The Philippines boasts of unique experiences and exciting adventures wherever you go. Through the years, it has become known as one of the most popular tropical hideaways globally – making it the go-to place for beach lovers, adventure seekers, food lovers, thrill chasers, and everyone who wishes to satisfy their wanderlust.
#1 Batanes – Trek in Mt. Iraya
Mt. Iraya is the 1009-meter-tall volcano that quietly sits in the town of Basco. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts love Mt. Iraya as it’s not a very challenging mountain to climb, rather it’s a modest crawl through dense forests with crisp air. When you get to the top of the mountain, you’ll find yourself inside the clouds which hug the rolling hills and turn the landscape into a dream-like world.
On your way up, you’ll encounter roaming cows, hundred-year-old trees, and the natural spring that many locals use for drinking water.
#2 Palawan – Shipwreck Diving
Coron is one of the top diving sites in the Philippines. Here, you can find 13 World War II Japanese shipwrecks between the waters of Culion and Busuanga, giving the diving sites an aura of mystery and adventure.
Coron’s shipwrecks have been marooned in their place for such a long time that corals have established colonies in them, as well as various kinds of fishes, sea turtles, and nudibranchs.
#3: Banaue Rice Terraces – Wear local costumes and Meet tribes
During the hike to the viewpoint in Banaue, you will see locals with their own costumes and playing their instruments. You can wear their costumes. It´s an attraction for the tourists and they usually ask for a donation if you want to take a picture with them or make a video of them playing a song or dancing a typical dance.
#4: Siargao – Cloud 9 surfing and boardwalk
The most popular attraction on Siargao Island is the Cloud 9 surfing area in General Luna. It is actually one of the most well-known surfing spots in the entire Philippines, as the right-breaking reef creates a barreling wave known for its thick, hollow tubes. A surfing competition sponsored by the government of Surigao del Norte is held here every year. Cloud 9 is only recommended for advanced surfers, as it breaks on a very shallow reef. It is also best to come at mid to high tide, as low tide exposes most of the reef.
Even if you are not a surfer or not quite up to the skill level it takes to tackle Cloud 9, it is still highly recommended that you come and take a stroll along the boardwalk.
#5: Baguio City – Strawberry Picking
Picking strawberries is arguably such a unique experience that it deserves a top spot on your Baguio itinerary. If you don’t want to go picking, you can also choose to buy freshly picked strawberries. Aside from strawberries, you can also purchase fresh flowers and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the treats like fresh Strawberry Ice Cream as well.
#6: Boracay – Banana Boat Ride
This exciting recreational activity is accessible on the island by joining a banana boat ride activity. Banana boats are giant yellow inflatable boats that can cater to 10 to 20 people.
Once everybody is ready and has strapped on their life vest, the speedboat will get the banana boat out on the sea. Don’t be afraid to fall! It’s the main highlight of this activity, trying to keep your balance while the speedboat does its twists and turns.
#7: Corregidor Island – Hospital Ruins Tour
The surrounding forest has kept the air cool in this part of the island even when it was the middle of summer. You couldn’t believe that you were diving right into the horror. This hospital is the eeriest spot in Corregidor.
The four wings of the hospital form a cross, clearly visible when viewed from the top. It was deliberately designed that way to send a message to any aircraft overhead that it is a medical facility which, according to the Geneva Convention, must be spared. What remains standing today are its walls that look as though they may crumble any time. But that wasn’t the eeriest bit. On some of these walls were writings — messages, names and curse words.
#8: Puerto Galera – Snorkeling
While scuba diving is going deep underwater, snorkeling is just in the sea level and shallow waters so you don’t need diving gear to do this, you just need goggles, a snorkel, and your good to go.
The best snorkeling destination here in Puerto Galera is the Coral Garden. This location is well preserved making it perfect to see different kinds of fish, beautiful corals, and many types of marine life. While doing this activity don’t forget to bring your underwater camera because this is perfect for underwater photography.
#9: La Union – Climb up Pagoda Hill
Filipino-Chinese pagoda in San Fernando la union. Located at the top hill of the city. A scenic spot of the province with a panoramic view of San Fernando city bay. Many people come here to witness the beautiful la union during sunset. This spot is good for those romantic people who wants to spend the scenery with their love ones. But this is not only for lovers, it can still be enjoyed alone for meditation or even with group of friends for great bonding.
#10: Tagaytay – Zipline
Tagaytay Ridge and Zipline was a brand-new experience for the both of us since we did not have any experience of such adventure before. Our excitement fueled our drive to allow ourselves to be suspended 30 feet off the ground, at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour as we traversed a stretch of 250 meters of thrill and excitement.
For the adventurous, an exhilarating way of viewing and experiencing the lush surroundings of Tagaytay is by zipline! If it’s your first time riding a zipline, this is a good introduction because the ziplines in Tagaytay are not outrageously terrifying — not too high and not too long.
