8 Unique Things to Do in the Philippines to Try at Least Once in Your Life

Akbar Rifqi Fauzi

5 years ago

Things to Do in the Philippines – Good news, t-mates! The Philippines finally reopens its borders. Hooray! Now, you can realize that dream vacay of yours in this magnificent country. Yup, with more than 7000 islands, the Philippines offers many awesome places for you to visit on your tropical holiday.

But hey, if you want to enjoy your tropical getaway to the fullest, you can try a wide variety of unique things to do in the Philippines. You can experience activities that vary from getting a special tattoo, having a feast next to the waterfall, soaking in a pot, and many more! Sounds unique and intriguing, right!?

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Entry Requirements to the Philippines

Oh, wait a minute. Before you begin departing to the Philippines, don’t forget that you still need to fulfill some requirements to enter the country. Make sure you take note and complete the following entry requirements:

From 1-15 December 2021, the Philippines will allow fully vaccinated foreigners from non-visa countries to enter the Philippines without quarantine. Passengers must have lived in a government-defined “green” country (including Indonesia) for the previous 14 days prior to departure. Check here for more details.
Show a COVID-19 full vaccination certificate at least 14 days before arrival with the accepted vaccination certificates as follows:
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), AstraZeneca (SK Bioscience), Covishield, Janssen, Moderna (Spikevax), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Sinopharm and Sinovac;
- International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV).
Bring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken at most 3×24 hours before departure;
Install TRAZE app before departure;
Present the completed “Case Investigation Form” upon arrival;
For complete information, you can check here.

Well, if you’ve completed all of the requirements above, it’s time to begin your tropical vacay to the Philippines right away!

Special Things to Do in the Philippines You Won’t Find Easily Anywhere Else

Don’t be mistaken, t-mates. The Philippines holds many activities that will amuse you. You won’t even believe that you can try these kinds of activities there. Prepare to be amazed. Here are some of them!

1. Ride Jeepney, the Filipino’s Unique Transport

Have you ever seen a Jeepney before? Most likely not, right? Yup, you can only find this unique transportation in the Philippines! In fact, you can easily find this eccentric vehicle almost everywhere in the country. Especially if you explore around the metro area.

“What is exactly a jeepney?” might be what you think about right now. Well, jeepneys are basically the unused jeeps left by the Americans. Nowadays, the locals ride these public transport jeepneys to go around the city. So unique, right? Remember, you can only find these jeepneys in the Philippines!

2. Relish the Tasty and Authentic Filipino Cuisines

Your trip won’t be complete without tasting the best local dishes in the Philippines. Yup, you can find many delicious local foods that will make you long for more! For starters, you can try longganisa.

If you’ve been to Portugal or Spain, you can exactly imagine this meat sausage to taste like that of chorizo or longaniza! And to make it even more delicious, it’s even better to eat it along with rice. Hmm… Yummy~

There’s no better way to experience the unique Philippines’ gastronomic scene other than trying this unique dish. Balut is what the locals usually call this fertilized developing egg embryo. You read it right, t-mates. Developing embryo. This unique street food definitely isn’t like the usual egg you eat! Wanna try?

Besides the savory foods, the Philippines also has sweet snacks that you should try. One of them is cuchinta or kutsinta. You can find this type of steamed rice cake almost everywhere throughout the country. Made from a mixture of rice flour, brown sugar, and lye, this sweet snack will delight your mouth.

Usually comes with kutsinta, puto is another Filipino sweet snack that you shouldn’t miss out on. Likewise, this steamed rice cake offers you the ecstasy of sweetness. It is even better to eat it after you’ve finished your savory dishes. Truly a mouthwatering dessert snack!

3. Relaxing Hot Bath in Kawa Pot at Tibiao

At first glance, you might think that pot is only used for cooking. But guess what? Not in the Philippines! Yup, you can enjoy a relaxing hot bath in the kawa pot. Don’t believe it? You can visit Tibiao in Antique to try this unique activity. Feel a unique bath as if you’re being cooked alive, t-mates! Hahaha.

