Are you heading to the Philippines? Wondering what the best things to do in the Philippines, a tropical melting pot with over 7,000 islands, are? From the mountains of Luzon to festivities in the Visayas and scenic Mindanao, let me give you the best 18 hints for the best activities in the Philippines to make your visit worthwhile.
- Join the Best Philippines Expedition to Explore the Remote Islands of Palawan
- Explore the Mountainous Cordillera
- Conquer Luzon's Highest Peak, Mount Pulag
- Immerse in History at the Intramuros, Manila
- Canyoneering in Cebu and Kawasan Falls
- Dive to World War II Shipwrecks in Coron - Busuanga Bay
- Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay
- Paddle Around the Enchanting Big Lagoon in El Nido:
- Ride the Waves in Siargao:
- Check Out the Wonders of Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Hop on a Cruise in Loboc River, Bohol
- Don't Miss the Waterfalls of Siquijor
- Dive at the Marine Paradise of Tubbataha
- Experience the Nightlife in the Philippines
- Ride the Iconic Jeepney
- Taste Filipino Cuisine
- Join the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City
- Walk Through the Historic Towns
Join the Best Philippines Expedition to Explore the Remote Islands of Palawan:
Palawan is recognised as the last frontier of the Philippines. There are many secluded and still undiscovered beaches. There is no doubt that tourists commonly head directly to Coron or El Nido, which means skipping most of the northern islands left to explore. One of the best ways to connect the dots is to join a multi-day expedition between Coron and El Nido. Big Dream Boatman offers a four-day trip expedition guaranteed to sail to the off-beaten track in the north of Palawan. The cruise is an all-in Filipino experience, from food to local guides' knowledge and camping sites.
Explore the Mountainous Cordillera Region:
If you’ve heard about the Philippines because it’s hailed as having the best beaches in the world, well, I’m telling you now that there’s more to it than just beaches and clear water.
From Manila, the capital of the Philippines, ride a public bus or join a multi-day set tour to the Cordillera Region. Set foot in Ifugao UNESCO World Heritage Banaue rice terraces, sculpted by ancient Igorot farmers. Be amused by Sagada’s hanging coffins, trek caves, and meet and hike Kiltepan Peak.
The northern mountains are home to numerous tribes, so it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in their vibrant traditions and way of life. The temperature here is particularly colder than the rest of the country.
One of the most popular destinations in this region is Baguio, known as the summer capital of the country, with its lush pine forests and town parks.
Conquer Luzon's Highest Peak, Mount Pulag:
When heading to the north of Luzon, you should not miss the Philippines’ third-highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level. This is where people describe the scenery as the “sea of clouds. The Mount Pulag trek can be done through DIY or arranged with a travel agency. To hike, a reservation must be made with the DENR; these days, they are only allowing at most 500 hikers a day. Hike through mossy forests, camp under a blanket of stars, experience the breathtaking and conquer the highest peak in Luzon, Mount Pulag.
Immerse in History at the Intramuros, Manila:
Step back in time and explore the 16th-century walled city of Intramuros in the heart of Manila. Discover the remnants of 300 years of Spanish colonial occupancy, its remaining architecture, and historic churches like San Agustin Church amidst the tall buildings in the city.
Canyoneering in Cebu and Kawasan Falls:
If you like thrills and adrenaline-pumping activities, canyoneering in Badian, Cebu, is for you! From Mactan, you can take a bus or private car down to the southwest (Badian, Cebu). To do this activity, hiring an experienced guide is a must. Part of the activity is trekking in the jungle, jumping from 10-15-meter high waterfalls, and swimming. Canyoonering will conclude at the famous Badian Kawasan Falls with its ever-turquoise blue waters.
Dive to World War II Shipwrecks in Coron - Busuanga Bay:
It is no secret that Coron holds one of the best diving spots in the world, with 12 sunken Japanese wartime ships. The depth where these ships rest varies from 10-40 m. Over the years, these wrecks and some of the remaining artefacts have become home to rich marine life, adding to the underwater interest of many diving enthusiasts. Plenty of reputable diving shops can be found in Coron town for beginners and the skilled.
Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay:
For many years, Boracay has been one of the top destinations in the Philippines. It has you covered with its powdery white beach, crystal-clear water, a lineup of world-class restaurants by the beach, and prime resorts in the country. At sunset, it is the most spectacular time of the day! The best way to experience it is to ride a paraw and sail as the sun sets and the sky turns into a lovely painting. Sunset sailing in Boracay must be on your top things to do in the Philippines list.
Paddle Around the Enchanting Big Lagoon in El Nido:
Kayaking in the Philippines has become a popular activity. What better place to paddle around than the breathtaking Big Lagoon of El Nido? Immerse yourself in the sounds of crystal-clear water as you paddle around and the birds echoing from the towering limestone cliffs.
Ride the Waves in Siargao:
Recently, the island of Siargao has gained popularity and is now making its way up the list of top destinations in the country. For many surfers worldwide, Siargao is the place to be in Southeast Asia to catch waves. Annually, a world-class surfing competition is held here to showcase surfing skills. If you are not an expert, this may be the place for you to start riding waves, as many local surfing schools and surf camps have been established here.
