Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Philippines

You will start with the breakfast of champions (because that’s what you are:), then travel to the site of your allocated construction work. Thereafter, your day will involve whatever tasks have been planned, with a break for lunch around midday. Returning to the accommodation site at the end of the day, you can enjoy a dinner and have time to relax and explore the area.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Philippino Do’s and Don’ts, Philippino Culture Lessons and Philippino Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• Workshop: Weaving Coconut leaves or broom making
• Philippine Cooking Classes

Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast
• Construction & Renovation Volunteer project  2-3 hours
• Lunch
• Construction & Renovation Volunteer project 2 hours
• Dinner
• Free Time

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of hard-grafting, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Coron Bay

Fancy a dive? Found at the northwest of Palawan (between Busuanga and Culion islands), Coron Bay is known for being one of the best wreck diving locations in the world.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa and has recently been voted one of the new 7 wonders of nature. Don’t miss this beautiful park – public transport is available to take you there, and the journey itself is worth the visit!

Palawan is a special island dotted with fishing villages and surrounded by crystal blue waters and emerald green jungled mountains. You will be staying in Tigman Village in the Aborlan District, which is a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City.

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is in keeping with the area, built with many natural elements and with a tropical beach at your feet! Here, you’ll have a single-gender dorm-style room with bunk beds, although private rooms are available, subject to availability.

You’ll be doing your own washing, so get practising now if this is something that is normally done for you:) However, there is a laundry service here, too, which you can use for a small fee, if prefered.  You will be living like a local with basic facilities including “bucket showers.” – not really a hardship in this good weather! Due to our tropical setting, WiFi service may not be what you are used to at home, but it is available. However, we recommend purchasing your own local SIM card if you want to stay connected throughout the day.

Importantly, please be advised that due to jellyfish in the water, it is unlikely that you will be able to swim at the beach close by the accommodation. There is an area near the river or on the other side of the village, which is about a 15 minute walk away, where you will be able to enjoy a cool dip more safely.

Food Arrangements

Filipino cuisine is utterly delish, and you’ll have the chance to try cooking some authentic food of your own whilst you’re here. The food will consist mainly of local cuisine (lots of vegetables, meat, egg and rice) and you will have three meals per day served to you through the week, with two meals at the weekends (brunch and dinner).

Facilities

There are many forms of local transportation such as jeepneys, buses and vans which depart every hour to the town of Aborlan or to the next town Narra.

Further, you’ll find ATM’s & Western Union transfers available in the town of Nara, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Here, you can also find all necessary amenities.

Activities & Events

Tuesday Night

Join us for a fun night under the stars, with a Bonfire and plenty of great banter!

Thursday Night

You don’t have to have a great singing voice to take part in a musical trip down memory lane. In fact, it’s the ones who can’t sing who make our evenings the most fun:)

Choosing to volunteer in the Philippines is one of the best choices for travellers looking for meaningful travel, island hopping, and adventure. Made up of more than 7,000 tropical islands, the Philippines offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant local culture and unforgettable experiences. Volunteering in the Philippines with TRU Experience Travel gives you the chance to make a real impact while exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries. Perfect for gap years, solo travellers and meaningful travel, the Philippines combines purpose, adventure and culture in one life-changing experience.

Volunteers can take part in a wide range of rewarding community projects, including medical outreach programmes, teaching English, kindergarten support, construction work, environmental conservation and animal care volunteering. Every project helps support local communities while giving travellers hands-on experience and cultural immersion. Whether you are helping children in schools, supporting healthcare initiatives or protecting the natural environment, every day brings meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories.

The Philippines is famous for its stunning islands and incredible adventure opportunities. During evenings, weekends and free time, volunteers can explore tropical beaches, hidden lagoons, waterfalls and colourful local towns. Go island hopping through paradise islands, snorkel in turquoise waters, relax on white sand beaches and discover some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. From the breathtaking islands of Palawan and Cebu to the famous beaches of Boracay and Siargao, every destination offers something unique.

Adventure lovers can enjoy boat tours, road trips, jungle hikes, swimming with whale sharks, visiting hidden caves and watching unforgettable sunsets by the ocean. The Philippines is also known for its welcoming locals, lively culture and amazing food, making it the perfect destination for travellers looking for authentic experiences and adventure.

Volunteering in the Philippines with TRU Experience Travel is about more than just travel. It’s about making a difference, meeting like-minded people and stepping outside your comfort zone. You’ll experience authentic local life, create lifelong friendships and explore incredible islands while giving back to communities in need. Whether you are travelling solo, taking a gap year or looking for a volunteer abroad programme filled with adventure, the Philippines is the perfect destination.

Join TRU Experience Travel to volunteer in the Philippines and combine community work, island hopping, and adventure travel into one unforgettable experience.