Click to reveal site search
Cultural Activities in the Philippines

Natural Attractions and Traditional Values

Away from big city life and beach culture, there is a different side to the Philippines. In landscapes unchanged for generations, traditional ways of life are honored by indigenous peoples. Rural villages provide a glimpse of simpler agrarian times, while coastal villages present cultural melting pots that reflect the influences of both East and West. Customs dating from the days of Imperial China mix with values and traditions instilled during Spanish colonial times. Tying it all together is the warmth of a people who value family and friends, welcome visitors with open enthusiasm, and celebrate the small details of everyday life.

Highlights

  • Best for: Solos, couples and budget to luxury
  • Best season to visit: Year round, with coolest and driest temperatures from Dec through June
  • Weather: The Philippines is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: tag-init or tag-araw, the hot dry season or summer from Mar - May; tag-ulan, the rainy season from June - Nov; and tag-lamig, the cool, dry season from Dec - Feb

Philippines Information

Cultural Activities in the Philippines Overview

Each island in the Philippines offers unique cultural variations. Highland interiors are home to indigenous peoples that retain their unique ethnic traditions and languages, while coastal areas blend old ways with new trends.

Cultural Activities in the Philippines Tips

When visiting Lamanoc Island time your visit for low tide to experience the full beauty of this dazzling white sand of the Kawasihan sandbar. Opt for a dusk cruise on the Loboc River to witness the amazing sight of millions of fireflies lighting trees along the bank. Sign up for the guided tour to Can-Umantad waterfalls and you will receive the bonus of a traditional lunch at a local village, complete with regional delicacies.

Best Places for Cultural Activities in the Philippines

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces showcase traditional methods of agricultural terra-forming. The Malatapay Market is a thriving center of regional trade in artisanal goods. Exotic tropical fruits such as durian, rambutan, lanzones and mangosteen can be sampled in the mountain town of Valencia. On the shores of Candijay, innovative fish and seaweed farms provide sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for local villagers. At Lamanoc Island, a bamboo walkway leads through a mangrove forest to mysterious sacred caves.

What to Pack for Cultural Activities in the Philippines

Bring a day pack with a few extra items of clothing, because you'll want to be ready for anything from swims in cool spring pools and coastal sandbars to scrambles through haunted caves, and rides or walks on hillside trails. Sports clothes will do for outdoor activities, but you might want a nicer shirt and maybe some long pants for hosted lunches, dinners and cultural performances.

Specials

Dive
Spa and Wellness

Philippines

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

ANDA, BOHOL PHILIPPINE SCUBA SPECIAL SAVE $270 includes 7 nights Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 5 days of unlimited diving, 7 days full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 2/28/25. Book by 12/1/23.
Read More

From $1,635 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Magic Island Dive Resort

MOALBOAL, CEBU PHILIPPINE SCUBA SPECIAL SAVE $215 includes 7 nights Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 5 days of unlimited diving, 7 days full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 2/28/25. Book by 12/1/23.
Read More

From $1,535 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

ANDA, BOHOL SAVE $880 PER DIVER 10 NIGHT SPECIAL OFFER - FREE DIVING | FREE NIGHTS | FREE MEALS – Scuba Diving Package includes Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 8 days of unlimited diving, 10 days full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 9/30/23.
Read More

From $1,875 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

ANDA, BOHOL FREE DIVING | FREE NIGHTS | FREE MEALS -SAVE $580 Per Diver. Scuba Package includes 7 nights Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 5 days of unlimited diving, 7 days full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 9/30/23.
Read More

From $1,315 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Magic Island Dive Resort

MOALBOAL, CEBU SAVE $790 - 10 NIGHT SPECIAL OFFER - FREE NIGHTS | FREE DIVING | FREE MEALS – Scuba Diving Package includes Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 8 days of unlimited diving, 10 days full board meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 9/30/23.
Read More

From $1,750 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Magic Island Dive Resort

MOALBOAL, CEBU FREE DIVING | FREE NIGHTS | FREE MEALS -SAVE $525 includes 7 nights Superior Deluxe Cottage accommodations, 5 days of unlimited diving, 7 days full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid through 9/30/23.
Read More

From $1,225 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Solitude Acacia Resort

ANILAO - PHILIPPINES DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights’ accommodations, up to 15 boat dives with Nitrox air, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, water, coffee and tea, internet access, hotel tax and service charges.
Excludes: Airport Transfers-quoted at time of reservation for an additional cost, park fees (if any), scuba diving equipment, except scuba tanks, weights, belt, alcohol beverages, soft drinks, and other F&B not offered with full board meal plan.

