Fun outdoor activities for the rainy season

The Philippines is a tropical island, with two major seasons: wet and dry. The months of June to October are generally wet, while September and October are often the typhoon season in the Philippines. While we do get dry days, weather is generally unpredictable, making it difficult to plan travel and vacations, especially if sea travel is involved.

The rainy season can really curb one’s enthusiasm for travel and adventure. But if you’re already in the country during the monsoon season, what can you do?

Traveling during the rainy season offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy destinations with fewer people and enjoy low-season discounts on everything, from accommodations and flights to activities.

While many people would prefer to visit indoor attractions like museums or go food-tripping, for those prefer to spend time outdoors, there are still a lot of fun things to do and places to go during the rainy season in the Philippines. Of course, the idea of FUN is relative, but here are some of my top recommendations.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is one of those activities that I personally find enjoyable during the rainy season. During light to moderate showers, the rain actually helps cool you down as you pedal. Bikers usually get wet during river crossings and from buckets of sweat, so a little rain won’t really hurt you. While riding in mountainous areas and dirt trails, the rain can make trails really more challenging with mud and puddles that will really put your biking skills to the test. A weekend of mud, sweat and gears can be pretty fun.

However, I can only recommend this for mountain biking on trails and not road biking along highways with other motorized vehicles to avoid accidents.

Where to try it: There are lots of great mountain biking destinations all around the Philipines. For those based in the metro, some of the nearest and most rewarding mountain biking spots include Timberland, La Mesa Nature Reserve, Nuvali in Laguna, Rodriguez, Daraitan, Laiban, Sta. Ines in Rizal and General Nakar in Quezon.

Hiking / mountaineering

I admit I don’t like camping overnight when it rains. It’s really unpleasant and you end up with a mess of muddy tents and gear. However, I don’t mind going on day hikes, rain or shine (as long as I get a good meal and can change into dry clothes afterwards). Hiking during the rainy season has its charms. Mountain landscapes, forests and terraces (especially those in the Cordillera region) are usually more lush and greener.

It’s usually fun to hike during overcast days or light rain showers because it’s not too hot. While you may not get the best views of the landscape, there’s something romantic about the mountain scenery veiled in fog and mist. The trails become more muddy and challenging, and you may find yourself flicking off limatiks (leeches), but that only adds to the adventure factor. Sometimes, you may be rewarded with a view of the sea of clouds when the weather clears up.

Take note that hiking during the rainy season comes with a lot of risks including the possibility of landslides and flash floods, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. To be safe, you might want to pick beginner-friendly hikes with established trails or those accessible to motorized vehicles in case of emergencies.

Where to try it: Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac/Zambalas, Taal Volcano Trail, Batad Village in Banaue, Makiling Forest Trail

Off-roading

Off-roading is the activity of driving a vehicle on unsurfaced roads or tracks, where you encounter sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, and other natural terrains. Off-road vehicles include jeepneys, motocross bikes and all-terrain vehicles or ATVs. The most beginner-friendly option is to ride an ATV or all-terrain vehicle. ATVs or quad bikes are operated like motorcycles, but since they have four wheels, they are more stable going over rough terrain at slower speeds.

Where to try it: KRB Offroad Track in Antipolo, Forest and River Trail in Rizal, Mayon Lava Trail in Albay, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Pinatubo Crater Trail in Tarlac, Danasan Eco-Adventure Park in Cebu

Caving / Spelunking

Exploring wild cave systems or spelunking is another activity you can do any time of the year. Exploring caves involves entering a subterranean world of maze-like passages, navigating through tight crawl spaces, vast chambers, deep crevices and encountering extraordinary natural formations underground.

Again, like most outdoor activities, the risk is higher during the rainy season especially if you’re visiting caves with subterranean pools that get flooded. It’s best to choose dry caves to avoid the danger of getting trapped inside.

Where to try it: Cave Connection in Sagada, Caves in Samar, Aglipay Cave in Quirino, Lussok and Manacota Cave in Apayao

Surfing

Visiting the beach can generally be good in light to moderate rains since you’re going to get wet anyway. Activities that rely on strong wind and waves like surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayak surfing, etc. can be done during the rainy monsoon or the ‘habagat’ season. So don’t let the overcast skies keep you down. Just be cautious when trying out this extreme sport especially if you are not yet an expert.

Where to try it: Top surfing destination in the Philippines include Baler in Aurora, San Juan in La Union, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Beaches in Zambales, Bagasbas Beach in Camarines Norte, Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding or SUP is one of the fastest growing water sports worldwide. Instead of riding the waves, stand-up paddle boarders have to maintain an upright stance and use a paddle to propel themselves through bodies of water. SUP can be done all-year around the country, even during the rainy season, in places where the water is calm such as secluded bays, rivers, lagoons, and lakes.

