Things to do in the Philippines

SEE some sights

There are a lot to see in the Philippines . The country is blessed with a beautiful environment and skilful people whose talented hands created some of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banaue Rice Terraces; The well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; The Baroque-style Philippine World Heritage site churches: the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
The smallest active volcano in the world Taal Volcano in Batangas; the volcano with the most perfect cone, Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay; the unique land formation that is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Marvel at the endemic Philippine fauna: Tamaraw, Tarsier, Phillipine Eagle

GO on a beach holiday

The Philippines is a tropical country with one of the longest coastlines in Asia at 36,289 kilometres. It has numerous beaches most with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear and cool blue waters. Be sure to bask in the warm tropical sun and get the perfect tan that will be the envy of your friends back home. Top Philippine beach locations: Boracay Island, Aklan; El Nido, Palawan; Camiguin Island; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Mindoro; Nasugbu and Lian in Batangas; Ternate in Cavite.

DIVE

The Philippines is Asia ‘s Dive Capital. If you are a diving enthusiast— amateur or professional, or someone who is looking for an underwater experience of a lifetime, then you must go to the Philippines if only for the reason that the country has the highest density of coral species in the world. Philippine seas are some of the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world and home to a diverse species of aquatic resources. Amateur divers can train and get their licenses at any of the diving training centers located in diving spots Anilao, Puerto Galera and Boracay, and once done with training, they can dive side-by-side with professional divers in the country’s other must-see diving spots: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and the location of some of the best wreck diving sites in the world, Coron both in Palawan; Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; Apo Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental, the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines which includes 285 species of fish and 197 species of corals (featured in the SHEDD Aquarium permanent Philippine reef display in Chicago, Illinois, USA) ; the Apo Island Marine Reserve & Fish Sanctuary in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands in Bohol; and Malapascua and Moalboal/Pescador Islands in Cebu.

ENGAGE in your favorite outdoor sport or activity

The Philippines offers a wide variety of sports adventures. Different locations cater to a specific activities: play a few rounds of golf in the different golf courses around the country designed by some of the most famous golf celebrities in the world; Snorkel and interact with the “gentle giants”— the whale sharks— in Donsol, Sorsogon; Surf in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Baler, Aurora, Daet, Camarines Sur and in Catanduanes province; climb the country’s highest peak at 9,689 feet- Mt. Apo- in Davao City, Davao, trek Mt. Pinatubo or explore the Callao caves in Tuguegarao, Cagayan province; go white river rafting in Chico River or in Cagayan de Oro River; go kayaking and canoeing at the Bacuit Archipelago and at the St. Paul Subterranean Cave both in Palawan; windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal Lake, kitesurf in Boracay, wakeboard in Pili, Camarines Sur.

RELAX in a spa

There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying the traditional Filipino “healing” massage or touch therapy called Hilot. The soothing touch of this massage relaxes and heals tired muscles and aching joints. Try this and other spa treatments at the Nurture Spa in Tagaytay, Mandala Spa in Boracay, Sanctuario Spa in Manila , Chi Spa Village in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu , and at The Farm at San Benito in Batangas. Another option may be to book a Batangas cheap hotel that offers luxury spa treatment packages too.

FEAST

Be ready to put on a few extra pounds as you satisfy your cravings by indulging in a Filipino feast. Dishes to try: Lechon, spit-roast whole pig served with liver sauce; Adobo, pork, chicken or a combination of both, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic and stewed until tender; Kare-kare, meat and vegetables cooked with peanut sauce served with shrimp paste; Sinigang, pork, or seafood in tamarind soup; or the freshest seafoods— fish, squid, shrimp, lobsters— grilled to perfection. The more adventurous should try Balut or boiled duck eggs containing a partially formed embryo, and Dinuguan, the pork blood stew eaten with steamed rice or Puto, rice cakes. All around the country, there are restaurants offering different cuisines from American to Chinese, from Indian to Greek, from Japanese to French.

