Colorful festivals, white sand beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food define the Philippines. It’s the second largest archipelago and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The country has over 7,100 islands! These are the 15 must do’s in the country:

Climb Mt. Pulag

It will take approximately 5 hours to climb the country’s 3rd and Luzon’s highest peak. It is 2,922 meters above sea level and every mountaineer’s dream. The trail lets you enjoy the mossy forests, century-old pine trees, pink flowers, and dwarf bamboos. Climb Mt. Pulag and watch the sun rises over the sea of clouds. Trust me, it’s going to be the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see in your life. So what are you waiting for? Book a Mt. Pulag hike tour in Sagada now and savor in the natural beauty of the mountain. The tour is about 100 USD which already includes guides, certificate of conquest, a Pulag shirt, registration fees, food, and accommodation. A little reminder before you go on this trip: Make sure you have the proper gears as it could get really cold.

Swim with the Thresher Sharks in Malapascua

Malapascua, a small island in the Visayas region is not only rich in marine life, it is also the only place in the world where divers occasionally see thresher sharks. They are found in the Monad Shoal, an underwater island, and divers say the best time to catch them is before sunrise. So diving in Malaspascua is a must for scuba divers.

Discover the beauty of El Nido

When you visit this place for the first time you’ll swear it won’t be the last. The place is paradise. You will be amazed with the magnificent rock formations. Trust me, you cannot get enough of El Nido. You simply have to keep coming back. The island offers four tours that will introduce you to different islands, lagoons, beaches, and caves.

So do you plan to stay longer in the island? Book at least two tours to get the most of your vacation and spend the rest of the days swimming and eating seafood by the beach. The sound of the waves will calm your soul.

Explore Breathtaking Batanes

Batanes is the country’s smallest island in terms of land and population yet it never disappoints. You’ll see endless rolling hills, cliffs, cobblestoned houses, boulder beaches, and quaint people in this little paradise of the north. Explore the island by bike and get to know the friendly Ivatans. And oh, don’t forget to take photos.

Hike at Lake Pinatubo

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, it created a mesmerizing crater lake that changes from mint to emerald to turquoise color depending on the weather. You will be fascinated with its beauty. It will take about 75 minutes to reach the summit but the lake isn’t ideal for swimming. You also can’t drink the water as it contains sulfur.

See the Chocolate Hills

There are three towns in Bohol covered with over 1,200 karst hills. Legends say the hills were formed when two quarreling giants threw rocks and boulders at each other. They were fighting over a girl and got tired eventually.

They named it Chocolate Hills because although the hills are green, they actually turn brown during the summer. The sight is spectacular and surreal. No wonder it’s on top of the country’s most visited tourist spots.

Taste the Mouth- watering Filipino Food

You can’t leave the Philippines without trying the delicious Filipino dishes. Lechon and adobo are a must-try. Eat the two dishes with rice and have halo-halo for dessert. I’m certain you’ll ask for more.

Balut and crocodile sisig are for the exotic food lovers. Both do not disappoint.

Extreme Adventure: White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro

This is a must for adventure seekers. CDO is in Northern Mindanao, only an hour and half by plane from Manila. The activity will take about four hours and you could either go for the beginner or the advanced course. Both will still give you an adrenaline rush. To avoid accidents, make sure you follow the instructions by the river guides during the orientation.

Attend the Sinulog Festival

Every 3rd Sunday of January, people flock to Cebu for the feast of Senyor Sto. Nino, a child saint. In 2015, about 1.8 million people joined the procession for the festival. There’s a street party and a parade where devotees hold an image of the saint while shouting, “Viva Pit Senyor”. The colorful Sinulog festival depicts the province rich culture; never miss this if you want some serious good fun.

Taste the Night Life in Boracay

Boracay is a tropical island paradise during the day and a completely different world after dark. There’s lights, music, live band, fire dancers, and booze. You’ll see hundreds of people including celebrities. You need to have a taste of this island life when you’re in the Philippines. Join in the fun while dancing under the night lights.

Visit the bat cave in Caramoan

Do you watch Survivor? The producers of the show love Caramoan because it’s simply captivating. However, they haven’t explored everything about Caramoan yet. It’s also home to thousands of bats found at Kulapnit Cave. Kulapnit means bat in the local dialect. The bats are likely asleep when you go spelunking during the day. You wouldn’t want to see thousands of bats flying over your head, would you?

Revisit Philippine History in Vigan

Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as one of the 7 New Wonder Cities because it’s an architectural masterpiece. It’s also one of the few Hispanic towns in the Philippines. Most of the attractions in this city will lead you back to the Spanish Revolution. Vigan is a must-visit attraction in the country.

See Philippine’s version of Niagara Falls

The falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur is 95 meters wide and is dubbed the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Frequented by most tourists because of its multi-tiered falls. You will be awed with this natural wonder. Tinuyan Falls is actually Surigao’s pride.

Go Surfing at Siargao

So, do you want to learn how to surf? Siargao is the the country’s surfing paradise found in Surigao del Norte. There are courses available for beginners and surf boards are also available for rent. Siargao is highly recommended for locals and tourists who want a relaxing time and an exciting adventure at the beach.

Swim the Enchanted River

Hidden in the mountains near the Pacific Ocean and discovered just recently is the majestic and crystal- clear waters of the Hinatuan River. Of course it’s perfect for swimming – if you dare. There are creepy stories behind the enchanted river yet locals and tourists still flock to Surigao del Norte to see the mystical river simply because it looks really interesting. It’s so clear that you can actually see the riverbed.

So, when do you plan to visit the Philippines?

There are countless of reasons why you need to visit this country. We’ve only given you 15 but there’s more! So book a ticket now and see this beautiful and tropical country for yourself.

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