Off the beaten path: 5 unique adventure destinations for Holy Week

A weekend getaway usually means a trip to the beach. But here, we see ourselves climbing the Cordillera mountains. Sagada is not an easy place to get to: it requires a long drive accompanied by sharp turns and zigzagged roads, which scare most away. But those who can climb are welcomed to a scenery that's unrivalled in beauty.

Trekking is the mountain’s best tourist activity, and you’ll find much of the Ifugao tribe’s history integrated into the landscape. From the hanging coffins in Echo Valley to the burial caves and rice terraces, you can explore myriad adventures. Make sure to bring a camera because the view is to die for.

Sagada’s next-door neighbour, Banaue, is unofficially yet widely dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Famous for their rich rice terraces, the earthly smell and breath of fresh air you feel is unmatched. You truly can’t get this in the metro. If you’re looking to get enriched, the Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture holds more than a thousand cultural treasures from the past.

Dubbed the "Wakeboarding Capital of the Philippines," Camarines Sur is best known for its pink and black sands and extreme watersports. But what most miss out on is the cultural heritage behind the region. From their colourful festivals to refined museums and delicious food, you can enrich both body and spirit in the company of the hospitable locals.

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Get your adrenaline pumping with high-speed white water rafting in the Cagayan De Oro rapids. Though it may sound dangerous, don't worry. You'll be accompanied by a professional to guide you down the river. I've personally gone through the gauntlet myself, and I can confidently say that it's an experience that you'll be telling your friends proudly. Perfect for those fond of rollercoaster rides and swimming, water rafting in CDO is a surefire way to kickstart your summer with a bang.

Iloilo is well known for its beautiful beaches, but they also host some of the country's most awe-inspiring cathedrals and churches. Must-visit destinations include the Islas de Gigantes in Carles, an island-hopping destination home to hidden lagoons, sand bars, and white sands, the Jaro Cathedral, one of Iloilo's oldest churches, and the Molo Church, easily recognisable for its tall red spires. Don't miss trying the pancit molo and La Paz batchoy, Iloilo's speciality dishes.

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