The Philippines is blessed with natural resources and man-made attractions all tested through time. And with over 7,500 islands in 18 different regions, you will never run out of things to see and do in the country. If you’ve already completed all these 20 challenges in the Philippines, I dare you, and myself, to strike everything off this Ultimate Filipino Traveller’s Bucket List!
For Adrenaline Junkies and Thrill-Seekers
WARNING: These activities are not for the faint of heart! Prepare yourself — mentally and physically — because there’s no turning back!
Image credit: Skydive Greater CEBU
- Skydive in Sta. Fe, Bantayan
- Paraglide in Safi Ranch, Sarangani
- Fly an airplane in Angeles, Pampanga
- Ride a zipline over seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
- Skip a heartbeat on a reverse bungee ride at Boracay
- Sky cycle at Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental
- Jump off the highest level of Ariel’s Point in Boracay
- Swim with the whale sharks in Sorsogon
- Have close encounters with thresher sharks in Malapascua Island
- Scuba dive in Tubbataha Reef
- Surf at the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’, Siargao
- Skimboard at Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental
- Practice wakeboarding in Nuvali, Laguna
- Compete in a Ligiron race in Valencia, Negros Oriental
- Explore the Hundred Islands of Alaminos, Pangasinan
- Conquer the summit of Mt. Pulag
- Walk across the San Juanico Bridge from Samar to Leyte
- Go sandboarding in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Go mud karting in Puerto Galera
- Survive the Sumaguing Cave Connection in Sagada
- Blow off steam at the Echo Valley in Sagada
- Ride a hot air balloon in Clark, Pampanga
- Try all the exhilarating rides at SandBox Alviera, Pampanga
- Go rock climbing in Cantabaco, Cebu
- Ride a bike through Camp Aguinaldo Trail
Also read: 15 Incredible Outdoor Adventures to Conquer in the Philippines
For History and Culture Buffs
Do you enjoy listening to historical stories? Are you fascinated by vintage architecture? Do you want to learn more about Philippine’s antiquity? Then, you definitely have to immerse in these experiences!
Image credit: Pradeep Swaminathan
- Pretend to be a Spaniard in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- Learn the secrets of the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
- Live like you’re in the Spanish era in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
- Walk around the Walled City of Intramuros, Manila
- Experience the Chinese culture in Chinatown, Binondo
- Learn about the trading history in Escolta street, Binondo
- Visit the Sandugo monument in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
- Pray at the country’s oldest church, Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City
- See Magellan’s Cross in downtown Cebu
- See the Lapu-lapu Monument in Mactan, Cebu
- Do street dancing during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City
- Join in the harvest celebration at Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon
- See the colourful flowers of Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
- Enjoy the glamorous mask displays of the MassKara Festival in Bacolod
- Admire the Philippine National Hero at Rizal Park, Luneta
- Learn more about Jose Rizal by visiting his house in Calamba, Laguna
- Live like Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, Dapitan, Zamboanga
- Visit the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan
- See the Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Pay homage to our heroes at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan
- Follow the trail of Bataan Death March
- See the World War II artilleries in Corregidor Island
- Visit Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
- Visit Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City
- Visit the EDSA Shrine
Also read: 12 Most Exciting Philippine Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
For Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Take out your cameras and go on a trip to these beautiful sights in the Philippines — they’ll make you want to appreciate life even more!
Image credit: Allan Ascaño
- Marvel at the scenic landscapes of Batanes
- Cool off at Bangui Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte
- Enjoy the view from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte
- Catch a sight of Mayon Volcano in Albay
- Get a view of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon
- Stargaze at Casiguran, Aurora
- See the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces
- Walk amongst crocodiles in Palawan’s Crocodile Farm
- See Biak-na-bato in San Miguel, Bulacan up close
- Go glamping in Tagaytay
- Chill out at Bag of Beans Cafe in Tagaytay
- Camp overnight at Mount Pinatubo
- Enter the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Explore the Calauit Island Wildlife Safari, Busuanga, Palawan
- Plant trees in La Mesa Eco Park
- Hike the Tinipak River, Daraitan, Tanay Rizal
- Spot tarsiers in Bohol
- Lay eyes on the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
- Stop at the Man-made Mahogany Forest, Bohol
- Visit the famous shipwreck in Tacloban City
- Watch the sunset and sunrise at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon
- Have lunch in a floating cottage at Lake Danao National Park in Ormoc, Leyte
- Be amazed by the rock formations of Biri, Northern Samar
- Observe the Philippine Eagle in Davao
- Take a dip into the Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur
Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit
For the Foodies
The Philippines has so many unique, exotic and delectable dishes. It is impossible not to find most of these delicious. I urge you to try all of these yummy treats. How do we Filipinos say “Hi”? We’ll say, “Let’s eat!”
Image credit: whologwhy
- Pig out by eating lechon in Cebu
- Try the famous bagnet in Ilocos
- Taste different yoghurt dishes at the Yoghurt House in Sagada
- Sip a warm bowl of La Paz batchoy in Iloilo
- Nibble on a chicken inasal in Bacolod
- Savour the taste of bulalo in Tagaytay
- Conquer your fear and eat a balut
- Try fishball, kwek-kwek, isaw, and all the other street foods you can find
- Lick on a malunggay ice cream in Bohol
- Chill with a fresh strawberry taho in Baguio City
- Pair your rice with the infamous dinuguan
- Order pares at any carenderia
- Chew on a pinikpikan in Sagada
- Nibble on a stick of bopis
- Taste sitsarong kibit in Quezon Province
- Drink a glass of lambanog
- Beat the heat with a serving of halo-halo
- Give in to your sweet tooth and eat suman latik
- Have a binagol dessert in Visayas
- Munch on the chicharon of Camiling, Tarlac
- Cool down with a chili ice cream in Bicol
- Have a taste of buko pandan from Nathaniel’s, Pampanga
- Grab a bag of dried mangoes de Cebu
- Harvest and eat sapinit at Mt. Banahaw, Quezon
- Sample a pinangat in Bicol
- Savour Caramoan’s kinalas
Also read: 18 Philippine Provinces for the Absolute Foodie
I hope you and I can cross off all of these items soon. One can never have enough of the Philippines. And when they say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” believe me when I say that it truly is. 101 on a bucket list? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
