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Project Aims

The main objective of the project is to raise funds to further Heritage Watch's efforts to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage. The tie-in with the Cambodian temples and an iconic film provides an excellent opportunity to provide basic archaeological training and raise much-needed funds for our projects. We will however, treat this as a proper archaeological excavation including;

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1. Archaeological Documentation of Film Set Remains

   • Record and analyze surviving structures at the Caua-Caua and Lagaslas sites (e.g., collapsed walls, steps, toppled “tower”) to establish their form, construction techniques, and spatial layout.

2. Distinguishing Authentic Ruins from Movie Constructions

   • Evaluate whether any architectural elements at Pagsanjan or nearby Magdalena could represent pre-Hispanic stone structures, or whether they are exclusively related to Apocalypse Now set-building.

3. Oral History & Community Memory

   • Collect testimonies from residents (particularly those 60+) regarding their experiences of the 1976–77 filming, their recollections of the structures, and how set materials were reused in local households.

4. Material Tracing & Reuse Study

   • Track the recycling of adobe/tuff blocks from the film sets into domestic and community contexts, documenting how these materials were integrated into everyday life.

5. Heritage & Identity

   • Assess the significance of the Apocalypse Now remains as cultural heritage, balancing their value as global film history with their place in local memory and landscape transformation.

 

How You Will Help

Volunteers on the project will be offered on-site training in basic archaeological techniques, including:

 

EXCAVATION

• Digging

• Total station or Dumpy-level operation data recording

• Sediment screening and sample collection

• Photography and 3D recording of finds

• Cleaning, sorting, and labeling archaeological materials

• Data entry and management

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ANTHROPOLOGY

• Collecting oral histories and examining reuse

• Assisting in evaluating the long-term effect of a major Hollywood production on a small rural community.​

 

 

Life in the Field

Every day, the team begins early and gets ready for fieldwork. After breakfast, participants head to the research site, where they are given a daily briefing that covers the day’s planned activities in both the excavation area and the laboratory.

 

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Weather conditions and research requirements may cause adjustments to the daily schedule. We thank you for your flexibility, cooperation, and understanding. Excavation activities are scheduled in the morning from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During fieldwork, participants are welcome to ask questions about excavation techniques and the recovered materials. Occasionally, university and high school students may join the team as part of their learning experience. Training will be provided on excavation procedures, as well as the use of basic tools and software used daily.

 

After the morning session, participants return to accommodations, where they can prepare lunch with the supplies provided. After this short break, the team usually travels by project van to the laboratory, making it easier for everyone to reach the facility. For those who prefer walking, the laboratory is about 500 meters away from the accommodations, roughly a 10-minute walk. 

 

Evenings offer time to relax, socialize, and reflect on the day’s work. Most nights, the team will dine at a local restaurant, selected beforehand by field staff. A few times, dinners will be held on-site at the palace, such as a casual pizza night or grilled chicken and some San Miguels!

 

The week will include movie screenings and Apocalypse Now Trivia nights.

 

ITINERARY

For One-Week Participants:

Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon, attend project orientation, and enjoy dinner.

Day 2: Undergo basic training, safety briefing, and orientation to field sites; start fieldwork.

Days 3–5: Conduct excavation and laboratory work.

Day 6: Continue fieldwork and have an evening wrap-up for the first week.

Day 7: Depart for the airport.

 

or 13-Day Participants:

Day 1: Arrive late afternoon, proceed with project orientation, and have dinner.

Day 2: Receive basic training, safety briefing, and orientation to field sites; begin fieldwork.

Days 3–11: Perform excavation and laboratory work, including one day for recreation—exploring a nearby town.

Day 12: Continue fieldwork and hold an evening wrap-up.

Day 13: Depart for the airport.

*This option is available only for the 2026 research season.

 

POLICIES

Smoking, whether traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices, is prohibited at the project site, except in designated smoking zones.

 

MONEY MATTERS

Local Currency: Philippine Peso

Personal Funds: Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in the Philippines, but as we are at a remote site, you may find it is not widely accepted. If you wish to participate in optional recreational activities like river rafting, you should budget personal funds accordingly. 

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Essential Eligibility Requirements

All participants must be able to:

• Tolerate daytime temperatures of 84–91°F (29–33°C) with high humidity, occasionally exceeding 104°F (40°C) in summer. 

• Enjoy extended outdoor activities in various weather conditions (see above), which may include wild animals and insects. 

• Walk short distances on mostly flat terrain to reach research sites. Walk up to 1 mile/1.6 km daily, possibly in sand or uphill with a light pack. 

• Bend and kneel multiple times daily for excavation and sediment work, sometimes for extended periods. 

