It can be tough to plan trips during the rainy season in the Philippines. There’s a lot of uncertainty when traveling by air and sea, especially if a typhoon hits. Once you arrive at your destination, overcast skies and seasonal downpours can be a downer during sightseeing and typical outdoor activities like going to the beach.
But this doesn’t mean hitting the snooze button on travel. Some places around the country come alive once the rainy season sets in. Natural landscapes like waterfalls look their finest and mountain scenery is at its greenest. The fog in mountainous areas can make places look more captivating.
The great thing about traveling during the rainy season is there are fewer tourists around, which means you can enjoy destinations by yourself. For those not used to tropical climates, the cooler temperatures can be easier to deal with than hot and humid summer weather.
Here are a few places around the Philippines nature lovers can enjoy during the rainy season.
READ MORE: Travel tips for the rainy season
Abra
Kaparkan Falls, a stunning terraced waterfall in the interiors of Tineg only reveals its beauty during the rainy months from August to September. To fully appreciate the tiered pools and cascades of Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls), you’ll want to schedule your visit during the monsoon months. From the jump-off point, it’s possible to get here by a 2-3 hour hike or a 1-hour long monster truck ride through rough roads.
Other outdoor activities in Abra include hiking, visiting other waterfalls, rock formations, and more. Because of Abra’s proximity to Vigan in Ilocos Sur, those with private vehicles can combine waterfalls trips to Abra with overnight stays in Vigan, for more staycation, food-tripping, cafe-hopping and nightlife options.
READ MORE: Travel Guide: Abra
Antique
The province of Antique on the west coast of Panay Island has a wealth of natural attractions, like waterfalls, mountains and rice terraces that look more lush during rainy months. The town of Tibiao provides a jump-off point for travelers to enjoy trips to Mararison Island, located off the coast of Culasi, Bugtong Bato Falls in Tibiao, Malumpati Cold Spring and Bugang River in Pandan (a great place to try stand-up paddleboarding), and the Antique Rice Terraces in San Remigio. While in San Remigio, you can also spot rare rafflesias, the largest flower in the world, which is said to bloom more often during the rainy season.
Antique is also a great place to enjoy nature-inspired staycations and unique spa treatments. Calawag Mountain Resort offers unique treehouse accommodations and riverside huts. While staying here, guests can soak in a kawa (cauldron) with different flavors like salt, milk, coffee, wine or beer. Other attractions include the Tibiao fish spa, full body massages and coffee scrubs by the river, water tubing and kayaking, and riverside dining on Kinaray-a dishes.
READ MORE: Travel Guide: Antique
Baler
The surf town of Baler offers a laid-back escape that you won’t mind even during rainy day getaways. The capital town of Aurora province has some of the best surf breaks in the country and the months of August through November are the best time for typhoon swells and quality surf breaks. If you’re up for hiking, you can keep cool while heading to Ditumabo Falls or Mother Falls.
Cyclists can also enjoy pedaling through scenic coastal roads from Baler. The rain showers and breeze can help cool down cyclists on the road. Based on personal experience, biking on cloudy days or when there’s a slight drizzle is preferable to sizzling hot summer rides.
READ MORE: Travel Guide: Baler
Camarines Sur
I often find myself going on rainy day adventures during visits to my hometown in Naga City in Camarines Sur. Aside from wakeboarding at the CamSur Watersports Complex (which has a swimming pool, restaurants, an eco-park and cozy accommodations), the rainy season is the best time to try waterfalls rappelling around Mt. Isarog because of the stronger flow of water and fewer people who come to picnic and swim at the base of the falls.
Kadlaggan, a local adventure outfitter, arranges waterfalls rappelling and canyoning trips to Itbog Twin Falls in Buhi, Nalalata Falls in Bula, and other waterfalls around Mount Isarog National Park. Tourists can also warm up at the onsen-like Panicuason Hot Springs Resort, which offers zip lines and zip bikes, as well as extreme hammocking and extreme dining via zip lines arranged by special request.
READ MORE: 10 extreme adventures in Camarines Sur
Samar
Samar is a destination for those who love rugged outdoor adventures, rain or shine. The rain adds to the adventurous appeal of caving, canyoneering, river adventures and chasing waterfalls. Waterfalls look more picturesque and river activities in mountainous areas are more exciting when the water’s flow is stronger.
From Torpedo Boat Rides in Ulot River to extreme multi-day cave camping tips inside Calbiga Cave and jungle trekking to visit the remote Pinipisakan Falls, there’s lots to discover in Samar. Adventure company Trexplore arranges a variety of all-inclusive adventure tours that anyone can join.
READ MORE: Travel Guide: Samar
If you’re feeling a bit restless and stuck indoors this rainy season, consider taking a weekend trip to one of these destinations around the country.
NOTE: A version of this article “Adventure or Chill? Where to go this rainy season?“ was first in The Philippine Star’s Property Report (July 28, 2023).