Looking for a place to quench your wanderlust? The Philippine Islands have all the magic, adventure, and more! Hop on a plane and start taking checking off major bucket list items. The Philippine Islands truly has it all!
The Philippine Islands hold some of the most beautiful beaches, landscapes, and adventures. Known for its pristine scenery, delicious fruits, and colorful culture, it’s definitely a place for those with venturesome hearts. With over 7,641 islands (over 5,000 of which remain unnamed on international maps) there will always be an abundance of sightseeing and once in a lifetime experiences.
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The Hanging Coffins of Sagada
Now here is something you won’t see every day. The Igorot tribe of Mount Province have a tradition of burying their dead in hanging coffins, secured to the sides of the cliff. This tradition has been traced back for more than 2,000 years, which means this dated long before the arrival of the Spanish.
The cultural tradition is still performed today although on a much smaller scale, typically only happening every few years. Members of the tribe say that the practice originated with the belief that moving their dead higher brings them closer to their ancestral spirits. The elderly often feared being buried in the ground. Above ground felt safer and more in line with their beliefs.
Seeing a piece of history several milliena in the making is definitely a sight to behold.
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Shipwreck Diving
Have you ever been to a museum underwater? The Irako Wreck is basically just that! The former Japanese Ship was sunk during WWII in 1944 by an American air attack and amazingly, all these years later, is still mostly intact.
Lying 40 meters deep into the Pacific Ocean, you’ll not only see a piece of global history but an array of sea life as well. The dive spot boasts sightings of green sea turtles, lionfish, and even barracudas! Unlike dive sites in the states, the visibility in Pacific waters is so clear you can see objects far and wide.
Eat in a Waterfall Restaurant
Now, here is a mealtime experience you’re likely never to forget! The Waterfall Restaurant is right in the midst of the palatial Villa Escudero resort in the Philippine Islands and as you may expect, calls for a no-shoes policy.
The restaurant is situated smack dab in the middle of a small river and waterfall. Adorned with bamboo tables and cook stations, you can enjoy an authentic meal just feet away from the rush of the waterfall. When it comes to unique restaurants, the Philippine Islands definitely takes it up a notch!
Hike the Unique Chocolate Hills
No, they’re not actually made out of Chocolate, but they’re definitely still worth visiting! With more than a thousand hills spread over 50 kilometers, all almost symmetrical in shape, you’d likely speculate these hills were manmade.
If you ask the people of the Philippine Islands, they’ll commonly tell you a myth or legend surrounding the space. According to locals, the hills’ history has three stories.
The first is that they came to be because of two giants. The giants, who were angry and fighting, hurled rocks, boulders, and sand at one another. The feud resulted in the mess of hills now known as the Chocolate Hills. The second is that a broken-hearted giant cried so many tears that it formed the limestone hills. The third and last legend is much less magical, as it’s believed that the hills were created by a large number of dried carabao feces.
Which legend would you prefer to believe?
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Marvel at the Rice Terraces
Nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippine Islands are a magnificent sight that you won’t want to pass up.
Hosted in the mountains of Ifugao, the terraces date back over 2,000 years and were carved with very few tools. Naturally irrigated by the rainforests surrounding the terraces they are, amazingly, still in use today. Not only is the scenery wonderous, but the sheer splendor of formation is just as astounding.
Get a Traditional Tattoo
Want to forever mark your once in a lifetime trip to the Philippine Islands? Then you will definitely want to visit a mambabatok. These Kalinga tattooists master the traditional art of tattooing by way of hand-tapping.
The oldest mambabatok is famously known as Whang-Od Onggay and is close to 100 years old. With only bamboo ammers, thorns, and soot, she creates masterpieces high up in the mountains of the Cordilleras. It’s a bit of a trek to get to her, but many find it well worth the trip to get tattooed by this legendary artist.
Kayak the Hidden Lagoons in Palawan
Want to feel secluded on your adventure? Head to Miniloc Island in Palawan! This pristine island is known for its obscure beaches but it’s even more renowned for its awe-inspiring lagoons. Take a kayak and explore the aquamarine majesty in all it’s glory for hours on end. You’ll enjoy the stunning wonder of nature in the Philippine Islands to the fullest with a relaxing and mesmerizing trip through the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, or even the Secret Lagoon.
Zipline over 7 Waterfalls at Lake Sebu
As an avid adventurer, you may have experienced the thrill of ziplining. But have you ever ziplined past not one, two, or even three, but seven waterfalls?
Lake Sebu in South Cotabato holds incredible views and gives you the unique opportunity to zipline past the breathtaking landscape. Only six of the seven waterfalls are visible, but the scenery is so unbelievably magnificent you won’t believe it’s real. Add to it the rush of adrenaline, and this will prove to be one truly unforgettable moment.
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Canyoneering in Cebu
Need to add another adrenaline rush to your bucket list? Go on a canyoneering tour in Cebu! Kasawan Falls in Cebu is one of the most popular sites and the journey there is half the fun! Hike through rivers, jump off cliffs and experience the terrain first hand!
While nature is beautiful, it can also be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar, so going with a guide and a group is always the safest way to enjoy the beauty that the Philippine Islands possess. Plus, isn’t it always more fun when you’re in good company?
Camp on the Isolated Matukad Island
Are you a fan of the tv show, Survivor? Did you know you could experience it for yourself?
If you love extreme and isolated camping, visit Matukad Island in the Philippine islands! Featured on several seasons of the reality series, Survivor, it’s very well hidden from the civilized world. This particular island in the Caramoan set specifically is flush with some of the most gorgeous beaches, lagoons, and forests. The water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling alike and if you are a little braver, you can climb the rock wall of the limestone cliff to see the simply sublime view from the top.
Taking a trip to the Philippine Islands is more than a dream come true. For adventurers, explorers, history buffs, and more, there is something special to behold for everyone in these magical islands. Experience life to the fullest when you next visit Asia and let the Philippine Islands check off your bucket list of dream activities!
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