Outdoor
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Nature has a tendency to draw one in and engulf one with its vast beauty. Humans, as stewards of nature, have a responsibility to not just take care of it but also answer to the call of awe. While it is not usually evident, deep within man’s core is a longing to be with nature. Every time one frolics at a beach, on a campsite, or trail, this inert pull toward man’s ancient sanctuary, the more man needs to reconnect with nature whenever possible. To get a fill of nature with a hint of adrenalin, here are some of the Philippines’ most outstanding outdoor adventure tours that you can try the next time you feel nature’s pull.
RIVER CANYONEERING IN ALEGRIA AND BADIAN, CEBU
Canyoneering is the ultimate outdoor thrill. The adventure begins at the starting point in Kanlaob, Alegria. A 20-foot cliff jump awaits in the first 10 minutes of the downstream trek to Kawasan Falls. After the jump, one will have to swim to the next natural pool so a long-sleeved rash guard is recommended.
Trudging along the rushing Kanlaob River, there will be plenty of stops to swim in the natural pools or scramble down the rock formations. Wear sandals with straps to avoid losing one’s footwear in the rushing river and to avoid slipping on the rocks.
The entire canyoneering trip will last a good four to five hours; three for the athletic bunch. But don’t rush to finish too soon. Instead, let the river canyons and the soothing sounds of nature lift one to a natural high. Remember to keep the excitement at a minimum lest one disturbs the experience for other travelers. Slow down and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and you can look forward to a food trip at the end.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
Canyoning/Canyoneering is one of the oldest activities in nature but one of the newest extreme sports in the world.
WHITE WATER RAFTING IN CAGAYAN DE ORO AND DAVAO
The Philippines is streaked with long and strong rivers, which naturally create venues for white water rafting. White water rafting, as a group activity and an extreme outdoor adventure sport, has grown in the country because of its action-packed and immersive nature.
Dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro holds up to its name through the Cagayan de Oro River Rapids, which extends up to 90 kilometers and traverses the towns of Talakag, Baungon, and Libona” Not to be confused with its namesake, the Cagayan River of Luzon or the longest river in the Philippines, this white-water rafting mecca was originally called the Kalambaguasasahan River because of the abundance of Lambago trees around the riverbanks. The 150-kilometer length of the Davao River is also a hub for many water sports enthusiasts.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
Cagayan de Oro is the Whitewater Rafting Capital in the Philippines. It is the only city in the country that offers rafting year-round.
WHITE WATER RAFTING IN KALINGA
Even longer than the Cagan de Oro River and the Davao River is the 75-kilometer stretch of the Chico River in Tabuk, Kalinga. Before setting out on a raft, be sure to pay close attention to the safety briefing. Listen to the guide to avoid overturning and going overboard. Wear strapped sandals that easily drain water to prevent losing one’s footwear. To fight the cold temperature of the water and to prevent sunburn, wear a long-sleeved rash guard board shorts and bikinis are for the beach!
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
The Chico River has two levels of rafting: The Ullalim Run, which is ideal for Class III rapids amidst the scenic stretch of Chico in Pasil to Tabuk, and Mataguan Run, which is known for its Class III to IV rapids that run through rice terraces and limestone canyons. A combination of the two is best for a one-of-a-kind adrenalin rush!
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
The white rafting area in Kalinga is in the beautiful mountain setting at Chico River.
MERMAID SWIMMING IN BORACAY
Boracay isn’t just a place for partying. It is also where one can undergo intensive upper body and core training by swimming with restricted leg movement, also known as mermaid swimming don’t let the dreamy Disney name fool you; mermaid swimming is not for the weak! Combining physically demanding exercises while holding one’s breath underwater in yoga like concentration, this fairy-tail exercise is a good cross-training activity for ocean rescue, deep sea diving, and competitive swimming.
One of the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy’s headquarters is tucked within Boracay’s White Beach. Drop by Fisheye Divers in Station 1 for a class or two and fulfill childhood dreams of swimming with all of the colorful creatures under the sea.
ULTRALIGHT FLYING IN MAGALANG, PAMPANGA
Reach new heights and learn how to fly an ultralight plane, a small, fixed-wing aircraft that can seat up to two persons, in the Woodland Airpark in Barangay Sta.Maria, Magalang, Pampanga. The seasoned pilots at the pilots at the Angeles City Flying Club teachers’ aviation basics, safety, and more.
