The Philippines has beautiful beaches, but some of the most unique and memorable experiences are the ones that are off the beaten path. If you want to do more than just sit on the sand, these are some of the most unique things to do in the country.
Swim in the Enchanted River
In Hinatuan Enchanted River, the water is such a deep blue that it almost looks unreal. The spring-fed river is incredibly clear, and locals have long believed there was something mysterious about it. Rivers are typically murky, so swimming there is an incredible experience.
See the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are one of the country’s most unusual landscapes. More than a thousand rounded hills rise out of the countryside. They get their name since they turn brown in the dry season. It is one of those places that looks surreal even when you are standing in front of it.
Stay with the Ifugao near the Rice Terraces
The Batad Rice Terracess are impressive on their own, but spending time in the villages nearby makes the visit even more meaningful. Stay in a local guesthouse to learn about the culture of the Ifugao people who have cared for the terraces for generations.
Swim with Sardines in Moalboal
Off the coast of Moalboal, thousands of sardines move together in huge swirling schools just offshore. You can swim right beside them. It’s like being inside a nature documentary!
Ride a Jeepney
A ride in a colorful Philippine jeepney is an experience on its own. These decorated vehicles started as leftover American military jeeps after World War II and became one of the country’s most recognizable symbols. Riding one through a busy city gives you a small glimpse into everyday life. This is not an activity that all tourists are comfortable with. But if you want to give it a try, consult this post for details on how to do it!
Visit a Hanging Coffin Site
The Hanging Coffins of Sagada are wooden coffins hanging from limestone cliffs. This is an Igorot burial tradition that dates back 2,000 years. The Irogots carve their own coffins, and the coffins are attached to a the side of a cliff of Sagada’s Echo Valley. When a person dies, they are placed in the coffin in a ritualistic manner. The Igorot people believe that being buried in a high place brings them closer to their ancestors. Some of the coffins seen today are more than a century old. Eventually the coffins will break free from the cliff and tumble down. The custom is still alive today, but it not as common.
Explore an Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park lets you take a boat through a cave system beneath limestone cliffs. First, you take a motor boat to the cave entrance. Along the way, you may see monkeys, lizards, and other widllife. Then you transfer to a small boat paddled by a guide. The paddle boat enters the cave system where you see stalactites and stalagmites and hear thousands of bats overhead.
Walk on a Sandbar in the Middle of the Sea
You can almost walk on water at Kalanggaman Island. Here a narrow white sandbars stretches into bright blue water. Walk to the end and you will feel like you are surrounded by the ocean.
Watch the Fireflies in Bohol
Some rivers in Bohol offer nighttime firefly tours where entire mangrove trees light up naturally. It is quiet, simple, and often ends up being one of the most unexpected highlights of a trip.
Which of these unique experiences do you want on your Philippines itinerary?
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