Don’t worry. It’s not as scary as you might think. Just treat it like another jacuzzi tub you’ve tried before. So, don’t hesitate to give it a try. It is an awesome way to unwind while also immersing yourself in the Filipino natural panorama. Embrace the tranquility of the mountain as you soak in the kawa pot!

Price: starts from 250 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours

Address: Banwa Kang Tibiao, Antique, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

4. Admire the Hidden Beauty of Hinatuan

The Philippines also holds another hidden natural wonder. Hinatuan is where you can visit the alluring Enchanted River. Boasting pristine water with the perfect blend of emerald green shores fading into a deep blue lagoon, this place truly deserves its enchanting reputation.

Although the river itself doesn’t stretch far, the pristine water will captivate anyone who sees it. And one interesting fact about this charming river is that it’s believed to be where mermaids, magical fairies, and spirits reside. Wow… What a magical place!

Price: starts from 350 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 6 AM-5 PM (local time)

Address: Surigao del Sur, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

5. Get Yourself a Unique Tattoo by the Legendary Artist Whang-od

If you’re a tattoo enthusiast, you’ll surely love getting unique art imprinted on your body in the famous Buscalan Village. Yup, it is the village where the legendary 100-year-old tribal tattoo artist Whang-Od lives. This is the only place where you can get a traditional tattoo that belongs to one of the tribes in the Philippines.

The process of tattooing is also traditional without any use of modern machines. Precisely, the method used by the tattoo artists in this village is called mambabatok or hand-tap. But, of course, the result is still beautiful. After all, you will get tattooed by the oldest tattoo artist in the country!

Price: starts from 750 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 9 AM – 5 PM (local time)

Address: Buscalan Proper, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

6. Enjoy Meals at the Restaurant Next to the Labassin Waterfall

Do you love waterfalls and also delicious meals? Then, Labassin Waterfall Restaurant will be the perfect place to spend your time in the Philippines! Yup, as its name suggests, you can enjoy a delightful feast with your loved ones while sitting comfortably next to the rushing waterfall!

Rest assured. The attraction of this restaurant is not only because of its location near the waterfall. But the taste of delicacies served at the resto will leave you in awe. So, go ahead and pick various mouthwatering options, either seafood or meat dishes!

Price: starts from 1,400 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 9 AM-9 PM (local time)

Address: Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

7. Challenge Yourself by Canyoneering at Kawa Falls

For adrenaline junkies, the Philippines also has something in store for you. It’s time to test your limits by trying something different, namely canyoneering. This outdoor activity will satisfy your hunger for suspense and thrill on your tropical holiday!

If you’re interested in breaking your limits, a canyoneering tour to Kawasan Falls in Cebu is the ultimate option for you. Enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of picturesque waters and canyons as you roam through the depths of the area. Surely something that you can’t forget easily!

Price: starts from 1,500 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 6 AM-6 PM (local time)

Address: Antuwanga, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

8. Stream Across the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The final one is a visit to one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. Join a boat tour across Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to discover the beauty that lies within the country. Spectacular limestone and mesmerizing landscape within the underground river await you!

Wanna experience something more special? Well, you can also try the Iwahig River cruise experience at night. Imagine gazing upon the night sky with the twinkling sea of stars as you cruise down the river. But that’s not all, you will also be accompanied by the magical light show of fireflies! Wow!

Price: starts from 1,500 PHP/person*

Operational hours & days: every day, 8 AM-3 PM (local time)

Address: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines (Check on Google Maps)

Experience Unique Things to Do in the Philippines with tiket.com

What do you think, t-mates? You can imagine that your vacay will be unlike any ordinary holiday you’ve experienced, right? Yup, these unique things to do in the Philippines will make your tropical getaway more memorable than ever!

So, no need to wait any longer. Book flights to the Philippines at tiket.com and begin your upcoming unique tropical trip soon! And special for you, enjoy free insurance* from Free Protection that will ensure your flights are safe and smooth!

But, as always, make sure you always comply with all of the health protocols on your holiday. Stay safe and healthy whenever and wherever you are! Mask ON, tiket ON!

going anywhere? tiket.com!

*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.