10 Exciting Experiences That Draw Tourists to the Philippines

Swim with whale sharks in Oslob, sail on a Paraw boat in Boracay, explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, or take a Jeepney ride around Manila... These are just a few of the exciting experiences that attract tourists to the Philippines.

10 Exciting Experiences That Captivate Tourists in the Philippines

Explore Manila on a Jeepney

Jeepneys are a distinctive feature of Manila, often considered an icon of Philippine transportation. These colorful vehicles, despite lacking air conditioning and windows, are highly flexible and affordable. Taking a Jeepney ride around Manila is undoubtedly an enjoyable experience.

Go Scuba Diving

The Philippines is blessed by nature with pristine beaches, untouched islands, and vibrant coral reefs. And here, one activity that tourists highly enjoy is scuba diving. The colorful coral reefs offshore Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan always stimulate the curiosity of tourists to explore. Visiting the Philippines without going scuba diving is like missing out on a chance to discover the wild nature here.

Boating on the Underground River in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range in northern Palawan, is a famous ecotourism destination in the Philippines. However, the most attractive feature for tourists here is paddling through the 8km-long underground river to admire caves and stalactites formed millions of years ago.

Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob

Formerly a quiet town, Oslob has become a highly attractive destination for tourists thanks to its whale shark swimming service. These are among the largest sharks in the world, and this tour has brought significant revenue to the local area. Besides whale sharks, visitors to Oslob can also enjoy the beauty of Tumalog Waterfall or visit Sumilon Island to immerse themselves in stunning beaches.

Conquering the Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao City have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage since 1995. Visitors here will truly be amazed by the grandeur of these terraced fields. The rolling hills and mountains are adorned with freshly planted green fields. The best way to conquer these terraced fields is by hiking with the assistance of local residents and a sturdy cane. Deep within the mountain ranges lies the home of the Batad people, known for their famous Hudhud chants, and this is also the first intangible cultural heritage recognized in Southeast Asia.

Thrilling Adventures at Cebu's Tallest Building

Adventure enthusiasts will be thrilled to participate in various activities at Cebu's tallest building (40 floors), such as skywalking, inclined ziplining, or walking between two buildings, offering a mix of excitement and fear for tourists. Completing these activities earns tourists official certification. It's also a stunning spot to admire the panoramic view of Cebu from above.

Sail on a Paraw Boat in Boracay

If you're in Boracay, one of the things you must do is experience the feeling of sailing on a Paraw boat. Apart from exploring the traditional culture of coastal communities, this trip is a very interesting experience. According to many people's experience, the best time for you to sail on a Paraw boat is in the afternoon. Sailing out into the open sea, you'll get to admire the beautiful Boracay coastline in its entirety.

Join the Vibrant Ati-Atihan Festival

Having been around for 800 years, Ati-Atihan is considered the largest, most colorful, and most exciting spring festival in the Philippines. The festival takes place in the third week of January in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province on Panay Island, Philippines. It's an occasion for Filipinos to honor the jovial deity, the patron saint of the nation. Attending the festival, visitors immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere with vibrant costumes, wild dances, and the resounding beats of drums everywhere.

Explore the Untouched Beauty of Batan Island

Batan Island boasts pristine natural landscapes, towering cliffs, lush green meadows, and the oldest ancient relics in the Philippines such as stone houses seemingly preserved intact. The unique traditional cogon thatched roofs here are sure to pique your curiosity, excitement, and desire for exploration.

Admire... the Hanging Coffins in Sagada

Sagada is one of the cities in the highlands harboring many mysteries, especially its caves. Aside from bringing rural vibes to tourists and distancing them from modern amenities, Sagada offers opportunities to explore terraced fields, valleys, mountains, waterfalls, and the unique hanging coffins with a '1-0-2' twist.

By Tiểu Lam