SHOP

Shopping in the Philippines is an experience both in bargain and variety. Most shopping places or Malls in Manila , Makati , Cebu and Davao virtually have everything that you will need— from designer western brands to items specifically designed for the tourist market. Around the country, specifically in city centers, Tiangges or the Filipino version of flea markets abound offering quality items at bargain prices. In Manila shop at the third largest mall in the world Mall of Asia, Robinson Place, Balikbayan Handicrafts, Tutuban Center Mall and at the San Andres Market (for fresh fruits and other produce). In Makati and its surrounding areas, shop at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Landmark Department Store, Greenhills Shopping Center, Megamall, Shangri-La Mall and at Tiendecitas. In Cebu , check out the Ayala Center , the Gaisano Malls, Robinson’s Place, SM City, and for native delicacies, fresh produce and fresh and dried seafood, go to the Carbon and Tabo-an Markets. In Davao , shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center (for fabrics, batik, carvings) Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and at the New City Commercial Center department store.
An experience not to be missed in flea market-shopping in the Philippines is the ”bargaining” where shoppers can buy items with big discount, depending on charm and good bargaining skills.

EXPERIENCE Philippine culture

Philippine culture is best experienced in events and activities that highlight what Filipinos are passionate about— faith, love for country, family, beautiful women, and celebrations. Filipinos love to celebrate, and there is no better way of celebrating than by having festivals: Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan, January, the best and biggest in the country, it commemorates the feast of the Sto Nino with a week-long street party. Groups of dancers dressed as the aboriginal Atis, representing different communities from the city participate in the festive weeklong street party that highlights during the feast of the patron saint; Pahiyas in Lucban, Quezon. May 15, the annual harvest festival and feast of San Isidro Labrador. Witness the colourful display of kiping and other thanksgiving offerings hung in the houses that line the street where the procession of the image of the patron saint will pass. Giant papier-mache effigies join the parade to add to the spectacle of a celebration; Masskara Festival in Bacolod City , October, coinciding with the city’s charter day celebration, the festival features carnivals, fairs and a mardi gras-style parade by costumed and masked street dancers. There are as many festivals as there are towns in the Philippines and when you attend and enjoy a Filipino celebration, you come closer to understanding the culture of the people.
Other unique Philippine cultural events and activities include the cultural spectacle Santacruzan—a Maytime procession of beautiful Philippine maidens staged as a re-enactment of St. Helen’s quest for the Holy Cross; the awesome display of Filipino religiosity in the frenzied Black Nazarene procession during the Quiapo fiesta every January in Manila; the Holy Week rituals in San Fernando, Pampanga— proof of the Filipino’s and Philippine culture’s deep Catholic roots; and the displays (giant Christmas lanterns), rituals (dawn masses) and traditions (noche buena feasts) that mark the Filipinos’ celebration of Christmas.

NIGHTLIFE

There is an abundance of places to go to and enjoy a night out in the Philippines . Every major city of the country has a number of nightlife activity hubs with restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and karaoke bars all promising a good time of fun and entertainment. In the country’s financial district Makati , there is the Greenbelt , Glorietta, The Fort, Jupiter St. and Makati Avenue . In the city’s capital, Manila , nightlife is diverse. There is something for everybody in Malate, and in the newly revitalized Roxas Boulevard and its Baywalk. Quezon City is a popular destination of locals as the club prices are a little lower than those in Makati . Try the establishments along Timog & Tomas Morato Avenues and Quezon Boulevard , and in Eastwood City in Libis. Outside of Metro Manila, there are a number of popular places to go to. The nightlife of Subic in the province of Zambales , is known all over the world because of its history as a former rest and recreation center of the US Navy. The city is still teeming with nightlife activities as the Subic Free Trade Port is home to a lot of expatriates from other foreign countries as well and it is now a major Tourist hub. Foreign Navies still use the port as a rest and recreation spot every now and then. Check out Subic International Hotel and the Magsaysay Blvd. Angeles City in Pampanga, formerly the home of the US Air force in the Pacific, is also known for its Angeles City nightlife stayed almost the same as a lot of retired US and Australian citizens decided to make Angeles City their second home. Establishments in Balibago are still popular. The central Philippine city of Cebu is a popular destination among tourists because its nightlife is at par if not better than in Metro-Manila. Big development companies have opened up operations in the city as well as major club chain operators have set up their presence. Be sure to go to Ayala Mall and in the different establishments that abound Osmena Blvd. The ultimate island-nightlife location in the Philippines is Boracay Island in the province of Aklan . The island is known for its carefree attitude, and the island is home to a lot of clubs and bars on the beach: Bazzura, Hey Jude, D’ Mall, and the Station 2 establishments.

