This is the terrifying moment a tourist boat was almost swept away by big waves while sailing in the Philippines.

Tsoy Tapales was island hopping in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province on July 5 during a short vacation with friends when they were met with bad weather.

Footage shows the group seated inside the boat while strong winds battered them on the way. The group was able to reach the island safely but they had to wait for at least two hours until the rain had stopped before leaving.

The tourist said: ‘We were frightened but the boat crew reassured us that we will be fine. We arrived on the island safely and waited until the storm passed. It was such a memorable experience.’

The Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are on their tropical monsoon rainy season, which lasts until October or November. Soaring temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius are often followed by powerful tropical storms with thunder, lightning, rain and flash floods.