Valid through 12/15/23. Book by 11/30/22.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 with questions regarding Pricing, Information and Availability.
Read More

From $1,692 per person double diver

Book Now

Packages

Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE PHILIPPINE DIVE PACKAGE includes 10 nights accommodations at Atlantis, up to 5 dives per day including night dives, all meals, coffee, tea and filtered water, unlimited internet access, hotel tax, and service charges.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera

PUERTO GALERA PHILIPPINE DIVE PACKAGE 10 nights Deluxe accommodations, unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to 5 boat dives daily including night diving), breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, water, coffee and tea, internet access, tax, and service charges.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Solitude Acacia Resort

ANILAO - DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights’ accommodations, up to 15 boat dives, Nitrox, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, water, coffee and tea, internet access, hotel tax and service charges.

Excludes: Airport Transfers-quoted at time of reservation at an additional cost, park fees (if any), scuba diving equipment, except scuba tanks, weights, belt, alcohol beverages, soft drinks, and other F&B not offered with full board meal plan.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 with questions regarding Pricing, Information and Availability.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE PHILIPPINE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights accommodations at Atlantis, up to 5 dives per day including night dives, all meals, coffee, tea and filtered water, unlimited internet access, hotel tax, and service charges.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera

PUERTO GALERA PHILIPPINE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights Deluxe accommodations, up to 5 boat dives daily including night diving, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, water, coffee and tea, internet access, hotel tax and service charges.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Philippines

Azure Dive Resort

DAUIN - 7 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights accommodation, 12 boat dives including 2 Apo Island day trips and all marine park fees, breakfast only, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.
Read More

Book Now

Resorts

Dive
Spa and Wellness
Cultural Activities
Hiking
Ziplining
Offroading
Animal Interactions
Snorkeling
Paddle Sports

Philippines

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

ANDA, BOHOL Magic Island's newly built sister resort in Bohol is now open! The 16-room dive resort offers a fresh water pool, restaurant/bar and massage services. The house reef is available 24/7 for easy shore diving. Up to four boat dives a day to sites within 40 minutes of the resort. Trips to Camiguin for muck diving, South Leyte for whale sharks also available.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Magic Island Dive Resort

MOALBOAL, CEBU With a magnificent view of the mountains of Cebu and Negros Island, this resort offers accommodations for only 20 divers. With 3 boats and 4 local dive guides, the dive groups are always small. Spend time exploring the beautiful critters and macro life that Magic Island’s guides are experts in finding.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Solitude Acacia Resort

ANILAO - Solitude Acacia Resort, located along the tranquil coast of Mabini. The resort offers anything you need, from a relaxing weekend getaway from Manila to more extended duration stays packed with diving and island hopping.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 with any questions regarding Pricing, Information and Availability.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive
Spa and Wellness
Mind and Spirit
Ziplining
Cultural Activities

Philippines

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

DUMAGUETE - Indulge yourself and surrender to Atmosphere where the warmest of Philippine hospitality is combined with first class amenities and service to bring you an unforgettable experience within the stunning Philippine archipelago. Beautifully situated within an old seven acre coconut plantation on the island of Negros, Atmosphere enjoys a spectacular beach front location alongside the warm coastal waters of the Philippine Sea.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE This relaxed first-class eco-resort is located beachfront among several marine sanctuaries. Dive local islands including world famous Apo, Siquijor (Island of Witches), and even fabled Balicasag. Stunning walls, dramatic drifts and some of the best muck diving in Asia are all easily available including abundant resident mandarin gobies.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort

ANILAO - Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort is the epitome of a stylish resort that strives to make staying ashore as pleasurable as diving itself. Strategically situated on the mountainside, Aiyanar presents you with a grand panoramic view of the sunset against the ocean's vast expanse.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Salaya Beach Houses

DAUIN - Award-winning boutique resort with personal service for a max of 26 guests. This luxury resort on Negros Island offers very spacious accommodations and VIP diving service, lush tropical gardens, acclaimed food - Dahon Restaurant is known for having the best food on the Island. A quiet, relaxed haven where you can expect some of the best diving in the world, with over 30 years of experience. Dumaguete is a mecca for macro diving, and overlooks Apo Island, a world-class marine sanctuary where you can experience walls and soft corals, turtles, schooling jacks and barracuda, among many other sights. You can also visit the world-famous whale sharks on a day trip in Oslob. Most dive sites are within minutes of the resort.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive
Snorkeling
Spa and Wellness

Philippines

El Galleon Dive Resort

PUERTO GALERA - El Galleon Dive Resort is a beachfront resort with pool, two great bars and a restaurant which partners with Asia Divers, a renowned dive operation in the Philippines offering tech and recreational diving. Established in 1987, the dive team brings a wealth of information and experience. Resort amenities include a waterfront restaurant, two bars, pool and spa.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive
Snorkeling
Animal Interactions
Hiking
Cultural Activities
Offroading

Philippines

Azure Dive Resort

DAUIN - The Azure Dive Resort is the quintessence of the Filipino spirit—warm as the inviting blue waters of its private beach; gracious as the palm fronds that bend in the breeze. The resort was conscientiously built with the Filipino heritage in mind; an extraordinary touch of the Filipino culture can be experienced within its unassuming spaces. The unobtrusive presence of a highly-trained staff ensures efficient service and utmost privacy for all guests. The rooms were designed to mimic the comforts of a modern Filipino home. Tucked away in the tropical haven sleepy town of Dauin, Negros Oriental. It sits on a sprawling 1,620-square meter terrain that gently slopes down to a sandy stretch that merges with the warm Bohol Sea.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera

PUERTO GALERA Located on over six miles of marine reserves featuring pristine coral reefs, beautiful walls and some of the best muck dives in the Philippines—this is a macro photographer’s paradise.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More

Liveaboards

Dive

Philippines

Philippine Siren

LIVEABOARD - The Philippine Siren is a 140-foot traditional Indonesian "Phinisi" handcrafted from ironwood and teak. Itineraries include 6-night itineraries to the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as itineraries to Malapascua (thresher sharks!) and some of the Philippines best dive sites in the Visayas. Book by 3/21/16 and SAVE OVER $750 PER COUPLE on 6-night Visayas itineraries departing on 6/18/16, 6/25/16 and 7/2/16. See additional listings for savings on 2016 10-night itineraries. 2017 and 2018 6-night Visaya itineraries (June/July) also available at regular rates. These trips sell out quickly so contact us to confirm current availability.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Pricing, Information and Availability.
Read More

Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing and Information.

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Philippines

Atlantis Azores

LIVEABOARD - Philippine’s only Blue Water Rated Private Yacht, Atlantis Azores offers divers an exquisite chance to dive in premier destinations such as Apo Reef, Coron, Tubbataha, Bohol, Cebu, and all over Southern Visayas. Three distinct itineraries showcasing parts of the Philippines only possible by Liveaboard!
The 107' liveaboard yacht, the Atlantis Azores, offers the same high level of service, quality accommodations, gourmet meals and world-class diving that the Atlantis Dive Resorts in Dumaguete and Puerto Galera are famous for from the comfort of a luxurious yacht.

These Trips fill up quickly so Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Pricing, Information and Availability.
Read More

Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing and Information.

See Packages & Learn More

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements: All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry stamp and proof of onward or return airline ticket may be required. Visas upon arrival are issued for 30 days for tourist stays.

Exit Requirements: All persons leaving the Philippines pay a Government Departure Tax of approximately USD $17.

Immunizations

There are no required vaccines for entry into the Philippines, although you should always check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at cdc.gov.

Culture and Customs

The Philippines are a blend of East and West. Centuries of Spanish and US influences mix with Asian cultural traditions and cuisines. Sophisticated urban centers such as Manila contrast with village life in small fishing communities and mountain settlements. Music is a common love that unites Philippine people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, whether the performance takes the form of a spirited karaoke rendition of a pop favorite or a traditional rondalla. It is a culture where people are quick to sing, laugh easily, and place high values on family, friendships and hospitality. Clear waters and spectacular beaches attract vacationers to coastal resorts, while adventure-minded travelers have a wide range of activities to choose from. Nature lovers can trek, bike or bird in one of the world's most diverse biospheres, home to nearly 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. Though better known for its beaches, the Philippines is also a land of towering mountains, with peaks rising to heights of more than 9,000 feet. In addition to trekking and climbing, the highlands provide thrilling whitewater rafting and paddles through underground rivers. Indigenous wellness traditions live on in healing arts such as Hilot touch therapy and Dagdagay foot massage and in the traditional greeting of “Mabuhay,” which is a wish for good health, peace, and harmony.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity in the Philippines is 220 volts, 60 Hz, so an adapter will be needed for U.S. visitors. If your electronic device does not accept 220 V input, you may also need a step down transformer.

The country code for the Philippines is 63. Check with your cell phone provider for International plans which may include text, data and voice. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Water Quality

The water is safe to drink at the larger chain hotel and in major cities, which offer purified water, but it is recommended to drink bottled water while in the Philippines.

Language & Currency

The Philippines is the 3rd largest English-speaking country in the world. Tagalog (Filipino) is spoken by nearly 1/3 of the population as a first language and as a second language by the other 2/3 of the population. Filipino is the official language of education, but English is also an official language. The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP) but U.S. dollars are accepted in most places. Check the currency rate here.

Time

The Philippines observe Philippines Time or PHT which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+8 GMT). The Philippines does not observe daylight savings time.

Location, Size and Population

The Philippines are located in Southeast Asia, in the Western Pacific Ocean, east of Vietnam and northeast of Malaysia. The Philippines are made up of 7,107 islands. The three main islands are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the Central Region and Mindanao in the South. The capital city of the Philippines is Manila. The islands take up approximately 115,830 square miles. The islands vary in size with Luzon being the largest at 42,458 square miles, it is also the 15th largest island in the world and the 4th most populated island in the world, to some of the smaller places like popular Dumaguete, which is only around 13 square miles and located in the Visayas.

The population of the Philippines is over 102 Million (2016).

Top
#

caradonna

Book Now

Share: