The awesome natural beauty, the friendliness of the Filipinos, the affordable accommodation, and so many other things lure you to visit the Philippines repeatedly. However, the best part about this archipelago of 7000 islands is how many adventures await you there. This yet undiscovered paradise is one of the best places to go on exciting day tours, particularly those which revolve around nature, as you will see below.
1. Explore the Caves at Samar
If you are into spelunking, the numerous chains of caves at Samar are definitely worth exploring. It is impossible to figure out exactly how many of these mysterious caverns exist, therefore, the Filipinos refer to Samar as the Cave Capital of the Philippines. You are welcome to join a day tour. Alternatively, you may go in for several days of investigation, and there’s even an option to spend a couple of nights within the caves themselves!
2. Diving in Bohol
If you have been following my blog, you already know I’m a huge fan of Bohol. This island is a bit touristy on one hand, but also offers a ton of privacy and breathtaking spots on the other. There are so many beautiful places to explore, such as the famous Chocolate hills for example, but there’s no doubt diving in Bohol is what makes the place so special.
3. Attempt Wakeboarding at Camarines Sur
All you have to do is to keep yourself erect on a wakeboard, which is connected to a closed- course cable system or a motor boat. You will find yourself skimming across the surface of the water at a fast and exhilarating pace! The CamSur Wakeboarding Complex at Camarines Sur, Bicol, is the best place for attempting this thrilling activity.
4. Be friend the Whale Sharks at Donsol
The very word, shark, can send cold shivers running up and down your spine. Mention of whale sharks can cause even greater tremors! However, the whale sharks at Donsol, which measure anywhere between 32 and 40 feet, are gentle and friendly giants. They love hobnobbing with swimmers, and showing them around their aquatic environment. It’s also worth noting that unlike the more famous whale shark experience in Oslob, the one in Donsol is eco friendly and doesn’t harm the whales – so this is your chance to support a much healthier tourism endeavor.
5. Have a Skydiving Experience at Cebu
If heights do not scare you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill that you must experience! Bantayan Island is the best place for this kind of extreme adventure. You will be moving over the magnificent beaches scattered across Cebu, as well as having a bird’s eye view of the Philippines.
6. Hike Your Way Across Mt. Pulag
This mountain, located at Benguet, is famed for being the third highest peak in the Philippines. It does not matter if you are a novice or an experienced climber; it is ideal for both. You may opt for a one-day hike, or a multi-day one. Of course, it all depends upon the trail you decide to follow. Whatever is the case, the sea of clouds at the top is extremely fascinating to view. Other fantastic hiking and camping spots include Mt. Mayon and Hibok- Hibok, just to name a few.
7. Commune with Nature at Pamilacan Island
If you visit Pamilacan Island Bohol between March and October, you might have the chance to watch baby turtles hatch at night, and move rapidly towards the sea. Another activity is to gaze at the stars through an 1,800 mm x 150 mm refractor telescope, set up specifically for visitors. But most of all, Pamilican is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines – where you can consistently see dolphins and sea turtles, among many other types of sea creatures.
8. Experience Ultralight/Microlight Flying at Pampanga
What is an ultralight? It is nothing but an aircraft with a fixed wing. It may contain a single seat, or two sets. The cockpit is open to the air. If you would love to race across the sky, with a cool breeze touching your face, this is the perfect activity for you. Of course, you may attempt it only during the dry season. Pampanga is merely a couple of hours distant from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
9. Opt for Whitewater Rafting at Kalinga and Cagayan de Oro
Whitewater rafting requires some amount of courage, but is a splendid outdoor sport. The inflatable raft can hold a couple or more people within its depths. Therefore, don your life jacket, and get going! Kalinga , Luzon, offers a glorious stretch of 175 kilometers for this sport, in the heart of the Chico River. Another popular place is the Adventure Capital called Cagayan de Oro. Located at Mindanao, it offers ideal practice for both, beginners and experts.
10. Hunt for Shipwrecks at Coron
Coron is at Palawan, renowned as the shipwreck diving capital of the world. There are at least ten of them, scattered across the bed of the Ocean. You will also be able to view all kinds of unique marine life. Coron is also renowned for being right at the center of the Coral Triangle, wherein you will be able to view six different species of marine turtles, as well as numerous reef-building corals. Above all, all tours in Coron are conducted by certified and experienced divers, who will ensure that you are safe at all times.
Apart from the above, there are other things that you might try too. For instance, Moalboal at Cebu offers a Sardine Run Diving, where in you frolic in the waters, surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of sardines. Similarly, there is surfing at Siargao, sandboarding at Paoay, canyoneering trips, paragliding at Sarangani, and spelunking at Sagada.