Patricia CaleonWhat do you do when you’re feeling unmotivated, uninspired, burned out, or unhappy? The quick answer to that is: fly to happy, fly to the Philippines!
The Philippines beckons with majestic islands and mountains filled with sun-soaked adventures that are perfect for anyone looking for the ultimate summer vacation of a lifetime. So, let’s explore the beauty of this archipelago and find the perfect sun-soaked adventure whether you crave heart-pounding hikes in the majestic mountains of Luzon or relaxing dives amidst the vibrant coral reefs of Visayas.
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Luckily, travelling to the Philippines is incredibly convenient, all thanks to Cebu Pacific. The digital-first airline has the widest Philippine network, offering signature low fares and direct flights from Singapore to Manila, Cebu, and Clark, where you can jumpstart your journey to your new happy place. Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines! Travel to the Philippines, travel to happy, and find your next sun-soaked adventure with Cebu Pacific!
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Feel the spike of adrenaline with these heart-pounding Philippine adventures
1. Paddleboarding in Bohol
Image credit: JB Macatulad | Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Bohol Tagbilaran Airport.
Experience a rush of happy hormones mixed with adrenaline as you glide effortlessly through paradise on a stand-up paddleboard adventure in Bohol! Explore the turquoise waters of the Loboc River, a sanctuary for diverse marine life and lush mangroves. Witness the iconic Chocolate Hills from a unique perspective, or discover hidden coves filled with colourful fish. For beginners, you can find calm waters and gentle instruction near Panglao Island, while seasoned paddlers can go on a new adventure of a lifetime, soaking in the serenity of Bohol’s stunning natural beauty and discovering the island’s secluded gems at your own pace.
2. ATV rides in Mount Mayon
Image credit: Jtepace | Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Naga Airport. Finally, take a 2 hour & 30-minute bus ride to Legazpi, Albay.
There’s quite like no other beauty than the mesmerising beauty of Mount Mayon. So, next up on our list of sun-soaked adventures in the Philippines — an ATV ride in Mount Mayon! Strap yourself in for an adrenaline rush like no other as you carve paths through volcanic ash fields on a powerful ATV. The best part? The majestic cone of Mayon Volcano just looms closer in your rearview mirror, and doubles as the most beautiful backdrop for your IG posts too!
Conquer gushing rivers and challenging inclines as the wind whips through your hair, with the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Albay landscape as your centre stage. More than just a sightseeing tour, going on an ATV in Mount Mayon is an off-road odyssey that will leave you exhilarated, coated in dust, and packed with wonderful memories of Mayon’s raw beauty etched into your travel logbook.
3. Swimming with whale sharks in Sorsogon
Image credit: Elgin Renz Rocili | Pexels
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Bicol International Airport. Finally, take a 1 hour & 30-minute bus ride to Sorsogon.
Dive into an unforgettable encounter in Sorsogon, where the world’s gentle giants, a.k.a whale sharks, gather! Popularly known as butanding by the locals, these gentle giants gracefully swim through the nutrient-rich waters of Donsol from November to May. Just imagine snorkelling alongside these magnificent creatures, truly a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling happy throughout your whole adventure.
Donsol, with its strict ecotourism regulations, is globally known for its responsible whale shark encounters, so know that both tourists and whale sharks are in good hands.
4. Canyoneering in Cebu
Image credit: Kawasan Canyoneering | Official Facebook
How to get there: From Singapore, take a direct flight to Cebu. Public transportation like taxis and tricycles are available to help get you to several towns in Cebu.
Ah, Cebu — where city life and rural adventure meet. Cebu is undeniably one of most popular tourist hotspots in the Philippines, and luckily, Cebu Pacific offers direct flights to Cebu’s Mactan International Airport. Now, you can explore the perfect blend of laid-back and adventurous as you fly to your new happy place: the Queen City of the South.
The heart-pounding canyoneering adventures here will have you trekking, rappelling, and cliff-jumping through the island’s rugged beauty. It will quite literally leave you breathless, but for the price of unmatched beauty: stunning cascading waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, and majestically sculpted canyons in Badian, the undisputed canyoneering capital of the province.
Kawasan Falls and its multi-tiered cascades are the popular starting point for a long journey of adrenaline-filled tours. For an added touch of thrill, head to Alegria and dare yourself to heart-stopping cliff jumps and natural water slides.
5. Diving in Tubbataha
Image credit: q phia | Flickr
How to get there: From Singapore, take a direct flight to Cebu, then ride a ferry to Tubignon.
Next up on our list of sun-soaked adventures in the Philippines is every diver’s paradise — Tubbataha Reefs Natural Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remote island in the Sulu Sea boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity, with over 360 coral species and a thriving population of sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks.
Tubbataha Reef also beckons with iconic dive spots like Delsan Wreck where there is an abundance in fish life, and majestic reef sharks at Shark Airport. Be transported to a whole new world underwater, and bring home nothing but happy ocean memories with you.
Note: Due to its protected status, Tubbataha Reef’s access is limited, making it an ideal destination for experienced divers and marine enthusiasts seeking lush reefs and unmatched underwater adventures.
6. Whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro
Image credit: Team CDO Bugsay Whitewater Rafting | Official Facebook
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Laguindingan Airport.
Adventure awaits in the Rafting Capital of the Philippines! Where else would you go to do whitewater rafting than the best place itself, right? Carving its path of 48km through scenic landscape, the Cagayan River boasts 59 rapids, all of which offer thrills for every skill level. Challenge yourself if you must! Navigate through exhilarating stretches like The Monsters’ Hole and The Washing Machine, surprising you with a ride like no other.
Cagayan de Oro is indeed a haven for thrill seekers, with Kagay Whitewater Rafting and CDO Bugsay River to make you scream and shout at the top of your lungs. So if you’re looking to tap into some adrenaline and a rush of happy hormones, this is the best place to be.
7. Surfing in Siargao
Image credit: Michael Angelo Luna | Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Sayak Airport. Finally, ride a taxi going to Del Carmen.
Renowned for its world-class waves, Siargao bags the title as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just want to have your hand at it, the barreling right-hand reef break at Cloud 9 is the best surfing place for you. Beginners can take lessons at Pacifico or Magpupungko, while experienced surfers can test their skills at Cloud 9 or Quicksilver.
At night, Siargao transforms into a lively hub where you can mingle with friendly locals, try local food, enjoy a few drinks, and dance to today’s latest tunes. Beyond the waves, Siargao’s laid-back charm, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife surely know how to pull on a lone traveller’s heartstrings.
8. Windsurfing in Boracay
Image credit: Roman Nuritdinov | Flickr
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Caticlan. Finally, take a 10 to 15-minute ferry ride to Boracay Island.
Unhappy? Catch the winds in Boracay, Asia’s premier windsurfing destination, and your next happy place! Bulabog Beach transforms into a playground for windsurfers during windsurf season (November to April), delivering consistent winds and crystal clear waters. Ride the waves and catch breathtaking views of the island’s limestone cliffs and powdery white sand.
For beginners, don’t fret! You can take windsurfing lessons at renowned schools like Reef Riders or Funboard Center, while seasoned windsurfers can test their skills on the challenging waters. Whether you’re carving your first track on the waters or performing impressive stints, Boracay’s windsurfing scene promises an exhilarating adventure for every traveller.
9. Hiking Mt. Hamiguitan
Image credit: Long Henson | Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: From Singapore, take a connecting flight to Manila, then to Davao. From Davao City, take a 2-hour & 30-minute bus ride to San Isidro.
Where do tired, broken hearts go? To the mountain — where they can scream and shout their worries and frustrations away. Trek up Mt. Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mindanao, and embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike through a diverse ecosystem. Here, you get to pass through vibrant rainforests, ending the hike up the mountain with a breathtaking (quite literally!) sight of the world’s largest pygmy forest — a miniature wonderland of stunted trees teeming with unique flora and fauna.
The sanctuary also beckons cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas that make the perfect backdrop for your adventure-filled Instagram feed. Just remember: be a responsible tourist!
10. Spelunking in Sagada
Image credit: Sagada Tourism | Official Facebook
How to get there: From Singapore, take a direct flight to Manila, then ride a bus to Baguio. From Baguio, take a cab that will take you directly to Sagada.
First up in our list of sun-soaked adventures in the happy islands of the Philippines: spelunking in Sagada! Beneath the mountains of Sagada enveloped in a cool mist lies a hidden world waiting to be explored.
Spelunking is undeniably a famous adventure in the popular tourist hotspot Sumaguing Cave, one of the Philippines’ most fascinating underground networks where sunlight surrenders to the flickering glow of headlamps. Navigate the slippery passageways and towering chambers and marvel at the millennia-old limestone formations sculpted by no other than nature’s artistry itself.
Spot popular shapes like the “Chocolate Cake” and the “King’s Curtain” — all testaments to the cave’s long history. Embrace the sound of nature, with only the occasional chirping of bats and drip-drop of water as your background noise. Whether you’re just curious or want to do something for the first time, take a multitude of stories with you back home as you embark on a one-of-a-kind spelunking adventure in Sagada.
The Philippines is indeed a treasure trove waiting to be explored, overflowing with possibilities for unforgettable sun-soaked adventures. So, whether you crave heart-stopping thrills or serene escapes, this island paradise has something for you.
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The best part? Getting there is easy! Cebu Pacific offers the widest network, with direct flights from Singapore to Manila, Cebu, and Clark, making your dream vacation just a few clicks away as a digital-first airline. Most of Cebu Pacific’s flights also arrive and depart from the same terminal, so travelling to and from these destinations is definitely a smooth experience. Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines! So, trade in your worries for a swimsuit and flip-flops, fly to happy, fly to the Philippines with Cebu Pacific!
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Brought to you by Cebu Pacific