• Handle tools like trowels, and lift and carry buckets of sediment weighing about 10–15 lbs (4.5–7 kg). 

• Sifting requires agility to move up and down on sandy ground and good balance. Carry personal supplies, such as snacks, water, and small equipment, weighing up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg or less). 

• Enter and exit a van unassisted, seated with a seatbelt for about 30 minutes daily. 

• Climb stairs to access second-floor guest rooms, as no elevator is available. 

• Follow verbal or visual instructions independently or with a partner. 

• Recognize and avoid hazards actively, and attend safety briefings, and follow staff instructions and safety protocols. 

• Communicate effectively with staff if in distress or needing help. 

• Get along with diverse team members, often in close quarters, throughout the project. 

• Be comfortable in environments where language and cultural norms differ from your own.

• Be able to swim.

 

 

Accommodations and Food

Please note that not every expedition has couples’ or singles' accommodations available. Please email Heritage Watch to check availability before reserving your space(s) on the team.

 

SLEEPING

 Teams will stay at Ted’s Bed and Breakfast in Stanta Cruz, a town west of Pagsanjan. Cabins can house 3 pax. Pagsanjan is approximately 10-15 minutes away. Cabins will be shared between two-three volunteers of the same gender. Cabins for pairs may be available with advanced notice. Sheets, towels, pillows, and blankets will be provided.

 

Heritage Watch will honor each person’s assertion of gender identity respectfully and without judgment. 

 

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS

All participants with international mobile plans can be reached via mobile phones at any time. Mobile networks are available at the sites, allowing for email and Zoom access. All project staff are equipped with mobile phones with network connectivity.

 

Wi-Fi is available in some areas.  In the Philippines, power is 220V at 60 Hz and plugs are commonly Types A - two flat parallel pins (same as US/Japan), B - two flat parallel pins + grounding pin, or C - two round pins (common in Europe). 

 

DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE

The distance between the accommodations and the field site is very short, with travel time by van less than 10-15 minutes. Access to the site may require boat transport across the river.

 

FOOD AND WATER

Teams will enjoy local Philippine cuisine, including fresh items. Volunteers will prepare breakfasts, lunches, and snacks at the accommodations using the provided supplies. Drinking water will be available at all times. Fresh fruits and energy bars will be provided as snacks. Dinner will be arranged at local restaurants or served in the palace courtyard on select evenings. Drink only bottled water.

 

Typical Meals

The following are examples of foods commonly available during the expedition. The menu may vary depending on availability, and we appreciate your flexibility.

• Rice (kanin): The foundation of nearly every meal, often steamed plain, but also served as fried rice (sinangag) with garlic.

• Corn & root crops (cassava, sweet potato, taro) supplement rice in some regions.

• Adobo: Perhaps the national dish — meat (often chicken or pork) braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns.

• Sinigang: A sour tamarind-based soup with pork, shrimp, or fish, and vegetables.

• Kare-kare: A rich peanut-based stew, traditionally with oxtail and vegetables, served with shrimp paste (bagoong).

• Lechon: Whole roasted pig, with crisp skin and tender meat, often for celebrations.

• Inihaw: Grilled meats or fish, usually marinated and served with dipping sauces.

Street Food & Everyday Snacks

• Balut: Fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten with salt or vinegar.

• Isaw: Grilled chicken or pork intestines, skewered.

• Fish balls, kwek-kwek, tokneneng: Fried street snacks sold from carts.

• Pancit: Noodle dishes (Chinese influence), such as pancit canton or pancit bihon.

 

Special Dietary Requirement

Please inform Heritage Watch of any specific dietary needs (such as diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut allergies, or vegetarian/vegan diets) as early as possible and record them on your volunteer forms. Vegetarian and lactose-free diets can usually be catered for, as long as volunteers are adaptable with the food options available. However, vegan and kosher diets might be more difficult to provide for because of local customs and ingredient availability. If you have particular dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to bring extra snacks to ensure your needs are met.

 

Travel Planning

MEETING SPOT

Maila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has multiple terminals. We will await participants at the exit of Terminal 1.  Please exit the arrivals hall to meet project staff and look for Heritage Watch/Apocalypse Then signs.

 

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Heritage Watch advises travelers to research their destination ahead of time. Knowing the entry and exit requirements, visa regulations, local laws, and customs can help ensure a smooth journey. Useful resources include the U.S. Department of State’s Traveler’s Checklist and Destination Guides. LGBTI travelers can find valuable tips and links on the U.S. Department of State’s LGBTI Travelers page.

