The Philippines isn’t nearly pristine seashores and island-hopping. For thrill-seekers seeking to spike their coronary heart charges, this archipelago serves up journey with a aspect of ‘what-would-my-mother-say?’
From leaping off waterfalls to swimming with sharks, right here’s your information to each adrenaline repair your eTravel Pass gives you access to in the Philippines.
A Kawasan Falls Canyoning Expedition
Tucked away within the jungles of Cebu, Kawasan Falls is the last word water park for nature lovers. However overlook lazy rivers and wave swimming pools – we’re speaking about leaping off 12-metre cliffs, sliding down pure rock formations, and abseiling down waterfalls.
Canyoning (or canyoneering in case you’re feeling fancy) right here begins with a trek via the jungle. Your information will equipment you out with helmets, life jackets, and sufficient security gear to make you appear like a tropical SWAT workforce member. Then it’s time to make the leap – actually.
The route takes you thru a sequence of more and more dramatic jumps and slides. Impossibly turquoise waters framed by lush rainforest make the setting actually spectacular too. And by the top, you’ll have conquered fears you didn’t even know you had!
Swimming with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua
Proper, time to channel your interior marine biologist and dive with some severely cool predators. Malapascua Island is likely one of the few locations on this planet the place you’ll be able to reliably spot thresher sharks. These elegant creatures, with their distinctive scythe-like tails, are identified to dwell within the deep however right here they arrive into the sunshine, kind of.
The catch? You’ll should be up earlier than daybreak for a 5 am dive. However watching these magnificent creatures emerge from the deep blue at Monad Shoal is price each yawn. They arrive to cleansing stations the place smaller fish take away parasites from their pores and skin, making it a enjoyable 2-for-1 sighting occasion.
Not licensed to dive? No worries. Malapascua’s dive outlets provide PADI programs. Studying to dive with thresher sharks as your commencement current? Now that’s a narrative for the grandkids.
ATV Rides On Mayon’s Excellent Cone
Mount Mayon within the Bicol area isn’t simply any previous volcano – it’s the world’s most excellent volcanic cone. And what higher approach to discover it than on a quad bike? The ATV trails take you thru lava fields, throughout rivers, and up the volcano’s decrease slopes.
The terrain varies from clean and simple to ‘hold-onto-your-breakfast’ tough. As you energy via volcanic landscapes, Mayon’s symmetrical peak looms above you want one thing out of a fantasy movie. And you’ll get soiled. Very soiled. That black volcanic soil will get in every single place. However hey, it’s most likely good on your pores and skin or one thing, proper?
Cliff Diving in Ariel’s Level
If leaping off completely good platforms into crystal-clear water is your thought of enjoyable (and why wouldn’t or not it’s?) head to Ariel’s Point close to Boracay. With 5 totally different diving boards starting from 3 to fifteen metres excessive, a real-life choose-your-own-adventure ebook for adrenaline junkies.
Begin with the decrease platforms to heat up. Then, if you’re feeling courageous, deal with the large boy. Simply keep in mind – when you’re up there, the one manner down is thru the air.
The boat journey to Ariel’s Level is an journey in itself, with limitless drinks and a barbecue lunch included. Nothing pairs higher with surviving a 15-meter bounce than a chilly San Miguel and a few freshly grilled seafood.
Spelunking in Sagada’s Caves
The cave connection tour between Sumaguing and Lumiang caves is the crown jewel of Sagada spelunking. Let’s begin with Lumiang Cave, also called the Burial Cave. The doorway alone is sufficient to provide you with goosebumps – lots of of wood coffins stacked alongside the limestone partitions, some over 500 years previous.
The cave connection tour takes you from Lumiang via to Sumaguing Cave, a three- to four-hour journey that’ll take a look at each your bodily and psychological limits. You’ll squeeze via tight areas with names like ‘delivery canal’, scramble over slippery rocks, and wade via underground rivers. Your information will enable you to navigate utilizing nothing however fuel lamps, including an additional layer of Indiana Jones-style journey to the proceedings.
Inside Sumaguing, you’ll encounter formations that appear like they’ve been sculpted by a mad artist. There’s the ‘King’s Curtain’, a large flowstone that sparkles in your lamplight, and the ‘Pregnant Lady’, a formation that appears precisely like what you’d count on. The guides have names for each main formation, and their tales add a layer of native folklore to the journey.
The temperature inside stays cool year-round, however you’ll work up a sweat climbing, crawling, and sometimes cursing as you make your manner via. It’s a pure impediment course designed by a deity with a depraved sense of humour.
Mountain Biking in Batanes
Fancy some two-wheeled journey? Batanes, with its rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and powerful winds, gives mountain biking with a twist. The paths vary from light coastal rides to difficult hill climbs. One of the best half? The beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean on one aspect and the South China Sea on the opposite. Simply attempt to not get too distracted by the surroundings – these hills will be treacherous.
Keep in mind to test the climate forecast. The locals have a saying: ‘When you don’t just like the climate in Batanes, wait 5 minutes.’ They’re not kidding.
Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan de Oro
CDO (because the locals name it) gives a number of the finest whitewater rafting within the Philippines. The Cagayan River serves up rapids starting from ‘light splash’ to ‘hold-onto-your-paddle’, relying on the time of yr.
The total-day journey takes you thru 21 rapids, every with its personal charming identify like ‘Kiss the Wall’ or ‘The Washing Machine’. Your information will train you the fundamentals of paddling and security, then it’s time to get moist.
Between rapids, preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife alongside the riverbanks. Simply don’t get too distracted – these rapids gained’t navigate themselves.
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Between adventures, you’ll end up in a number of the most stunning spots on Earth, with pleasant locals at all times able to share a narrative or a smile. Simply keep in mind to take numerous photographs – no one again house will imagine you probably did all this in any other case.
So go on, push your boundaries, face your fears, and uncover simply how a lot journey you’ll be able to deal with. The Philippines is ready to check your mettle. Simply don’t inform your mum in regards to the shark diving till you’re safely house.
