LOOK: 5 places near Metro Manila where you can enjoy the chilly weather
The urge to do a bit of rest and relaxation has become more irresistible lately because of the chilly weather. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially announced the start of the Amihan season.
Where can you go near Metro Manila to enjoy the colder temperature? Baguio City and Tagaytay City are always popular destinations for those who want to chill out. But there are other destinations you can explore if you want to avoid the crowd in those cities.
Here are a few suggestions:
Masungi Georeserve
What is it? If you’ve been serious with your quarantine since the lockdown was imposed last year, you’re probably raring to do a bit (or a lot) of physical activity while the weather is a bit chilly. A popular tourist destination even before the pandemic, Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal is a conservation area and karst rock garden that serves as a sanctuary for various animal and plant life in the country. It’s a great destination for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of nature without having to spend serious cash. (Not everyone can afford to go to South Africa during the pandemic, after all). Visitors come here for its trails, the most popular being its Discovery Trail, where you pass through Masungi’s conservation area. The full trail takes around three to four hours to complete. The trail routes, according to its website, are customizable to your hiking skill level (there are rope courses in the trail).
Details: Tickets are sold at P1,500 per person on weekdays and P1,800 on weekends. Requests for trail visits should be arranged three days before the intended date of visit on the Masungi Georeserve website.
ATV Adventures Rizal
What is it? If you don't want to sweat so much doing physical activities, why not try it out when the weather is cold? If this is your thing, consider visiting ATV Adventures Rizal, a guided All-Terrain Vehicle tour near the Sierra Madre mountain range. They have a range of trail tours based on duration (from one and a half hours to a whole night) and difficulty, so you can find an activity based on your skill level. (They do promise that you’ll get home in one piece, so that’s reassuring). They also have paintball, archery, and horseback riding activities if the ATV tour isn’t your thing.
Details: Price depends on the activity. A short trail tour costs P1,500 per head (minimum of four people) while their eight-hour jungle trail adventure that involves a 30-minute trek and swimming in what their website describes as a “beautiful hidden falls” is priced at P6,500 per head (minimum of three people). For all activities, you need to book in advance via their website: ATV Adventures Rizal. For the trail tours, a tour guide is provided. The website says they also provide helmets and gloves (although with the ongoing pandemic, you may want to check if you’re comfortable using items provided by ATV Adventures Rizal).
Pinto Art Museum
What is it? Of course, you can opt to enjoy the cool weather somewhere more chill and relaxing. The Pinto Art Museum is an exhibition space and contemporary museum in Antipolo, Rizal. The popular date place is social media-worthy, but don’t go there for just the ‘gram. The museum is home to the works of Filipino artists such as Elmer Borlongan, Joy Mallari, Mark Justiniani, Emmanuel Garibay, and Leeroy New, among others. There is also a cafe in the museum. There are also rotating galleries and exhibits as well, so check out their page for details.
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Details: The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. No reservations are needed as walk-in guests are welcome. Tickets are priced at P250 for adults, P200 for senior citizens and PWDs, and P125 for students (as long as they have proof of enrollment).
ArtSector Gallery
What is it? Located in Binanongan, Rizal, ArtSector Gallery is a fairly new attraction. It is a five-storey art gallery and museum that features works of contemporary Filipino artists. People mostly go here for its restaurant, named Chimney Cafe 360, located at the gallery’s second to fifth floor, that has a breathtaking view of the Laguna Lake, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the Pililla Windmills. Chimney Cafe 360 offers the usual coffee shop fare—pastas, pizzas, donuts, coffee, tea—that are priced from P90 to P300.
Details: There is a P200 entrance fee; P225 during holidays and special ocassions. It is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, from 12:00 noon to 9:30 pm, closed on Mondays. Walk-ins are allowed. Big groups may inquire and pay entrance fees online before visits.
The Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery
What is it? Another art space in Antipolo! If you want a more lowkey time outside the house, visit The Crescent Moon Cafe in Antipolo, an open air restaurant that’s surrounded by trees and nature. Meals here are priced from P230 to P350 pesos, with dishes as such Beef Rendang, Lemongrass Pork Belly, and Fried Catfish. But it is also a pottery studio, where you can create ceramics before or after your meal! Cold weather, good food, pottery—these are great ingredients for a cool, relaxing day that can help you forget your worries.
Details: Crescent Moon Cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For reservations or inquiries, call (02) 8234-5724 or send a message via their Facebook.