The Philippines is a spectacular country where you can take in gorgeous landscapes, connect with local wildlife, and film some of the most beautiful things on the planet. I spent a month traveling around the islands and seeking out some of the best adventures the Philippines has to offer. Looking for some amazing things to do in the Philippines? Here are 10 of my favorites!
Interested in filming in the Philippines?
Grab your copy of a publication I put together just for you!
➜ Things I WISH I Knew About Filming In The Philippines
Read on to find my Top 10 picks for things to do in the Philippines.
Or, just watch the video for all of the excitement including island hopping, hiking ancient rice terraces, swimming with whale sharks, meeting tarsier primates, visiting the legendary Chocolate Hills, and more!
WATCH THE VIDEO ▶︎ TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE PHILIPPINES
1- Go Island Hopping
Island Hopping is pretty much THE main thing to do in the Philippines and it’s the best way to see the breathtaking natural side of the country.
Island hopping will lead you to discover exquisite hidden lagoons, classic scenic overlooks, relaxing small island beaches, life under the water, and more.
In order to embark on an island hopping excursion, you would first travel to a launching point. Some of the best ones are the island of Coron, and also the town of El Nido located on the island of Palawan.
From there you can book a number of different island hopping tours. In El Nido they were called Tours A,B,C and D. Your island hopping tour will cost anywhere from $20 to $50 USD depending on how many people you have to a boat.
The most popular boat for tours is the traditional Philippines banca boat. It’s easy to climb off of to explore the underwater landscape and it also looks super cool in photos and video. Your tour will likely include a fresh lunch of seafood, fruit and salads along with super helpful guides and knowledgeable boat staff.
In fact you’ll find all through the Philippines extremely friendly and caring locals and tour guides- it’s one of the best parts about visiting the Philippines!
It’s SO easy to find the island hopping tours once you get to these towns. Your hotel or hostel will offer options, or you can choose to book with any of the tour agency shops you find around town.
Philippines Travel Series Part III: Coron Eco Tour
Philippines Travel Series Part V: El Nido Island Hopping
2- Hike The Ancient Rice Terraces Of Banaue
High in the mountains, and centered on the main island of Luzon you’ll find the sweeping Cordillera region and an area known as Banaue.
The region hangs onto many Filipino cultural traditions and the main reason to visit is for a hike through its ancient rice terraces.
The terraces are a UNESCO world heritage site and were built into the mountainside at least a millennium ago. With a local guide, you can hike through the rustic villages centered inside them and learn about rural life in the Philippines.
Banuae is far from many other attractions in the Philippines, but WELL worth the effort to get there, not only for the views, but to experience a region rich with remnants of indigenous culture.
This particular tour was put on by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, in partnership with a travel bloggers convention called TBEX.
Philippines Travel Series Part II: Ancient Rice Terraces Of Banaue
3- Ride A Jeepney
Speaking of traditions, meet the Filipino Jeepney.
Jeepneys are a classic method of inexpensive public transportation in the Philippines, and were originally made from US military jeeps left in the country after World War II. They have since been elaborately decorated and turned into fun community vehicles.
Locals will simply jump on the back or top of a Jeepney, and fearlessly enjoy a ride across town. On this tour, we too were encouraged to ride on top in order to gain the full Filipino cultural experience. I was hesitant to do so at first, but was SO glad I did. Not only was it a blast, but I was able to capture some of the best footage I’ve ever captured on my gimbal stabilized camera. You’ll have to watch the video to see it 🙂
4- Visit The Underground River of Puerto Princesa
The underground river is a rare, naturally occurring river that runs through a cave in the town of Puerto Princesa. Visitors come here to experience a serene cave tour by canoe, and peek in on it’s local residents- cave bats.
Most tours cost about $30 USD. They begin in Puerto Princesa, include the 2 hour drive north, along with a guide, admission to the river, and lunch. Again, it’s very easy to find these tours once you’re in the town. Everyone from your local hostel to local taxi driver will offer them to you.
Once you reach the main launching point and board your boat, you are whisked across the water to a smaller island that is very much inhabited by wild monkeys! Tourists are warned that the monkeys may be quite aggressive in trying to get their hands on your snacks and belongings- so everything should remain zipped tight.
After some time waiting and observing the monkeys, you then prepare for your tour by suiting up in a life vest and hard hat. Just to be safe.
The tour takes every precaution not only to keep you safe, but to keep the cave undisturbed. It is a silent tour with an audio device telling you facts about the caves unique structures and ecosystem as you go along. The audio device ensures that you get all the best information in your preferred language, and that your group maintains a quiet and serene presence while touring the cave.
