The Philippines is not just about pristine beaches and island hopping. For thrill-seekers looking to get their heart rate up, this archipelago offers adventures with a touch of “what would my mother say?”
From jumping off waterfalls to swimming with sharks, here’s your guide to every adrenaline fix you need. eTravel Pass gives you access to the Philippines.
A canyoneering expedition to Kawasan Falls
Hidden in the jungles of Cebu, Kawasan Falls It is the ultimate water park for nature lovers. But forget lazy rivers and wave pools – we’re talking jumping off 40-foot cliffs, sliding down natural rock formations, and rappelling down waterfalls.
Canyoning (or canyoneering if you’re up for it) here starts with a hike through the jungle. Your guide will outfit you with helmets, life jackets, and enough safety gear to make you look like a member of the tropical SWAT team. Then it’s time to take the plunge, literally.
The route takes you through a series of increasingly spectacular jumps and slides. The incredibly turquoise waters framed by lush rainforest also make for a truly spectacular setting. And in the end you will have overcome fears you didn’t even know you had!
Swim with thresher sharks in Malapascua
Well, it’s time to channel your inner marine biologist and dive with some really cool predators. Malapascua Island is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably detect thresher sharks. These elegant creatures, with their distinctive scythe-like tails, are known to dwell in the depths, but here they come to light, more or less.
The trick? You’ll have to get up before dawn to dive at 5 a.m. But watching these magnificent creatures emerge from the deep blue in Monad Bank It’s worth every yawn. They come to cleaning stations where the smaller fish remove parasites from their skin, making it a fun 2-for-1 viewing event.
Not certified to dive? No problem. Malapascua dive shops offer PADI courses. Learning to dive with thresher sharks as a graduation gift? That’s a story for the grandchildren.
Mayon Perfect Cone ATV Rides
Mount Mayon There is not just any volcano in the Bicol region: it is the most perfect volcanic cone in the world. And what better way to explore it than on a quad? ATV trails take you through lava fields, across rivers, and up the lower slopes of the volcano.
The terrain varies from smooth and easy to rugged. As you make your way through volcanic landscapes, the symmetrical peak of Mayon looms above you like something out of a fantasy film. And you will get dirty. Very dirty. That black volcanic soil reaches everywhere. But hey, it’s probably good for your skin or something, right?
Cliff Diving at Ariel’s Point
If jumping from perfectly maintained platforms into crystal clear waters is your idea of fun (and why wouldn’t it be?), head to Ariel Point near Boracay. With five different trampolines ranging from 3 to 15 meters high, a real-life adventure book for adrenaline junkies.
Start with the lower platforms to warm up. Then, when you’re feeling brave, attack the big guy. Just remember: once you’re up there, the only way to get down is through the air.
The boat trip to Ariel’s Point is an adventure in itself, with unlimited drinks and barbecue lunch included. Nothing goes better with surviving a 15-meter jump than a cold San Miguel and some freshly grilled seafood.
Caving in the Sagada Caves
The cave connection tour between Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves It is the crown jewel of Sagada caving. Let’s start with Lumiang Cave, also known as Burial Cave. The entrance alone is enough to give you goosebumps: hundreds of wooden coffins stacked along the limestone walls, some of them more than 500 years old.
The connecting cave tour takes you from Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave, a three to four hour adventure that will test your physical and mental limits. You’ll pass through tight spaces with names like “birth canal,” climb slippery rocks, and traverse underground rivers. Your guide will help you navigate using only gas lamps, adding an extra layer of Indiana Jones-style adventure to the process.
Within Sumaguing, you will find formations that look like they were sculpted by a mad artist. There’s the ‘King’s Curtain’, a huge flowing stone that shimmers in the lamplight, and the ‘Pregnant Woman’, a formation that looks exactly as you’d expect. The guides have names for each important formation and their stories add a layer of local folklore to the adventure.
The indoor temperature stays cool year-round, but you’ll sweat climbing, crawling, and occasionally cursing as you go. It’s a natural obstacle course designed by a deity with a wicked sense of humor.
Mountain Biking in Batanes
Fancy an adventure on two wheels? Batanes, with its hills, spectacular coastlines and strong winds, offers mountain biking with a twist. Trails range from gentle coastal walks to challenging hill climbs. The best part? Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the South China Sea on the other. Just try not to get too distracted by the scenery – those hills can be treacherous.
Remember to check the weather forecast. Locals have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather in Batanes, wait five minutes.” They are not joking.
Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan de Oro
CDO (as locals call it) offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Philippines. The Cagayan River offers rapids ranging from “gentle splash” to “grip the paddle” depending on the time of year.
The full-day adventure takes you through 21 rapids, each with its own charming name, like “Kiss the Wall” or “The Washing Machine.” Your guide will teach you the basics of paddling and safety, then it’s time to get wet.
Between the rapids, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the river banks. But don’t get too distracted: those rapids won’t navigate themselves.
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Between adventures, you’ll find yourself in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, with friendly locals always willing to share a story or a smile. Just remember to take lots of photos; Otherwise, no one at home will believe you did all this.
So keep going, push your limits, face your fears and discover how many adventures you can take on. The Philippines is waiting to test your mettle. Just don’t tell your mom about shark diving until you’re safely home.
