With its scenic mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, the Philippines offers plenty of natural attractions and unique experiences that will suit any type of nature traveller. Whatever you’re into, you can always find something to do in the country if you want to hang out with Mother Nature.
So, if you’ve been wanting to get away from the city for a while now, what are you waiting for? Plan that trip now and start looking for Cebu hotels or accommodations in places that can serve as an excellent jump-off point for a fun-filled nature adventure! If you’re looking for places to add to your itinerary, here’s a rundown of the top attractions to check out while in the Philippines:
Paddle through Palawan’s Subterranean River
Palawan is home to many natural wonders, most notable of which is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Palawan Underground River. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage site, this eight-kilometre river is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
This otherworldly gem is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world, and you can hop on a small paddle boat to admire the beauty of its limestone formations and waterfalls. Look out for fossils, crystals, and interesting inhabitants such as bats, crabs, snakes, fish, and giant spiders.
Hike the Peaks in Benguet
If you’re the type who feels at home among the clouds, maybe a 4- to 5-hour hiking trip is right for you. There are different trails for climbers of varying experience levels in the area, but whichever category you belong in, nothing beats the thrill of traversing the moss, pines, and grass to reach the third-highest peak in the Philippines.
Need some suggestions on where to begin? You can hike through Mt. Ulap in Benguet to catch a glimpse of that stunning ethereal view. You may also want to visit Mt. Pulag, another popular hiking destination known for its breathtaking “sea of clouds” scenery.
Catch a Wave in Siargao
Siargao is a surfer’s paradise thanks to its white-sand beaches and barreling waves. This teardrop-shaped island is home to Cloud 9, which has made a name for itself as one of the best surfing spots in the world for people with and without experience when it comes to riding waves. Beyond surfing escapades, Siargao also offers a wealth of caves and lagoons to explore.
Immerse Yourself in the Sierra Madre’s Karst Terrain
Located in Baras, Rizal, the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that spans 1,600 hectares of lush rainforests and diverse flora and fauna. The reserve offers various trails that allow you to immerse in the stunning landscape and hike through the site’s famous limestone formations.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a recreational activity that promises an action-packed experience as well as a lesson in teamwork. Cagayan de Oro, the Adventure Capital of the Philippines, offers whitewater rafting activities to visitors of various skill levels. Other whitewater rafting destinations include Davao and Kalinga in the Cordillera region. If you’re the type who gets a rush from the rapids, then hop on that inflatable boat and paddle with your crew!
Swim with Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles
Despite their humongous size, whale sharks are some of the gentlest sea creatures you will ever come across. Indeed, they’re known for being quite safe for people to interact with. One place where you can swim with these friendly animals is in Oslob, Cebu. Another location where you can hang out with these creatures is in Donsol, Bicol, where swimming with whale sharks is an eco-tourism initiative.
Aside from whale sharks, you can witness sea turtles in their natural habitat not too far away in Dumaguete. Also found in the central part of the country, this city is home to a turtle sanctuary where you can dive to see sea turtles swimming through a majestic seabed.
Explore Sagada’s Caves
Located in the Mountain Province, Sagada exudes an air of mystery with its hanging coffins and breathtaking caves, both of which are deeply entwined with local traditions. Sagada is also home to Sumaguing Cave, which attracts spelunking enthusiasts and visitors eager to see the deepest cave in the Philippines.
Rush through Ilocos Norte’s Sand Dunes
We usually associate sand dunes with the Middle East, so you might be surprised to find these in the Philippines. Ilocos Norte is home to two popular sand dune attractions, namely the Paoay Sand Dunes and the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag. You can go on a 4×4 vehicle driven by a professional; if you drive one yourself, make sure you have a car accident lawyer in your contacts just in case; or go sandboarding to feel like you’re traversing through the ocean—except you’re on sandy terrain, of course.
Kickstart Your Next Adventure in the Philippines
These are just a few of the many nature-related activities you can try while in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. Whether you’re into mountains, seas, or rainforests, there’s bound to be something that you haven’t experienced before in the Philippines. Be sure to check out the attractions on this list to get you started on uncovering more of what this vibrant archipelago has to offer.
