Text and images by Kara Santos
The summer heat is starting to sizzle and most tourists are probably already packing their bikinis and flip-flops for their beach getaways. But if you’re not a beach person, heading to mountain towns are the best way you can cool off.
Here are 10 places where you can beat the summer heat in the Philippines (arranged by travel time and accessibility from Metro Manila.)
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Distance from Manila: one to two hours by land
Tagaytay is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations because of its stunning scenery, cool climate, and proximity to Manila. At 2,250 feet above sea level and roughly just a couple of hours’ drive away (depending on the traffic), Tagaytay is a favorite for quick weekend getaways. Tourists flock here to enjoy the crisp air and variety of dining options that offer scenic views of Taal Lake from various vantage points situated in the city.
Things to do: Admire the view of Taal Lake, ride the Ferris Wheel at Sky Ranch, take the kids horseback riding, feast on bulalo and tawilis at a restaurant overlooking Taal Lake, visit Sonya’s Secret Garden.
Sagada. Mt. Province
Distance from Manila: 10 hours by land
Sagada is a lovely town in Mt. Province, nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one and a half kilometers above sea level in the Central Cordillera Mountains. Sagada features a subtropical highland climate, which means it enjoys generally cool summers, with a relatively narrow annual temperature range and few extremes of temperature. The sun may be shining bright all day, but the air is still cool and not humid, unlike most other places in the Philippines.
Things to do: Visit the Hanging Coffins, hike up Kiltepan Peak, sample local specialties like fresh Sagada coffee and etag, pass by Cerveza Sagada for craft beer
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Distance from Manila: 1.5 hours by air plus two hours by land (from General Santos City airport)
Lake Sebu is a town in the province of South Cotabato surrounded by rolling hills and mountains and covered with thick rain forest. The placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Allah Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato covering an area of 354 hectares (870 acres), with an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet. If you’re looking for a peaceful destination to enjoy nature and vibrant culture, Lake Sebu is a great place to visit in Mindanao.
Things to do: Go boating around the lake, zipline at the Seven Falls Zipline, sample unique tilapia delicacies, buy traditional handmade souvenirs and products
Dalaguete, Cebu
Distance from Manila: one hour by air plus two to three hours by land (from Cebu City airport)
The town of Dalaguete, south of Cebu City, offers one of the trails to Cebu’s highest summit, Osmeña Peak. While tropical climate prevails year round in Dalaguete, the mountain barangays are relatively cold. In fact, Mantalongon, which is known for its vegetable production, is considered the “Little Baguio of Cebu.” The town is 85 percent hilly and mountainous with more than 30-degree slopes and farms, which provide an idyllic view.
Things to do: Hike up Osmeña Peak, take a dip at Obong spring, sample their local delicacy called torta
Baguio City, Benguet
Distance from Manila: four to five hours by land
The original “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio City is a mountain resort city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. Located approximately 5,050 feet above sea level in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion, Baguio is the undisputed favorite among local and international tourists who want to enjoy cool climate and all the creature comforts all year around. Known for its sprawling parks with pine trees and flower gardens, strawberry farms, and log-style cabins with fireplaces, there’s a reason people keep coming back to Baguio.
Things to Do: Visit Camp John Hay or Mines View Park, zipline at the Treetop Adventure, appreciate art at the BenCab Museum, go boating at Burnham Park, buy fresh strawberries, vegetables, and coffee at the Hangar Market, have a beer at Baguio Craft Brewery
Banaue, Ifugao
Distance from Manila: eight hours by land
Banaue (or Banawe) is a town in the province of Ifugao that’s best known for its rice terraces. The Ifugao Rice Terraces has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by locals because of its majestic stairway formation that begins at the base of the mountain range and extends several thousand feet upward. While the Banaue Rice Terraces are the most famous, it’s the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces that are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite being located in the tropics, temperatures remain pleasant in Banaue because of its higher altitude. At night it can get pretty chilly with temperatures dropping to 12°C the first few months of the year.
Things to do: Admire the Banaue Rice Terraces from Viewpoint Village, watch an Ifugao Cultural Show, visit the Banaue Museum, hike to Batad Rice Terraces, take a dip at Tappiya Falls, check out Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant at Banaue Trade Center, the best-looking restaurant in the center with “extremely cosy rooms,” according to The Lonely Planet
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Distance from Manila: 1.5 hours by air plus three to four by land (from Davao City or Cagayan de Oro City airport)
The name of the province itself means “mountain dweller” or “highlander,” so you can expect Bukidnon to have mountains where you can cool off. Bukidnon is known as the food basket of Mindanao, with many plantations in the province. Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, is also known as “Little Baguio” while Dahilayan Adventure Park is a top mountain resort that has that same Bagiuo of the old feel. The elevated areas have average temperatures ranging between 18 and 28 °C.