WATCH a performance of World-class Filipino artists

The Philippines is home to a number of world-class artists. Occasionally, the Cultural Center of the Philippines , show performances by the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. World-renowned artists Lea Salonga and Cecile Licad, from time to time, give performances in big concert halls in Manila . The Center of Arts in San Antonio (CASA) in San Miguel, Zambales features violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata and his Pundaquit talents. Other groups that showcase the Filipino performing talents are Repertory Philippines , the Loboc Children’s Choir, and the Amazing Philippines Theatre.
In the Visual Arts, works of world-class Filipino masters Juan Luna, Felix Resurrection Hidalgo and Fabian de la Rosa, National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Francisco, Victor Edades, Vicente Manansala, other Philippine painting greats and contemporary visual artists can be viewed at the Philippine National Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ayala Museum and in some galleries and University museums around Metro Manila.

Learn Basic Filipino Languages when you visit the Philippines

ENGLISH – FILIPINO

How are you? – Kumusta ka?
How many? – Ilan?
How much? – Magkano?
How? -  Paano?
I/We – Ako/Tayo
No – Hindi
Thank you – Salamat
Time – Oras
Welcome(greeting) – Mabuhay!
Bad – Masama
Beautiful – Maganda
You are beautiful – Maganda Ka
Cheap – Mura
Expensive – Mahal
Big – Malaki
Small – Maliit
Good afternoon – Magandang hapon
Good evening – Magandang gabi
Good morning – Magandang umaga
Good/Fine – Mabuti
Goodbye – Paalam
He/She – Siya
What? – Ano?
When? – Kailan?
Where? -  Saan?
Who? – Sino?
Why? Bakit?
Yes – Oo/Opo
You’re Welcome – Walang anuman
You – Ikaw
They – Sila
I love you – Mahal Kita
Please – Pakiusap
Up – Taas
Down – Baba
Left – Kaliwa
Right – Kanan
North – Hilaga
East – Silangan
South – Timog
West – Kanluran
Far – Malayo
Near – Malapit

Basic words that will help your communication easy especially when its you first time to visit the Philippines.

Boracay Island Adventure Activities

 

 

 

 

Parasailing

This is a popular sport in which the rider is hitched to a parachute-like canopy known as a parasail and is then set aloft in the air. Prime parasailing season is during the northeast monsoon in Boracay where the sea off White Beach is calm at that time. This includes a15-minute trip on the parasail.

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Expeditions

ATVs are four-wheel motor bikes that visitors can rent by the hour to explore the more rugged areas of Boracay Island. Experience the view of Mount Luho, the highest point in Boracay; or travel to Iligligan Beach and the sanctuary of flying mammals, the bat cave. Both are 1-hour trips.

Kitesurfing / Kiteboarding Lessons and Packages

Boracay is fast becoming a haven for several extreme water sports, and kitesurfing (also known by its other name, kiteboarding) counts itself as one of them. This sport involves riding on a small surfboard and getting yourself propelled across a shallow body of water by a controllable power kite. We offer lessons and training in the best possible conditions. Lessons range from a safe beginners’ area with shallow water to a great reef break for advanced riders. Instruction could be in the Filipino, English, German, Japanese, or Korean language.

Windsurfing Lessons and Packages

Boracay is one of the best windsurfing locations in Southeast Asia. The winds blow fairly consistently all year, getting stronger during the rainy season. We offer lessons and rentals for the beginner and advanced windsurfer.

Island-Hopping tours

Visit secluded beaches such as Puka Shell Beach, snorkel at Crocodile Island, go explore a bat cave, and have a picnic of fresh fish on the grill. A colorful outrigger boat (banca) takes you to the different islands.

