The Best Activities to Try on Each Island: From Snorkeling to Napping!
Ever tried to plan a trip and felt overwhelmed because every island in the Philippines looks like it belongs on a postcard? Same. But here’s the secret: each island isn’t just another pretty beach. They each come with their own quirks, food obsessions, and ways to exhaust—or relax—you.
So, grab your snorkel, hiking shoes, stretchy pants, and maybe a hammock. Let’s map out the best activities to try on every island, from action-packed adventures to the noble art of napping.
Why Every Island Deserves a Different Adventure
Islands are like people. Some are loud, some are laid back, and some want to feed you until you can’t move. Treat them all the same and you’ll miss out.
In the Philippines alone, there are over 7,000 islands. You won’t get through all of them unless you have unlimited vacation days and a trust fund. But pick a handful and you’ll see they each shine in their own way. Palawan may be your snorkeling heaven, while Siargao is ready to throw you off a surfboard. Boracay? That’s where hammocks were invented—or at least perfected.
Snorkeling With the Fish Who Judge Your Swim Stroke
The Best Islands for Snorkeling
Palawan is essentially the Beyoncé of snorkeling locations. The water is so clear you’ll wonder if you actually need your goggles. Coral gardens spread out like underwater flower beds, and schools of fish zing by like they’re rushing off to a meeting. El Nido and Coron are the star attractions, where shipwrecks and lagoons turn every dip into a swim through a National Geographic documentary. If you go to Palawan and you DON’T snorkel, you might as well have just stayed home and stared at the inside of your bathtub.
On the island of Cebu, the famous sardine run in Moalboal gives you that distinct feeling that perhaps you’ve stumbled into an unexpected flash mob of fish. Millions of sardines swim in hypnotic patterns, dancing around you like the awkward human guest at their party. If sardines aren’t your style, there are plenty of turtle sightings to make you feel like you’re in a Pixar movie. And let’s face it, snorkeling in Cebu is less expensive than therapy, and a lot better for your Instagram feed.
Apo Island is turtle town, and they know it — because they do. These gentle giants pass you with a look that says, “Oh, tourists again.” Sealed off from the night’s turtles, Apo is a marine sanctuary teeming with colorful corals and fish that appear to have been painted by a child on an enigmatic glitter bender. Snorkeling here is less an activity and more like crashing an underwater block party where everyone is better dressed than you.
Gear Up or Look Silly
Yes, you can rent snorkels. But would you trust a mouthpiece that has been inside 500 strangers’ mouths? Exactly. Bring your own if you can. And be prepared for that inevitable photo someone snaps of you mid-snorkel. I don’t care who you are; no one looks cool in a snorkel mask. Accept it. Own it. Post it anyway.
Hiking Until You Question Your Life Choices
Bohol – Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are the closest thing you’ll get to hiking into a box of Hershey’s Kisses—without the calories. They’re not edible (tragic, I know), but the rolling green mounds look like nature’s own candy display. The climb up may leave you sweaty and wondering why you didn’t just Google pictures instead, but once you see the panoramic view, it’s worth every step. Bonus: a banana cue snack makes a better hiking reward than any granola bar ever could.
Mindanao – Mt. Apo
Mt. Apo isn’t just a mountain. It’s the mountain—literally the tallest in the Philippines. Hiking here is like dating: long, exhausting, occasionally painful, but unforgettable if you stick it out. Along the way, you’ll find hot springs, crater lakes, and maybe even wild orchids showing off their colors. Reach the summit, and you get bragging rights that last a lifetime—or at least until your knees remind you of what you did.
Negros – Mt. Kanlaon
Climbing Mt. Kanlaon is basically signing up to hike a volcano. Because why climb a regular mountain when you can add “active magma chamber” to the mix? The trail takes you through forests, grasslands, and then suddenly—boom—volcanic craters. It’s equal parts breathtaking and mildly terrifying, like Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Thanks for visiting, please don’t anger me.”
Just be sure to check in with the authorities first to see if there are any active warnings in place. At the time of this writing, Mt. Kanlaon is currently erupting, and there are certainly warnings posted!
