For an archipelago blessed with picture-perfect waters, dense forests, and ecological diversity, there are lots of things to do in the Philippines.
Whether it be land, air, or water, this country has it all covered for adventure-seeking travelers.
Checking out more than 7,000 islands to plan for your trip is definitely a chore.
For those who want to explore the best places all around the world, visit Best Places to Visit in 2020!
To make things easy for you, here’s top things to do in the Philippines that would guarantee to quench your thirst for adventure!
Hiking
In what better way can you see the best views of the Philippines than by climbing your way up high?
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in hiking, the country will always have a mountain for you to enjoy.
Mount Maculot in Batangas would give you one of the best hikes due to its beginner-friendly terrain and breathtaking view of the Taal Lake when you reach the top.
If you’re up to a more challenging hike, how about giving one of the highest mountains of the Philippines a try?
I’d definitely recommend climbing Mount Timbak, in Atok, Benguet, and experience the best sunrise and sunset you’d ever seen.
Therefore, hiking is one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
But, make sure to bring thick jackets!
Scuba Diving
Cooling down in clear blue waters becomes more interesting when you go deeper and discover what’s underneath.
Not only is the Philippines blessed with amazing waters, being part of Indo Pacific’s Coral Triangle means that spectacular marine life can be found and may yet to be discovered underneath.
So, all you have to do is swim your way in!
It takes a long journey to reach Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Puerto Princesa but the journey is worth the sight.
Moreover, a scuba diving experience in their reefs would feed your eyes with 600 different species of fish and 50% of the coral species in the world.
You may even get a glimpse of the large reef sharks and different species of dolphins that live there.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding becomes super exciting and one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
When you’re surrounded by islands covered with dense forests while discovering marine wildlife it’ll amaze you.
And the Philippines has many, many islands to choose from that will give you exactly that experience.
Beginner-friendly Abatan River in Bohol gives you calm waters surrounded by mangroves that would definitely make you feel one with nature.
So, after feeling relaxed with its peaceful atmosphere, you’d be welcomed by a majestic waterfall you can splash around in!
If you aim to enjoy a more challenging route, you can try the Loboc River and start paddleboarding upstream towards Busay Falls.
After that make your way into the ocean.
Furthermore, the unsteady waves coming from these dynamic waters would surely keep you on your toes.
Spelunking
Spelunking enthusiasts wouldn’t be disappointed with the numerous caves the Philippines has to offer.
Especially when one particular cave in the country is astounding enough to be part of the New7Wonders of Nature and has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites for almost 2 decades now.
Roughly 80kms away from its city center is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park.
Being the longest navigable underground river in the world, the 45-mins boat tour doesn’t seem enough to see everything inside it.
So, feed your eyes with gigantic rock and crystal formations while catching glimpses of endemic species inhabiting the cave.
Moreover, if you’re brave enough to explore tight, dark spaces, you might even find some hidden gems like majestic waterfalls or even the fossils of a 20 million-year-old sea cow!
White Water Rafting
Having generally warm weather and stunning rivers flowing down mountains, the Philippines is one of the perfect places to actually try white water rafting.
This extreme sport is relatively new in the country, but beginners shouldn’t worry.
Trainers would be teaching you beforehand while the river guides will be making sure to make you feel at ease and enjoy the trip.
I’ve experienced water rafting once as offered in Davao Crocodile Park (Davao Wildwater Adventure).
I was scared at first, and I’d be honest that the rapids were a challenge to beat but believe me when I say it gets fun afterward.
Let that action-packed way of going through strong river current feed your adventurous heart beating!
Hence, Water Rafting is one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
Ultralight Flying
Do you want to experience flying and see the picturesque view of the Philippines while feeling the strong, clean wind touching your face?
Then ultralight flying is a must-try for you!
Ultralight flying involves the use of a lightweight plane weighing less than 500 lbs.
It flies at a height of 800 feet from ground level and can either be a one-seater or two-seater.
Moreover, the 2 aviation facilities currently available for ultralight flying in the country offer you 2 kinds of views to choose from.
The Angeles City Flying Club will showcase you their stunningly green mainland.
In contrast, the Mindanao Saga Flying Club will fly you above turquoise waters and white sand beaches surrounding their numerous islands.
Sky Cycling
Cycling around the neighborhood sounds pretty much a mundane thing to do.
But, even Nature Park in Davao decided to make it exciting for the adventurous-at-heart.
To achieve that, they placed the bicycle on a harness and have people ride onto it from point A to point B as it balances in just a cable at least 60 feet from the ground.
Yes, it does sound scary at first but they’ll ensure you that you’ll be properly geared and secured onto your harness.
if you fight away the fear and gaze around the beauty of the Davao Gulf and the dense forests surrounding you, you’d be able to enjoy it much more!
Kite Surfing
Beaches having the best features Mother Nature has to offer plus the consistent trade winds are probably one of the top features a surfer would want to experience in order to enjoy his trip.
Of course, the Philippines’ surfing spots doesn’t lack any of that.
Whether you prefer the more traditional surfing or bring it up a notch through kite surfing, both will be available to try for your enjoyment!
We have flat waters and waves to accommodate both the beginners and experienced surfers.
Coron and Calamianes Islands in Palawan gives you the seclusion and space that you needed to navigate through stunning islands on clear, blue waters.
There’s also a solar-powered kite camp to help you maximize your kite-surfing experience!
In conclusion, the Philippines has lots to offer visitors.
No matter what type of adventurer you are, you’ll get everything here.
So, these are some of the best things to do in the Philippines.
Make sure not to miss all of them when you visit the Philippines.
