5 Philippine travel spots you'll enjoy visiting in the rain
This year's showers may have started pouring in, but that doesn't mean it's time to take a break from your weekend escapes.
A lot of Filipinos are raring to travel now that restrictions have eased. Not only that, the rain can add some charm to the picturesque tourist spots of the Philippines. Mountains and landscapes turn greener and bodies of water glimmer with sparkling water.
So while your Instagram feed might not be full of sunny days on the beach, there are other fun activities you can still enjoy around the top travel destinations that have reopened in the country.
Here’s a roundup of popular tourist destinations and suggestions of rainy day activities and great eats as recommended by travel and food bloggers.
Boracay
Boracay is best known for its tropical beaches and sunny weather, but the wet season known as Habagat (which typically lasts from June to October) has set in early this year. Despite the risks of rain, many visitors pick this time to visit because hotel rates are lower and there are fewer people on the beach than during the peak summer season.
Even with Habagat, it's still rare to see uninterrupted rain for several days. Just like in Manila, mornings can still be either sunny or cloudy while the downpour comes in the afternoon.
You can still enjoy the beach even if it rains. In fact, Habagat season is the best time to enjoy sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding at Bulabog Beach on the east coast of the island.
Looking for fun activities to enjoy indoors?
"Go on a food trip! Make a list of the restaurants and food that you want to try. If your hotel has a fitness center, take advantage of it; work up a sweat and burn all the calories you gained from your recent food trip. You could also schedule a spa day for some self-care. Have your hair braided like the locals or go shopping and support SMEs," adds Yen.
Baguio
You may have to skip most of Baguio City’s public parks and outdoor attractions when it’s rainy, but there are still a lot of indoor venues to explore including museums, heritage centers, and bookshops. Spend the day admiring art at the indoor galleries at BenCab museum, find a cozy spot at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, or curl up by a fireplace in your hotel and enjoy the colder weather with a view of the foggy landscape.
Baguio is an amazing destination for foodies, which is always a great fall-back activity when it rains.
"Although Baguio City is best known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, it is still a good destination to visit during the rainy season especially if you want to go on a chill food trip," shares Mica Rodriguez who blogs at Senyorita.
"If you’re into KDrama or Kpop, you surely want to indulge on Korean Food. Wood Nymph located in Upper Military Cutoff Road offers reasonably priced and authentic Korean Food. It is also the oldest Korean restaurant in the city. Enjoy an unlimited Samgyupsal for P450 per head. If you’re not in the mood for Korean BBQ, I recommend that you try their Galbitang and Bossam."
Coffee lovers can also combat the cold weather with a slice of Vizco’s Strawberry Shortcake, a cup of Choco-Late de Batirol, or coffee at one of the local cafes beyond the usual Baguio haunts.
"If you’re a coffee lover, there are a number of coffee shops in Baguio City you can visit. KAPIterya is a simple and cozy spot perfect for journaling or reading. It is operated by the Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia Inc. and a project of Baguio Creative City and DTI-Car. If you want a minimalist yet Instagrammable place with good coffee and pastries, you may want to visit FOAM Coffee Shop," recommends Mica.
Bicol
The Bicol region is no stranger to rainy weather all year-along and chances are, a trip to the cities of Naga or Legazpi will have you facing a rainy day or two.
For adventurous travelers, one of the top tourist activities to do in Legazpi is to ride an ATV through the foothills of Mayon Volcano. Travel blogger Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf En Route and Happy Foodies shares that the rain and mud just makes the route going there less dusty and more exciting.
"A little rain won't dampen a trip in Bicol. A rainy ATV ride can make the trail more splashy and fun. Less dust and heat too. It includes a short hike up the lava wall. The waterfalls looks also majestic with a little rain. You can head to Zoe's resort for plenty of waterfalls. There's a short and accessible trail too like the Kambal Busay Falls. If you're already wet, wakeboarding at CWC is also a fun activity," shares Ferdz.
For those who prefer to stay indoors, food-tripping around the region is your best bet, with local haunts just waiting to be discovered.
"Try out Bidi-bidi Cafe (Cafe des Artes) for their tasty vegan Banana Blossom Burger which has a patty made of banana heart (puso ng saging). Chef Doy's also has some signature and award winning dishes like cheesy Bicol express and batang-batang pusit" he adds.
Cebu
There are lots to enjoy in Cebu, dubbed the Queen City of the South, even during rainy weather. Top activities in the province include visiting Kawasan waterfalls and canyoneering, which is more enjoyable during the rainy months. The cascades look more dramatic for photography and while doing canyoneering, you’ll be spending most of the time soaked anyway.
Adventurous travelers can also go diving or snorkeling at Moalboal’s Sardines Run, chase waterfalls in South Cebu, or just enjoy rainy beach days at Maribago Bluewater resort. Hiking in some areas may not be permitted because of inclement weather.
Avid hiker Christine Fernandez of Jovial Wanderer shares that she made most of the rainy weather on a recent trip to Cebu by checking out indoor museums and churches, and going for a food trip around the city with friends.
"I made the most of our canceled hike by visiting the tourist spots in downtown Cebu. It was my first time to see the infamous Magellan’s cross, then had a nice dinner with friends and newfound friends after. Parang umakyat din naman ako ng bundok. With the rain and mud from street walking, dugyot pa din ako by the end of the day, so it’s all good," she shares.
Some museums and historical sites she recommends include Museo Sugbo, Fort San Pedro Plaza, Independencia Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu.
"For food trips, check out Tamp in Banilad, The Buzz Cafe (originally from Bohol) at Robinsons Galleria, Orange Brutus at Ayala Center, Maribago Blue Water, Pukot, and Bake & More at Paseo Saturnino, which is a nice cafe that serves a heavy Nasi Lemak for breakfast."
Need a place to just chill and warm up? "Tightrope Coffee along President Quezon Street is one of the best places in Cebu for great coffee," suggests Christine.
Camiguin
The volcanic island of Camiguin is home to lagoons, lakes, cold, hot and soda springs, and pristine waterfalls. Camiguin Island has some of the best waterfalls in the country, so it's entirely possible to spend a day waterfall hopping.
Camiguin-based content creator PotPot Pinili of Travel Trilogy said, "When it rains, it still pours lots of island fun" on the island.
"Go waterfalling and experience the huge cascades of the ever-popular Tuasan and Katibawasan Falls. Off-the-grid waterfalls such as Mantalaga and Bingawan are worth the thrill too. You can also hole up in natural rock pools in Saay and the Cawa-Cawa Blue Lagoon in Guinsiliban. And whether you like to go freediving or scuba diving, take your adventures underwater and take a front-row seat in the island's luminescent underworld," he shared.
Of course, you can always just stay indoors and chill out at your chosen resort or go food-tripping.
"Stay and enjoy the cool island breeze over bowls of creamy chicken surol, hot sikwate and sinigang," he added.
