Our Adventures in the Philippines

As we touched down at Manila International Airport for our Midlife Adventures in the Philippines, the excitement of our journey ahead buzzed in the air. In this post, we’ll take you through our incredible experiences, from island hopping in Siargao to discovering the wonders of Bohol. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture!

Touching down at the charming Siargao airport, we were warmly greeted by our driver, who was ready to whisk us away to our island retreat. Our home for this adventure was the delightful Camanolo Homestay. Eager to explore, we wandered through the vibrant area, enjoyed a delicious coffee at a local café, and even booked an exciting excursion for the following day.

Our adventure led us on a captivating land tour of Siargao. We marveled at the panoramic views from the Coconut View Deck, soaked in the serene beauty of Maasin River, and explored the enchanting Magpupungko Rock Pools. Our journey culminated with a visit to the breathtaking Sugba Lagoon, making for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.

We kickstarted our adventure with a sense of anticipation. We rented a couple of scooters, ready to explore the island’s hidden gems. With helmets on and maps in hand, we set off, the thrill of the open road and the promise of discovery fueling our spirits.

Our first destination was the legendary Secret Beach. The journey there was half the fun, winding through lush landscapes and picturesque villages. Upon arriving at the beach, we were greeted by pristine sands and crystal-clear waters—a true tropical paradise. We spent the morning basking in the sun, snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, and soaking in the serene beauty of this secluded spot.

Hunger and curiosity led us to a quaint seaside bar, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch. The locals welcomed us with open arms, sharing stories and laughter that bridged our worlds. Their warmth turned a simple meal into a memorable cultural exchange.

We hopped back on our scooters and headed towards the Coconut View Deck. The drive was beautiful, with coconut trees swaying and panoramic views that took our breath away. At the deck, we paused to soak in the stunning vistas.

As the day drew to a close, we dined at Kermit Restaurant, savoring the amazing atmosphere and food.

We enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing day by the pool at the Kermit Resort, where the staff went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.

Today, we embarked on the stunning Three Island Tour in Siargao. We kicked things off at Guyam Island, a small, palm-covered gem perfect for snorkeling. Next was Naked Island, a pure white sand paradise.

Finally, we ended at Daku Island for lunch, a perfect spot to unwind with fresh seafood and coconuts. This tour offered adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable views.

Today, we’re in Cebu and gearing up for one of the most epic experiences yet: canyoneering at Kawasan Falls! We started the day by suiting up and, after a quick safety briefing, we were off! The canyoneering trail wound through lush jungle, guiding us along crystal-clear turquoise waters, slippery rocks, and stunning waterfalls. Of course, there was plenty of cliff jumping along the way!

Each jump got more thrilling, and the views were breathtaking at every stop. The grand finale was the iconic Kawasan Falls, where we took a final leap and celebrated with a swim under the powerful falls. It was an unforgettable adventure packed with adrenaline, laughter, and stunning scenery.

Today, we took things a little slower, starting with a laid-back morning exploring the heart of Moalboal. We wandered through local shops, sampled street food, and soaked up the coastal vibes.

In the afternoon, it was time for the main event: snorkeling the famous Sardine Run! We headed just off Panagsama Beach, where millions of shimmering sardines swam in mesmerizing formations right beneath us. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime sights you can’t forget.

To top it off, we spotted sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water, completely unfazed by all the activity around them. Swimming alongside these beautiful creatures was a dream come true and the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Today, we left the laid-back vibe of Moalboal and made our way to Oslob. After a scenic drive, we arrived at New Village Lodge, welcomed by the amazing, friendly staff.

The day was all about unwinding. First up: karaoke! We joined the locals, belted out a few tunes, and had a blast. Karaoke here isn’t just an activity; it’s a vibe, and everyone gets involved. Later, we treated ourselves to a relaxing Thai massage—the perfect way to unwind after our travel and adventures.

Today was an epic day of sightseeing here in Bohol—we packed in so many must-see spots!

We started in the magical Man-Made Forest, where towering mahogany trees create an enchanting tunnel of green. Next up was the Tarsier Conservation Area, where we met these adorable little creatures. Seeing them up close was a real treat!

Then it was off to the iconic Chocolate Hills—truly breathtaking in person! We also visited the Twin Bamboo Bridge for a bit of wobbly fun.

