The Ultimate Filipino Traveller’s Bucket List: 101 Challenges You Need to Complete

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

1. Skydive in Sta. Fe, Bantayan
2. Paraglide in Safi Ranch, Sarangani
3. Fly an airplane in Angeles, Pampanga
4. Ride a zipline over seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
5. Skip a heartbeat on a reverse bungee ride at Boracay
6. Sky cycle at Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental
7. Jump off the highest level of Ariel’s Point in Boracay
8. Swim with the whale sharks in Sorsogon
9. Have close encounters with thresher sharks in Malapascua Island
10. Scuba dive in Tubbataha Reef
11. Surf at the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’, Siargao
12. Skimboard at Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental
13. Practice wakeboarding in Nuvali, Laguna
14. Compete in a Ligiron race in Valencia, Negros Oriental
15. Explore the Hundred Islands of Alaminos, Pangasinan
16. Conquer the summit of Mt. Pulag
17. Walk across the San Juanico Bridge from Samar to Leyte
18. Go sandboarding in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
19. Go mud karting in Puerto Galera
20. Survive the Sumaguing Cave Connection in Sagada
21. Blow off steam at the Echo Valley in Sagada
22. Ride a hot air balloon in Clark, Pampanga
23. Try all the exhilarating rides at SandBox Alviera, Pampanga
24. Go rock climbing in Cantabaco, Cebu
25. 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

26. Pretend to be a Spaniard in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
27. Learn the secrets of the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
28. Live like you’re in the Spanish era in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
29. Walk around the Walled City of Intramuros, Manila
30. Experience the Chinese culture in Chinatown, Binondo
31. Learn about the trading history in Escolta street, Binondo
32. Visit the Sandugo monument in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
33. Pray at the country’s oldest church, Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City
34. See Magellan’s Cross in downtown Cebu
35. See the Lapu-lapu Monument in Mactan, Cebu
36. Do street dancing during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City
37. Join in the harvest celebration at Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon
38. See the colourful flowers of Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
39. Enjoy the glamorous mask displays of the MassKara Festival in Bacolod
40. Admire the Philippine National Hero at Rizal Park, Luneta
41. Learn more about Jose Rizal by visiting his house in Calamba, Laguna
42. Live like Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, Dapitan, Zamboanga
43. Visit the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan
44. See the Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
45. Pay homage to our heroes at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan
46. Follow the trail of Bataan Death March
47. See the World War II artilleries in Corregidor Island
48. Visit Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
49. Visit Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City
50. 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

51. Marvel at the scenic landscapes of Batanes
52. Cool off at Bangui Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte
53. Enjoy the view from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte
54. Catch a sight of Mayon Volcano in Albay
55. Get a view of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon
56. Stargaze at Casiguran, Aurora
57. See the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces
58. Walk amongst crocodiles in Palawan’s Crocodile Farm
59. See Biak-na-bato in San Miguel, Bulacan up close
60. Go glamping in Tagaytay
61. Chill out at Bag of Beans Cafe in Tagaytay
62. Camp overnight at Mount Pinatubo
63. Enter the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
64. Explore the Calauit Island Wildlife Safari, Busuanga, Palawan
65. Plant trees in La Mesa Eco Park
66. Hike the Tinipak River, Daraitan, Tanay Rizal
67. Spot tarsiers in Bohol
68. Lay eyes on the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
69. Stop at the Man-made Mahogany Forest, Bohol
70. Visit the famous shipwreck in Tacloban City
71. Watch the sunset and sunrise at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon
72. Have lunch in a floating cottage at Lake Danao National Park in Ormoc, Leyte
73. Be amazed by the rock formations of Biri, Northern Samar
74. Observe the Philippine Eagle in Davao
75. 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

76. Pig out by eating lechon in Cebu
77. Try the famous bagnet in Ilocos
78. Taste different yoghurt dishes at the Yoghurt House  in Sagada
79. Sip a warm bowl of La Paz batchoy in Iloilo
80. Nibble on a chicken inasal in Bacolod
81. Savour the taste of bulalo in Tagaytay
82. Conquer your fear and eat a balut
83. Try fishball, kwek-kwek, isaw, and all the other street foods you can find
84. Lick on a malunggay ice cream in Bohol
85. Chill with a fresh strawberry taho in Baguio City
86. Pair your rice with the infamous dinuguan
87. Order pares at any carenderia
88. Chew on a pinikpikan in Sagada
89. Nibble on a stick of bopis
90. Taste sitsarong kibit in Quezon Province
91. Drink a glass of lambanog
92. Beat the heat with a serving of halo-halo
93. Give in to your sweet tooth and eat suman latik
94. Have a binagol dessert in Visayas
95. Munch on the chicharon of Camiling, Tarlac
96. Cool down with a chili ice cream in Bicol
97. Have a taste of buko pandan from Nathaniel’s, Pampanga
98. Grab a bag of dried mangoes de Cebu
99. Harvest and eat sapinit at Mt. Banahaw, Quezon
100. Sample a pinangat in Bicol
101. 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!