Philippines | Ultimate Adventure Guide

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Been exploring Philippines since I was a child. I have yet to complete my “Project 81”, but I can confidently say that the best way to experience Pinas is to experience it raw - swim, hike, jump, dive and immerse yourself rather than just admiring the scenery. While we wish the best things in life were free, sometimes you’ll need to spend a little to enjoy what the place has to offer. Whether it is a fee for a tour guide, renting a gear or paying a tourism fee, don't let these expenses discourage you from enjoying what Philippines has to offer. With this, sharing my Ultimate Adventure Guide in Philippines:

Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, Cebu

This is a must-try adventure when in Cebu. A 3-5 hours canyoneering tour from Alegia to Kawasan Falls in Badian. This experience includes a habal-habal ride, a lot of hiking, floating with the river currents and cliff jumping.

Here’s the detailed guide to Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls

You can book in advance this activity here Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls

Recommendation: We strongly recommend to hire a legit tour operator for this trip and always follow your guide.

Tip: While it is essential to bring a dry bag, I recommend only carry your phone and some cash. If you have an action camera, bring spare batteries too.

CHECK OUT THE FULL VLOG HERE

2. Kayaking in Big and Small Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan

One of my favorite activities in El Nido, Palawan is kayaking in Big and Small Lagoon. Best to rent a kayak for the island hopping tour so you can fully enjoy both lagoons. In Big Lagoon, paddle through a narrow and shallow channel surrounded by limestone cliffs. While the Small lagoon you need to go thru a small opening in the limestone wall to access the lagoon. This was a dreamlike experience.

Here’s a detailed guide to El Nido, Palawan

You can book the island hopping tour here El Nido Tour A

Recommendation: If this is your first time visiting Philippines, Palawan should be on your list. For me, these are the best spots in El Nido, Palawan: Big and Small Lagoon, Nagpan Beach, Secret Beach and Cadlao Lagoon
Tip: If your budget allows, rent a private boat for the island-hopping tours. Include the Kayak to avoid relying on availability at the lagoons.

CHECK OUT THE FULL VLOG HERE

3. Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

Another must-try adventure in Philippines and one of the top-attraction in Sagada is spelunking in Sumaguing Cave or the Big Cave. Using only a a gas lamp, the guide will navigate the pitch-dark caverns with freezing cold waters to explore Sumaguing Cave and its unique limestone rock formations.

Here’s a detailed guide to Sumaguing Cave

Recommendation: There is no law mandating a tour guide when you explore Sagada. However, I recommend getting a guide if it is your first time visiting Sagada. For Sumaguing Cave, you should always hire a guide. Also by hiring a guide, you are helping the local community.

Tip: Best to avail of the Cave Connection Course or the Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave tour. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to try the Top-load jeepney ride experience.

CHECK OUT THE FULL VLOG HERE

4. Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan De Oro

If you happen to visit Mindanao area, whitewater rafting on Cagayan River is a must. This adrenalin pumping, extreme activity features two courses: 14 and 21 rapids. The full course will take around 4 hours to complete. Whitewater rafting doesn’t require experience and it has level options: beginner, advance and extreme. Whitewater rafting is an activity you can do with your family.

Recommendation: Safety first and listen during the safety briefing.

Tip: Go with the full course to maximize the experience.

5. Swimming with Turtles in Apo Island, Negros Oriental

There are numerous spots in the Philippines where you can swim with the turtles but for me, Apo Island is the best spot. What makes Apo Island special is the abundance of sea turtles in the area. You don’t even need to swim far to see one. This is the reason why Apo Island is my top destination if you want to swim with turtles.

Here’s a detailed guide to Apo Island

Recommendation: This is a marine sanctuary, you should follow the rules of the area. Also, if you cannot avoid using sunblock, ensure it is reef safe.

Tip: Bring or rent fins so it is easier to swim with the turtles.

CHECK THE FULL VLOG HERE

6. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon

Swimming with whale sharks is another must-try experience in Philippines. While Oslob, Cebu is more popular, Donsol, Sorsogon offers a more eco-friendly experience. To see the largest fish in the world up-close is definitely a surreal experience.

Recommendation: This is a marine sanctuary, you should follow the rules of the area. Also, if you cannot avoid using sunblock, ensure it is reef safe.

Tip: Bring or rent fins so it is easier to swim with the whale sharks.

7. Stand-up Paddle in Loboc River, Bohol

Bohol is one of the top destination in Philippines, renowned for its beaches, islands and underwater life. One of the newest and unique adventure you can try in Bohol is the Stand-up paddle on Loboc River. This adventure is a more relaxed,where you paddle upstream to Busay falls. It is offered by SUP Tours Philippines.

Here’s a detailed guide to Stand-up paddle in Loboc River.

You can book the SUP Tours here Loboc River SUP Tour.

Recommendation: A family-friendly activity. SUP Tours Philippines also offer various options, including yoga sessions.

Tip: Snacks are already included in the package but best to bring extra.

CHECK THE FULL VLOG HERE

8. TORPEDO Boat Extreme Adventure in Samar

This is a must-try adventure when visiting Samar. This activity involves riding a long and narrow motorized “bangka” through the rapids of Ulot River. At the end, there’s a mini falls where you do a cliff jump and swim. The best part was going upstream - with full horsepower, the TORPEDO blast through the river current and rapids.

Here’s a detailed guide to Samar

Recommendation: Best seat is in the front.

Tip: Bring dry bag and some snacks.

9. Surfing in Philippines

I fell in love with surfing after trying it in La Union. While Siargao is famous, but Philippines has several surf spots that are much closer to Manila: Baler and La Union. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer if you want to try surfing as there will be instructors that will teach you the basics in shallow waters. They will also avoid strong waves in beginner stage. So this is a fun activity you can try in the surf spots around Philippines even for beginners.

Here’s a detailed guide to Baler

Recommendation: Listen and follow the directions of the Instructor.

Tip: Surf season is around “BER” months through March.

9. Free diving or Scuba Diving in Anilao, Batangas

To truly appreciate the beauty of Philippines, you need to see not just the landscapes, but also the underwater sceneries and marine life. Also, Philippines is surrounded by water and home to some of the world’s best dive sites. Unless you are only staying in the city, it is essential that you know how to swim at least. With this, Free diving or Scuba diving is a must-try activity in Philippines and Anilao, Batangas is the closest site near Manila.

Here’s a detailed guide to Anilao, Batangas.

Recommendation: free diving and scuba diving requires training and certification.

Tip: Apnea Philippines offers the basic course for free diving.

CHECK THE FULL VLOG HERE

This is the Ultimate adventure guide in Philippines, based from my experience. I haven’t covered the whole of Philippines yet. If you have any recommendations, let me know in the comment section

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