Take an Adventure Through the Philippines With These 10 Outdoor Activities

The Philippines is a tropical paradise that attracts many tourists every year thanks to its beaches, mountains, and historical monuments. One of its best-selling points, however, is its sunny weather that’s perfect for outdoor adventures. Each city has its unique offerings of activities that every traveler will enjoy. Plus, if you have any trouble navigating the best attractions, the Philippines is also known for its warm hospitality, so locals will be eager to help you find your way! 

To get you started on planning your itinerary, here are 10 of the many fun things to do in the Philippines:

Gear up for a thrilling ride through Paoay’s Sand Dunes Adventure in Ilocos Norte—one of the most popular tourist spots in the north of the Philippines. Hop into your own 4x4 jeep and race through the bumpy sand trails accompanied by a picturesque view of the sea. You can also experience sandboarding through smooth slopes that will lead you right to the beach for an awesome ocean view! 

Klook Tip: The best time to experience this outdoor activity is from December to May when there are fewer chances of rainfall, so the sand is smooth and dry.

Escape from the city life to the mountains in Antipolo, specifically Mount Purro Nature Reserve. This quiet retreat is hidden at the foot of the Sierra Madre—the longest mountain range in the Philippines spanning over 540km! Let your tour guide take you through the hiking trails to discover the most scenic spots, where you can pose for photos. After, fuel up with a lunch buffet of the best Filipino dishes at Loli’s Kitchen inside the reserve. There’s also a swimming pool you can dip into if it gets too warm in the afternoon.

History buffs will love this historical exploration within Metro Manila, the Philippines’ capital. Intramuros, also known as the “Walled City,” consists of ruins, structures, and other monuments from the Spanish occupation. On this tour, you’ll see the highlights of Old Manila on an e-chariot: the Manila Cathedral, the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila; the San Agustin Church from 1607, which makes it the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and; Fort Santiago, one of the oldest Spanish forts that now stands as a memorial to the Philippines’ national heroes.

Mount Mayon, also known as Mayon Volcano, is an active stratovolcano in the Philippines most popular for its perfect cone. On this Mt. Mayon ATV tour, you can choose your own adventure with six different trails that will take you through forests and volcanic ruins all the way to a great viewpoint of the mountain. The Black Lava Trails are especially interesting as you’ll pass through curves and grooves, rivers, communities, and lahar-covered land. You’ll even be able to touch lava rocks from the 2006 eruption, which makes this one of the most thrilling outdoor activities in the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is home to several natural wonders and nature lovers will absolutely love this tour of the city’s best outdoor activities and attractions. Venture into the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to various natural rock formations, stalagmite and stalactite formations, and a 20 million-year-old fossil of a sea cow. Paddle through the lush mangrove forests of Puerto Princesa and learn about the trees and the animals that live there. Then, if you’re feeling brave, you can take on the Sabang X Zipline for a view of Sabang Beach from 150m above the sea.

Oslob, Cebu offers a one-of-a-kind snorkeling experience for marine lovers. Here, whale shark snorkeling gives you the chance to meet, feed, and swim alongside the gentle giants as you explore the coral reefs. After making new friends, head over to Kabutongan Falls to canyoneer down its picturesque cliffs and swim in its crystal clear waters—it’s easily the best way to beat the heat!

Live out your tropical fantasy on this island hopping tour through Moalboal in Cebu. Put on your snorkeling gear and get ready to see the colorful marine life and experience the enchanting sardine run. Once you dock at an island, prep for a trek through forests to reach the 30-foot-high cliffs, which you can climb, rappel, and jump from! To end your day of fun, head to Kawasan Falls for a rejuvenating hydro-massage by the waterfall.

You’re probably already headed to Bohol to see the adorable tarsiers or the deliciously-colored Chocolate Hills, but this countryside bike tour is definitely one you shouldn’t miss! Cruise along the bike trails with a view of the Loboc River, and visit the historic stone churches and villages in Loboc. This tour is great for beginners, but there are also off-road routes experienced bikers can try. To top it all off, you’ll also get to enjoy fresh coconut juice along your ride!

Boracay is well-known for its pristine beaches, but we’ve got another way you can have fun in this paradise. This Boracay parasailing adventure will let you experience a bird’s-eye view of the island’s stunning coastline and sparkling waters. Board a speed boat that will pull you along for a ride around the island that will have you feeling on cloud nine. And if you’re feeling a little nervous, hold onto your best friend or loved one’s hand on a tandem parasail to take on the flight together!

If you’re itching for more adventure in Boracay, you can take a break from the beaches and explore more of the island on a thrilling ATV tour. Go on and off-road as you visit great attractions with great views, including the Keyhole rock formation, which you can snap a close-up photo of, and the New Coast Private Beach to see the pure white sand. Don’t forget to bring your cameras as the tour guides are more than happy to help you capture the perfect shot!

Those are just 10 of the many things to do in the Philippines. Even more adventures await in the tropical country, from beaches to ecological parks to museums that you’ll surely be spoiled for choice when you visit!