 

COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ensure you check and comply with your destination’s entry and exit regulations. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin, stopovers, and the destination country, and they can change unexpectedly. Therefore, verify your visa needs both at the time of booking and again 90 days prior to travel. We advise applying early, ideally six months before your expedition begins. Refunds will not be issued to volunteers who cancel because they did not secure their visa in time to meet the team at the scheduled rendezvous. For the latest visa requirements, please consult the following website: ivisa.

 

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.

 

Project Conditions

The following information is as accurate as possible, but please remember that conditions may change.

 

The project is based in Pagsanjan, about 92 km south of Manila, roughly a 2.5 - 3 hour drive. Nestled along the Pagsanjan River (locally called the Bumbungan River), the area is surrounded by lush lowland plains that rise into the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains.

 

The river cuts through deep gorges and forested valleys, making it a hub for eco-tourism.

The climate is tropical - hot and humid year-round, with heavy monsoon rains (especially June–October).

 

Cultural & Natural Attractions

• Pagsanjan Falls (Magdapio Falls): The town’s most famous attraction — reached via boat along the river through dramatic gorges. Known locally as Cavinti Falls by residents upstream.

• Riverside Lodges & Resorts: Many offer boat rides, food, and accommodations.

• Nearby Towns:

  • Sta. Cruz (west) — provincial capital with more extensive services.

  • Magdalena (south) — an upland town with reports of stone structures of interest.

• Heritage: Once a Spanish colonial town, Pagsanjan was historically a trading hub due to its river access.

 

 

Health and Safety

EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD

Project staff members are not medical professionals. Participants should be aware that the project is located in a remote location and medical evacuation may be difficult. 

Pagsanjan offers several health care options capable of handling initial assessment and stabilization:

• Christian General Hospital (A. Mabini Street corner Crisostomo Street): A local hospital, though likely limited in terms of advanced emergency or critical care.

• Pagsanjan Medical Clinic & General Hospital (J.P. Rizal Street, near the town center): Also open 24 hours, suitable for immediate care and handling routine emergencies.

• Other Clinics & Health Units: Including Magdapio Barangay Health Station, rural health units, and private medical clinics that offer outpatient services

 

For any medical emergency, dial 911, the Philippines’ nationwide emergency number, operational 24/7. The call will be routed to the regional 911 center for response coordination.

 

Please ensure your travel/medical insurance covers air evacuation. Heritage Watch is not responsible for medical evac or hospital visits. Staff are training in Remote First Aid but are not medical professionals, so participants should bear this in mind a prepare accordingly.

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IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Ensure your routine immunizations are current and that you have the necessary vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are made by each volunteer and their doctor. For guidance on immunizations, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization for guidance on immunization.

 

If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.

 

It is strongly encouraged that you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable. 

 

Project Risks and Precautions

Transportation

Like any country, transport in the Philippines involves risks. All vans and cars will have seatbelts, and passengers must wear them at all times when the vehicle is moving. Only trained drivers approved by the project team will operate the vehicles. Each vehicle will carry a first-aid kit and a cell phone for communication. Participants are not permitted to drive during the project, including their personal vehicles. Access to the site also requires boat transport, and life jackets must be worn.

 

Walking

Participants must partake in vigorous physical activities, such as walking on uneven ground. The project team will assess each participant’s physical capabilities and modify the group’s pace accordingly to meet their needs. However, because of the changing terrain, those with significant mobility limitations might not be able to join.

 

Climate/Weather

The climate is tropical and humid, and it may see heavy rains. There is a danger of heat exhaustion. Participants will be reminded to drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring at least two liters to the site each day. While the excavation area offers shade, wearing high-factor sunscreen, suitable clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat is crucial to protect against heat. Participants should avoid overexertion, particularly when dealing with jet lag or fatigue, and must alert staff if feeling unwell. The team will regularly take breaks as necessary and monitor everyone’s health.

 

Animals & Plants

Due to the area's large number of trees, plants, and insects, we advise participants who suffer from pollen or insect allergies to bring appropriate medication. Mosquitos are prevalent and care should be taken against malaria and other mosquito-borne disease. Stray dogs are not unknown so care should be taken around any unknown canines. Caution should be taken in forested areas as there are a number of thorny/irritating plants. Caution should also be taken in the river as leptospirosis is known in the area.

 

Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness

Heritage Watch urges you to take precautions to protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV. These include staying current with vaccinations, washing hands regularly, improving indoor air quality through better ventilation or outdoor gatherings, and using preventive measures if you’re sick to limit transmission. Individuals at higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating. 

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Project Staff

Prof. Dougald O'Reilly. Founder and Director of Heritage Watch and Professor of Archaeology at the Australian National University. Dougald has decades of field experience and archaeological methods teaching experience.

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Others TBA