The Philippines is not only known for its beautiful beaches and friendly people, but it’s also a land of adventures. Whether it’s jumping off a plane or diving deep into the most beautiful reefs in the planet, the Philippines offers a number of extreme activities that will satisfy any adventurer.
Here are 10 extreme adventures that you can do in the Philippines.
Canyoneering
For those who want to climb rock formations, rappel into a pool of water, and jump off cliffs, canyoneering is a great adventure to try. This involves a lot of technical climbing, jumping, swimming, and ropework along canyons. It’s important that you have the right gear and courage to do this activity, or you might end up getting disappointed that you didn’t get to try it. A popular spot for this activity is at the town of Badian in Cebu.
Scuba Diving
One of the more common adventures you can have in the Philippines, there are practically hundreds of beautiful dive spots to choose from in the country. The Philippines is known to have a rich diversity of marine life, as well as beautiful coral reefs. Before you can dive deep into the ocean, you first have to complete a beginner’s training on scuba diving. Scuba spots usually have schools and training centers that offer packages, which include the boat to the scuba area, gear, scuba lessons, and a guide. Sabang Bay, Puerto Galera, Taiei Maru Wreck, Coron, and Boracay are just a few popular dive spots.
Surfing
You don’t have to go to Hawaii or Australia to have an amazing surfing experience. The Philippines has a few renowned surf spots that are on par with those in Oahu and the Gold Coast. In fact a number of foreign visitors that drop in the country are here to surf. We’ve even hosted a number of international surfing competitions and have a growing surfing culture. Be one with the wave and ride your surfboard in Baler, Aurora, San Juan, La Union, Siargao, Surigao province and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
Sandboarding
Since it doesn’t snow here in the Philippines, the next best thing to snowboarding is sandboarding. We have sand dunes here that’s ideal for this unique outdoor activity. Remember to wear a helmet and some goggles to protect your head and keep the sand out of your eyes. Sandboarding can be done in Ilocos Norte – Laoag’s La Paz Sand Dunes.
Ligiron Ride
Igorot tribesmen race their wooden scooters in the northern mountainous town of Banaue during a competition on April 16, 2008 as the town celebrates the traditional Imbayah festival, a thanksgiving celebration for its bountiful rice harvests. Colourful parades and the environmentally friendly scooter race are among the highlights of the three-day festival. Igorot tribesmen are well-known master woodcarvers. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP/Getty Images)
This is something unique to the country. A Ligiron is a wooden scooter that’s made out of bamboo and hardwood like mahogany. You ride it downhill, competing with other riders, to the finish line. The first one who reaches the end wins. The activity has become more popular since competitions and events have been organized. You can try this in Valencia, Negros Oriental.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering and trekking has become one of the most popular pasttimes in the country. Many people take a break from their hectic schedule to climb the numerous magnificent mountains found all over the Philippines. It’s a physically and mentally challenging activity which could last for days, but reaching the peak and conquering a mountain gives you a sense of achievement that’s worth the effort. Notable mountains to climb are Mt. Apo (Davao), Mt. Mayon (Albay), and Mt. Halcon (Mindoro).
Rock Climbing
A man rock climbs on top of sharp limestone spires overlooking the village of El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago in Palawan, Philippines.
If you have a lot of upper body strength, try rock climbing. Rock climbing requires strength and dedication. It can also help teach you about trust, since you’ll be placing your life in the hands of your belayer and your equipment. This physically and mentally demanding activity is definitely something worth trying if you want to test your determination. You can defy gravity and go rock climbing at the Wawa Gorge in Rizal, Tinandog Wall in Quezon, Putian, Nautod Walls in Dingle, Iloilo, El Nido in Palawan, and Cantabaco in Cebu.
Canyon Swing
What would happen if you combine a trapeze with a bungee jump? You’d get this breath-taking experience called a canyon swing. The Plunge is the one and only canyon swing in the country. It’s a thrilling adventure that lets you free fall 50 meters from a 200 meter high cliff. As you hang, you’ll also swing over the canyon below. Canyon swing can be done at the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol.
Cliff Diving
Afraid of high places? Face your fears and jump off a cliff into the water. There are a number of cliff diving spots in the country, offering an instant adrenaline rush to anyone brave enough to take that leap of faith. We have cliffs that range from 3 meters to as high as 15 meters that can give anyone an instant thrill. Try Ariel’s Point in Buruanga, Aklan or the cliff diving spot in Medellin, Cebu.
Skydiving
Probably the most extreme adventure and instant adrenaline rush you can try, skydiving is a bit expensive, but the experience is worth it. Imagine jumping out of a plane or helicopter and free falling for 30 to 40 seconds. If you have a license, you can skydive alone. For those who are just in it for a one-time adventure, a professional skydiver will be assisting you as you jump out and navigate the parachute to the ground. You can try skydiving at the Bantayan Island Airport, in Bantayan ,Cebu.
These are just some of the extreme adventures and outdoor activities that you can experience in the Philippines. Remember, safety should be a priority before going through these extreme adventures. Ask the locals about guides and instructors that can help you. Before you go, do some research on things to keep in mind about the activity, and be sure that you’ll be accompanied by someone who is qualified or experienced, especially if it’s your first time. Many of these activities are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging, so it’s best to prepare yourself for what possibly could be a life-changing experience.
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