EXCITING ADVENTURES | PHILIPPINES

EXCITING ADVENTURES | PHILIPPINES

I love adventures, and through the years, I have a few which landed Top on my List.

 

1. Canyoneering in Alegria – Badian, Cebu

Topping my list on my most unforgettable outdoor adventures was my Alegria-Badian Canyoneering adventure in the Island of Cebu, Philippines. And how can I forget to have a jelly foot when jumping from the cliff to enter the canyon? I guess one should at experience this activity at least once in their lifetime.

Please see my related post about Canyoneering in Badian: Canyoneering in Alegria-Badian, Cebu 

How to Get There:
Badian is a 3 – 4 hours travel from the City of Cebu, and one can take a bus ride at the Cebu South Bus Terminal.  There is an alternative aside from taking buses at Cebu South Bus Terminal, and that is to ride a bus from Librando Terminal. Either of these three will bring you to the town of Badian.

 

 

2. White Water Rafting in Davao

Second on my most unforgettable outdoor adventure was the Davao White Water Rafting. I almost got drowned in the river in Davao when our life raft capsized, and I was trapped inside. Such experience gave me so much realization.

Getting there: Please read my post with  Davao White Water Rafting 

 

Dahilayan Adventure Park

3. Dahilayan Adventure Park

The first time I did the zip line was in Dahilayan, Bukidnon. Dahilayan’s zip line used to be the longest in Asia at 840 meters with a drop of 100 meters —-one of the highest of all the zip lines that I tried.

Please Read my article about Dahilayan Adventure Park.

How to get there:

Dahilayan Adventure Park is located at Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines
From Cagayan de Oro, take the Davao –Bukidnon Highway, right on the Jalae Junction. Proceed 25 km to Brgy Dahilayan past Camp Philips and the pineapple fields via Mampayag. My suggestion for those traveling as a group of 3-4 pax, to rent a taxi from Php 1,500 to Php 2,500 depending on the number of hours.

 

4. El Nido, Palawan

Beautiful beaches… one of the best amongst the beaches I visited so far.

That was February when we went to El Nido, and while there was no typhoon, I think the weather was quite angry. We visited the hidden beach, wherein we must pass through a hole from the wall of the cliff to get in. The current was fierce and for us to enter, we must do a perfect timing otherwise, the waves will smash you to the ceiling of the hole.

Our boat parked at around 30 feet from the opening and we must swim to reach the small entrance. Trusting our guide, we jumped from the motorized boat and swam towards the hole. We never realized that the current was powerful. I know how to swim, but no effort can make me reach the entrance. The worst part, the current was bringing me to the sharp rocks, and I was so scared that I will be smashed me into the scary edges of the stones.

Horrified as I was, I was able to call our guide who were good swimmers to throw me a life tube and help me go back to the boat. Upon reaching the boat, I scolded our guide for being so careless. You should see the faces of others when we got back to the boat.

Well don’t be scared, I guess that was a remote experience. Just be cautious each time you leave the boat should you wish to visit the place in the future. Mind you; I am planning to get back to El Nido, soon.

Please read some of my articles about El Nido, Palawan:

• Your Ultimate Travel Guide to El Nido, Palawan
• Sample Itinerary and Budget to El Nido, Palawan
• El Nido Tour “A,” Lagoons and Beaches
• List of Hotels and Resorts in El Nido, Palawan
• 33 Things to do When in El Nido, Palawan
• What to Bring when visiting El Nido, Palawan

 

 

5. Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos

For some reasons, my trip to Ilocos Region is one of my most treasured trips.

One thing which made it one of my most unforgettable were the activities we did during the trip especially the Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure. I  believe that anyone visiting the place must take the 4X4 and experience the thrill while navigating the entire Sand Dunes.

Getting There: Please read the Ilocos Norte Travel Guide 

Please read the related article about Ilocos Norte:

• Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure
• List of Hotels and Inns in Ilocos Norte

 

Cagayan White Water Rafting

6. Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting

My first whitewater rafting adventure was in Cagayan de Oro, and I should say, my “first” was memorable.

Read my post about my experience at Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting

How to Get There:

Cagayan de Oro can be reached by plane from various major airports in the Philippines. While in Cagayan, you can ask your hotel how to engage in the White Water Rafting. Almost all hotels and Inns in Cagayan  has   information or connection with any adventure companies doing the white water rafting.

 

7. Spelunking at Candoni, Negros Occidental

I was not prepared to go spelunking when we visited Candoni, Negros Occidental. But such experience gave me that desire to go on a similar adventure when there is an opportunity in the future.

Read my Spelunking Adventure at Candoni, Negros Occidental

How to Get There

Candoni is approximately a three-and-a-half hour drive from Bacolod City aboard a public utility vehicle and about two hours and 45 minutes in a private car.  From Bacolod City, buses are available at Bacolod South Terminal. From Kabankalan City, one can take the public utility jeepneys going to this town.

