The most popular tour for good reason. Visit Big Lagoon where you kayak between towering limestone cliffs in crystal-clear water. Small Lagoon requires swimming through a narrow opening to reach the hidden interior. Secret Lagoon is accessed through an even smaller hole in the rocks. Shimizu Island offers excellent snorkeling over coral gardens, and 7 Commando Beach provides white sand relaxation. Tours run 9 AM to 4 PM with lunch included on the boat.
Price: PHP 1,200-1,400 (includes lunch, snorkel gear, kayak, entrance fees)
Pro Tip: Book the day before through any tour operator on Real Street. Bring motion sickness medicine if prone - waters can be choppy between islands. Waterproof phone case essential for lagoon kayaking.
Four kilometers of golden sand backed by coconut palms with turquoise water stretching to the horizon. This is the Philippines beach of your dreams, minus the crowds because it requires 45-minute scooter ride from El Nido town. Twin Beach connects Nacpan to Calitang via a scenic 10-minute walk through groves. The handful of bamboo restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, adobo, and cold San Miguel. Arrive early morning for the beach to yourself, stay all day reading in hammocks.
Price: Free entry (transport and food extra)
Pro Tip: Road is paved but has potholes. Rent scooter with good brakes. Bring cash - no ATMs. Beach restaurants take forever to cook - order when you arrive, eat 90 minutes later. Stay until sunset then ride back before full darkness.
Tour C features the best beaches and fewer tourists than Tour A. Hidden Beach lives up to its name - swim through rocks to reach a secluded cove with soft white sand. Secret Beach requires squeezing through an even tighter passage. Matinloc Shrine offers abandoned Spanish chapel ruins on hilltop with 360-degree views. Helicopter Island and Talisay Beach round out the day. Less snorkeling than Tour A, more pristine beaches.
Price: PHP 1,400-1,600 (includes everything)
Pro Tip: Tour C books out faster than others during peak season. Reserve 2 days ahead. Strong swimming ability helps for accessing secret beaches. Waterproof bag protects valuables during water passages.
Coron is world-famous for WWII Japanese shipwreck diving. Twelve wrecks from September 1944 US air raid sit in 10-40 meters of water. Irako is massive freighter with holds you can penetrate. Okikawa Maru still has gun turrets and engine room accessible. Skeleton Wreck is coral-encrusted and photogenic. Most wrecks are advanced dives (20-40m) requiring AOW certification, but some like Lusong Gunboat are recreational depth. Two-tank dive packages include guide, equipment, tanks.
Price: PHP 3,000-3,800 for 2 dives with equipment
Pro Tip: Book through Sea Dive Resort or Discovery Divers (established operators). Wrecks get crowded in peak season - go early week if possible. Bring dive light for interior penetration. Currents can be strong - follow guide's instructions.
Kayangan Lake is the Philippines' most photographed location - that iconic limestone cliff shot with emerald water. Climb 150 wooden steps to reach the viewpoint, then descend to the lake for swimming. Water is incredibly clear but cold. Twin Lagoon features hot and cold water mixing - you can feel temperature change as you swim through the connecting passage. Both lakes require entrance fees on top of tour cost. Standard Coron island tour includes both plus Barracuda Lake.
Price: PHP 1,200-1,500 island tour (6-8 hours)
Pro Tip: Arrive Kayangan viewpoint before 10 AM to avoid tour groups. Wear water shoes - rocky lake bottoms. Bring snorkel for Barracuda Lake - unique thermocline experience. Pack reef-safe sunscreen - strictly enforced.
Natural saltwater hot springs overlooking Coron Bay. Water temperature stays 38-40°C year-round. Two pools connected by boardwalk through mangroves. Perfect for sore muscles after days of island hopping and diving. Open until 10 PM - sunset visits (5-7 PM) are most popular but also most crowded. After 8 PM you often have pools to yourself. Changing rooms, showers, towel rental available on-site.
Price: PHP 200 entrance, towel rental PHP 50
Pro Tip: Tricycle from town PHP 150 each way (negotiate round trip PHP 250 with waiting). Bring your own towel to save money. Don't expect luxury - it's simple facilities but the hot springs are genuine and relaxing. Evening visits mean cooler air temperature, better experience.
Climb 724 concrete steps to giant cross and 360-degree viewpoint over Coron Bay and limestone islands. The sunset panorama is spectacular - orange sky, silhouetted karst formations, boats returning from tours. Climb takes 20-30 minutes at moderate pace. Steps are well-maintained but steep in sections. Start 4:30 PM to reach top before sunset. Stay for blue hour when town lights twinkle below.
Price: PHP 100 entrance fee
Pro Tip: Start 4:30-5:00 PM for sunset arrival. Bring flashlight for descent in darkness. Vendors at top sell cold drinks (overpriced). Avoid midday heat - this climb is brutal in sun. Trailhead is 5-minute walk from town center.
Four kilometers of powder-soft white sand and turquoise water that made Boracay world-famous. Divided into three stations: Station 1 is upscale and quieter, Station 2 is the action center with restaurants and nightlife, Station 3 is budget-friendly and less developed. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, beach massages, and endless swimming. After 2018 rehabilitation, beach is pristine again with strict regulations on vendors and buildings.
Price: Free (activities and rentals extra)
Pro Tip: Walk the entire 4 km beach length - each station has different vibe. Sunset at Station 1 or 2 is magical with sailboats silhouetted. Beach massage PHP 400-600/hour. Stand-up paddleboard rental PHP 500/hour. Beachfront restaurants range PHP 300-1,000 per meal.
Traditional paraw sailboat cruise during golden hour. These outrigger boats with colorful sails are Boracay icons. Tours depart 4:30-5:00 PM and sail along White Beach while sun sets over the horizon. Bring camera for the postcard shots. Most tours include welcome drink (fresh buko juice or beer). Shared boats take 6-15 people. Private charters available for romantic sunset experience.
Price: PHP 800-1,200 shared (per person), PHP 3,500-5,000 private boat
Pro Tip: Book in morning along White Beach - operators have stalls. Bring jacket for wind on water. Sunset sailing is weather-dependent - cancelled if too windy. Dry season (Nov-May) has calmest conditions and best sunsets.
Perfect for non-swimmers who want to walk on the ocean floor. Wear a heavy helmet with constant air supply and walk 4-5 meters underwater surrounded by tropical fish. Guides feed fish to attract swarms around you. It's touristy but fun and requires zero swimming ability. Popular with families and nervous first-timers. Similar to sea walker experiences elsewhere but Boracay has perfected it.
Price: PHP 500-700 per person
Pro Tip: Operators cluster near Station 2. Underwater photos cost extra PHP 200-300. Helmet is heavy - neck strain possible if sensitive. Kids love this but minimum age usually 7-8 years. Morning sessions have better visibility than afternoon.
Boracay's second-most famous beach, far quieter than White Beach. Named for puka shells that wash up on shore (collecting them is now restricted for conservation). Coarser sand than White Beach but still beautiful. Almost no development - just a few simple restaurants. Perfect escape when White Beach feels too crowded. Waves are bigger, making this popular with bodyboarders. Tricycle from Station 2 takes 20 minutes.
Price: Free (transport extra)
Pro Tip: Bring food and drinks - limited restaurants charge premium prices. Morning visits avoid afternoon crowds. Shells are everywhere but taking them damages beach ecosystem - photograph instead. Combine with nearby Ilig-Iligan Beach for variety.
Bohol's signature attraction - over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills spread across 50 square kilometers. Hills are covered in grass that turns brown during dry season (December-May), resembling chocolate kisses. The viewing deck in Carmen municipality requires climbing 214 steps but rewards with panoramic views. ATV tours around the hills cost extra PHP 800-1,000 per hour. Sunrise visits are special but require overnight stay in Carmen.
Price: PHP 50 entrance to viewpoint
Pro Tip: Include Chocolate Hills in countryside tour (PHP 3,500-4,500 for van + multiple stops). Hills are most "chocolate" December-May when grass is brown. Rainy season they're green. Viewpoint has restaurant and souvenir shops. Bring water - no shade during climb.
See the world's smallest primates - Philippine tarsiers are tiny (10-15 cm) with enormous eyes. The conservation center in Corella protects wild tarsiers in their natural habitat. Boardwalks let you observe without disturbing them. Guides point out tarsiers camouflaged in trees. Strictly no flash photography and no touching - tarsiers are extremely sensitive and can die from stress. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) when tarsiers are most active before sleeping through the day.
Price: PHP 60 entrance fee
Pro Tip: Go to Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, NOT the roadside "tarsier viewing" places that cage them (unethical). Visit takes 30-45 minutes. Combine with Chocolate Hills countryside tour. Guides work for tips - PHP 50-100 appreciated. Binoculars help spot tarsiers in trees.
Buffet lunch on floating restaurant cruising upriver through jungle scenery. Live musicians play Filipino folk songs and popular covers while you eat unlimited Filipino buffet. The cruise lasts 1.5 hours passing villages, nipa huts, and rainforest. At turnaround point, local performers present cultural show. It's touristy but honestly fun and the buffet quality exceeds expectations for the price. Kids enjoy the river scenery and music.
Price: PHP 450-600 including buffet and entertainment
Pro Tip: Boarding is first-come seating - arrive early for river-view tables. Bring small bills for tipping musicians (PHP 20-50). Vegetarians have limited options but rice and vegetables available. River cruise fits perfectly into countryside tour schedule after tarsiers, before Chocolate Hills.
Marine sanctuary island with dramatic underwater wall dropping from 5 to 500 meters. Snorkel above the abyss watching sea turtles, massive schools of jacks and snappers, vibrant coral formations. Visibility often exceeds 20 meters. Turtle sightings are almost guaranteed - these waters have thriving populations. Tour includes stop at Virgin Island (disappearing sandbar) for photos. Half-day tour departs Alona Beach morning or afternoon.
Price: PHP 1,200-1,500 (snorkel gear, entrance fees, guide)
Pro Tip: Book tour day before through Alona Beach dive shops. Morning departures (7-8 AM) have calmest seas and best visibility. Bring reef-safe sunscreen - sanctuary strictly enforces. Virgin Island sandbar only appears at low tide - check schedules. Underwater camera essential for turtle photos.
Snorkel alongside whale sharks (butanding) in shallow water. These gentle giants reach 10-15 meters long but are harmless plankton eaters. Oslob has controversial feeding program keeping sharks near shore daily. Encounters guaranteed but critics argue feeding disrupts natural behavior. Tours allow 30 minutes in water with sharks. Combine with Tumalog Falls visit and Sumilon Island sandbar for full-day southern Cebu tour.
Price: PHP 1,000 snorkeling, PHP 1,500 diving, camera fee PHP 500
Pro Tip: Arrive 5-6 AM for shortest queues (peak season waits exceed 2 hours). Touching sharks is strictly prohibited - PHP 2,500 fine. Briefing video is mandatory. Feeding practice is controversial - research ethics before deciding. Whale sharks also seen in Donsol and other locations with more natural encounters.
Full-day adventure combining cliff jumping, swimming through canyons, and rappelling waterfalls to reach stunning Kawasan Falls. Start upriver and work downstream jumping from 5-15 meter cliffs into turquoise pools. Wade through slot canyons, rappel down water slides, and climb over boulders. Tour ends at three-tiered Kawasan Falls with emerald plunge pools. Guides handle all safety gear. Moderate fitness required - 3-4 hours of active adventure.
Price: PHP 1,500-2,000 including guide, gear, entrance
Pro Tip: Book through certified operators only (safety critical). Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet. Waterproof bag or case for phone/camera. Life jacket provided even if strong swimmer. Not suitable for young children or those afraid of heights. Go early to avoid crowds at popular jump spots.
Half-day tour visiting Hilutungan Island marine sanctuary for snorkeling, Nalusuan Island fish sanctuary, and Caohagan Island for beach time. Hilutungan has vibrant coral gardens with abundant fish. Nalusuan features fish feeding (included in tour). Caohagan offers white sand beach, simple lunch, and local village to explore. Standard tour runs 8 AM to 2 PM. More convenient than Bohol hopping for travelers based in Cebu or Mactan.
Price: PHP 1,500-2,000 (snorkel gear, lunch, entrance fees)
Pro Tip: Book through Shangri-La Mactan or other resort water sports centers. Seasickness possible - take medicine if prone. Bring underwater camera. Reef-safe sunscreen required at sanctuaries. Snorkeling ability needed - strong currents in channels between islands.
UNESCO World Heritage site, Philippines' largest coral reef system. World-class diving with sharks, manta rays, turtles. Liveaboard trips PHP 15,000-25,000 for 3-day expeditions. Best March-June. Remote but worth it for serious divers.
World-class UNESCO site accessible only March-June by liveaboard. Pristine coral walls, pelagic species, sharks, rays. Liveaboard packages PHP 85,000-120,000 for 7-10 days. Expensive but bucket-list diving. Permits limited.
Millions of sardines form massive bait ball near shore. Snorkel or dive through the school for surreal experience. Daily occurrence at Panagsama Beach. Shore dive PHP 500-800 with guide. Combine with turtle sanctuary.
Macro photography heaven - nudibranchs, frogfish, pygmy seahorses. 2 hours from Manila makes this popular weekend dive destination. Day trips PHP 3,500-5,000 for 2 dives. Best March-May and October-December.
Cloud 9: Philippines' most famous surf break. Right-hand reef break with hollow barrels. Advanced surfers only - shallow reef and strong currents. Surf season August-November with best swells. Beginner-friendly breaks nearby at Jacking Horse and Daku Island. Surf lessons PHP 500-800 for 2 hours. Board rental PHP 300-500/day.
What to Expect: Siargao has laid-back vibe with yoga studios, organic cafes, beach bars. General Luna town is the hub. Island hopping tours visit Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island (PHP 1,500). Magpupungko Rock Pools natural infinity pools at low tide (free). Accommodation ranges PHP 500 budget dorms to PHP 5,000+ beachfront resorts.
Bulabog Beach: Opposite side of island from White Beach, Bulabog gets consistent wind November-May (habagat season). Flat water and steady breeze create perfect kitesurfing conditions. Several kite schools offer lessons and equipment rental. IKO certification courses available.
Pricing:
- Discovery session (2 hours): PHP 3,500
- Full course to independence (6-9 hours): PHP 15,000-20,000
- Equipment rental for certified riders: PHP 1,500-2,500/hour
- Private lessons: PHP 3,000-4,000/hour
Best Locations: El Nido lagoons (kayaks included in tours), Coron lakes, Boracay White Beach, Siargao island hopping. Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals available at all major beaches. Clear water makes kayaking over coral gardens spectacular. Sunset paddles are popular.
Typical Costs:
- Kayak rental: PHP 300-400/hour
- SUP rental: PHP 400-600/hour
- Guided kayak tours: PHP 1,200-2,000 (half-day)
- SUP yoga sessions: PHP 800-1,200
Tandem Flights: Carmona (1.5 hours from Manila) offers tandem paragliding over Laguna de Bay with views of Taal Volcano. Flights last 15-30 minutes depending on thermals. No experience needed - certified pilot controls everything. Best season December-May with stable weather. Minimum weight 30 kg, maximum 100 kg. Photos/video package adds PHP 500.
Top Ziplines:
- Dahilayan Adventure Park (Bukidnon): 840 meters, Asia's longest dual zipline, PHP 800
- Eden Nature Park (Davao): 200 meters through forest canopy, PHP 500
- Coral Garden (Davao): 250 meters over water, PHP 600
- Punta Cruz Watchtower (Masbate): Scenic coastal zipline, PHP 300
Most ziplines include safety briefing, gear, and guide. Tandem options available for nervous riders or children (minimum age typically 7-8 years).
Mt. Pinatubo: Trek 7 km through volcanic landscape to crater lake. 4x4 ride to trailhead (PHP 1,500), then 2-hour hike. Stunning turquoise lake in caldera. Guide mandatory. Full day from Manila PHP 2,500-3,500.
Taal Volcano: World's smallest active volcano on island in lake. Boat to island PHP 2,000 (round trip), horse ride to crater PHP 500, or hike 30 minutes. Amazing views but volcano status changes - check current access before booking.
Mt. Mayon: Perfect cone volcano in Bicol. Campsite trek (2 days) requires guide and permit PHP 3,500+. Summit attempts for experienced climbers only. Viewing from distance at Lignon Hill is free alternative.
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