The Philippines is a great destination for travelers looking for exhilarating adventure tours. From caving adventures, hiking, and trekking, to extreme water activities, the Philippines has it all.
The country’s diverse natural wonders make it a sought-after destination among adventurers. Whether you like outdoor adventures in the air, land, or water, take your pick from the following best outdoor activities to try during your trip in the Philippines
Sardine Run Diving in Moalboal, Cebu
One of the most exciting, unique, and spectacular things to do in the Philippines is seeing one of the top tourist spots in Moalboal, in the province of Cebu, the sardine run. This year-round diving activity is a unique experience where you can swim with thousands of sardines surrounding you.
A Moalboal sardine run is best experienced with other fun activities such as swimming with turtles and canyoneering trips in Cebu.
Hiking in Mt. Pulag, Benguet
The Philippines is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also for its hiking adventures. Mt. Pulag in Benguet, the third highest peak in the country, is a popular hiking destination for both beginner and experienced mountaineers because of its famous sea of clouds view.
The Mt. Pulag has one of the richest biodiversity in the country, having vast forests full of pines, moss, and grass. It is a mountain worth climbing, both for its challenging trails and its natural beauty.
The duration of hiking in Mt. Pulag will depend on the trail you want to take on. Beginner climbers take the Ambangeg trail which is possible on a day hike but overnight trip, while the Mt. Pulag-Akiki trail hike is a challenging, multi-day hike for experienced hikers.
Ultralight Flying in Pampanga
Ultralights are small 1- or 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. For travelers who want to experience flying and being in a small aircraft, ultralight or microlight flying is a perfect activity for you. You will also experience flying with the wind on your face as the ultralight has an open-air cockpit.
The Philippines is a good place to try the ultralight flying experience since we only have the dry and wet season, with most months having more sun than rain. One of the best places to experience this is in Pampanga, just a couple of hours away from the capital city of Manila.
Skydiving in Zambales
Skydiving is the ultimate conquer-your-fear challenge. Once you’ve skydived, you can do pretty much anything else.
On a beach in Iba, Zambales, you can choose between a solo skydive or tandem skydive. The solo skydive entails you jumping out of a small plane about 3500-4000 feet high while an instructor oversees and assists you using a radio. A tandem skydive is deemed by many as the less nerve-wracking choice since an instructor will jump with you but take note that the altitude for the jump will be much higher at 10000 feet above.
Rock climbing in Atimonan, Quezon
Anyone who loves adventures in the outdoors should try rock climbing at least once in their lives. There is a distinct rush of exhilaration that comes when you face that towering rock head on and aim to reach for the top. It also takes an element of trust, as you have faith your belayer — the one who holds the ropes that secure your weight while you climb — will catch you should you fall.
In Atimonan, Quezon Province, there is Tinandog Wall, a rock face perfect both for beginners and the experienced rock climbers. Costs may vary. . but usually, for a budget of less than P2000 you can travel to the wall, rent climbing equipment, have a reliable belayer and indulge in a hearty meal.
White water rafting in Cagayan de Oro
Brace yourself and prepare to get wet on a white water rafting experience in Cagayan River! This activity is exciting, fast paced, and ideal even for those who haven’t tried white water rafting before.
White water rafting includes riding an inflatable raft and navigating through the river. You’ll pass by rough sections of the river and survive through wild rapids. Don’t worry though, as guides will be with you in this adventure and will help maneuver the raft for safety.
There are other white water rafting places in the country, but Cagayan de Oro is the most popular. White water rafting is usually offered as a package. It costs P1200 for a beginner course and P1800 for an advanced course. A minimum of 5-6 people is required for each raft.
Sandboarding in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte has a long stretch of sand dunes covering Currimao, La Paz and Paoay. The last is the most popular one and currently the hotspot for sand boarding enthusiasts.
Sand boarding is simple. You slide down the sand dunes using a concave board. A guide will instruct you on what to do. Beginners can start off sitting then proceed to standing up when you’re more confident. Don’t worry if you fall at first, you’ll soon get the hang of it!
Caving in Sagada, Mountain Province
Adventures were plentiful during our two-month trip around the Philippines, but exploring the caves of Sagada was probably the most exhilarating of all. Sagada is a little hill town in the Mountain Province of North Luzon in the Philippines. It is mostly known for its peculiar hanging coffins and for the multitude of caves and waterfalls found in the region.
One of the most exciting adventures in Sagada is easily exploring a cave system known as the Cave Connection. The spelunking tour is not for the faint of heart! You will be challenged to enter dark holes and wade through icy-cold water. Health and safety standards are almost non-existent, and the potential for accidents is rather high. Still, we thought that the adrenaline rush made it all worthwhile!
Surfing in Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur
Lanuza Bay’s underwater is one of the most heavily concentrated biodiversity marine systems in the country. There are several rare aquatic species you can find here. Above water, the bay of Lanuza also offers another delight in the form of massive swells that makes surfers happy to no end.
Lanuza has a long right-hander that’s best for classic longboard surfers. Advanced surfers enjoy the barreling reef breaks, too.
