The Philippines is one of the best places you could find yourself on vacation. This Southeast Asian country is full of many sites and some of the most breathtaking natural scenery you’ll ever come across. The country is actually made up of more than 7,000 islands.
This already tells you that there are some amazing beaches to look forward to and incredible places to visit in the Phillipines. However, if you’re in the mood for more unique holiday adventures, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Climb Mt Pulag in Luzon
You can start your quest for adventure by trekking up to the highest peak in Luzon, Mt Pulag. This climb will provide just the right sort of challenge for those who enjoy mountain hikes. You will have to battle both windy weather and the freezing temperatures to achieve the ultimate reward, reaching the summit of the tallest peak in Luzon and one of the most amazing adventurous places to visit in the Phillipines. It’s a must do on any Baguio Itinerary!
There are three different trails to choose from with different levels of difficulty. Akiki and Ambangeg are generally considered the less punishing options, while Vizcaya is a favorite for the more seasoned trekkers. The climb isn’t just about the punishing trek– the sunrise once you reach the peak is absolutely beautiful and makes it well worth the effort.
Take the Plunge at Danao Adventure Park
If climbing isn’t your thing, then perhaps you’ll enjoy falling instead! Of course, you’ll be doing so while safely secured, but that won’t make it any less thrilling. Danao Adventure Park offers a wide range of activities that will satisfy most thrill-seekers.
You can take part in activities such as caving, rappelling, kayaking, and rock climbing. However, a favorite for many visitors is ‘The Plunge’. This canyon swing has you free-falling from a 200-meter-high gorge before swinging in a gorge 300 meters wide. This is one adventure that visitors find as thrilling as it is terrifying.
Do an El Nido Boat Trip
With so many islands making up the country, it’s only natural that one of the favorite activities for those visiting the Philippines is island hopping. The El Nido Boat Trips provide an excellent means for doing this. There are many different boat tours that you can choose from, and each is unique. Some include kayaking, some go to lagoons and beaches, and some go to islands and coves.
El Nido is surrounded by many smaller islands, and these islands have a lot of unique attractions, including beautiful sandy beaches, coral species, and sites where you can go snorkeling. Some of the islands are incredibly well preserved, allowing you to experience nature at its most pristine.
These boat tours are conveniently packaged to allow you to experience what different parts of the islands have to offer in a reasonable period of time. You can go on different tours on different days, and the experience will not get old. Make sure to read up on things to know before visiting El Nido, first!
Explore Palawan’s Subterranean River and Cave
If you can only do one thing during your time in the Philippines, visiting the Puerto Princesa River on the island of Palawan is an adventure you won’t regret. This is the longest underground river in the world that’s navigable, and it was named one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’.
Puerto Princesa flows under the St Paul Mountain Range, passing through 8.2 km of a complex and beautiful cave system before flowing out into the sea. The trip is taken on small boats with only a headlamp lighting the way, but this adds to the experience as you hear the sound of bats, swallows, and dripping water. The cave system has many different features, including giant rocks shaped like cathedrals and limestone spindles, making it one of the most thrilling places to visit in the Phillipines.
Visitors are only taken around 4km into the cave, but you can apply for a permit if you want to explore the entire length of the river. Going the whole length of the river will require some swimming, but it could be well worth it if you’re looking for adventure on your trip to the Philippines! Check tours here.
Wreck Dive in Coron
Scuba diving is a great adventure on its own, but when you throw in a few wrecks from the Second World War, you now have a proper adventure. In the Philippines, Coron in Palawan is the perfect place to do this. Several wrecks from WWII can be found in this location, and you can experience what it’s like to swim through the dark relics of the war with only a torch to light your way.
This experience is quite surreal, but perhaps not for the claustrophobic. Different species of fish and other animals have since turned these spaces into habitats, so expect to come across a few while moving through the pitch black areas. It’s a good idea to take diving lessons first if you’re new to this sort of thing, or just do a regular (non-scuba) tour that visits shallow wrecks. While maybe scary, it’s still one of the best places to visit in the Phillipines. You can also easily get from El Nido to Coron by ferry.
All of these activities can be a great way to spend a day on your trip to the Philippines. Be prepared to catch a few plane rides if you want to see them all or book transfers between the islands and destinations. However, flights within the Philippines are cheap, so it’s easily doable.
—
Thanks for the Guest Post and photos, Renee!
Renee Hyde is a digital nomad who blogs about travel destinations, travel hacks, and ways to work remotely and travel. She can be found at Renee the Wanderess or on Pinterest.