From Bacolod City, buses are available at Bacolod South Terminal. From Kabankalan City, one can take the public utility jeepneys or buses going to this town.  When in Candoni, it’s easy to get around, directly ask the people around.

 

 

 

8. Biri Rock Formation

That was my first time in Samar when I visited this remarkable place, the Biri Rock Formation. The majestic rock formation naturally inspired me to see more beautiful areas in the country that need to be explored. I will be visiting this place again.

Please read my post about Biri Rock Formation

How to Get There:

By Plane: Flights from Manila will take you to either Catarman, which is the closest to Biri Island or to Calbayog, which is on the western side of Samar to the south of Biri Island.

Once you have arrived at either airport, you need to get yourself to the town of Lavezares, which is the jump off the port, to get you to Biri Island. There are numerous jeepneys and tricycles all ore than happy to take you to Lavezares, negotiate the fare before you leave.

To Biri Island

Once you have arrived in Lavezares, go straight to the town market, once there look to the right side of the market along the beach, and you will see some Banca boats, choose one with Biri Island written on the back, these will usually be returning to Biri Island on that day. If you are traveling as a group, it would be best to rent the while Banca.

 

 

9. Giant Slide at Maxima Aqua Fun

Maxima Aqua Fun is the place for adventurous people. Maxima doesn’t have sandy beaches. Instead, it’s on a cliff’s edge, smoothed down by steps, that extends towards the water. Maxima Resort is also known for its Eagle View Canopy Walk and Giant Water Slide.

We’ve tried their 4o meters giant slide. A “scream all you can”treat for the adventurous buddies.  Don’t worry; they have lifeguards waiting for you in the water at the end of the slide. The moment I got into the water which is said to be at least 100 meters deep in a super flash of 6 seconds I was reminded of the feeling when we almost got drowned from our last year’s whitewater rafting adventure (also in Davao).  But the experience was terrific.

Click here for my Maxima Aqua Fun Adventure

How to get There

Maxima Aqua Fun is located on Samal Island, Davao. Please click here for the Travel Guide when Visiting Samal Island

 

 

10. Swimming with the Whale Shark of Oslob, Cebu

That was my first encounter with the gentle giants when we first visited Oslob, Cebu. Anything beautiful “first experience” usually becomes unforgettable to me.

11. Campuestohan Mountain Resort

Campuestohan is one of the most popular destinations in Negros Occidental. A place is also a favorite place for our family to visit if we plan plan bring kids. Apart from family getaways, I have also conducted several training projects undertaken at the site.

Click here to read our story at Campuestohan Highland Resort

How to get there:

The place can be accessed by private vehicles.

For those who don’t have the car, you may reach the place via a SHUTTLE SERVICE (30-Seater Air-conditioned Sarao). Below are the rates and schedule:

Weekend Service   – P 100.00 / Person.  Loading Area: Villa Angela arcade parking lot (fronting Lopue’s East Center)

•  Departure Time from Bacolod 9:00 AM
•  Departure Time from resort 4:00 PM
•  Private Group Charter   P 3,000.0 ( 2-way transport service. Pick-up and drop-off point within Bacolod City. Reservations must be made at least three days ahead if resort visit will fall on a weekend, and at least one day before if coming on a weekday. )

 

Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor Island

12. Siquijor Island

My solo trip to Siquijor Island is also one of my most unforgettable adventures. Out of frustrations brought about by many cancellations of planned trips due to the availability of schedules of my friends and some personal issues, I decided to pack and went to Siquijor on Christmas Eve of 2015. That solo backpacking allowed for some personal reflections and emotional healing of course.

Please read my articles about Siquijor Island:

• Siquijor Island Travel Guide
• Cambugahay Falls
• San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent
• Things to do in Siquijor Island
• List of Hotels and Beaches in Siquijor

Getting There:

Siquijor is located in the Central Visayas between Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Mindanao, Philippines. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor and for now, is the third smallest province in the country.

To get the Island the most common and used option is the ferry. There are connections from Cebu City (Cebu island), Dumaguete (Negros Island) or Tagbilaran (Bohol island) among others cities.

 

Jet skiing at Lakawon Island Resort

13.Lakawon Island Resort

I have so many beautiful memories at Lakawon Island Resort which made the place top on my list.

Please click here for my story about Lakawon Island Resort

Getting there :

The Island can be reached through Barangay Cadiz Viejo. A motorboat takes visitors to the island. The ride is about 30 minutes.

From Bacolod City, travel by private car will take just over an hour. There are also buses plying the Northern Negros which stops at Cadiz Viejo.

 

 

14. Pagudpud and  Zipline at the Blue Lagoon

I would like to add zip lining at the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud in this list. Honestly, It was not the zip line that excites me most because the launching point was not that high that it does not give one thrilling experience. However, it’s my over

Please read my experience Ziplining at the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud