8 Cultural Experiences to Have in the Philippines

Mihai-Alexandru Cristea 31/07/2023 | 13:22

Travelers have their own ways of enjoying a trip. Some people prefer to experience a country’s history by tasting local coffee or visiting museums, while others are more interested in exploring the beach or the mountains. However, isn’t the most enjoyable and fun way to fully appreciate a particular location by immersing oneself in its distinctiveness?

 

When you visit the Philippines by doing a cebu pacific booking, you have the opportunity to experience a multitude of unique experiences, and here we have compiled a list of 8 unique cultural things that can only be found in this country:

 

  • Flying bike

Philippines residents have always enjoyed biking. However, it is worth a look if you are going to be bicycling at an elevation of 150 feet or more. In Bohol, one of its attractions, besides the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers, is the activity of biking up in the air. You must ride a bike for a distance of 500 meters using your own strength to pedal. While you’re there, you will also have the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of Bohol from above.

 

  • Take a jeepney ride

Jeepneys are the primary mode of transportation in the Philippines, particularly in urban areas. Jeepneys are vehicles that originated from the jeeps left behind by Americans during their colonization. In recent times, jeepneys have gained a reputation for accommodating a large number of people, despite their small size. The payments, typically in coins, are passed from one passenger to another until they reach the driver. The Mountain Province is the place to go if you want to enjoy a jeepney ride.

 

  • Express your anger by throwing plates

When faced with challenges in life, one possible approach is to respond assertively by throwing objects as a means of relieving tension. Tarlac has a restaurant where you can indulge for a price. At the Isdaan restaurant, there is an activity called Tacsiyapo where you can throw plates against a wall to let out any pent-up frustration or anger you may have. You can also toss TVs, radios, and glasses! Tacsiyapo is a phrase that means “shame on you.” It is traditionally shouted when aiming at a target.

 

  • Try out Balut

You can’t refuse to try the Philippines’ renowned balut when you come. Balut is a duck egg that has been boiled until it is hard, and it contains a developing embryo within. Some people claim that in order to truly experience eating balut, you must consume the fetus inside, despite its strange and unusual taste. Eggs, which are rich in protein, are primarily sold on the streets.

 

  • Bamboo bicycle riding

If you are currently in Manila and would like to take a nostalgic stroll, I recommend visiting Intramuros. Intramuros, also referred to as the Walled City, is a pedestrian-friendly area that has been preserved since the time of Spanish colonization. If you are not interested in riding a traditional horse carriage, you might consider exploring the area with a rented bamboo bike. The products are crafted by villagers who are part of a social enterprise. You can rent these bamboo bikes on-site or purchase them if you’re interested.

 

  • Visit the studio of tattoo master Apo Whang Od

Tourists and locals alike frequently visit Whang Od, a 100-year-old tribal tattoo artist, to get traditional tattoos. She is regarded as the country’s oldest and last mambabatok (hand-tap) tattoo artist; she is a member of the Butbut tribe from Buscalan, Kalinga.

 

  • A bath in a huge cooking pot

When visiting Tibiao, Antique, tourists should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing soak in a large cooking pot or “kawa,” which gives the illusion of being cooked alive. These posts were originally used for cooking sugar, but the resorts and inns in the area have repurposed them into jacuzzi tubs. This is a fantastic way to unwind and connect with nature after the exhilarating adventures you’ve had with adrenaline-pumping activities.

 

  • El Nido limestone rock climbing

El Nido offers more than just the opportunity to go island-hopping and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of its small and large lagoons. There is a giant limestone in the town that can be hiked up to reach its summit. However, reaching the top is not an easy task. Endurance is required as you need to climb it by hand without any cemented pavements. Once you reach the top, you’ll have a beautiful view of the islands, the South China Sea, and the town.

We hope this article has inspired you to plan a trip to the Philippines that includes more than just lounging on a beach and swimming in blue water. The Philippines is a nation of exploration and adventure, from savory, unusual, and delectable Filipino cuisine to vibrant festivals, rich history, and welcoming people!

BR Magazine | Latest Issue

Download PDF: Business Review Magazine April 2024 Issue

The April 2024 issue of Business Review Magazine is now available in digital format, featuring the main cover story titled “Caring for People and for the Planet”. To download the magazine in
Mihai-Alexandru Cristea | 12/04/2024 | 17:28
Advertisement Advertisement
Close ×

We use cookies for keeping our website reliable and secure, personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to analyse how our website is used.

Accept & continue