The ultralight planes can keep flying for up to three hours on a full tank of gas and can go as high as 5,000 feet. For the lessons, the maximum height is 1,200 feet, which offers a jaw-dropping view of Mount Pinatubo, Mount Arayat, and the natural rainforests and swamp areas surrounding Pampanga. Be warned: the views are so spectacular that they can distract you from flying. As long as you don’t lose your focus, you’re in for an unforgettable trip and safe landing.
ATV RIDES AT THE FOOT OF THE MAYON VOLCANO
Reach new heights and learn how to fly an ultralight plane, a small, fixed-wing aircraft that can seat up to two persons, in the Woodland Airpark in Barangay Sta.Maria, Magalang, Pampanga. The seasoned pilots at the pilots at the Angeles City Flying Club teachers’ aviation basics, safety, and more.
The ultralight planes can keep flying for up to three hours on a full tank of gas and can go as high as 5,000 feet. For the lessons, the maximum height is 1,200 feet, which offers a jaw-dropping view of Mount Pinatubo, Mount Arayat, and the natural rainforests and swamp areas surrounding Pampanga. Be warned: the views are so spectacular that they can distract you from flying. As long as you don’t lose your focus, you’re in for an unforgettable trip and safe landing.
TREKKING THE HIGHEST PEAK: MOUNT PULAG IN LUZON
Nothing beats the view from the top. In the Philippines, you can choose to climb two majestic peaks, Mount Pulag in Luzon or Mount Apo, the country’s tallest peak, in Mindanao. Mount Pulag has a reputation among the mountaineering communities for being the playground of the gods. With its rich biodiversity, it is not difficult to see why deities are believed to frolic along its elegant draping of tall pines, sweet-smelling grass, and velvety moss.
The scenery changes with the altitude so watch out for nature’s surprises in the form of curious wildlife, dwarf bamboo fields, or a sea of clouds. Getting to the peak at 2,922 meters requires intermediate to advanced skills but don’t give up. The best sunrise of your life awaits at the top.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
Pulag National Park is the highest peak in Luzon nad is the second highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,922 m. above sea level.
TREKKING THE HIGEST PEAK: MOUNT APO IN MINDANAO
Mount Apo, the Grandfather of the Philippine Mountains, stands above all peaks at a towering height of 2,956 meters above sea level. This climb is not for the weak kneed or faint-hearted. The walls climb is not for the weak kneed or faint-hearted. The walls are nearly vertical, the fog can radically reduce visibility, the trails disappear beneath one’s feet, and the mountain climate can change in a heartbeat.
But those who persevere and conquer the challenging paths will carry the spirit of the mountain with them forever. One could even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the mighty Philippine eagle here in its natural habitat.
The climbing experience will change every time one scales Mount Apo or Mount Pulag. These mountains are considered sacred so it is imperative to come with a respectful energy. Do your preparations before climbing these peaks because the mountains can seem like they have a mind of their own. They know who deserves the twist of karma on the long way down so don’t be too proud or rowdy, never leave a bonfire unwatched, and never leave any trash behind.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
Mount Apo is the highest peak in the country. The climb typically takes two or three days, depending on which of the many trails you choose, and not for the faint of heart.
4X4 RIDES IN THE SAND DUNES OF LA PAZ, ILOCOS NORTE
Ever wanted to race through a desert in a rugged four-wheel drive? The La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte will make on feel like a dashing action star for a day. Rev up in a compact 4×4 vehicle and get a panoramic view of the Laoag River and the Central Cordillera Mountain ranges while skidding and sliding through sandy slopes and hills. The La Paz Sand Dunes comprise 85 square kilometers of rough terrain with slopes that vary from 10 to 30 meters high. But La Paz is just a fraction of the entire Ilocos sand dunes expanse that stretches further north of the West Philippine Sea coastline. Choose to ride an ATV or a more rugged ride from a variety of refurbished 4×4 vehicles such as Daihatsu Ferozas and 80s-era Toyota Land Cruisers. Or go for the Land Cruisers for that classic Jurassic Park feel. Imagine escaping from rampaging dinosaurs of driving off to your next adventure just like Indiana Jones.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
The sand dunes of Ilocos were created by the interaction of the wind, sea, and river that together cause erosion and deposition.