photo by jjglandingin via Flickr
Sometimes the best adventures are those that are not that obvious. Of course hiking, snorkeling and beach bumming are all attractive activities to do during a vacation but what about the stranger, unorthodox activities that will get your friends to ask, “You did what?” These fun, yet strange, activities to do in the Philippines will elicit that reaction as well as provide you will a camera roll full of one-of-a-kind snapshots. And of course, fun is guaranteed. So whether you’re wanting to mix the classic with the weird or just throw in a unique extra activity during your travels, one of these activities will be sure to fit the bill.
photo by Brian Hart via Flickr
Geocaching
Remember those old school time capsules when you put stuff in a capsule, bury it and then there’s a ceremony 10, 20 or 50 years later to open it back up and find out what a former you left inside? Geocaching is similar to this except it’s more organic as well as global . Time capsules of varying looks and sizes are filled with knickknacks and a log book. Once you find a Geocache, you can sign the logbook and trade any of the treasures inside. With Geocache, the adventure is in the treasure hunt.
So what about specific locations in the Philippines? Depending on where you’ll be, you can find many Geocaches in your area by visiting forums and Facebook groups to get you started on the puzzles. The point of Geocaches is to discover new places and areas in a city or place like this spot in Manila or this one in Northern Luzon.
Once you download the free Geocache app, the GPS will also show you Geocaches nearby so you won’t have to do internet searches before if that’s not really your jam. If you’re wanting to plan a full-day custom tour with Geocache, be sure to check out the Philippines Geocache FB group, figure out where you’d like to be and Uncharted Philippines can plan an amazing day of treasure hunting for you and your group.
photo by US Coast Guard Academy via Public Domain
Underwater Hockey
Underwater Hockey is exactly what you’d think it is… hockey underwater. Starting out as a game called Octopush that was invented in the UK in 1954 by Alan Blake, the sport has since garnered world appeal and the Philippines has a very active underwater hockey community. There are even professional players that compete in the sport and tournaments are both riveting as well as unique to experience.
Want to try your hand at this fun and cooperative sport? Just make sure to reach out to Uncharted Philippines and they can put together a customized trip that will get you in the water with a hockey puck. If playing underwater hockey wasn’t on your bucket list before, it definitely is now.
photo by Moez via Wikipedia Commons
Extreme Ironing
Tony Hiam, the founder of extreme ironing and perhaps the original “Banksy” created this tongue-in-cheek sport in 1980 when he noticed that his brother-in-law would always iron his clothes, even while camping. To prove a point and show him how silly that was, he then mimicked this and took the iron and ironing board to busy airports, beautiful mountain lookouts and beyond.
What started as a fun “trolling” activity has since blossomed into a full-on sport and activity. People all around the world are coming up with ways to outdo previous EI enthusiasts with nowhere being off limits. Underwater? No problem. On the side of a cliff? Why not? In a subway? Well, of course.
As for the Philippines, there’s naturally tons of gorgeous locations where you can set up shop and iron a blouse. Why not partake in extreme ironing while diving in Anilao or on a trek through a rainforest. The Banaue Terraces offers picturesque views which will be a great contrast to the ironing board or how about doing a two-for-one by booking a water sport day trip and attempting EI in the process? Either way, you’ll be sure to have a blast and share a few laughs with friends and family.
photo by jjglandingin via Flickr
Wooden Scooter Racing in Banaue
Wooden scooter racing in Banaue is way more than just racing with scooters. It’s a cultural tradition. Many people in the town prepare every year for the < href= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjsmJGh2V-8>big Imbayah festival in April where the whole town gets together and races on their own wooden scooters which they’ve designed, carved and made themselves. This is what makes this sport so special, only those who create their own wooden scooters can participate. Similar to soap box racing in the United States, the winners are those who understand the mechanics of how to build their own machines and this ingenuity as well as any custom additions are the “x factor” that wins them the race each time. For those who’d like to meet real-life wooden scooter makers and racers, Uncharted Philippines has an in like no other. Trip leader Marvin Bunaton specializes in this and he’s an experienced racer and maker himself. So whether you just want to enjoy a local festival and watch the race or learn the interworking and visit a workshop or two, Uncharted Philippines has this exclusive adventure waiting for you.
Let’s Go
Betcha didn’t know what half of these activities were before reading this article and now, of course, you can’t wait to try them. So reach out today to one of Uncharted Philippines’ travel professionals to help you plan your one-of-a-kind adventure.