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4 Thrilling Water Activities You Can Enjoy During Your Weekend In Philippines

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Cheng Sim •  Oct 10, 2016

If you're someone who has always loved water sports, this one is for you. It's time to head to Philippines for some water activities, perfect for a weekend getaway! So pack that sunscreen and be prepared for the thrilling adventure you're going to experience! Let's check out the activities you can do!

Credit: giphy

1. Canyoneering

An adrenaline junkie rappels carefully down the canyons of MoalBoal
An adrenaline junkie rappels carefully down the canyons of MoalBoal

Credit: wanderfulexperience

Removed from the concrete jungle of Cebu is an unperturbed patch of greenery named Matutinao River Kawasan Falls and Moalboal that are known for one thing only: Canyoneering. Blessed with natural splendours and rough canyons, these sites are dubbed as the playgrounds for adrenaline junkies or friends looking for a natural escape that a city can’t fulfil.

Exhilaration is only a jump away at Matutinao River Kawasan Falls

Exhilaration is only a jump away at Matutinao River Kawasan Falls

Credit: youtube

Imagine trekking through the lush foliage and tall trees before discovering a deep hidden canyon where you can rappel the walls and cliff jump into crystal clear rivers. It’s true, Mother Nature does have an adventurous side to her.

#HHWT Tip: While swimming skills aren’t required for canyoneering, it’s best to equip yourself with comfortable trekking shoes and light clothing. This activity requires safety equipment and best enjoyed with a tour guide.

Address: Planet Action Adventure, Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu.

Opening Hours: Outdoor activities are best performed in the day.

Price: PHP2,500 per person (Planet Action Adventure package includes transfers via action truck, guide fees and instructions, rental equipment, barbecue (request for seafood or vegetarian options) and drinks).

Directions: Located approximately 3-hour drive from the Cebu city, arrange for a morning pick up from Mactan or Cebu City to Moalboal.

Website

2. Cliff Diving

Take a leap of faith at Ariel’s Point
Take a leap of faith at Ariel’s Point

Credit: arielspoint

For a tourist destination that is surrounded by ocean blues and waving coconut trees, Boracay is brimming with outdoor adventures like parasailing, jet skiing and island hopping - just to name a few. However, when cliff diving is in the picture, Ariel’s Point immediately comes to mind.

[Check out 6 things you absolutely must do in Boracay!]

Rise early for the 40-minute boat ride that will take you to the towering cliff of Ariel’s Point. If you’re a newbie, start off with the lower cliff diving platforms: 3, 5, 6 or 7 meters high. For those who are absolutely fearless, challenge yourself with the highest platforms between 13 to 15 meters.

Cheer on the brave ones at Ariel’s Point
Cheer on the brave ones at Ariel’s Point

Credit: arielspoint

If cliff diving isn’t your thing, you can cheer on your daredevil mates from the bamboo deck or keep yourself occupied with other beach activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling.

#HHWT Tip: Lunch buffet is provided for tours booked with Ariel House. While the spread is largely non-halal, opt for vegetarian selections like pancit noodles, eggplant salad, herb potatoes and more.

Address: Ariel House, Station 1, White Beach, Boracay

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Price: PHP2,500 per person (including a boat cruise, a barbecue buffet lunch and afternoon snacks, free flow beverage (mixed drinks available), cliff diving, kayaking, snorkelling and a souvenir bracelet).

Directions: The Ariel’s Point is located about 30-40 minute boat ride from the Boracay Island.

Website

3. Whale Shark Diving

Hang out with the Gentle Giants of Donsol Bay
Hang out with the Gentle Giants of Donsol Bay

Credit: steakhouse-sabang

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws may ignite an unsettling fear for sharks but the species of Whale Sharks, in general, are friendlier and often dubbed as the Gentle Giants of the Sea. Philippines’ Manta Bowl (Donsol Bay) is one of the very few local destinations where you can spot sightings of these friendly creatures.

The great underwater escape in Donsol Bay
The great underwater escape in Donsol Bay

Credit: divereport

Put on your diving suit and explore the blue waters for a glimpse of these good-natured Whale Sharks. Spotty and massive in size, you definitely can recognise them from afar. While the best times for these underwater sightings are between November to May, luck will weigh heavier on your side when you swing by around February to April. Plus, you may have a chance to catch Manta Rays, Hammerheads and Thresher sharks in Donsol Bay too.

Address: Donsol Bay, Sorsogon.

Opening Hours: Mon - Thu: 12:00pm – 11:00pm, Fri – Sat: 12:00pm – 12:00am, Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Directions: The fastest way to reach to Donsol Bay is via flight from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can take a 13-hour direct bus ride that departs daily from Manila.

4. White Water Rafting

Paddle adventurously through the Cagayan Valley
Paddle adventurously through the Cagayan Valley

Credit: ampleproportions

If swimming pools and water theme parks are too tame for your inner wild child, you may enjoy the adrenaline rush from white water rafting. A country that is naturally blessed with long-winding rivers, there are a few famous spots for this outdoor activity in the Philippines namely Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao) and Chico River (Luzon island).

Once you throw on a lifejacket and grab your paddle, the boat ride will typically begin with a calm and serene route for a chance to admire the rocky boulders and patches of greenery. As the minutes go by, rapids after rapids will have your boat tumbling about and this is where adrenaline and teamwork come to play.

Experience the wild side of Mother Nature
Experience the wild side of Mother Nature

Credit: swiretravelphils

White water rafting sounds like your kind of paradise? The best times to visit differ according to location of choice: Cagayan de Oro (June to December) and Chico River (June to Mid-March).

Address: Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao.

Opening Hours: White water rafting is best performed in the day.

Price: PHP900 per person (3-4 hour short course rafting) / PHP1,200 per person (4-5 hour long course). Both rates include snacks and meal, transfer from hotel to rafting area, two river rafting guides and gears and equipment. Minimum 5 people required.

Directions: Arrange for a pick-up from the city centre where Cagayan de Oyo is located about 20 kilometers away. The rafting journey will begin from Barangay Dansolihon.

Website

Excited yet? We definitely are! Well, if this is your first time, good for you! Challenge yourself with these crazy adventures and tell us your experience!