Where to try it: SUP Tours and rentals are offered Taal Lake, Loboc River in Bohol, Coron and El Nido in Palawan, Bugang River in Antique, Apo Island in Dumaguete and Siargao Island, to name a few.

Waterfalls Canyoneering

Most waterfalls around the country look the most majestic during the monsoon months. Some cascades, like the terrace-like Kaparkan Falls in Abra are actually only visible during the rainy months of July and August. For a more active adventure, you can combine your sightseeing to waterfalls with canyoneering or canyoning, which involves walking, scrambling and hiking through ravines and gorges, descending down waterfalls and cliff jumping into rivers and pools.

Where to try it: Seven Waterfalls of Lake Sebu, Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Waterfall Circuit in Southern Cebu, Mt. Isarog National Park in Camarines Sur, Biliran Island, Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro

Whitewater rafting / tubing / kayaking

Rapids are a lot stronger during the rainy season, making activities that require whitewater to propel you forward like river kayaking and river tubing rides more thrilling and exciting. Kayak surfing, a type of kayaking done in surfing areas, where you’re propelled by ocean waves, can also be a fun experience. You can also try torpedo boat rides through river systems and ravines.

Where to try it: The most popular spots for whitewater rafting are Cagayan de Oro City and Chico River in Kalinga. You can try river tubing in Saranggani, Real and Antique. Kayak surfing is offered in Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

If you’re not after high-quality underwater photos, snorkeling and scuba diving for recreation can still be done during the rainy season. While raindrops can disturb the area around the surface, it doesn’t have much of an effect on visibility when snorkeling as you’ll mostly be looking towards the seafloor and not the surface. If the rain is light, with little wind, it won’t make much of a difference.

However, strong wind, storms, dark clouds, and overcast weather can make everything underwater look duller. Fish and reef colors really come to life under the sun, and when there is little to no sunlight, everything will appear dimmer and darker. You’ll still be able to see it all, but it won’t be as vibrant. While the activities can still be done in light to moderate rains, dives can be canceled if the waves are too high or the wind is too strong.

Where to try it: Top snorkeling and diving destinations in the Philippines include Batangas, Apo Reef Natural Park, Apo Island, Coron, Camiguin, Boracay, Bohol and Samal Island near Davao to name a few.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is another fast-rising water-sport in the country for thrill seekers. This activity is usually done in complexes with artificial pools with mechanized cable systems, which still operate even during rainy days. It’s sort of similar to skateboarding, only you do tricks on the surface of the water instead of the ground while being pulled behind a speeding motorboat or driven by an electronic cable. This thrilling and fun activity can be enjoyed even by first-timers and beginners, thanks to a number of cable wakeboard parks around the country.

Where to try it: Deca Wakeboard Park in Davao City, Camsur WaterSports Complex in Camarines Sur, Republic Wakepark in Nuvali, Laguna, Clark Wakeboard Park in Pampanga and Lago del Oro in Calatagan, Batangas.

Waterparks / inflatable playgrounds

Water parks and inflatable playgrounds are always crowded with hordes of tourists during the summer season, so if you want to enjoy it to yourself, why not check it out during the monsoon months? Chances are, they offer more affordable rates because of the low-season. You’re going to get wet anyway, so a little rain just adds to the fun.

Where to try it: Aqua Planet in Pampanga, Inflatable Island in Subic, Kamia Bay Resort in Palawan, Club Balay Isabel Aqua Park in Talisay, Batangas, Aicaland Waterpark in Laguna, The Happy Beach in Cebu, Seven Seas Waterpark in Cagayan de Oro

Hot springs

During hot summer months in the Philippines, soaking in hot springs can be a bit of an overkill. But on rainy days and during BER months when weather is cooler, soaking in hot springs can be quite soothing and therapeutic. The Philippines is home to many volcanic hot springs scattered around the country. For those based in the metro, Laguna is one of the nearest destinations you can go to enjoy natural hot springs and resorts.

Where to try it: Pansol Hot Spring in Laguna, Puning Hot Spring in Pampanga, Panicuason Hot Spring in Camarines Sur, Irosin Hot Spring in Sorsogon, Maquinit Hot Spring in Coron (Palawan), Mainit Hot Spring in Biliran, Ardent Hot Springs in Camiguin, Toyozu Hot Spring Resort in Nabunturan, Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring in Marinduque, etc.

Outdoor spa resorts

When all else fails, you can still have a great time visiting a spa or getting massage treatments. You could always settle for an indoor Shiatsu or Swedish massages in a spa resort or hotels, but there are many places where you can get unusual spa treatments in the great outdoors, including jungle hot tubs, hanging gardens and volcanic sand spa treatments.

Where to try it: Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa in Antipolo, Kawa Hot Bath in Antique, Tibiao Fish Spa in Antique, Hot sand and mud spa treatment at Puning Hot Spring in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, The Farm in San Benito, Nurture Wellness Village.

Got any other suggestions for fun, outdoor activities for the rainy season? Let me know in the comments section.