Fantastic Philippine Destination for the Rainy Season
The rainy season in the Philippines brings with it a host of traveling problems, but it’s not without any perks. This season is usually when the off-peak season comes in, which means flights get cheaper, accommodations are more affordable, there are less people around, adding up to a more private, quiet time.
Even though it is primarily a tropical country, you’ll find out that there’s more to the Philippines than just sunny beaches. Read on to discover the perfect rainy season destinations in the country.
1. Cagayan de Oro
Down in Northern Mindanao is the quiet province of Misamis Oriental is Cagayan de Oro, home to some of the Philippines’ best local fruits such as suha, durian, lanzones, and mangosteen. During the rainy season, these produce are a lot more bountiful, so a kilo or two of mangosteen and lanzones can be yours for a lot cheaper! Oh, and they’re notoriously yummy, too. For a more cultural kick, celebrate the Higalaay Festival with the locals during late August!
If you’re looking for adventure, whitewater rafting and kayaking are great adrenaline-pumping activities in the area, made better by the rushing currents brought about by the monsoon. Cagayan de Oro is also host to a number of amazing nature trails and some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, such as the Maria Cristina Falls. Put on your hiking boots and get trekking!
2. Naga City
Over at Camarines Sur, Naga City offers off-peak travelers a host of fun activities and delectable dishes that are enjoyed just as well during the rainy season. Beat back the monsoon chill with a feast of fiery Bicolano cuisine, most of which is soaked in coconut milk and flavored with the burn-unit-worthy siling labuyo, which goes up to a hundred thousand Scoville units (meaning, it’s VERY HOT.)
Once you’re fed and watered, explore some of the province’s great activities, such as trekking around Mt. Isarog, awesome water adventures in the CamSur Watersports Complex, or just take a nice, relaxing dip in the hotsprings in the town of Panicuason.
3. Baguio City
It may be called the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” but Baguio City is no slouch when it comes to the rainy season. During the monsoons, the city becomes hoodie weather heaven, giving a nice, quiet, serene vibe to the whole city. Watch the fog envelop the mountain as you sip on a steaming cup of hot tablea chocolate from your veranda, while wrapped in a cozy, hand-woven Baguio blanket.
Through constant development, a lot of food choices have popped up in Baguio City. Find the Bulalohan along Session Road for a taste of the famous beef soup, then hit up the Baguio Craft Brewery for some of the best home-brewed beer in the country. Finally, wind down with a nice cup of coffee in the many third-wave coffee shops dotting the city.
4. Boracay Beach
It’s undisputed – the best place to spend the rainy season is still in the best beach island in the country. Not many people would venture out to Boracay during the off-peak season, as it won’t have the usual hot sun beating down on it. But that’s okay, because things get a little more fun during the rainy season!
For starters, 7Stones Boracay is open for service no matter what season it is, and rates get more affordable during the rain months as well! Splurge on one of their great suites and make a home for yourself for the remainder of your stay. You won’t even have to leave the resort premises for fun, as Bulabog Beach usually hosts a ton of fun watersports during the rainy season, such as kitesurfing, parasailing, and windsurfing. For a taste of some of Boracay’s best eats, look no further than 7th Note Café, where dishes from all around the world converge into one cozy café that even the locals revere.
The rainy season shouldn’t spoil your trip to the Philippines; you just have to know where to look. Take advantage of the awesome offers of the off-peak season and book your flights and accommodations today!
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