Philippines Travel Series Part IV: The Underground River of Puerto Princesa
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Things To Do In The Philippines
5- Meet The Tarsiers
Hopping over now to the island of Bohol, which I selected to visit due to two major attractions. First, the Philippine Tarsiers.
Tarsiers are tiny tree dwelling primates with giant eyes and they ONLY exist in select parts of Southeast Asia. They are on the brink of extinction and are better left undisturbed in the wild.
It’s best to visit a place called the Tarsier sanctuary to meet these tiny babies. Here their needs are well nurtured and visitors can see and learn all about them while supporting efforts to maintain their existence.
After learning a bit about the Tarsiers in the main building, a guide walks you through their outdoor living area to point out the precious creatures. They also make sure everyone remains quiet as to not disturb the sweet sleeping primates.
Philippines Travel Series Part VIII: Tour Of The Island Of Bohol
6- Visit The Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Also on Bohol, The Chocolate Hills are another fascinating and natural sight to see.
The Chocolate Hills are a National Geological Monument and are named after their resemblance to Hershey’s Kisses- due to the fact that they turn brown during the dry season.
Although the structures have somewhat baffled geologists, most believe that the hills have been uplifted from the sea due to tectonic shifts.
There are around 1,500 of these limestone structures and it almost seemed there were that many visitors there that day looking to catch a glimpse of the majestic landscape.
Philippines Travel Series Part VIII: Tour Of The Island Of Bohol
7- Go Ziplining
If you want to see the Philippines from the most thrilling perspective possible, you MUST go zip lining.
There are several places you can do this on different islands around the Philippines. My experience was a slightly unexpected one while traveling around Bohol, and I was SO glad my tour guide suggested it to me.
Zip Lining on Bohol was not only a great way to take in some gorgeous views, it was the perfect amount of ‘scary’ to round out my relaxing day touring the island.
8- Stay In A Fancy Resort
One of the coolest parts about traveling in the Philippines is that US and European currency can go pretty far to buy you some luxury.
Of course to CAN stay very inexpensively around islands, but I think its fun to splurge at least once during your travels, and stay in a fancy resort.
The Bluewater Resorts offer three locations and was kind enough to host me on both Panglao, and Sumilon. While a resort like this could cost thousands in the states, the prices here are quite affordable.
Check rates at The Bluewater Resort Panglao
Check rates at The Bluewater Resort Sumilon Island, which I feature in my Whale Shark video.
Philippines Travel Series Part VII: Bluewater Bliss
9- Swim With The Whale Sharks
Probably the most spectacular animal encounter in all of the Philippines is an opportunity to swim with these gentle giants.
You can take a variety of tours to swim or dive with the Whale Sharks. In some cases, like here is Oslob, the animals are fed by the locals close to shore in order to establish their guaranteed presence for tourists. Warning- There IS some controversy around this so doing research on the situation in advance is always a good idea to decide whether or not you want to partake. You can also arrange to go out deeper in the ocean to truly encounter the whale sharks in the wild.
The tour in Oslob cost just $20 USD and included an information session on the whale sharks and how to respect their boundaries during the swim. It’s very important that tourists follow these rules as to prefect agitation and injury to the wild animals.
Oslob is located on the island of Cebu and was the perfect distance for an afternoon trip from the Bluewater Resort on Sumilon Island.
The Philippines is one of only a handful of countries that offer this amazing sea life experience, which is why it’s clearly a top choice for things to do in the Philippines.
Philippines Travel Series Part IX: Swimming With Whale Sharks
10- Film Everything!!!
While visiting the Philippines you’re going to want to photograph and film EVERYTHING.
Even if you’re NOT a travel vlogger, the islands here are so visually stunning you’ll likely be grabbing for your camera at every turn.
So which is the best camera to bring?
Well, my trusty Canon Vlogging Camera was my go to for filming these type of talking pieces.
And then of course I needed my GoPro for the underwater stuff.
And with a GoPro, you always need accessories, so I used very specific extension poles to get shots like this.
For these super smooth shots I used my fun gimbal stabilized camera and completely different gimbal stabilized extension poles.
Yes, I was traveling with a lot of gear, but it made it well worth the hassle because I’ll always have great footage to remember my time doing all the best things there are to do in the Philippines.
Check out ALL my favorite video production gear in my very own Amazon shop >> HERE
Interested in filming in the Philippines? Grab your copy of a publication I put together just for you!
➜ Things I WISH I Knew About Filming In The Philippines
Leave me a comment and let me know which of these 10 adventures is most appealing to you and also check out the other Top 10 editions to this series!
