Experience the thrill: Must-try adventure activities in the Philippines

The Philippines may be known for its beaches and luxury resorts, but in a country teeming with wild rivers, towering peaks and some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet, thrill-seekers need not look away. From diving vertical walls in remote atolls to canyoneering in Cebu, these outdoor activities from land to sea will have you pining for an adventure in the Philippines this winter.

Stretching 2,954 metres above the southern Philippine island of Mindanao is Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. The 64,000-hectare site is home to some of the Philippines' rarest plant and animal species, including the Philippine eagle, Philippine long-tailed macaque and the waling-waling orchid. There are several trails varying in length and difficulty up to the summit, from slow-paced circular loops via the deer-shaped Lake Venado to the steep, rocky scrambles and razor-sharp cliff edges of the Tamayong and Kapatagan trails. Whichever route you take, you won’t be disappointed with the scenery here: steaming geysers, hidden waterfalls and – for when your weary legs need a rest – natural hot springs await.

When should I visit?

Mount Apo can be climbed any time of year, but the best time to visit is between March and May for a lower chance of heavy rain and muddy trails.

Nestled between the Visayan region and the island of Palawan, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the Philippines’ largest protected marine area – and one of the world’s best dive spots. The park has thousands of hectares of colourful reef flats, crystal-clear lagoons and vertical walls dropping to over 100 meters in depth, an underwater paradise where more than 600 marine species, including sharks, dolphins, whales, manta rays and turtles, call home. The remote location of Tubbataha – the nearest port is around 10 hours away and there are no hotels – means divers can only experience the reefs on a “liveaboard dive boat”, an all-inclusive, purpose-built scuba diving boat where divers can spend multiple days out at sea.

When should I visit?

Diving season in the Tubbataha Reefs is from mid-March to mid-June, when rainfall is low and water visibility is around 30 to 45 meters.

Kawasan Falls – a