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7 Unique Ways to Travel in the Philippines

Kw: philippine vacation
Visit philippines

The Philippines is one of the best countries for sightseeing. When you visit Philippines you’ll quickly notice that everywhere you look you’re bound to see a stunning mountainscape, vibrant jungle foliage and flora, and of course lots and lots of brilliantly bright beaches all surrounded by the most crystal-clear waters. However, to see all the sights and sounds this archipelago has to offer you’re going to need to find a way to navigate through it all. Because the Philippines is mostly made up of islands, you won’t be able to get everywhere by foot. Luckily there are many ways to travel through the Philippines, and each one lets you experience the country in fun and exciting ways. So stock up your backpack with essentials and make sure your camera batteries are fresh because not only will want a dozen snapshots every step of your destination, but you’ll for sure want to document the way you got there too.

Stand-Up Paddling

Stand Up Paddling is one of the most popular water activities in the Philippines because it’s a low endurance sport that almost anyone can do (even without previous experience). Stand Up Paddling involves using a board and paddle to glide calmly along the surface of the water. This allows you to gaze upon some of the best shores, but also be mesmerized by the stunning cerulean waters that surround them. Not only that but you can explore popular destinations like Taal Lake, go island hopping, and even voyage through fantastic coves. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment as every tour will let you rent your own.

Bamboo Bike Tour

If you’re looking for an active way to not only explore the islands on your Philippine vacation, but give back to the country as well a bamboo bike tour should definitely be on your itinerary. The awesome Bambike company makes handmade bamboo bicycles with fair-trade labor and offers guided cycling ecotours that will take you around Manila or the San Lorenzo Wind Farms. Plus your bambike tour helps support programs for scholarships, teacher sponsoring, feeding children and bamboo reforestation. Is there anything better than having fun while helping people and the environment? 

Ultralight Flying

Taking a hike through an island is always a great way to see it – but what if you could see an island all at once? If you’re an adventure seeker and want one-of-a-kind bird’s eye views of some of the many islands of the Philippines then an ultralight flying tour is for you. Ultralights takes your Philippine vacation to new heights as you sit and soar over the country. These aircrafts are small 2-seaters similar to hang gliders except you sit in them and they include an engine and a fixed wing. These tours are enjoyed by tourists because not only are they an incredibly fun and unique way to see the country’s varying landscapes, it’s also low-cost too. The Mindanao Saga Flying Club and the Angeles City Flying Club are both premier facilities where you can let your sense of adventure soar. 

ATV/4WD 

When in a new country, it’s always more fun to explore off the beaten path. When you visit Philippines you’ll quickly notice how diverse the landscape is – from sandy dunes to rippling rivers, and of course plenty of rocky mountain terrain. Luckily, every inch of the landscape can be easily traversed, when you hop aboard an ATV or 4WD. All-terrain vehicle and 4-wheel-drive tours are not only an easy way to travel through rough terrain, they’re also one of the most fun and easiest ways to do so. Even if you don’t have a driver’s licence maneuvering your ATV or 4WD is easy and can take you to some of the most stunning sights. A favourite tour amongst many is the Mayon Lava Trail in Bicol, which will take you over volcanic turf and give you incredible views of the Mayon volcano. Or get an extreme close-up look of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol when you drive directly through the magnificent hills and glorious rice terraces. 

Jeepney Tour

If there’s one thing that’s iconic to the Philippines it’s their bright and colourful Jeepney. These open-air mini buses are highly decorated and the main mode of public transportation  in the country. Is it any wonder they were even used as the national image for the Philippines at the 1964 World’s Fair. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get around the city make sure you have change and pay attention to the jeepney’s route (they’re often written on the side of the vehicle and will even tell you which streets they use to get there). If you’re looking for a more personal experience there are private group jeepney tours in Manila that will take you to important historic landmarks and even local restaurants for authentic and irresistible Filipiine cuisine. 

Luxury Cruise

If hiking and physical exertion isn’t your thing and you’re looking to indulge on your Philippine vacation consider the nautical option and book a luxury cruise. There’s no better way to get your sea legs and see all 7,641 than sailing between them….especially if it involves soaking up the sun on the lido deck at the same time. For excursions in and around Manila check out what Royal Caribbean has to offer. To get the full celebrity experience and to visit some of the top rated beaches in the world there’s a package at Celebrity Cruises with your name on it.