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.

Apart from the usual suspects—Baguio and Tagaytay—you can visit other cool places with equally astounding nature views minus the heavy traffic and crowded spots.

If you’re craving a quick getaway this weekend or planning your summer getaway early, here are some cool places you can visit away from the bustling streets 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 better known for good staycation spots and hiking places. Not only with its scenic nature, but it is 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

LIST: Places to visit in the Philippines to embrace the cool weather

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. Just this month, it logged its coldest temperature at 18.4°C on the early morning of Jan. 18 and 18.6°C on the 26th.

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 Rive 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 ziplines.

Basco

Batanes is undeniably one of the preserved culture and nature landscapes. This is also the place in the Philippines that has its own version of winter as the temperature drops as low as 15°C at least this year.

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.

This article LIST: Places to visit in the Philippines to embrace the cool weather was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe