1. Find your own deserted island
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| Coron Island, Palawan |
It's no exaggeration. With thousands upon thousands of unspoiled tropical islands, lined with white sand beaches and coconut trees, you can find your island paradise even without a map.
Just book an island-hopping tour on an outrigger boat (locally known as a banca) and set sail wherever the wind takes you. And don't forget to enjoy a meal of the freshest seafood right in your own Robinson Crusoe fantasy.
2. Go on a food adventure
It's nop secret Filipinos love their food. That's why you'll find the cuisine as exotic and exciting as the people.
Here are some dishes to try:
-Adobo
It's a dish of marinated pork or chicken or vegetables, and sometimes all three. There are various versions around the country. Try at least one and it'll leave you craving for more.
-Sinigang
A popular Philippine soup flavored with either tamarind, calamansi, guava, or even green mangoes. It's sour taste can be a bit strong, but can surely get you hooked at the first sip.
-Sisig
Very delicious dish of pork ears and cheeks served on a sizzling plate. Don't let the description put you off, it's one of our favorite local dishes. Best paired with a local beer. (not recommended for muslim).
-Kare-kare
Yes, Filipinos like repeating names, as you'll realize during your stay here. You might get a waiter named Jun-Jun to serve you kare-kare. This dish is a stew made from peanut sauce, vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef, and sometimes tripe. Best eaten with white rice and bagoong (shrimp paste).
-Halo-halo
Literally translated, it means "mix mix." It's a local dessert that combines shaved ice, milk, and different boiled sweet beans and fruits.
3. Go diving
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| Anilao Island, Batangas |
The Philippines has some of the best dive sites in the world! And with warm, inviting waters, you can explore in just a rashguard and board shorts.
If you aren't a diver, there are numerous PADI-certified centers all over the country where you can swim among countless species of corals and fish.
4. Learn some water sports
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| Siargao Island |
You'll never run out of things to do in the Philippines - whether it's underwater, or above it. And the best thing is, you'll get a great tan while you're at it.
With different kinds of beaches and waves, the archipelago is perfect for imaginable kind of water sport. Check with your resort on what activities you can try.
5.
Relax! (try the local massage known as hilot)
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| Hilot |
The traditional Filipino massage has healing properties associated with acupuncture and aromatherapy.
And you'll discover that you can find a spa almost everywhere you go - from a busy mall to a deserted island. But for the ultimate in relaxation, travel to a luxury resort spa that takes up an entire tropical island.
6. Experience partying the Filipino way - at a fiesta!
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| Kadangyan Festival, Bacolod |
If you want to soak up the culture, then you should definitely catch a Filipino fiesta. It's usually a crazy, intense celebration with tables and tables of food, singing, and street dancing.