Seeking an adventure destination? There’s a wealth of options in the Philippines

The Philippines is famous for its idyllic rural towns, pristine coastlines and beaches, spectacular underwater ecosystems, and delicious food. However, the country is also home to many exciting activities for adventure seekers. 

If you’re looking for some thrill — from hiking to surfing to tubing — these are some of the destinations to include in your itinerary.

Batad

If you’re looking for a cool (literally cold) adventure destination, look no further than Batad. The Ifugao village provides spectacular overlooking views of rice terraces. 

Go on a hike through the terraces, go up and down the stone steps, and dip into the ice-cold waters of Tappiya Falls.  

It’s also quite an adventure to reach the village for your jump-off point for hiking. You’d have to take a bus and switch to a jeep then take a short trek. You can include a stop to see the Banaue Rice Terraces during your trip.

BREATHTAKING. The journey to Batad is worth it because of the views of the rice terraces. –All photos by Joshua Berida

Quirino

Quirino is a destination that you should consider to quench your thirst for adventure. The province has a rugged landscape and ecotourism activities to fill your itinerary. 

Explore Aglipay Cave (discovered in the 1980s) and marvel at its distinct stalactites and stalagmites. Slither in and out of its chambers for an unforgettable adventure. 

You can also go tubing and boating along the river for an adrenaline rush. Submerge yourself in the cool waters of Pensal Falls and get beautiful overlooking views of the rolling hills with a trip to the Landingan Viewpoint. 

SCENIC. Go boating in Quirino.

Samar

Samar is full of surprises that are waiting to be discovered. 

Sohoton National Park is a destination for boating and caving. You’ll go along the river and see beautiful rock formations along the way. The caving experience is easier compared to a similar tour in Sagada as the cave chambers are bigger and easier to navigate. 

You’ll see stalactites and stalagmites that take on various forms (you have to use your imagination though). While in the province, you can also visit Lulugayan Falls.

WANDER. Go caving and kayaking in Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park in Samar.

Calayan Island

Calayan Island has a middle-of-nowhere and frontier-like experience. It’s a challenging place to reach because of the long hours you need to spend on a bus and boat. 

The boat ride from either Aparri or Claveria (in Cagayan) can take more than five hours depending on the weather. However, once you get to the island, its raw beauty will wow you. 

Sibang Cove has a pristine coast with fine, white sand and azure waters. It can be tempting to swim far from the shore, but it’s dangerous because of the waves. 

Nagudungan Hill provides spectacular views of the rugged landscape, beaches, and the sea. Go swimming in Lussok Cave’s pool and a few waterfalls during your visit. 

VISTA. Calayan Island has a rugged but stunning landscape.

Bukidnon

Bukidnon is a possible destination for thrill seekers, especially if they plan to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich. 

The park offers multiple activities such as the drop zone (freefall swing), zipline, ropes course, canopy glider, and base jump. You can also hike Mt. Dulang-Dulang or Mt. Kitanglad. 

The Communal Ranch, known as the “Home of the Country’s Finest Cowboys,” rose in popularity because of its stunning landscapes.

Batangas

Batangas is a top choice for many from nearby cities and provinces (Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, etc.) who are looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip. 

I would call it an adventure destination because you have plenty of choices for exciting activities such as scuba diving (there’s Anilao) and hiking. My friends and I have gone on day hikes to famous mountains in Batangas such as Pico de Loro, Batulao, Maculot, Manabu, and Talamitam. 

There are other mountains in the province which you can explore as a day trip or a longer camping trip. Batangas is also an accessible destination because of its public transportation options and road networks for those using their own vehicle.

EDGE. Don’t look down when you pose.

Albay

Mt. Mayon towers over Albay province and is a bucket list hiking destination for mountaineers as long as it is safe to do so. 

You can go on a hiking and camping trip to see the volcano up close. You also have the option to explore the surrounding area and lava-covered landscape of Mt. Mayon using an ATV. 

Our group rode ATVs through a lava field, streams, rugged terrain and did a short hike with stunning views of the volcano in front of us. While in Legazpi City, you can check out Darag Church and the famous Cagsawa Ruins. 

THRILL. Ride an ATV along the lava trail of Mt. Mayon.

Sorsogon

You can combine a trip to Sorsogon with a trip to Albay as a weekend getaway or part of a longer trip to Bicol. The province has beautiful beaches you can visit (ex. Subic Beach, Tikling Island, and Paguriran) and hiking spots for adventurous visitors. 

You can swim with whale sharks in Donsol and hike Mt. Bulusan. If you don’t have time for a long hike, you can always go kayaking in Lake Bulusan instead. 

TANDEM. Go kayaking while in Bulusan Lake.

Siargao

Siargao’s popularity has exploded since my first visit in 2014. Despite all the developments that have taken place since then, one thing has remained the same, Siargao is still a prime surfing destination. 

The island deserves its “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” title. Travelers and surfers from different corners of the world come to the island to surf. The most famous spot for riding the waves is Cloud 9. You’ll see surfers from beginners to competitive level on their surf boards. 

If it’s your first time surfing, you can hire one of the instructors along the beach. You can bring your own board or rent one. 

The months of September to November are the best times for surfing. You can also do other activities such as island hopping and swimming with stingless jellyfish (in Sohoton) during your stay.

DARE. Jump off a plank at Sugba Lagoon in Siargao.

La Union

La Union is often a go-to destination for weekend trips because of its accessibility from Metro Manila, Baguio, and other cities in the north. You can take your own car or take the bus. 

The main draw of La Union is surfing (and for others partying). The province’s beaches have waves ideal for first-timers or even those who want to hone their skills. 

After surfing, you can check out the cafes and restaurants. You can also spend a day exploring Tangadan Falls and cliff diving. After all your activities, you can simply hang out by the beach and watch the sunset to end your days.

SERENE. Add Tangadan Waterfalls to your La Union itinerary.

Adventure seekers will have a wealth of options when planning their itinerary. You can go surfing, hiking, kayaking, and caving when you go on your vacation. What other destinations would you recommend for exciting activities? – Rappler.com