Wolfing Down Food as if You Haven’t Eaten in Days
Negros – Chicken Inasal
If grilled chicken could be on steroids, you would have this Chicken Inasal. After being marinated in calamansi, vinegar, and annatto oil, it emerges smoky, juicy, and dangerously addictive. People drink it with rice and a dipping sauce that will make your taste buds sit up and clap. OK, let’s put it this way: If you go to Negros and don’t eat Chicken Inasal at least once, locals should have the right to side-eye you forever.
Cebu – Lechon
Lechon in Cebu is so popular that Anthony Bourdain once dubbed it the best pig ever. The skin crunches like the most satisfying potato chip in the history of the world, and that meat is juicy enough to make you question every other roast pig in your life. Just go with it — put down your fork, eat the way the locals do, and slip into a food coma that you’ll still be bragging about years from now.
Siargao – Seafood Feasts
While Siargao may be famous for its surfing, it has an equally strong seafood game. Fresh catch is grilled on the spot, right at the beach, sometimes while you’re still drying off from your last wipeout. Consider crabs, shrimp, and fish so fresh that a few of them could have signed a waiver five minutes before. Toss in an ice-cold beer and that’s a post-surf recovery meal for the ages.
Cool Things to Do That Make You Smarter on Instagram
MassKara Festival – Bacolod
Think Mardi Gras to an nth power, with more sequins, bigger smiles, and no chance of cold weather. That’s the MassKara Festival. There are only grinning faces peeking out from behind our bright masks, even if those faces are sunburned and blistered from dancing all day. It’s the perfect reminder that Bacolod is, after all, the “City of Smiles” and yes — your Instagram followers will be envious.
Sinulog – Cebu
Sinulog is not just a festival but an assault on the senses. Parades and street dancing, drums and people in paint or mud, are all part of the celebrations for Santo Niño. It’s a unique blend of religious devotion and a street rave, which sounds chaotic- and that’s exactly what it is. Pro tip: Wear old shoes, because they’ll never make it through the parade.
Ati-Atihan – Aklan
Ati-Atihan is raw, primal energy; the locals put on blackface with soot, wield drums, and dance in the streets as if it’s the most fabulous block party on earth. It’s less about observing and more about participating. If you’re not dancing by the time it wraps, you’re either asleep or completely lacking rhythm.
Extreme Sports for the Brave (and Reckless)
Surfing in Siargao
Cloud 9 is world-famous for a reason. The waves are powerful, the boardwalk is packed with spectators, and wipeouts are basically part of the entertainment. Even beginners are welcome—accept that you’ll spend more time falling than riding. Don’t worry, in Siargao, everyone claps for a wipeout too.
Cliff Diving – Camiguin & Bohol
Jumping off a cliff into turquoise water sounds wild until you actually do it. Then it feels like the best decision of your life—at least once you resurface. In Camiguin and Bohol, cliff diving is done at official spots with safe depths, so your most significant risk is screaming louder than you meant to. Trust me: it’s all worth it for the adrenaline rush and the photos.
The Noble Art of Doing Nothing: Napping on the Beach
Boracay’s White Beach
Boracay is the international capital of hammock life. The sand is so soft it feels like nature’s mattress, and the turquoise water hums a lullaby in wave form. Here, napping isn’t lazy; it’s a cultural event. Locals won’t judge you if they catch you snoring; they’ll probably ask if they can borrow your hammock when you’re done. Forget bucket lists—Boracay is where you master the bucket nap.
Panglao, Bohol
Panglao is the chill cousin of Boracay. Same dreamy beaches, fewer crowds. It’s the kind of place where you can stretch out under a palm tree, close your eyes, and actually hear yourself breathe. Hammocks here sway more slowly, time crawls, and naps hit harder. Some travelers even admit their “quick nap” turned into a three-hour siesta that ended with dinner. Honestly, that’s just good time management.
Coron, Palawan
Coron might be known for shipwreck diving, but don’t overlook its napping potential. Imagine swinging in a hammock with jagged limestone cliffs as your view and a salty breeze rocking you gently into oblivion. It’s like Mother Nature herself is saying, “Relax, you’ve done enough.” Add a coconut with a straw, and congratulations—you’ve unlocked peak vacation mode.