Scuba Diving Lessons and Packages

Dive into the crystal clear waters of Boracay and experience unrivalled underwater visibility of up to 40 meters. Discover shipwrecks, cliffs covered with sponges, colorful corals, gorgonians, turtles, sharks, rays, and even the very rarely seen exotic fish like the Spanish dancer, harlequin ghost-pipefish, camouflaged frogfish, and fire gobies. We offer Discover Scuba diving lessons for those who are interested to dive without paying for a full course.

Reef Walking / Deep Sea Walking

This activity allows you to walk on the ocean floor (some 20 feet underwater) with heavy metal headgear. Experience the truly unusual activity of giving food and standing face-to-face with the fishes.

Banana Boat Ride

A minimum of 5 persons can get to enjoy this popular summer activity of riding on an unpowered recreational boat shaped like a banana and is designed to be pulled by a larger boat.

Jet Ski Rentals

Jet Ski is actually the brand name of a personal water craft manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. However, the name has become a trademark for any type of personal watercraft. It is one of Boracay’s extreme recreational activities for those who want an adventurous vacation. Rentals are made by the hour.

Flying Fish

A hovercraft or air-cushion vehicle (ACV), known in Boracay as the Flying Fish, is an amphibious vehicle or craft designed to travel over any sufficiently smooth surface. Try to jump all across the sea through the flying fish as your body coasts on top of the bumpy water while the flying fish is towed at high speeds. A minimum of 3 persons is required on this vehicle.

Jawili Falls and Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs Day Tour

A whole-day activity that includes travel to Aklan and touring all around these destination spots. Minimum of 4 persons.          

Top 20 emerging Philippine tourism hot spots

APO ISLAND

Apo Island is a small, pristine island surrounded by calm and clear waters. It is perfect for underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving; it has even been rated as one of the best dive sites in the world. Here, divers can encounter an incredible variety of marine life: among the species which can be found near Apo Island are big-eyed jacks, hump-head wrasses, hammerheads, manta rays and even tuna. The island has immaculate white sand, and it is also littered with unique rock formations. Apo Island is located just a few kilometers off the coast of Negros. 

APO REEF NATURAL PARK

Apo Reef is recognized as one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Apo Reef Natural Park consists of three islands which are surrounded by lush mangrove forests. These serve as nurseries and spawning grounds for coastal and marine species, as well as a sanctuary for different avian species. It is a Mecca for both divers and environment enthusiasts.

BATANES

The Batanes group of islands is located at the northernmost tip of Philippine territory. It is known for its scenic waters and terrain and clean environment. Batanes is also recognized for the unique culture of the islands’ first settlers, the Ivatans. Batanes is open for swimming, snorkeling, diving, lighthouse visits, biking, and visits to century-old Ivatan houses.

 

BIRI ISLAND ROCK FORMATION

The Biri Island rock formation is composed of four small, rocky islands located in that perilous area where the San Bernardino Strait meets the Pacific Ocean. The incredible strength of these natural forces has caused the islands to take on distinct and interesting shapes. Geologists from the University of the Philippines state that the rocks date back from the Early Miocene Period, and their ages range from five to 23 million years old.

BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND

Surfing is not the only thing that Surigao has to offer. In the town of Socorro in Surigao del Norte lies the Bucas Grande Islands or the Sohoton Cove National Park. This island is packed with numerous caves and white sand beaches, waterfalls, mangroves, iron woods, inland lakes, fishing grounds, and corals. The famed Blue Lagoon which is a labyrinthine place made of limestone islets .On the other hand, the Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon is home to millions of no-sting and friendly jellyfish. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Cagayan de Oro is famous not only for its white rapids but also for its people. Cagayan de Oro may very well be the happiest place in the country. The “City of Golden Friendship,” as it is sometimes called, is home to especially friendly and warm Filipinos. Their ready smiles are a fitting welcome, with Cagayan de Oro’s accessible location also making it the “Gateway to Northern Mindanao.”

