Sports and leisure activities Philippines

Budget & Tips

Free activities include basketball (the national sport, there are courts absolutely everywhere), volleyball on some beaches, and of course swimming in the sea or pool and hiking (although there aren't that many marked hiking trails).

Snorkeling tip: if you've got room, pack a mask and snorkel so you're independent and don't have to spend 150-300 PHP at each location to rent snorkeling gear.

Diving rates vary according to the formula (half-day with or without equipment, open-water, padi, etc.). Expect to pay around €50 (PHP 3,000) for a half-day dive, and between €300 and €600 for a full package over several days (PHP 18,000 - 35,000). Some hotels and resorts have their own diving centers and offer attractive packages.

For surfing, board hire costs around €6-15 (400 - 900 PHP) per day (regressive rate). For 2 hours with a local instructor (board included), you should expect to pay between €6 and €17 (400-1,000 PHP).

What's very local

Sports betting is very popular in the Philippines and sabong - cockfighting - is one of the most popular "sports". Every town or village has its own arena and millions of fights are organized every year, most of them illegal. Razor blades are attached to the legs of the roosters who fight to the death. It is a real tradition in the Philippines, one of the last countries not to totally ban this practice, which is, from an outside point of view, extremely violent and impressive.

Attending a basketball game on one of the countless courts present everywhere is a very simple way to share a moment of daily life with Filipinos, in a great atmosphere.

Your documents please

Some legal requirements are necessary to practice scuba diving in the Philippines. In addition to your passport and visa, you will often have to show your diving certification card (PADI, SSI, CMAS...). If you have a logbook with the history of your dives and your experience, take it too. It is possible that you will also be asked for a medical certificate of fitness, so it is necessary to get information before your departure.

To be booked

It is generally not necessary to make reservations to practice activities in the Philippines. However, during the peak season (December-April) or in very touristy places (Coron, El Nido), remember to book your activities the day before for the next day (diving, island hopping, amusement parks, etc.).