Top 10 Most Thrilling Adventures in the Philippines

If you love adventure, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Philippines. The archipelago boasts of a diverse landscape that invites you to get out of your comfort zone – but if you’re already an adrenaline junkie, perhaps test your limits while experiencing some of the most beautiful views this side of the world. From the reaching the summit of volcanoes to swimming with whale sharks, we’ve got you covered with the best, most thrilling activities in the Philippines that will have your heart skipping a beat or two (in the best way possible!):

1. Diving

The Philippines is recognized in the international diving community as one of the best countries for diving. It’s no surprise, considering that it’s a part of the renowned coral triangle, an invisible geographical area reserved for certain areas of the Philippines shared with Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. The coral triangle is a global center of marine biodiversity, which makes it a favorite among divers. Another reason why diving is such a thrill in the Philippines is because the weather makes it possible all year round – however, the best dives are usually had from December to April due to better wind and visibility.

Diving in the Philippines top things to do is welcoming for all levels, from beginner to advanced. There are hundreds of dive resorts around the country that offer dive lessons for anyone interested to learn, but it remains a favorite of seasoned divers as well. The Monad Shoal in Malapascua is a famous dive site where divers can get up close and personal with thresher sharks at dawn, while manta rays greet you in the afternoon. Other terrific dive sites in the Philippines include Apo Island in Dauin, the World War II wrecks and Barracuda Lake in Coron, Anilao in Batangas, Ticao Pass in Masbate, and Tubbataha Reef National Park in Palawan.

2. Climb a volcano

Few experiences in life can beat the excitement that comes with climbing a volcano. The Philippines is part of the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific Ocean where most of the earth’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. There are 23 volcanoes scattered throughout the country, but the good news for adventure seekers is that many of them can actually be climbed! The mountaineering community frequently climbs volcanoes, including active ones because it’s just one of those trekking adventures that leave you speechless.

If you’re ready for the thrill of a lifetime, here are some volcanoes in the Philippines that you can climb:

• Mt. Apo (2,956 MASL) is the highest point in the country and considered among mountaineers as one of the bucket list volcanoes to climb. Mt. Apo is an inactive volcano, and it takes 3 days to reach the summit.

• Taal Volcano (311 MASL) may be one of the world’s shortest but active volcanoes, although what Taal lacks for in height, it makes up for in scenery. Taal is a geological wonder, and it just takes 45 minutes to hike up to the summit.

• Mt. Pinatubo (1,486 MASL) had its last eruption on 1991, sending millions of tons of sulfur dioxide into the air after a 600-year slumber. That event placed Mt. Pinatubo on the map, and it was considered as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in history. In the years following the 1991 eruption, Mt. Pinatubo returned to its peaceful slumber and is now one of the most popular and exciting hikes close to Manila. Climbers will be rewarded with the view of a blue-green lake upon reaching Mt. Pinatubo’s crater.

3. Canyoneering

Canyoneering is quickly gaining popularity in the Philippines especially among adventure junkies. It’s an extreme, technical activity that requires you to combine rappelling with walking, hiking gorges and ravines, then descending down waterfalls and even jump off cliffs into lakes or rivers. Depending on the location, some canyoneering sites may also require boulder hopping and rock climbing with the aid of special equipment. There’s no doubt about it: canyoneering is an adrenaline-packed activity that will give you a full body work out while enjoying stunning natural scenery.

There are a handful of excellent canyoneering spots in the Philippines, with varying levels to accommodate beginner and advanced levels. The top spot for canyoneering is Kawasan Falls in Cebu, followed by Biliran, Camarines Sur, Samar, and Cagayan de Oro.

4. Swim with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world

Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines is one of the most well-loved tours: it makes you feel small and humbled as you share space in the ocean with fish that range from 18 to 45 feet in length, and can weigh as much as 20 tons! Swimming with whale sharks is a guaranteed adrenaline-pumping activity because the sheer size of these amazing creatures may initially cause fear, but don’t worry because humans are not part of their diet. Whale sharks can only feed on food so small that they are almost invisible to the human eye such as plankton, fish eggs, and tiny squid and fish.

Swimmers can glide alongside these majestic creatures, provided you don’t get too close. Butandings, as they are locally called, are protected by local officers who guide you through your underwater journey. Donsol in Sorsogon is the number 1 destination for swimming with whale sharks in the open sea. Oslob in Cebu is just as popular thanks to the shallow depth of waters and clear visibility, making the interaction with whale sharks truly personal and unforgettable.