CALAGUAS ISLAND

The Calaguas Islands are located in the Municipality of Vinzons, in the Province of Camarines Norte. It is known for its pristine beaches—the most popular among these is the Mahabang Buhangin beach, which is made up of a long stretch of powdery white sand.

 

BUSUANGA AND CORON

Both located in the municipality of Coron in Palawan, these destinations have been cited by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of the Top 10 scuba sites in the world. These destinations are the most popular sites for wreck diving in the Philippines. Other activities which can be done here are swimming, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and trekking.

 

CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Camiguin is the country’s second-smallest province. In spite of this, the island packs quite a punch. It has three mountains, three hot springs, two waterfalls, and one active volcano. It even has an underwater cemetery, which has been featured in TV programs both here and abroad.

 

CAMOTES ISLAND

The Camotes Islands are located in the Camotes Sea, off the coast of the Province of Cebu. It is known for its crystal clear waters, extremely fine white sand, and the spectacular view of sunset that it offers. It even has a place in Philippine history-- Antonio Pigafetta, one of survivors of the Battle of Mactan, stayed there for several days before going to Cebu. (

 

CARAMOAN ISLANDS. 

The Caramoan islands stem from the rugged Caramoan Peninsula, which is located in the province of Camarines Sur. The islands, however, are isolated from the main province. This makes it perfect for island hopping, hiking, diving, and even spelunking. The unexploited and uninhabited islands of Caramoan have been featured in several franchises of the hit TV show Survivor.

DANJUGAN ISLANDS

Danjugan Island is a marine and wildlife reserve, located in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. It is covered with a rainforest and has five lagoons, three of which are landlocked and two of which are flooded at high tide and colonized by coral and reef fish species. The island is fringed with beaches where turtles nest. It is also surrounded by diverse coral reefs.

 

DONSOL

Donsol is known primarily for whale watching. Here tourists can interact with whale sharks (butanding in local parlance) by snorkeling, diving, or by simply waiting for them in areas where they come right up to the surface. Donsol has been recognized as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World”. Whale sharks are best sighted from February to April.

 

APURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

The Kapurpurawan rock formation is located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is known for its creamy white and streamlined limestone formations, which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. Burgos is located on the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte.

 

LAKE SEBU

Lake Sebu is one of the Philippines’ most important watersheds and a major provider of irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. It is located in the ancestral domain of the T'boli and Ubo tribes. The DOT has promoted the lake as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in Mindanao.

 

MT. KANLAON

Mt. Kanlaon bisects the Negros Island, and it is also the highest peak in Central Visayas. This makes it popular among mountain climbers and hikers. The fact that it is an active volcano adds a certain kind of thrill. Mt. Kanlaon is truly only for the daring. Apart from trekking, it also has an art gallery, a zipline, and it also offers river trail adventures.

 

MT. PINATUBO

Mt. Pinatubo is no longer the terror that it was more than two decades ago. It is now a prime tourist destination which offers various kinds of adventures for those gutsy enough to go through it. You could trek through Pinatubo’s Crow Valley Canyon, view its crater through a chartered light aircraft, visit the Tayawan Caldera, and even get a Pinatubo spa using lahar sediments left by the eruption.

MT. PULAG

Mount Pulag borders the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. It is the Philippines’ third highest mountain and Luzon’s highest peak. The mountain hosts more than five hundred plant species. The dwarf bamboo, for instance, is endemic to the mountain. It also houses several endangered species of mammals. Mount Pulag is definitely a haven for nature lovers.

 

PAGUDPUD BEACH

Pagudpud is a coastal town located at the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte. It is known as the “Boracay of the North”, but it has so much more to offer apart from its pristine coastline. Pagudpud’s Bangui Bay also features 20 wind turbines, which makes it Southeast Asia’s first windmill farm. Pagudpud is also a highly popular surfing site.

 

PANGLAO ISLAND

Panglao is found in the Municipalities of Dauis and Panglao, in the province of Bohol. It is known for its white sand beaches, several resorts, and over the years has emerged as one of the Philippines’ top beach destinations. It has been cited in CNN Travel as one of the Philippines’ best beaches and island destinations.; It is a pleasant alternative to the much more popular Boracay.