Activities in the Philippines

Filled to the brim with over 7000 tropical islands full of lush forests, towering volcanoes, picturesque limestone cliffs, and sun-kissed beaches, there’s no dearth of activities in the Philippines to indulge in. In addition to all the well-known activities that the Philippines is famous for, this country rewards you greatly for wandering off the beaten path. Explore a bit for yourself and you will find spectacular caves in Sagada, hidden coves in the Bacuit archipelago and isolated islands all around the country.

If you are planning on some adventure on your next vacation, then the Philippines is your ultimate getaway. Backpackers and luxury travellers can all enjoy this archipelago. Still don’t believe us? Check out some of these great activities in the Philippines that will surely make your island getaway the trip of a lifetime!

The picturesque limestone cliffs in El Nido, Palawan.

Scuba Diving at Apo Reef and Tubbataha

Apo Reef is home to arguably the best coral reefs in the Philippines. Located 2 hours offshore from the city of San Jose in the Mindoro region, Apo Reef is full of color and life. The Apo Reef dive site is a must on your list if you are looking forward to going on scuba diving trips.

Tubbataha, on the other hand, is a UNESCO recognized natural heritage site that attracts all sorts of Pelagic sea life. Visit during the right season and you will spot whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles near and around Tubbataha. This remote marine haven is located in the Palawan region of the Philippines near the city of Puerto Princesa. You can arrange diving trips to Apo Reef and Tubbataha from San Jose and Puerto Princesa respectively.

Apo reef is a must visit if you are looking for a good scuba dive.

Surfing at San Juan and Siargao

Siargao’s Cloud 9 break is one of the Philippines’ legendary surfer haunts. In a nation where waves are notoriously fickle, Cloud 9 will not disappoint you. If the weather Gods brew up a typhoon in the Eastern seas, then expect some monster waves at Cloud 9. San Juan is a bit more laid back than Cloud 9. The La Union surf spot at San Juan is one of the few reliable breaks on the west coast. The waves tend to be gentler than Cloud 9 though.

Siargao’s Cloud 9 break is a paradise for all the surf lovers.

Hiking at Mt. Mayon

Mt. Mayon is situated in the Bicol region near Legazpi. This active stratovolcano is one of the country’s most picturesque locations. Mayon is a perfectly symmetrical conical mountain along the lines of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt Fuji, and is one of the musts when it comes to hiking in the Philippines.

Hiking or quadbiking to Mt. Mayon, the active stratovolcano in the Philippines is totally worth experiencing.

Kayaking in El Nido

El Nido in Palawan is home to beautiful limestone cliffs. Along with great diving spots and fantastic beaches, you can go kayaking and explore the beautiful El Nido seafront. El Nido and the Bacuit archipelago are some of the most beautiful natural settings in the Philippines and are justifiably a must-visit.

Kayaking in this beautiful natural setting of El Nido should top your list of things to do in the Philippines.

Kite Surfing, Spelunking and more!

The Caves of the mountainous Sagada region attract tourists in droves. Regular trips are arranged that take you to the very heart of the mountains. with cascading waterfalls inside the caves and tombs on the limestone cliffs, it’s quite an adventure. The rough and windy waters of the Eastern Coast make it the ideal spot for water sports like Kite Surfing. You can even pick up kite surfing lessons at Boracay and El Nido.

Islands like Boracay and El Nido offer great kite surfing lessons.

The Cast-Away Experience

Named after the Tom Hanks film, The Cast Away experience involves spending a day or more on a deserted island where you bring your own supplies. This activity was highly unregulated in the past. However, now there are tour operators that can arrange this activity for you. This is a must-try for all who thirst for some adventure.

The cast away experience calls out to all the adventure thirsty travellers.

The Sardine Run of Moalboal

If you happen to scuba dive or Snorkel just off the shore of Moalboal, you will be greeted into the sea by a school of thousands upon thousands of sardines. These fish rise to the surface every day to feed in the warm tropical waters around Moalboal. Scuba diving or Snorkelling with such a large number of fish around you is an experience unique to Moalboal which also has many other excellent dive sites to boot.

The beautiful and unique scuba diving experience with sardines in Moalboal.

If you seek a vacation away from the monotony of daily life then the Philippines is your ultimate escape. The country is home to some of the best dive sites, coral reefs, and cave networks in the world. These activities in the Philippines will surely keep you busy throughout the duration of your visit. Now, if you need any help planning your trip to this amazing country, feel free to check out our blog for more information. You can also get in touch with us if you need assistance.