
• All meals for the duration of the trip (from lunch of Day 1 to lunch of Day 5)
• All fees associated with the specified activities
• Guiding service

Not Included:

• Airfare to Manila
• Travel insurance
• Tipping: Tips to boat operators, local guides, etc. will be taken care of by the Trip Leader and there will be no need for you to tip anyone for the duration of the trip. However, if you are happy with the service of your Trip Leader, a tip at the end of your adventure will be greatly appreciated. 200 pesos (about 5 US dollars) for every day of service is plenty.

• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Philippines if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country; if you are not, this vaccination is unnecessary. The following vaccinations are recommended:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• You will need a large bag (preferably a backpack) that can hold all of your things for the duration of the trip. You will also need a good pair of hiking shoes or sandals and another smaller pack (backpack or shoulder pack). Details on gear requirements and packing recommendations will be sent to you by your trip leader.
• Day two of this trip involves six to eight hours of hiking. Though the trail is not difficult and anyone with a full set of limbs can do it, the sheer length of the hike may cause body ache the following day if you are not accustomed to strenuous activity. Your trip leader will get in touch with you regarding a recommended exercise program.
• This trip also involves a lot of time in the water. Bring medication for sea sickness if you are prone to it. Also, the more comfortable you are in the water (swimming, skin diving) the more fun you will have on this trip.