Things to do: Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration, have a picnic at Kaamulan Park, visit the Bukidnon Tree Park
Itbayat, Batanes
Distance from Manila: one hour by air and four hours by sea from Basco airport
Batanes may be expensive to visit, but it’s one of the destinations that are worth the trip. The northernmost province of the Philippines is one of the coolest places in the country. Situated in the Cagayan Valley region, Batanes is blessed with a cooler, balmier climate and strong winds. The island of Itbayat, one of Batanes’ three inhabited islands and the country’s northernmost town, enjoys the coolest weather, particularly during the rainy season. It’s pretty challenging to get here, as you need to take a four-hour boat ride through open seas, but the Moorish views will make you feel like you’re in another country.
Things to do: Hike to Torongan Cave and hills, take a dip at the cave lagoon pools at Paganaman port, hike to Rapang Cliffs
San Remigio, Antique
Distance from Manila: one hour by air plus three to four hours by land (from Iloilo City or Kalibo airport)
San Remigio has been dubbed the “Summer Capital of Antique” in the Visayan island of Panay. Almost 70 percent of the land area here is mountainous while the remaining 30 percent comprise the flat lowland and rolling hills. This town may not yet be on the tourist radar compared to some other popular destinations, but you can enjoy cool climate all year around while visiting these scenic highlands, home to rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, and cave formations.
Things to do: Visit Igbaclag Cave, Hike to Rice Terraces, hunt for the Rafflesia speciosa (a species of the biggest flower in the world), try the delicacy lubid-lubid (a type of local pretzel)
Tanay, Rizal
Distance from Manila: one to two hours by land
Tanay, a town just east of Manila in the province or Rizal, offers an alternative to Tagaytay for those who just want to cool off on a quick road trip. Tanay is still relatively uncrowded with fewer dining options, but has weather reminiscent of Tagaytay in some spots. In fact, it’s a favorite weekend destination for motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Tanay contains portions of the Sierra Madre Mountains, so the climate here is cooler. It’s one of the places near Manila where you can camp out and get a chance to see a sea of clouds.
Things to do: Hike up Mt. Daraitan, go swimming at Daranak Falls, go spelunking in Calinawan Cave, visit Regina RICA, enjoy a meal at Paseo Rizal or Cafe Katerina
For more travel suggestions and detailed guides, visit the author’s blog Travel Up at www.traveling-up.com
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Distance from Manila: one to two hours by land
Tagaytay is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations because of its stunning scenery, cool climate, and proximity to Manila. At 2,250 feet above sea level and roughly just a couple of hours’ drive away (depending on the traffic), Tagaytay is a favorite for quick weekend getaways. Tourists flock here to enjoy the crisp air and variety of dining options that offer scenic views of Taal Lake from various vantage points situated in the city.
Things to do: Admire the view of Taal Lake, ride the Ferris Wheel at Sky Ranch, take the kids horseback riding, feast on bulalo and tawilis at a restaurant overlooking Taal Lake, visit Sonya’s Secret Garden.
Sagada. Mt. Province
Distance from Manila: 10 hours by land
Sagada is a lovely town in Mt. Province, nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one and a half kilometers above sea level in the Central Cordillera Mountains. Sagada features a subtropical highland climate, which means it enjoys generally cool summers, with a relatively narrow annual temperature range and few extremes of temperature. The sun may be shining bright all day, but the air is still cool and not humid, unlike most other places in the Philippines.
Things to do: Visit the Hanging Coffins, hike up Kiltepan Peak, sample local specialties like fresh Sagada coffee and etag, pass by Cerveza Sagada for craft beer
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Distance from Manila: 1.5 hours by air plus two hours by land (from General Santos City airport)
Lake Sebu is a town in the province of South Cotabato surrounded by rolling hills and mountains and covered with thick rain forest. The placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Allah Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato covering an area of 354 hectares (870 acres), with an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet. If you’re looking for a peaceful destination to enjoy nature and vibrant culture, Lake Sebu is a great place to visit in Mindanao.
Things to do: Go boating around the lake, zipline at the Seven Falls Zipline, sample unique tilapia delicacies, buy traditional handmade souvenirs and products
Dalaguete, Cebu
Distance from Manila: one hour by air plus two to three hours by land (from Cebu City airport)
The town of Dalaguete, south of Cebu City, offers one of the trails to Cebu’s highest summit, Osmeña Peak. While tropical climate prevails year round in Dalaguete, the mountain barangays are relatively cold. In fact, Mantalongon, which is known for its vegetable production, is considered the “Little Baguio of Cebu.” The town is 85 percent hilly and mountainous with more than 30-degree slopes and farms, which provide an idyllic view.
