Consisting of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a real treasure that you can explore during your stay there. In fact, whether you are working or you have retired in the archipelago, you will have plenty of free time to enjoy different leisure activities. Whether you choose the modern urban lifestyle or the provincial rural pace of life, your choice will also dictate the type of leisure activities available.
Shopping in the Philippines
Filipinos go to shopping malls not just to shop but also to dine, watch movies, and ice skate. It's also a good shelter from the heat outside while doing some window-shopping at the same time. In fact, SM City North EDSA is the 4th largest shopping mall in Asia, according to World Atlas. You can almost always find an SM shopping mall in every major city, as they are the biggest player in the country, followed by Ayala's high-end malls in Makati.
Amusement parks in the Philippines
The most famous amusement park in the Philippines is located in Santa Rosa City, in Laguna, called Enchanted Kingdom, offering guests thrilling experiences on pirate-themed rides, among others. Another park with extreme rides can be found in Metro Manila, Star City. There are also plenty of underwater theme parks, such as the Manila Ocean Park and Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay.
Museums in the Philippines
The country has a rich history, and you can discover this by visiting museums such as the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, Casa Manila Museum in Intramuros, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and Casa Gorordo in Cebu. The Filipinos are not short of art, as seen inside the Ayala Museum in Makati, BenCab Museum in Baguio and Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. There are also museums dedicated to science and discovery, namely, The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City and the Philippine Science Centrum in Marikina.
Nightlife in the Philippines
You will never run out of bars & restaurants, nightclubs, discos, and of course, the Filipino favorite, KTVs, in the country. Most of the high-end clubs and lounges are concentrated in Bonifacio Global City, Makati, and Resorts World in Pasay.
Beaches in the Philippines
Obviously, you cannot ignore the beautiful, postcard-like, white sandy beaches all over the Philippines. The most notable ones are Boracay, El Nido, Moalboal, Mindoro, Nasugbu, Siargao, and Sipalay. Philippine beaches have been voted as the most beautiful in the world!
Watersports in the Philippines
If you like water sports, you are likely to enjoy surfing, rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. In fact, Luzon, which hosts the Chico River and the Saltan Pagsanjan River, is an ideal spot for water sports. In the North-west of Mindanao, you can also enjoy water sports in Cagayan de Oro, which divides its capital city into two distinct areas, the East and the West. Palawan Apulit, for its part, is ideal for sailing.
Surfers, on the other hand, can enjoy high tides around La Union, located in the Northwest of Luzon, Baler in the Northeast and Daet in the Southeast. They will also be delighted in Siargao, found in the Northeast of Mindanao.
Finally, snorkeling has become a popular water sport in the Philippines thanks to the number of specialized training centers and the abundant marine life surrounding the islands.
If you are an amateur of fishing, head towards Santa Ana, which is located along the coast of Luzon. Many foreigners travel there every year, especially from March to July, to enjoy the warm waters as well as various marine species that come around.
Diving in the Philippines
Diving is a very widespread activity in the Philippines. In fact, most islands have their own diving center. So if you enjoy diving, whether as an amateur or as a professional, you will enjoy the region's warm and crystal clear waters as well as their wonderfully rich aquatic fauna. Diving experts advise the Calamian Islands, which are found in the North of Palawan, where you can explore the wrecks of the Second World War. You can also visit popular islands such as Padre Burgos, Apo, Puerto Galera, and Malapascua.
Hiking and camping in the Philippines
There are plenty of mountains to conquer in the Philippines. The most spectacular trails include Mt. Batulao (Batangas), Masungi Georeserve (Rizal),Tarak Ridge (Bataan), Mt. Maynoba (Rizal), the highest peak in Luzon, Mt. Pulag (Nueva Vizcaya), and Sagada (Mountain Province).
Rice terraces in the Philippines
In North Luzon, you will find many paddy fields having some 2,000 years of history. Back then, hill tribes had started digging with their rudimentary tools to create what is today an essential part of the country's landscape. Traditional villages such as Batad, originating from the city of Banaue, are preserved for their historical and cultural aspects.
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