Summer time has begun which is the most opportune time for most adventure activities in the Philippines to be done. From watching the sunset at sea while on-board an outrigger to making sure that you have warmed up your legs for a biking experience, these activities will surely make you beat the heat!
Stand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Ever wanted to know what it’s like to walk on water? Stand-up paddle boarding could be the closest thing you’ll experience! An SUP does not require advanced skills as a rider of any skill level may be able to glide through the water, do yoga, or relax as one traverses through rivers in the Philippines. It is said that the SUP originated from surfing as surf instructors did this as a way to monitor their students, and to also keep an eye for incoming swells. SUP tours in the Philippines may be done in Bohol, Negros, Palawan, or Siargao.
Scuba Diving
The Philippines is not the center of marine biodiversity for no reason– may it be coral gardens, pelagic fishes, nudibranchs, coral walls, sea turtles, and more, the country has a wide range of marine life that seeks to thrive whatever the season. As part of adventure activities in the Philippines, scuba diving is the best way to experience the magnanimous underwater landscape in the country. Easy beach entries or house reefs are accessible if it might be your first time to try scuba diving, while advanced dives such as wreck and cave dives are also available for those seeking for more adventure. Some of the best dive destinations in the Philippines are the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Apo Reefs Natural Park, and Balicasag Island.
Photo retrieved from Tribal Adventure
Biking in Busuanga
Explore parts of Busuanga using a single or double shock mountain bike! Journey through carabao trails, bamboo groves, quiet gravels, and ford streams as you get to know the landscape of the town and meet its locals. The route for the trail depends on the season; should one like travelling during the dry season, November to May is recommended where canopies of forest trees and bamboos are bountiful, but if one would like to level up the adventure and the wet season is preferred, the months of June to October are recommended as there are more opportunities to go on a dip during these months.
Paraw Sailing
Sail through a traditional boat with two outriggers called “paraw,” and marvel at the beauty of the sunset over the sea! Usually available at Boracay, and El Nido and Coron in Palawan, Paraw sailing is an opportunity to glide on clear waters and to embrace the sea breeze. The Paraw is also a cultural experience as it is only available in the Philippines, with the structure of the boat still like those of the native bancas used to have, relying greatly on the layag or the main sail of the boat to allow them to navigate through the wind and the water.
Kayaking
Experience Coron’s serenity through an indigenous way: paddling. Kayak through the nooks and crannies of private lagoons and caves and see wildlife up close such as sea turtles, monkeys, monitor lizards, and sea eagles. Kayangan and Barracuda Lake may still be included in the tour, but exploring the quiet, hidden spots of Coron that are only accessible through kayaking is the “ultimate” way to see the off-the-beaten paths of a tourist hotspot.