The Ultimate Filipino Traveller’s Bucket List: 101 Challenges You Need to Complete

The Philippines is blessed with natural resources and man-made attractions all tested through time. And with over 7,500 islands in 18 different regions, you will never run out of things to see and do in the country. If you’ve already completed all these 20 challenges in the Philippines, I dare you, and myself, to strike everything off this Ultimate Filipino Traveller’s Bucket List!

For Adrenaline Junkies and Thrill-Seekers

WARNING: These activities are not for the faint of heart! Prepare yourself  — mentally and physically — because there’s no turning back!

Image credit: Skydive Greater CEBU

  1. Skydive in Sta. Fe, Bantayan
  2. Paraglide in Safi Ranch, Sarangani
  3. Fly an airplane in Angeles, Pampanga
  4. Ride a zipline over seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
  5. Skip a heartbeat on a reverse bungee ride at Boracay
  6. Sky cycle at Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental
  7. Jump off the highest level of Ariel’s Point in Boracay
  8. Swim with the whale sharks in Sorsogon
  9. Have close encounters with thresher sharks in Malapascua Island
  10. Scuba dive in Tubbataha Reef
  11. Surf at the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’, Siargao
  12. Skimboard at Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental
  13. Practice wakeboarding in Nuvali, Laguna
  14. Compete in a Ligiron race in Valencia, Negros Oriental
  15. Explore the Hundred Islands of Alaminos, Pangasinan
  16. Conquer the summit of Mt. Pulag
  17. Walk across the San Juanico Bridge from Samar to Leyte
  18. Go sandboarding in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
  19. Go mud karting in Puerto Galera
  20. Survive the Sumaguing Cave Connection in Sagada
  21. Blow off steam at the Echo Valley in Sagada
  22. Ride a hot air balloon in Clark, Pampanga
  23. Try all the exhilarating rides at SandBox Alviera, Pampanga
  24. Go rock climbing in Cantabaco, Cebu
  25. Ride a bike through Camp Aguinaldo Trail

Also read: 15 Incredible Outdoor Adventures to Conquer in the Philippines

For History and Culture Buffs

Do you enjoy listening to historical stories? Are you fascinated by vintage architecture? Do you want to learn more about Philippine’s antiquity? Then, you definitely have to immerse in these experiences!

Image credit: Pradeep Swaminathan

  1. Pretend to be a Spaniard in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
  2. Learn the secrets of the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
  3. Live like you’re in the Spanish era in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
  4. Walk around the Walled City of Intramuros, Manila
  5. Experience the Chinese culture in Chinatown, Binondo
  6. Learn about the trading history in Escolta street, Binondo
  7. Visit the Sandugo monument in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
  8. Pray at the country’s oldest church, Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City
  9. See Magellan’s Cross in downtown Cebu
  10. See the Lapu-lapu Monument in Mactan, Cebu
  11. Do street dancing during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City
  12. Join in the harvest celebration at Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon
  13. See the colourful flowers of Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
  14. Enjoy the glamorous mask displays of the MassKara Festival in Bacolod
  15. Admire the Philippine National Hero at Rizal Park, Luneta
  16. Learn more about Jose Rizal by visiting his house in Calamba, Laguna
  17. Live like Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, Dapitan, Zamboanga
  18. Visit the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan
  19. See the Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
  20. Pay homage to our heroes at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan
  21. Follow the trail of Bataan Death March
  22. See the World War II artilleries in Corregidor Island
  23. Visit Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
  24. Visit Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City
  25. Visit the EDSA Shrine

Also read: 12 Most Exciting Philippine Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss

For Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Take out your cameras and go on a trip to these beautiful sights in the Philippines — they’ll make you want to appreciate life even more!

Image credit: Allan Ascaño

  1. Marvel at the scenic landscapes of
  2. Cool off at Bangui Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte
  3. Enjoy the view from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte
  4. Catch a sight of Mayon Volcano in Albay
  5. Get a view of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon
  6. Stargaze at Casiguran, Aurora
  7. See the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces
  8. Walk amongst crocodiles in Palawan’s Crocodile Farm
  9. See Biak-na-bato in San Miguel, Bulacan up close
  10. Go glamping in Tagaytay
  11. Chill out at Bag of Beans Cafe in Tagaytay
  12. Camp overnight at Mount Pinatubo
  13. Enter the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
  14. Explore the Calauit Island Wildlife Safari, Busuanga, Palawan
  15. Plant trees in La Mesa Eco Park
  16. Hike the Tinipak River, Daraitan, Tanay Rizal
  17. Spot tarsiers in Bohol
  18. Lay eyes on the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
  19. Stop at the Man-made Mahogany Forest, Bohol
  20. Visit the famous shipwreck in Tacloban City
  21. Watch the sunset and sunrise at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon
  22. Have lunch in a floating cottage at Lake Danao National Park in Ormoc, Leyte
  23. Be amazed by the rock formations of Biri, Northern Samar
  24. Observe the Philippine Eagle in Davao
  25. Take a dip into the Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit

For the Foodies

The Philippines has so many unique, exotic and delectable dishes. It is impossible not to find most of these delicious. I urge you to try all of these yummy treats. How do we Filipinos say “Hi”? We’ll say, “Let’s eat!”

Image credit: whologwhy

  1. Pig out by eating lechon in Cebu
  2. Try the famous bagnet in Ilocos
  3. Taste different yoghurt dishes at the Yoghurt House  in Sagada
  4. Sip a warm bowl of La Paz batchoy in Iloilo
  5. Nibble on a chicken inasal in Bacolod
  6. Savour the taste of bulalo in Tagaytay
  7. Conquer your fear and eat a balut
  8. Try fishball, kwek-kwek, isaw, and all the other street foods you can find
  9. Lick on a malunggay ice cream in Bohol
  10. Chill with a fresh strawberry taho in Baguio City
  11. Pair your rice with the infamous dinuguan
  12. Order pares at any carenderia
  13. Chew on a pinikpikan in Sagada
  14. Nibble on a stick of bopis
  15. Taste sitsarong kibit in Quezon Province
  16. Drink a glass of lambanog
  17. Beat the heat with a serving of halo-halo
  18. Give in to your sweet tooth and eat suman latik
  19. Have a binagol dessert in Visayas
  20. Munch on the chicharon of Camiling, Tarlac
  21. Cool down with a chili ice cream in Bicol
  22. Have a taste of buko pandan from Nathaniel’s, Pampanga
  23. Grab a bag of dried mangoes de Cebu
  24. Harvest and eat sapinit at Mt. Banahaw, Quezon
  25. Sample a pinangat in Bicol
  26. Savour Caramoan’s kinalas

Also read: 18 Philippine Provinces for the Absolute Foodie

I hope you and I can cross off all of these items soon. One can never have enough of the Philippines. And when they say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” believe me when I say that it truly is. 101 on a bucket list? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

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About Author

Johanna Ella May Erroba

Johanna is a free spirit. She channels her energy through music, writing, surfing, and travelling. She expresses all of her musings on <a href="http://cameraandcheese.com/">Camera and Cheese</a>.

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