Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is famous for its jagged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. The most popular activity here is island hopping, which is offered through four standard tours (A & D). Tour A includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island, while Tour C is known for the more dramatic scenery of Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine. Due to increased environmental regulation, some destinations like Big Lagoon now require advance permits. Expect to spend a full day on a traditional Filipino outrigger boat (bangka), which usually has no onboard toilets, so come prepared. The tours usually include a grilled seafood lunch and snorkel gear. Relaxing moments come naturally here—sunbathe on the boat deck between stops or enjoy a picnic on a remote beach.

 

 

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, Cebu

Located about three hours south of Cebu City in the town of Badian, this canyoneering experience takes you on a 3- to 4-hour downstream journey through jungle rivers and gorges. You’ll jump off waterfalls ranging from 5 to 40 feet (all optional), scramble over rocks, and float through clear blue pools until you reach the famous three-tiered Kawasan Falls. It's an adrenaline-pumping adventure with the bonus of natural beauty. Helmets and life jackets are required, and guided tours are mandatory for safety. The experience is best early in the day to avoid crowds and the heat, and it may be closed during heavy rains, especially in the rainy season (June to August). The falls recently reopened with regulated access, so make sure you book through a licensed operator.

 

 

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob or Donsol

Seeing a whale shark up close is one of the Philippines' most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Oslob in Cebu is known for its guaranteed sightings thanks to daily feeding, but this has caused controversy due to its impact on the animals’ natural behavior. For a more ethical and eco-friendly experience, Donsol in Sorsogon is a better choice. There, whale sharks are wild and not fed—guides use spotters to locate them, so sightings are not guaranteed but more natural. Oslob involves a short briefing and a 30-minute swim, while Donsol offers a 3–4 hour experience. Either way, visitors must not touch the whale sharks, and sunscreen use is discouraged before swimming.

 

 

Relax on White Beach, Boracay

Boracay’s White Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of fine white sand and clear, shallow water. It's divided into three stations: Station 1 is upscale and quiet, Station 2 is lively and central with restaurants and nightlife, and Station 3 is more low-key and budget-friendly. After its 2018 closure and rehabilitation, Boracay has stricter environmental rules: no smoking or drinking on the beach, no fire dancing, and regulated water activities. Despite this, it remains vibrant. Visitors can parasail, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply enjoy sunset drinks at beachside bars like The Lind or Nigi Nigi. The beach is ideal for swimming, people-watching, and enjoying the sunset in a lounge chair with a fresh coconut.

 

 

Underground River Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Just two hours from Puerto Princesa City in Sabang, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park offers a guided paddleboat tour through a five-mile cave system. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature takes you past dramatic rock formations, underground chambers, and colonies of bats. The 45-minute tour is conducted in near-total darkness, with only headlamps and an audio guide. It’s a serene yet mysterious experience that’s best suited to those comfortable with enclosed spaces. Most tours also include a local buffet lunch in Sabang, and the trip can be combined with other eco-adventures like ziplining or a mangrove boat tour.

 

 

Chocolate Hills ATV Ride, Bohol

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are a natural geological formation made up of over 1,200 symmetrical hills that turn brown in the dry season, hence their name. The best way to explore them up close is by renting an ATV or buggy for a 30- to 60-minute ride around their base. You can also climb the main viewing deck, which offers a panoramic view after a short stair climb. Legends about the hills include tales of giants or broken-hearted titans whose tears turned into hills. The landscape is especially striking during early morning light, and the experience is family-friendly and moderately adventurous.

 

 

 

Tarsier Sanctuary Visit, Bohol

The Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, can be seen in its natural habitat at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol. Unlike the more commercialized “tarsier zoos,” the sanctuary is a conservation center with forest trails and minimal interference. Visitors walk quietly along wooden paths as staff point out resting tarsiers hidden in the foliage. These tiny, nocturnal animals are sensitive to light and noise, and flash photography is not allowed. A visit here is peaceful and educational, perfect for animal lovers or anyone needing a quiet break from adventure activities.

 

 

Surfing or Chilling in Siargao

Siargao, known as the surf capital of the Philippines, offers something for everyone—whether you're riding the famous Cloud 9 break or just relaxing in a hammock with a smoothie. For beginners, surf schools around Jacking Horse and Quicksilver Beach provide lessons. For non-surfers, Siargao has much more: Magpupungko Rock Pools at low tide, Sugba Lagoon for kayaking, and Sohoton Cove for a separate full-day trip featuring jellyfish lagoons and caves. The island has a relaxed, tropical vibe with scooter rentals, healthy cafes, yoga studios, and beach bars. The dry season from March to October is the best time to visit for both waves and weather.

 

 

Snorkeling or Diving in Apo Island

Apo Island, off the coast of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, is a marine sanctuary known for sea turtle encounters and healthy coral reefs. Day trips usually depart from Dauin and take 45–60 minutes by boat. Snorkelers can expect to see turtles grazing near shore, along with clownfish, parrotfish, and vibrant corals. Divers can explore deeper reef walls with large schools of jackfish and the occasional barracuda. Community-led conservation efforts have helped restore the reef, and it’s one of the most respected eco-tourism destinations in the country. Bring water shoes for the rocky beach and prepare for basic facilities.

 

 

 

Loboc River Cruise with Lunch, Bohol

In the town of Loboc, you can board a floating restaurant for a gentle cruise along the emerald-green river, passing through jungle scenery and small villages. The trip typically includes a Filipino buffet lunch and stops for cultural performances such as traditional music and folk dancing. Cruises last about an hour and are best taken in the late morning. The area is known for its musical heritage—Loboc has one of the best-known children’s choirs in the country, and even the traffic police are famous for dancing at intersections. For an added thrill, combine the river cruise with a visit to the nearby Hanging Bridge or a zipline ride across the river.