Follow us on
Popular Getaways
8 of the Top Places in PH To Visit In The Off-season With Your Squad
Fancy a chill vacation? Bring your friends to these getaways!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | May 20, 2022
Yes, you and your barkada will enjoy these places during the rainy season!
Image: Great White Water Rafting CDO (R)
Planning a trip or vacation with your best buddies is never easy. Incompatible schedules and clashing ideas on where you should go are challenging, but planning your trip according to our country’s ever-changing weather is tricky. There are still places in the Philippines that you can visit even when it’s raining like crazy. But don’t let the dreary weather stop you and your friends from having the ultimate getaway.
Here are some places to visit during the rainy season with your barkada, perfect for groups regardless of the weather!
1. Siargao is one of the busiest destinations in the country, and it’s not too late for you and your friends to find out what the buzz is all about. If you’re a group of surfers, you and your barkada can conquer the giant waves at Cloud 9. This famous tourist destination, where newbie and veteran surfers come to train, becomes even better during the rainy season.
Experience stronger waves with your surfer buddies at Siargao this rainy season.
Image: @mikarti
Green House is an eco-resort in Siargao known for its yoga classes. You can attend their morning or afternoon session for PhP350 and choose between an Astanga-Primary Series or Vinyasa Flow session. After a day of surfing, your group can also have some downtime and enjoy a yoga session.
2. If your group prefers an adventurous and cultural trip, you can head to South Cotabato and visit Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu generally has a colder climate because of its elevation, and this becomes even cozier when it’s raining! Visit this famous Philippine tourist spot in the morning and enjoy a surreal boating experience at its seven famous falls, namely Hikong Alo, Hikong Bente, Hikong B’lebel, Hikong Lowig, Hikong Ukol, Hikong K’fo-i, and Hikong Tonok. Your group can explore these falls either by hiking or taking a zipline.
Enjoy the cold Lake Sebu weather and marvel at its beauty early in the morning!
Image: Official Lake Sebu Tourism
If your group prefers an adventurous and cultural trLake Sebu is also home to the indigenous T’boli tribe, known for their weaving skills. Your group can support their community by buying their beautiful T’nalak or traditionally woven garments made from refined abaca fiber.
3. Camiguin may be one of the smallest provinces in the country next to Batanes, but it is home to several natural resources that will keep you and your friends busy for days. You can go hiking and climb Mt. Vulcan or Mt. Hibok-Hibok and end the day with a relaxing bath at Ardent Hot Spring. Your clique will find something to explore in Camiguin, from waterfalls to mountains and hot and cold springs.
Escape Manila’s weather and travel to Mantigue Island in Camiguin with your buddies.
Image: Camiguin Tourism Office
But if you prefer just laying back and enjoying its peaceful impression, you can lounge at the beautiful beaches of Camiguin, including White Island and Mantigue Island.
4. Bukidnon may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about getaway destinations, but this landlocked province north of Mindanao is more than meets the eye. You can visit Del Monte’s Plantation and Golf Course to see vast greeneries and rows upon rows of pineapples. You can also stop by the Monastery of Transfiguration. The famous pilgrimage site is situated on top of a hill, giving it one of the best views of Bukidnon.
Fly through pine trees at Bukidnon’s Dahilayan Adventure Park.
Image: Dahilayan Adventure Park
If adventure is what your group is after, Dahilayan Adventure Park is also an exciting stop at Bukidnon. It houses the longest dual zipline in Asia with a length of 840 meters, and Skytower Base Jump, the highest para jump in the country that measures eight stories in height.
5. Another exciting province to visit with your friends is Siquijor. The island destination is known for the stories of sorcery and mysticism surrounding it, but one step inside Siquijor, its undeniable beauty, is the only spell you’ll be falling for.
Bring your barkada along and fall in love with Siquijor!
Image: Joyce Bernadas
You and your friends can roam around the area by riding the tricycles. Some of the must-visit places in Siquijor include the gorgeous beaches of Salagdoong and Paliton, and the clear blue waters of Cambughay Falls, where you can jump into the water using vines from trees, just like Tarzan.
6. Iligan City is another off-the-beaten-path getaway you and your friends can include in your rainy season itineraries. This province in Lanao Del Norte might not be a known tourist destination. Still, unbeknownst to many, it is actually called the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” because of the many waterfalls you can find here.
Leave Manila’s rainy weather for this captivating beauty in Iligan.
Image: Patrick John Baui
One of the most famous falls in Iligan is Maria Cristina Falls. The 98-meter high waterfall is not only known for its mesmerizing height and grandeur but also for its utility. Through hydroelectricity, the waterfall supplies 70 of Mindanao’s energy. And Maria Cristina Falls is only one of the 24 beautiful falls you can explore in Iligan, so you better brace yourself for the beautiful sights you’ll see!
7. Cagayan De Oro has always been the go-to destination for white water rafting activity, and it’s an even better experience during the rainy season. This beautiful place to visit offers many exciting spots, like the Cagayan River. Bring your friends along and conquer the challenging Cagayan River with bigger waves and stronger currents that always come with the wild weather.
Prepare for an exhilarating adventure at Cagayan de Oro.
Image: Great White Water Rafting CDO
After a tiring day of rafting, you and your friends can end your night by going thrift shopping at Divisoria Night Market at Plaza Divisoria. While exploring the sights and sounds around town, munch on the favorite pastel pasalubong, a bread with yema (candy made with egg yolk) filling on the inside.
8. If you and your barkada are not one to shy away from the cold, then head north to experience Baguio in its chilliest climate. The City of Pines is known for its cold weather, which gets even more out with the monsoon winds! Enjoy the sweater weather and see Baguio’s parks covered with mist and fog.
Experience a colder and foggier Baguio this rainy season!
Image: Yoorekka
For a fantastic brew of coffee paired with a beautiful view, head to Arca’s Yard, a café known for its cozy, library-slash-museum ambiance. Aside from the usual sightseeing, grab a hot coffee or chocolate to keep warm. If you prefer a cup of hot chocolate instead, Tsokolateria will take care of your cocoa needs, from your drink to your meal.
The constant rains and cold winds shouldn’t stop you and your friends from making your dream barkada trip. Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more exciting travel destinations and guides in the country!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. Have a great trip!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on June 29, 2018.
Check out this video:
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
Learn more stories on:
Places to Visit
Metro Manila
vacation
getaways
destinations
tourist destination
tourist spot
rainy season
best tourist destination
beautiful places to visit
philippine tourist spots
Location Tags:
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although
careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all
information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended
to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
ALSO READ
CATEGORIES
VIDEO MARKET PLACE
FOLLOW US ON
MORE STORIES AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