Check Out the Wonders of Puerto Princesa Underground River:
Discover the underground wonderland featuring a karst landscape with an 8.2 km stretch of Puerto Princesa Underground River, but only half of it can be explored. This stunning subterranean river in Sabang holds a UNESCO World Heritage title and plays a significant role in the biodiversity of its surrounding area.
Cruise down the cave with a small boat and a guide and be continuously enthralled. After the tour, there are still nearby attractions in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to experience, like firefly watching and zip lining.
Hop on a Cruise in Loboc River, Bohol:
Want to cruise, savour a delicious Filipino buffet, and witness local singers and dancers in traditional dresses perform at the same time? Then, this activity is a must. For an hour-long cruise, you get to experience highlights of Filipino culture and scenic views of the famous Loboc River.
Dive at the Marine Paradise of Tubbataha:
Perhaps one of the best diving spots and richest thriving marine ecosystem in the Philippines, it was hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, accounting for at least 360 species of corals and abundant numbers of sharks, manta rays, nudibranchs, sea turtles, and more.
Tubbataha Reef is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. To reach Tubbataha, you have to join multi-day liveaboard explorations. These days, several gateways can be your starting point when joining explorations, such as Puerto Princesa, Coron, Southern Leyte, and Cebu.
Don't Miss the Waterfalls of Siquijor:
If you think you're done with the beaches, then it’s time to explore Siquijor's five gems: Lugnason Falls, Lagaan Falls, Cambugahay Falls, Locong Falls, and Cangbangag Falls.
These falls are superb and offer various outdoor activities for a day or two, from jungle trekking, swimming, jumping off cliffs, and swinging on locally made rope swings.
Experience the Nightlife in the Philippines:
At night, there are many options for entertainment and bar hopping. From Boracay, known to be the birthplace of beach parties, Epic Boracay and Om’s Bar are the most popular in the area.
If you are in Coron, Bam Bar offers a chill vibe with a live band from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; their eastside cocktail is the best! If you’d like to listen to some reggae music and stay up until 3 a.m. on the dance floor, then head to Kuridas Bar.
In El Nido, Sava Bar offers a relaxed mood by the bay with its comfy lounges and nice sets from its in-house DJ. Once the mood is set, the floor is open for dancing the night away. Another favourite is Pangolin, where a percentage of the profit goes to the conservation effort of protecting the pangolins in Palawan. They also have an in-house DJ. Tip: Check for the music and event-themed nights.
In Siargao, the laid-back life during the day turns into a different tone in the evening. Some of the bar highlights during the weekend are Mama Coco and El Lobo.
Ride the Iconic Jeepney:
No visit to the Philippines is complete without experiencing a Jeepney ride! This colourful public transportation for locals can be found everywhere. I dare you to experience commuting in the jeepney, whether in the city or the provinces. The ride is not easy, and the space is definitely uncomfortable, but it will give you an insight into how locals deal with their daily life on the road. To take this ride, ask the next person to relay the payment to the driver while shouting, “Bayad po! To get off the transport, just simply tap the roof and say, “Dito lang!
Taste Filipino Cuisine:
Of course, you are not only here for picturesque views. Indulge your taste buds with the sumptuous flavours of Filipino cuisine. Join food tours from Cebu, the home of lechon, or in Pampanga, the culinary capital of the country. Well, anywhere you are in the Philippines, give yourself some time to try the famous dishes: savoury adobo and beef kare-kare, tangy, heartwarming sinigang soup, and the national favourite, sisig! Don’t forget the street foods and balut!
Join the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City:
One of the most awaited festivals at the start of the year, every January, the Sinulog Festival, which lasts 9 days in Cebu, is a must to witness and experience. The festival celebrates the start and acceptance of Christianity in the country!
Sinulog Festival features many events and competitions, including the most creative fluvial and the Sinulog Grand Parade, where prominent groups in town are set to perform on the street, showcasing a lively parade of dancers dressed in dazzling Filipiniana costumes, dancing and performing in the streets holding the centre of the celebration, the Santo Niño. Dance away to the infectious beat and feel the festivities, which conclude with a pyro show.
Walk Through the Historic Towns:
Discover the radiant historic towns in the Philippines with stories to tell and remnants from the period of Spanish colonisation like Vigan, and Ilocos Norte, where townscapes and houses are similar in architecture to 16th-century Europe. Another historic town tucked away is Culion, Palawan, standing in the center of town with the 400-year-old church, where parts of its walls used to be a fortress. Culion was a former leprosarium during the 1900s; it is known to be the largest and most successful sanitarium.
To remember and celebrate the town’s history, the Culion Museum and Archives was established. Moving forward, the town’s museum is now registered in the UNESCO Memory of the World. And because it is in Palawan, expect its natural beauty to be unmatched. This island is also home to the most beautiful remote beaches in the country, like Ditaytayan and Araw Beach.
Conclusion:
With so much to offer, the Philippines is a destination that will leave you wanting more. I suggest you start ticking off your list and book your flight soon!