5. Zip lining

If you’re ready to trust a cable wire with your life, then zip lining is for you. Zip lining is a popular activity among thrill seekers who have no fear of heights – or for those who wish to conquer a fear of heights! The Philippines has several destinations that offer exciting zip lining experiences atop various terrains.

Head over to Dahilayan Adventure Park, which features two 840-meter-long zip lines that are 100 meters high. Once you’re ready, you’ll be sent flying above the rainforest canopy at speeds reaching up to 80kph. There are also other great destinations for zip lining around the country: Seven Falls Zip Line in South Cotabato, Zip Southern Leyte, and the Tree Top Adventure in Baguio.

6. Cliff jumping

Cliff jumping is an extreme activity reserved for the truly brave at heart. Some might think it’s just a crazy idea, but cliff jumping is an actual thrill that people travel to great lengths to experience. Ariel’s Point, just a 40-minute boat ride away from Boracay island, is legendary for its exhilarating cliff jumping day tours. For beginners, there’s a 16-foot dive, but those who are bolder can choose from either the 26-foot dive or the 50-foot dive.

Travelers also flock to these other destinations in the Philippines for cliff jumping: Balagbag Falls in Quezon, Tali Beach in Batangas, Tangadan Falls in La Union, Salagdoong Beach Resort in Siquijor, and Sabang Cliff in Davao del Norte.

7. White water rafting

White water rafting is a highly recommended adventure for adrenaline junkies. The Philippines has several tourist spots that have rough river rapids, perfect for white water rafting. You’ll be required to wear a life vest and a helmet for the duration of the ride for safety, so there’s no need to worry. As a bonus, white water rafting will also give you a great workout. To stay balanced on the inflatable raft, you and your companions will need to use your core and arms to ensure equal distribution of weight.

Davao and Cagayan de Oro are the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines for white water rafting. However, there are also other options especially for travelers who may be coming from trips in other parts of the country: these include Magdalena in Laguna, Calbiga in Samar, and Tubuk in Kalinga.

8. Sandboarding

Sandboarding is a thrilling activity where you use a wooden plank to glide through the sand dunes in Paoay, Ilocos. This activity is similar to snowboarding except that you’re using a board over sand instead of snow. Laoag’s sand dunes are the only area in the Philippines with the terrain perfect for the sport, which is why this activity is still in its early stages in the country although already widely popular in the United States and the Middle East. Soft sand will cushion your fall if you don’t make it the first time, but so much of what makes up the fun of sandboarding is trying again until you make it! The best times to go sandboarding are right at dawn to greet the sunrise, or late in the afternoon for sunsets (don’t forget to pack some sunscreen!)

While in Ilocos, you might as well also try the equally exciting 4x4 rides on the sand dunes. The tour operators of Paoay also offer 4x4 rides which travelers usually do within the same day of their sandboarding adventure.

9. Freediving

Freediving is a water sport wherein divers go underwater using just one breath of air. It’s one of the most natural ways to explore the underwater world since you’re only relying on fins and goggles or snorkeling gear – none of the heavy equipment that scuba diving entails. If you’re a newbie to freediving, instructors will teach you various breathing techniques that will help you practice how to hold your breath for as long as possible underwater. Freediving is fun and exciting on its own, but it’s also a great entry into the world of scuba diving. Best of all, it’s an extreme sport that teaches patience and endurance especially since it will constantly test your boundaries to see how deep you can go.

Several dive shops throughout the Philippines offer freediving courses. The best places for freediving in the Philippines are Moalboal in Cebu, Tablas Island in Romblon, Dauin in Dumaguete, Samal in Davao, Anilao in Batangas, and numerous dive spots scattered around Palawan.

10. Flying trapeze

If your childhood dreams entailed joining the circus, the Philippines can make that dream come true. Flying Trapeze is located in Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila; the only one of its kind in the Philippines. After a short briefing session, you’ll be strapped onto a harness to fly freely on 25-foot-high swings – adrenaline rush guaranteed! Flying Trapeze will also give you an intense workout for your core and upper body. A quick-launch camera will take your photos so that you can show off your circus skills to friends and family back home.

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Book that ticket to the Philippines and get ready for a trip of a lifetime. You’ll be able to cross out many of these bucket-list activities during your travels and go home with priceless memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.