You’ve got one thing today that you won’t have at least 20 years from now: vigor.
While you have this, you are in perfect shape to tackle these things to do in the Philippines before you turn 30.
Yes, the Philippines has a variety of travel destinations to visit and activities to do. Here they are.
Things to do in the Philippines before you turn 30-ish
Get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od
Apo Whang-od, the mambabatok (Kalinga tattooist), is a sought-after tattoo artist. She is known for her craft that utilizes the traditional way of hand-tapping.
This is the ultimate spiritual experience—it is between you and Apo Whang-od.
There won’t be any anesthesia, only the bamboo hammers, thorns from pomelo fruit, and soots. These are Apo Whang-od’s tattoo kit.
You won’t get modern tattoos, though. She chooses the tattoo based on the Baybayin alphabet.
Feast on street foods and other Filipino delicacies
Filipino eats are some of the most delicious foods you’d ever taste. Delicious yes, strangest too.
Getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new is an adventure in itself.
One best way to do that is to indulge your palate by sampling peculiar foods from the Philippines such as balut (duck embryo), tamilok (woodworm), and grilled innards (coagulated blood, gizzard, and intestine).
These are the delicacies that make the local culinary scene unique yet pleasantly satisfying. You’ll crave more!
Join a pub crawl in Boracay
Of course, Bora—the best island in the world.
You have to experience the party scene in Boracay first hand. Partying starts as soon as the sunset.
From the energetic clubs to laidback bars featuring live music on the nightspot stretch, you’ll surely appreciate the vivacity of the place. All you need is to pick your choice of a place to enjoy the night with friends.
If you dig socializing while partying, participate in a pub crawl. The fun-loving crowd will keep perked up throughout the night until dawn.
Indulge in history in Vigan
Vigan screams of a rich legacy that you can indulge all you want.
UNESCO categorized the place as a world heritage site, describing Vigan as “exceptionally intact and well-preserved.”
If you go there and see the old mansions and brick roads, you’d know what I mean. It takes you back in time, specifically, the Spanish era.
While in Vigan, taste local delicacies such as empanada and longsilog (longganisa, fried egg, and fried rice combo).
Backpack solo in Sagada
Heartbroken or not, Sagada is the place to be.
The place is so mesmerizing, you will surely appreciate it with a travel buddy or by going solo.
If you’re up for it, you may also unleash your adventurous spirit through hiking inside caves. Another option is to explore the hot springs.
Other areas to explore are the Marlboro Mountain and Echo Valley.
Swim in the Underground River in Palawan
Another world heritage site on our list is the Underground River in Palawan. Aside from that, it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Also known as the Subterranean River, it stretches to 8.2 kilometers. This makes it the longest navigable river worldwide.
At the river ends, you can view sleeping bats. The cave is also surrounded by stalactites.
Dive the coral parks in Palawan
If not the Underground River, you may head to Puerto Princesa and dive the Tubbataha Reef. It is recognized in the world for its coral reefs.
Tubbataha Reef is one of the top diving sites in the world as well.
Bike around Batanes Island
Batanes Island is known for its vast, green pastures that you can see from afar. Nonetheless, the best way to explore the island is through biking.
There would be several stops, though, especially the Racuh Apayaman, which is locally known as the Marlboro Country of the Philippines.
You can also bike and hike to Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano in Basco.
Most importantly, you need to check out the honesty store and the stone houses located in Chavayan and Savidug.
Snorkel in Camiguin Island
There are at least two must-visit places in Camiguin Island: Mantigue Island and White Island. The sandbars are scenic places where you can capture moments for memories.
Nonetheless, the islands are not only perfect for swimming, but also for snorkeling. There are crowds, however, especially during peak season.
If you want to ditch the crowd, head to more secluded areas like the Tuawasan Falls and Katibawasan Falls. These are private spots that offer equally great aquatic scenes.
Ride the sand dunes in Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is known for its sand dunes that rival that of Dubai’s, for instance.
The area is like a sandbox for adults, with rolling terrains and sand dunes.
Get lost in the fun with your friends while riding sand boards, quad bikes, or 4×4 vehicles. This one is for the ultimate adrenaline rush experience.
Ghost hunt in Corregidor Island
Corregidor is a historical island with lots of creepy stories. If you long for a hair-raising experience, visit the place and stay for the night.
Many lives were lost during World War II. Based on historical accounts, Japenese soldiers committed suicide in there as they refused to surrender to the Americans.
The dark tunnels are a specially spooky area to ghost hunt. The hospital ruins are the next.
Trek up Mt. Pinatubo
If thrill-seeking is your idea of an adventure, trek up Mt. Pinatubo.
Compared with the catastrophic scenes when it erupted in 1991, the trek up endows scenic views. But, of course, nothing compared with how the crater lake looks today—gorgeous.
You need to pass through a rocky terrain which is only passable through a 4×4 jeep ride and trek up the crater.
In some places, the jeepney is the only mode of transportation. And with limited numbers of trips daily. They maximize the ride by top-loading wherein passengers and luggage and all those kinds of stuff are placed on top of the jeepney.
Ride on top of a jeepney
It is definitely risky because of the scorching heat and the possibility of raining. But the views are worth it.
A disclaimer: this is not for everyone; only the bravest of hearts can ride atop the jeepney.
Do an adventure trip in Masungi Georeserve
Places to visit in Rizal are increasing in popularity and numbers.
One of these must-explore places is the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, near Tanay. The reserve is located in the area’s lush rainforest.
The adventure trip is composed of rope courses, hanging bridges, rock formations, and the spider-like hammock where you can enjoy the view of the grounds.
The management offers discovery trail tours, day and night. A reservation is required, though.
While there, do a side side trip overnight at WK Forest Reserve and Campgrounds and watch the sea of clouds in the morning. You’ll be amazed at how nature works!
Attend a local fiesta
There is nothing more authentic than experiencing fiestas in the province.
Fiestas are really in our Filipino DNA. We are fun-loving people so we dig colorful costumes, street dancing, parades, pageants, and competitions (danging, singing, and drum and bugle corps).
In the Philippines also, there are big festivals such as Ati-Atihan in Aklan and Sinulog Festival in Cebu.
Surf in Siargao
Siargao is the surfer’s haven, especially Cloud 9, where the swells are incomparable. Surfers from different parts of the world claim that riding the waves here is a perfect surfing adventure.
Surf lessons are offered in the place also. Don’t fret even if this is your first time surfing here because there are places for beginners.
If not surfing, why not try beach camping? The one-with-nature accommodation makes all the difference.
All you need to do is find the right beach resort that offers camping facilities, pitch a tent, and build a bonfire.
Go beach camping
Allow yourself to immerse in the nature around you while turning your back on the Internet for a few days.
You have many choices—from Batangas to Zambales and even Cebu and Davao.
Zipline over Lake Sebu
Ziplining is one of the most underrated adventure activities in the Philippines. For one, a lot of travel destinations offer this as an attraction.
If you want to amp up your ziplining game, go to South Cotabato. From up there, you will see the seven majestic falls of Lake Sebu.
Remember this: it’s never too late to experience all these outrageous things. You’re young, so explore, explore, explore!
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