Most people prefer to travel and go on adventures during the summer months when it’s sunny. However, you may find yourself having to travel during the monsoon months. While travelers need to take extra care as the rain may bring landslides and floods to many areas, the rainy season shouldn’t stop you from having fun. Here are a few travel tips to make the most of the rainy season in the Philippines.
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1. Choose weather-appropriate outdoor activities and destinations
There are a lot of fun outdoor activities you can do during rainy days. Visiting beaches and waterfalls can generally be good in light to moderate rains since you’re going to get wet anyway. Mountain landscapes, forests and terraces in the Cordillera region are more lush, while waterfalls like those found in Lake Sebu and Iligan look more majestic. Some waterfalls like the terrace-like Kaparkan Falls in Abra are only visible during the rainy months of July and August.
READ MORE: Fun Outdoor activities for the Rainy Season
I’ve enjoyed spelunking in caves like those found in Samar, Sagada or Quirino in the rain. However, you have to make sure that the caves you are planning to visit are not the type with subterranean pools that get flooded, as there’s always a possibility of getting trapped inside.
Rapids are a lot stronger during the rainy season, making activities like whitewater rafting in Kalinga or Cagayan, kayaking and river tubing in Saranggani and Real more thrilling and fun.
Other water-based activities like surfing, kitesurfing, canyoneering, snorkeling or diving can still be fun even if the weather is gloomy. You can also try other activities usually done on relatively calm water like lakes or artificial pools including like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or cable wakeboarding.
Mountain biking is another activity you can still enjoy during the rainy season as trails like those in Timberland or La Mesa Eco Park become more challenging with mud and puddles that will really put your biking skills to the test.
2. Relax at a Spa
Rainy days are also a good time to visit water parks or relax in hot spring resorts, heated pools or go to spas. There are a a number of unusual spa experiences around the country, like Antique’s Kawa or jungle hot tub bath.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can just enjoy lazing around in indoor swimming pools in hotels or visit kid-friendly indoor theme parks or water parks like Ace Water Spa.
3. Visit Museums and fun Indoor Attractions
If you’re not the type who likes water-based activities, there are lots of other things to keep you occupied while staying dry indoors too. You can visit art or science museums, historic sites, ancestral houses, churches and temples. If you’re with kids, there are a number of museums in Manila like Art in Island, Trick Art Museum, Upside Down Museum and The Dessert Museum you can check out.
4. Try a new sport or take a class
If you want something more active, now is the best time to try a new sport or exercise like indoor wall-climbing, archery, yoga or lazer tag. Or you could sign up for culinary lessons or take an art class to unlock some new skills.
5. Break out of a room
If you’re into escape room games online, you could try one of the many escape room games in real life with friends. Escape Room Games like Breakout, Mystery Manila and Escape Hunt now have lots of branches around the metro.
- Breakout Philippines (Paragon Plaza Bldg., Katipunan, SM North, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Serendra BGC)
- Mystery Manila (Eastwood, Century City Mall, Juputer, Ayala Malls the 30th)
- Escape Hunt (Ebro St. Makati)
6. Staycation Time!
The rainy season is the best time to relax indoors and enjoy a staycation in a hotel or resort. Make use of the hotel’s facilities. Some resorts have their own indoor swimming pools, spas, gyms or gaming rooms. Order room service and catch up on the latest movies or series, get a massage, or make use of the sauna or jacuzzi. There’s no shame staying in especially if it rains.
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy something new. You can enjoy a staycation right here in the city in hotels like Seda Vertis North, artsy hostels in Poblacion like Junction Hostel, or serviced residences like The Cirque Services Residences. If you’re traveling a group, be sure to bring board games or card games or other forms of entertainment, head to the nearest convenience store for some beer and chips and you’re all set.
7. Rainy Days = Great time for food trips!
If you’re traveling in another province, hunt down the best comfort food for rainy days like their local soup dish, longganisa, noodles or pancit.
Seek out homegrown coffee shops for locally brewed coffee, different types of kakanin or tablea, and other heartwarming dishes.
If you’re stuck in the metro, there are still plenty of foodie destinations like Maginhawa, Binondo, Marikina, Kapitolyo, Antipolo, Mandaluyong, or BF Homes that you and your friends can visit. Go on a food adventure with a specific theme, like cuisine from other countries you’ve never tried or vegetarian restaurants. It’s always nice to explore other neighborhoods but choose well, because some areas are prone to flooding during rainy days. Ramen, anyone?
Trying places nearby means you won’t get stranded on the road. Themed cafes like cat cafes and board game cafes are good places to hang out with friends on rainy days.
8. Be prepared before heading out
Be #WeatherWiser and always check the weather before heading out. Download a reliable and localized weather app on your Smartphone like Weather Philippines so you can monitor the weather and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
If you do push through with your trip during the rainy season, be prepared to get wet, or bring the appropriate gear to keep dry. For urban explorations, bring a folding umbrella, weather-resistant jacket and wear appropriate footwear. For weekend hikes and outdoor activities, bring a dry bag to protect your valuables and wear swimwear and rashguards or dri-fit clothes, which dry more easily. Wear outdoor sandals or quick-dry shoes with good traction that you don’t mind getting wet.
It always helps to have a few garbage bags folded up in your bag in case it rains to protect your gadgets that aren’t waterproof. You can also use this as a makeshift raincoat in a pinch.
9. Keep an open mind and a sunny disposition no matter the weather
We can’t always have blue skies when we travel, but the rainy weather has its own benefits. Visitors can enjoy off-peak rates, hotels often offer discounted rates during the rainy season compared to peak travel seasons, and there are less crowds to contend with in the destinations. Flights are also generally cheaper during the rainy season compared to peak travel season. For last minute trips, online booking sites like Traveloka Philippines can help you find the best deals.
Travel photography may be a challenge, but there are techniques for taking photos in the rain. I’ve found that sunsets are usually spectacular after an afternoon rainshower and there’s always the chance of catching a nice rainbow after the rain!
10. Prioritize safety and cancel or cut short travel plans if needed
When it comes to travel, safety should always be a priority. Don’t force yourself to go out and travel if there’s a typhoon if you’ll just be putting yourself in danger. If your trip involves sea travel, check with the coast guards first regarding clearance. Double check if flights are pushing through before you head to the airport. If you’re planning a road trip, make sure your route won’t be passing areas that are flooded or prone to landslides. If you’re already stuck on the road when it suddenly pours, get to a safe place as soon as possible.
If your primary goal for travel is sightseeing, than it might be best to postpone your trip for another time if you won’t be able to enjoy once you get there. Use the downtime instead to plan for your next trip. Read up on travel blogs and jot down notes for your itinerary. If you’re already in a destination and you find yourself stranded, wait out the bad weather and try to enjoy the other aspects of travel. Get to know the locals, the culture, the food or your travel companions. Just make the most of wherever you are and stay safe!
Very nice and practical tips! Rainy days may leave us grey and slightly disappointed since we can’t climb mountains or rock walls. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.
We love going to the beach during rainy season (believe us, the water is delightfully warm). 🙂
Thanks Adrenaline Romance. I agree, less crowded on beaches too 🙂 Hehe
Thank you for the tips given on travelling in rainy season. These are very essential tips to follow.
You’re welcome. Glad you found it useful.