Buzz
The Philippines is renowned as the land of a thousand islands, boasting over 7000 beautiful and diverse islands with incredibly stunning natural landscapes. Therefore, it's no surprise that travelers often flock to this destination as their ultimate getaway. However, there are some intriguing experiences in the Philippines that you might not be familiar with, and the following list will serve as the perfect inspiration for your trip!
Experience 'boiling in oil'
Travelers exploring the Philippines will get to experience the sensation of immersing themselves in a bubbling cauldron of oil. This unique 'oil bath' activity, known as Kawa, can only be found in the tropical tourist area of Tibiao in Antique province. Large cauldrons are placed atop rocks, with firewood burning underneath. What's special is that they are always strategically positioned in unique spots like riverside banks or beneath the canopy of trees.
Immerse yourself in a 'boiling oil' bath - Image from the Internet
Contrary to expectations, the 'oil bath' is not filled with hot oil; rather, the water inside is just pleasantly warm and can be adjusted according to the visitor's preference. In reality, this basin contains a herbal bathwater beneficial for health, including various flowers and leaves such as guava leaves, which not only emit a pleasant, natural fragrance but also aid in detoxification. This experience may initially provoke apprehension, but once you overcome it, you'll find yourself luxuriating in the warm water.
Herbal bathwater aids in detoxifying the body - Image from the Internet
Leap from the cliffs of Ariel’s Point
Standing on the staircase above the water, jumping from 3m-15m below is an exhilarating activity. It's a terrifying ordeal for those afraid of heights, yet it's also a moment where you must conquer your own fears. As you plummet into the azure waters below, you'll feel an overwhelming rush of excitement, joy, and an urge to scream and do it all over again.
Apart from the adrenaline-pumping cliff jumps, Ariel’s Point offers a plethora of other exciting activities for you to explore and experience, such as kayaking along the nearby coastline, BBQ beach parties, snorkeling with tropical marine life using snorkels and goggles. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Boracay, and you should definitely give it a try at least once.
Explore the city via unique transportation
The transportation culture of the Philippines is notably characterized by the iconic jeepneys traversing the streets. What's unique is that every jeepney, regardless of age, is adorned with various paintings and colors, bearing a distinct personal touch on the streets.
Jeepneys are favored by many tourists - Image from the Internet
Jeepneys do not have fixed stops, so you just need to wave your hand and the driver will pull over to pick you up. Each ride costs 8php for the first 4km and approximately 2php for each subsequent kilometer.
Another unique mode of public transportation is the Habal Habal. It's a custom-made motorcycle capable of carrying 8-12 passengers. Habal Habal features two long seats on each side, accommodating 4 passengers per side, with an extended rear seat for three passengers. The fare varies depending on the agreement between the passenger and the driver.
Experience the land of the dragon
El Nido is referred to as the land of the dragon due to its majestic landscape formed by limestone karsts of various sizes and shapes, interconnected to create an incredibly captivating eco-tourism destination. Moreover, El Nido becomes even more enticing with its pristine beaches, white sandy shores, mangrove forests, and mystical caves.
Long stretches of fine white sand, tranquil seas make El Nido amazing - Image from the Internet
Here, travelers can indulge in breathtaking sea views, immerse themselves in crystal-clear waters akin to crystal, and enjoy unique water activities. Paddle kayaks or don life jackets to swim deep into the bay to explore hidden caves.
Alternatively, simply lie on the water's surface, relax, sip on a smoothie, fresh juice, or a glass of Halo Halo specialty drink, and admire the beauty of Small Lagoon.
Refreshing Halo Halo for scorching summers - Image from the Internet
Swim with whale sharks
Oslob has become an incredibly enticing destination for travelers due to its whale shark swimming experience. These are among the largest sharks in the world, and this tour has brought significant revenue to the local area. Each ticket for swimming with whale sharks comes with a guide to ensure safety. Even if you don't know how to swim, the guides will assist you with taking photos and swimming.
Travelers will be guided by staff to dive into the water and swim with the large whale sharks, which are particularly gentle and pose no harm to tourists. They only feed on creatures like shrimp, squid, algae, and plankton, so tourists can rest assured!
Admire the Chocolate Hills
Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills is the most famous attraction in Bohol, with about 1,268 dome-shaped hills covering an area of approximately 50 square kilometers in the middle of the island. These hills turn chocolate brown during the dry season, creating a unique landscape.
The hills turn brown like chocolate pieces stacked together - Image from the Internet
These hills are considered the most vibrant natural monument of Bohol Island, and the image of these rolling hills, closely nestled together and neatly arranged like a box of chocolates, has been imprinted on the flag and stamp of this island. It's fantastic to check-in and capture beautiful photos here, isn't it?
Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The most remarkable feature here is the stunning limestone landscape, extensive underground river system, and vast cave networks. The most exciting activity for tourists here is paddling through the more than 8km-long underground river to admire the caves and stalactites that formed millions of years ago.
Underground river caves with various stalactites and rock formations - Image from the Internet
To explore this underground river, you need to take a boat deep inside, indulging in the adventure of navigating the river with a paddle boat. Venturing into the cave, you'll discover a large chamber, a colossal vaulted cave. The massive stalactite pillars resemble fortresses of ancient civilizations, and there are many bats residing here.