Budget and Cost Breakdown
Worried, does this all sound expensive? Relax. Island activities are surprisingly affordable:
- Snorkeling tours: $20–50
- Hiking guides: $10–30
- Street food meals: $5–15
- Surfing lessons: $25–40
- Hammock rentals: $5–10
For the price of one fancy dinner back home, you can snorkel with turtles, eat like royalty, and nap like a champ.
Key Takeaways
- Every island has a personality—snorkel in Palawan, surf in Siargao, feast in Cebu, nap in Boracay (between parties).
- Activities range from extreme to extremely lazy. Balance both.
- Budget-friendly adventures keep things fun without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the best island for snorkeling in the Philippines?
A: Palawan wins hands down. Apo Island comes close if you want turtles staring at you like unpaid rent collectors.
Q2: Do I really need to try Cebu’s lechon?
A: Yes. Skipping lechon in Cebu is like skipping pizza in Italy. Locals might forgive you, but your taste buds never will.
Q3: Is hiking safe in the Philippines?
A: Absolutely—bring water, snacks, and realistic expectations. If a grandma in flip-flops overtakes you, accept defeat gracefully.
Q4: What’s the easiest island for beginner surfers?
A: Siargao has friendly beginner waves and affordable lessons. Expect to fall a lot. Falling is basically part of the curriculum.
Q5: How much should I budget for food per day?
A: Around $10–20 will get you stuffed with rice, seafood, and street snacks. For $5 more, you’ll eat like royalty.
Q6: Do people really nap on the beach, or is that just Instagram nonsense?
A: They absolutely nap. Hammocks, beach mats, coconuts as pillows—napping is an Olympic-level skill here.
Q7: What’s the wildest festival in the Philippines?
A: Sinulog in Cebu wins this title hands-down! Imagine Mardi Gras, a street rave, and a religious parade all happening at the same time, with a very loud baby.
Q8: Can I cliff dive without dying?
A: Yes—if you stick to official dive spots like Camiguin and Bohol. Random cliffs are just a bad idea unless you enjoy ER visits.
Q9: Do I need travel insurance for all these activities?
A: If you plan on surfing, diving, or anything involving gravity, yes. Napping, however, is generally risk-free.
Q10: Is Boracay still worth visiting after the big clean-up?
A: Definitely. It’s cleaner, calmer, and has hammocks practically begging for your afternoon nap.
Other Articles that may be of Interest
You may also find the following articles interesting.
- The Ultimate Guide: Packing for Sustainable Travel in the Philippines
- Eco-Tourism & Accommodations in the Philippines: A Complete Guide
Suggestions For Lodging and Travel
Lodging is widely available throughout the Philippines. However, you may want to consider getting assistance booking tours to some of the Philippines’ attractions. I’ve provided a few local agencies that we’ve found to be very good for setting up tours. For transparency, we may earn a commission when you click on certain links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences. This will not cost you anything, and I can continue to support this site through these links.
Local Lodging Assistance
- Guide to the Philippines: This site specializes in tours throughout the Philippines, offering flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing. I highly recommend them for booking local arrangements for a trip like this one. You can book flights and hotels through the Expedia link provided below.
- Hotel Accommodations: I highly recommend The Manila Hotel for a stay in Manila. I stay here every time I travel to the Philippines. It is centrally located, and many attractions are easily accessible from there. Intramuros and Rizal Park are within walking distance. I have provided a search box below for you to use to search for hotels (click on “Stays” at the top) or flights (click on “Flights” at the top). This tool will provide me with an affiliate commission (at no additional cost to you).
- Kapwa Travel is a travel company focused on the Philippines. It specializes in customizing trips to meet customers’ needs.
- Tourismo Filipino is a well-established company that has been operating for over 40 years. It specializes in tailoring tours to meet customers’ needs.
- Tropical Experience Travel Services – Tours of the Philippines: This company offers a range of tour packages, allowing you to tailor your trip to your preferences.
Lastly, we recommend booking international travel flights through established organizations rather than a local travel agent in the Philippines. I recommend Expedia.com (see the box below), the site I use to book my international travel. I have provided a search box below for you to use to search for flights (click on “Flights” at the top) or Hotels (click on “Stays” at the top). This tool will provide me with an affiliate commission (at no cost to you).
