Top things to do in the Philippines

The Philippines being an archipelago of 7107 islands, offers countless destinations to see, adventures to experience and activities to do. The country is blessed with a rich environment, lush forests, tropical islands, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains. 

Here is a list of top things to do on a holiday in the Philippines.

See some sights

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Banaue Rice Terraces; the well preserved 16th century Spanish architecture in the historic town of Vigan in llococ Sur. Be awed by the Baroque-style centuries–old Churches: the San Agustin Church in Paoay in llocos Norte; the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria in llocos Sur; San Agustin Church in Intramuros in Manila; and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miagao, lloilo.

Experience the smallest active volcano in the world - Taal Volcano in Batangas; the volcano with the most perfect cone - Mt. Mayon in Legazpi; the unique land formation of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Marvel at the endemic fauna: Tamaraw, Tarsier and Philippine Eagle.

Go on a beach holiday

The Philippines has numerous beaches most with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear and cool blue waters. Top Philippine beach locations: Boracay Island, Aklan, El Nido, Palawan, Camiguin Island and Ternate in Cavite to name a few.

Dive in Asia’s best reefs

The Philippines is Asia’s dive Capital. Its seas have the highest density of coral species and are some of the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world. Amateur divers can train and get their licenses at any of the diving training centres located in diving spots Anilao, Puerto Galera and Boracay. Once done with training, they can dive side by side with professional divers in the country’s other must-see diving spots: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef; the best wreck diving site in the world, Coronh in Palawan; Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; and Apo Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental, the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines.

Engage in your favourite outdoor sport or activity

The Philippines offers a wide variety of sports adventures. Snorkel with the ‘gentle giants’ - the whale sharks - in Donsol in Sorsogon; surf in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora, and Daet in Camarines Sur; climb the country’s highest peak at 9,689 fee – Mt. Apo in Davao City; trek Mt. Pinatubo; or explore Callao caves in Tuguegarao in Cagayan; go kayaking at the St. Paul Subterranean Cave in Palawan; windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal Lake; and wakeboard in Pili in Camarines Sur.

Feast on unique culinary specialities

Indulge in a Filipino feast. Dishes to try: Lechon, spit roast whole pig served with liver sauce; Adobo, pork, chicken or a combination of both, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic and stewed until tender; Kare-kare, meat and vegetables cooked with peanut sauce served with shrimp paste; Sinigang, pork or seafood in tamarind soup;or the freshest sea foods – fish, squid, shrimp, lobsters – grilled to perfection.

Shopping in world class malls and bargain centres

 

Shopping in the Philippines is an experience both in bargain and variety. Most shopping places or malls in Manila, Markati, Cebu and Davao virtually have everything that you will need – from designer western brands to items specifically designed for the city centers. Do check out the Tiangges or the Filipino version of flea markets that offer quality items at bargain prices.