LIST: Places to visit in the Philippines to embrace the cool weather
Since the country generally gets warm in most months, many locals make the most out of their break by visiting cool places with scenic views to unwind after a busy week.
With the cool January air settling in across the country, many locals have been experiencing cold weather, especially at night. Apart from the usual suspects like Baguio and Tagaytay, you can visit other cool places with equally astounding nature views, minus the heavy traffic and crowded spots.
Whether you’re craving a quick weekend escape this month or planning ahead while the weather is still crisp, here are some cool places you can visit away from the nonstop rush of the metro.
Tanay
Tanay, Rizal may be near Metro Manila but it's been delighting residents and tourists with its cold weather accompanied by stunning views.
If you want to explore it on your day off, you might want to start your trip at Cafe Katerina, where you can have a cup of coffee and be in awe of the scenery with a friend or two.
You can also check out Tinipak River, where you can enjoy trekking, camping, and swimming as you bask in the beauty of nature.
Antipolo
Apart from museums and cafes, Rizal is known for good staycation spots and hiking places. Not only with its scenic nature, but it is also one of the provinces that are easily accessible from Metro Manila.
One place you can visit is their Sapinit Road in Antipolo, Rizal, which they dub as “Little Baguio of Rizal.” Achieve a chill and quiet weekend and have a little picnic under one of the pine trees. You may also bring kids as it has a spacious place open for frisbee, badminton, or habulan.
If you're up for an adventure, you can also rent ATVs and drive on its muddy trails. Don’t forget to pose for the ‘gram with its pine trees as your backdrop.
Tuguegarao City
Known as one of the warmest cities in the Philippines, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan can also be one of the cool places you can visit, especially in January.
Visit the most beautiful churches in town, have a road trip and drive under their iconic Buntun bridge, or have a nature trip at Pinacanauan River and Callao Cave. Make sure also to try their famous Pancit Cabagan or Pancit Batil Patong.
Malaybalay
Dubbed the "South Summer Capital of the Philippines," Malaybalay in Bukidnon is one of your best options for a summer getaway. Simply staring at the scenic valleys and landscapes can easily fulfill your nature fix. Take a dip at their Nasuli Spring or go on nature adventures like hiking, trekking, or camping in their lush mountains.
You may also achieve the long-craving quiet and reflect and meditate at the Abbey of Transfiguration Monastery.
Lake Sebu
Nestled in the scenic valley of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu promises you a straight-out-of-the-postcard view with a bonus of cool weather.
The lake is also a source of livelihood for the locals as a portion of the lake is being used to farm tilapias.
Upgrade the experience and connect with the locals to learn more about the T’boli tribe who are weavers of traditional textiles. Some of the activities you can enjoy with the picturesque nature are canoe rides or zip lines.
Basco
Batanes is undeniably one of the preserved culture and nature landscapes. This is also a place in the Philippines that has its own version of winter as the temperature drops as low as 15°C.
Ride a bike and enjoy the scenic place, climb the Vayang Rolling Hills, or admire the stone landscape of Mount Matarem. Complete the experience and try on their vakul and kanayi traditional clothing, and rest at their typhoon-resistant stone houses.
Laoag
Dubbed as the “Sunshine City,” Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, offers a wide variety of experiences to all kinds of visitors.
For foodies, it’s a must that you grab bagnet, longganisa, or sukang iloko. Adventurers can surf on their famous dunes and beaches, while history geeks can marvel at their historical and heritage sites, such as the Sinking Bell Tower, Aurora Park, and St. William’s Cathedral.
San Ildefonso
Though one of Bulacan’s farthest municipalities from Metro Manila, San Ildefonso is a town rich in culture and history, offering a peaceful charm of its own.
Before it became a town, it was known by its pre-Hispanic name, “Bulak,” a reference to the abundance of kapok trees that once flourished in the area. Today, the land remains fertile, now thriving with vegetable crops.
San Ildefonso is also home to notable landmarks such as the historic Bahay na Pula, San Ildefonso Parish Church, the ecological wonder of Bulusukan Cave, and the picturesque natural scenery of Sapang Dayap.
Casiguran
Nestled in the Northern Portion of Aurora, Casiguran is home to the Amro River Protected Landscape, which is among those that provide water to its town and the town of Dilasag.
Nature lovers can seek both rest and adventure at its natural tourist spots, including the pristine waters of Tibu Tidal Pool, Paradiso de Casiguran, Casapsapan Beach, and more.
Muñoz City
Known as a central hub for agricultural education, research, and development, the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija continues to shape the future of agriculture in the region.
The city hosts several national research agencies, such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).
It also serves as an educational center, being home to Central Luzon State University (CLSU), a premier educational institution in the region.
They hold an annual Uhay Festival, which showcases the city’s agricultural and cultural achievements.
Aparri
Aparri is a haven for nature adventure enthusiasts. Facing the Luzon Strait, Aparri produces large ocean waves that become gentler as they reach the Babuyan Channel, making the area suitable for surfing and skimboarding.
In good weather, beginners can surf from April to July, while waves up to 6 feet are common from August to March. For history geeks, there’s the Aparri Ecclesiastical Museum, which showcases the history of Catholicism in Cagayan.
It’s also known for its aramang or alamang, a key ingredient in traditional Cagayan dishes like okoy, pinakbet, and dinengdeng.