Things to do: Hike up Osmeña Peak, take a dip at Obong spring, sample their local delicacy called torta
Baguio City, Benguet
Distance from Manila: four to five hours by land
The original “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio City is a mountain resort city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. Located approximately 5,050 feet above sea level in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion, Baguio is the undisputed favorite among local and international tourists who want to enjoy cool climate and all the creature comforts all year around. Known for its sprawling parks with pine trees and flower gardens, strawberry farms, and log-style cabins with fireplaces, there’s a reason people keep coming back to Baguio.
Things to Do: Visit Camp John Hay or Mines View Park, zipline at the Treetop Adventure, appreciate art at the BenCab Museum, go boating at Burnham Park, buy fresh strawberries, vegetables, and coffee at the Hangar Market, have a beer at Baguio Craft Brewery
Banaue, Ifugao
Distance from Manila: eight hours by land
Banaue (or Banawe) is a town in the province of Ifugao that’s best known for its rice terraces. The Ifugao Rice Terraces has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by locals because of its majestic stairway formation that begins at the base of the mountain range and extends several thousand feet upward. While the Banaue Rice Terraces are the most famous, it’s the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces that are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite being located in the tropics, temperatures remain pleasant in Banaue because of its higher altitude. At night it can get pretty chilly with temperatures dropping to 12°C the first few months of the year.
Things to do: Admire the Banaue Rice Terraces from Viewpoint Village, watch an Ifugao Cultural Show, visit the Banaue Museum, hike to Batad Rice Terraces, take a dip at Tappiya Falls, check out Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant at Banaue Trade Center, the best-looking restaurant in the center with “extremely cosy rooms,” according to The Lonely Planet
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Distance from Manila: 1.5 hours by air plus three to four by land (from Davao City or Cagayan de Oro City airport)
The name of the province itself means “mountain dweller” or “highlander,” so you can expect Bukidnon to have mountains where you can cool off. Bukidnon is known as the food basket of Mindanao, with many plantations in the province. Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, is also known as “Little Baguio” while Dahilayan Adventure Park is a top mountain resort that has that same Bagiuo of the old feel. The elevated areas have average temperatures ranging between 18 and 28 °C.
Things to do: Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration, have a picnic at Kaamulan Park, visit the Bukidnon Tree Park
Itbayat, Batanes
Distance from Manila: one hour by air and four hours by sea from Basco airport
Batanes may be expensive to visit, but it’s one of the destinations that are worth the trip. The northernmost province of the Philippines is one of the coolest places in the country. Situated in the Cagayan Valley region, Batanes is blessed with a cooler, balmier climate and strong winds. The island of Itbayat, one of Batanes’ three inhabited islands and the country’s northernmost town, enjoys the coolest weather, particularly during the rainy season. It’s pretty challenging to get here, as you need to take a four-hour boat ride through open seas, but the Moorish views will make you feel like you’re in another country.
Things to do: Hike to Torongan Cave and hills, take a dip at the cave lagoon pools at Paganaman port, hike to Rapang Cliffs
San Remigio, Antique
Distance from Manila: one hour by air plus three to four hours by land (from Iloilo City or Kalibo airport)
San Remigio has been dubbed the “Summer Capital of Antique” in the Visayan island of Panay. Almost 70 percent of the land area here is mountainous while the remaining 30 percent comprise the flat lowland and rolling hills. This town may not yet be on the tourist radar compared to some other popular destinations, but you can enjoy cool climate all year around while visiting these scenic highlands, home to rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, and cave formations.
Things to do: Visit Igbaclag Cave, Hike to Rice Terraces, hunt for the Rafflesia speciosa (a species of the biggest flower in the world), try the delicacy lubid-lubid (a type of local pretzel)
Tanay, Rizal
Distance from Manila: one to two hours by land
Tanay, a town just east of Manila in the province or Rizal, offers an alternative to Tagaytay for those who just want to cool off on a quick road trip. Tanay is still relatively uncrowded with fewer dining options, but has weather reminiscent of Tagaytay in some spots. In fact, it’s a favorite weekend destination for motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Tanay contains portions of the Sierra Madre Mountains, so the climate here is cooler. It’s one of the places near Manila where you can camp out and get a chance to see a sea of clouds.
Things to do: Hike up Mt. Daraitan, go swimming at Daranak Falls, go spelunking in Calinawan Cave, visit Regina RICA, enjoy a meal at Paseo Rizal or Cafe Katerina
For more travel suggestions and detailed guides, visit the author’s blog Travel Up at www.traveling-up.com