To top it off, we ended the day on the Loboc River Cruise, floating along the river while enjoying local food and soaking up live music as the sun began to set. Bohol is packed with beauty, and this day was one for the books!

Today was all about unforgettable experiences here in Bohol! We kicked off bright and early with Taug Whale Shark Watching. Seeing these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat was absolutely awe-inspiring.

After the excitement, we took it easy with a relaxing pool day back at our hotel, recharging for the evening. Later, we set off for a magical firefly watching tour along the Loboc River, drifting under the starlit sky as thousands of fireflies lit up the trees. It was the perfect end to a day filled with nature’s wonders.

Today was a chill day around the pool and by the Loboc River. After all the exploring, it felt amazing to just kick back, take in the riverside views, and unwind.

For our last evening in Loboc, we enjoyed a fantastic meal at the nearby Fox and Firefly Restaurant. The atmosphere was cozy, the food was delicious, and it was the perfect send-off before saying goodbye to this beautiful riverside town.

The past few days have been all about unwinding in Panglao. We soaked up the sun by the resort’s amazing pool, explored the local beach with its beautiful sands, and enjoyed delicious local restaurants. Each place had its own charm.

One of the highlights was our visit to Hinagdanan Cave! We ventured down into this natural limestone wonder, and the turquoise water inside was irresistible—so, of course, we took a refreshing swim. The atmosphere in the cave was surreal.

It’s been a perfect mix of relaxation and mini-adventures, and we’re loving every minute in Panglao!

Today, we traded the beaches of Bohol for the stunning landscapes of El Nido! We caught an Air Swift flight from Bohol, and soon we were descending into paradise.

After arriving, we made our way to our new home base, the Cuna Hotel. The hotel is beautiful, and the best part? It has an incredible rooftop bar and restaurant!

We spent our first evening enjoying the breathtaking views of El Nido, tasting delicious food, and soaking up the relaxed rooftop vibe.

Today, we had an epic day on Tour A in El Nido! We met our guide from Leatherback Tours and set off on this iconic island-hopping tour.

Our first stop was Big Lagoon. As we sailed through turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, we couldn’t believe the views! Next, we visited Secret Lagoon, accessed by slipping through a narrow rock opening.

After a quick swim, we headed to Shimizu Island for snorkeling, where the underwater life was incredible, filled with colorful coral and tropical fish. For lunch, we stopped at Seven Commandos Beach, a gorgeous stretch of white sand. We enjoyed a beachside feast prepared by our guides.

Each stop offered its unique charm, and the day was packed with amazing sights, swims, and unforgettable moments. Tour A is a must-do if you’re in El Nido!

Today, we went on Tour C, one of El Nido’s most famous island-hopping tours, and it did not disappoint!

We set off early, met our guide, and then glided over crystal-clear waters toward Helicopter Island. Named for its unique shape, the island is surrounded by amazing coral reefs, and the snorkeling was out of this world.

Next, we headed to Secret Beach, which required a swim to get there. Inside, we found a small sandy cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It felt like discovering a secret world.

Then it was off to Matinloc Shrine, offering stunning views and a bit of mystery. We climbed up a viewpoint overlooking turquoise water and surrounding islands—breathtaking!

The penultimate stop was Hidden Beach, another secluded gem accessible by swimming through an opening. Once inside, it was like being in a natural swimming pool. Our final stop was Talisay Beach, where we enjoyed a beachside feast prepared by our guides.

Tour C offered the best of El Nido, with incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences!

Today, we experienced an adrenaline rush as we tackled the zip line in El Nido!

After a short hike up to the zip line site, we were greeted by stunning views and a mix of excitement and nerves. Dressed and ready, we launched off the platform. The rush of air enveloped us as we soared high above the lush green hills and the crystal-clear sea—it felt like flying!

Landing back on solid ground, we were filled with adrenaline and laughter. If you’re looking for an adventure in El Nido, the zip line is an absolute must!

We headed out to the stunning Nacpan Beach, and it was everything we dreamed it would be!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The beach was less crowded, giving it a laid-back vibe that made it feel like our own slice of paradise.

We lounged under the sun, dipped in the refreshing water, and wandered along the shore. A beachfront eatery served delicious local dishes, and eating with our toes in the sand was magical.

We also hiked to a viewpoint with breathtaking panoramas of the coastline—a perfect reminder of why this beach is loved. After an unforgettable day, we headed back feeling relaxed and grateful for the beauty of Nacpan Beach.