After spending 45 days exploring the islands of the Philippines, we narrowed down our favorite adventures. These aren’t ranked, because each one was memorable in its own way—but they made our trip what it was. Here’s a recap of the 10 things we loved most, grouped by location.
Moalboal
1. Learning to Dive (PADI Open Water Course at Amigo’s Dive Center)
This was our first time diving, and honestly, it was a game-changer. The course took three days, cost around $460 CAD per person, and included e-learning, two pool dives, and four open water dives. What made it special wasn’t just the cost—it was the feeling of safety and support. Our instructor Marcus kept things relaxed, and having the dive sites right across the street or 10 minutes by boat made everything easier.
2. Kawasan Canyoning and Ziplining
We booked this through our dive shop for about $50 CAD, with an optional zipline add-on for $17. The zipline launches you across the jungle and saves you a slippery 30-minute hike—absolutely worth it. The canyoning itself was a mix of cliff jumps, rock slides, and floating through turquoise pools surrounded by towering canyon walls. It pushed us physically and mentally, but the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment made it one of the most unforgettable days.
3. The Sardine Run
This natural phenomenon is just steps from shore—you can snorkel or dive right into a swirling mass of sardines. We did it as a fun dive ($36 CAD) but you can also snorkel it for about $25. Seeing thousands of fish move as one shimmering wall, and even hearing their movement underwater, was mesmerizing. You don’t need a boat or a tour—just your gear and the beach.
Bohol
4. Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary
These tiny, wide-eyed primates were even smaller than we imagined. We chose the official sanctuary for conservation reasons, which included a quiet 15-minute guided walk and a short video. Entry cost about $3.70 CAD. The whole experience felt peaceful and respectful.
5. Chocolate Hills
It’s one of Bohol’s iconic views, and it didn’t disappoint. After a short van ride up, we climbed a staircase to reach a panoramic viewpoint of hundreds of rounded hills stretching out into the horizon. Entry was just $2.50 CAD.
Siquijor
6. Snorkeling at the Tubod Marine Sanctuary
A protected reef right off the southwest coast. Entry was only $2.50 and gear rentals were the same. We saw a sea turtle and a massive variety of fish, all within swimming distance of shore. The water was calm, the reef was alive, and it was one of the most relaxed snorkeling spots we found.
7. Waterfall Chasing
We made it to two of Siquijor’s many waterfalls. My favorite was Lugnason Falls—cool, quiet, and perfect for a dip. There were rope swings and local kids jumping off the rocks, giving it a fun, laid-back feel. Entrance fees were minimal, usually under $1.50.
Palawan (Sibaltan & El Nido)
8. Escaping the Crowds in Sibaltan
Instead of staying in busy El Nido town, we based ourselves on the quieter east coast in Sibaltan. From there, we booked a private island hopping tour for about $95 CAD for two people. We visited three islands, had beaches all to ourselves, and were able to decide how long we stayed at each place. It was peaceful, personal, and so worth it.
9. Diving in Sibaltan
We dove with Dive Sibaltan, hoping to spot manta rays. Though we didn’t see any, we still encountered sea turtles, cuttlefish, and spotted rays. The vibe was laid back and the dive sites had excellent visibility. Two dives with rental gear came to around $130 CAD per person.
Coron
10. The Super Ultimate Island Hopping Tour
Our final highlight was this all-day boat trip through the waters of Coron. For $42 CAD per person, we visited Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, coral reefs, and had lunch on a quiet beach. Despite the name, it wasn’t overwhelming—only 16 people on the boat, and none of the stops felt too busy. The coral snorkeling was particularly stunning.
The Philippines gave us some of the most memorable experiences of our travels so far—from diving into reef walls to standing on mountaintops at sunset. Whether you’re a beach bum, a thrill-seeker, or a nature lover, there’s something here for you. We can’t wait to go back.
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