Philippine Rainy-Day Destinations

CEBU, Philippines - Powerful gusts, heavy downpours, and overcast skies are just some of the things we’re seeing during this time of the year. But the gloomy weather need not prevent the traveler from going around the country. The rainy season allows the traveler to enjoy discounts on accommodation and smaller crowds in most destinations.

Five Philippine provinces are good to visit during the rainy days:

La Union. The province is blessed with beautiful beaches with nice surf breaks. Tone may test his wave-riding skills in Urbiztondo, San Juan, the most popular surfing spot in La Union.

The waves in Urbiztondo are ideal for both beginner and advanced surfers. Aside from testing one’s mettle on the surf, the beach is also perfect for beach bumming. After a tiring day of falling off the surfboard or successfully riding the waves, one can enjoy a quiet day or night on the beach.

How to get there – One may take a bus from Manila to Laoag, and tell the bus conductor that his destination is Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. It takes between six and seven hours to get there,  depending on the traffic situation.

South Cotabato. The place has plenty to offer nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and culture addicts. Lake Sebu is a small town in the province that offers something for all three. Not only does the lake have beautiful landscapes and cool weather, it is also home to the national living treasure Lang Dulay, the famous T’Boli master dreamweaver.

For nature lovers and adrenaline junkies, the Seven Falls of Lake Sebu is a popular destination. The falls are hidden in lush and verdant forests that require either a short or long trek depending on how many waterfalls the visitor plans to visit.

Thrill-seekers may ride one of the longest zip lines in the region to get a bird’s eye view of the falls. There are many resorts that provide spectacular views of the lakes in the town. The rains in Lake Sebu are mostly mild, unlike the monsoon storms that hit the country’s urban centers.

How to get there – There are flights from Manila or Cebu to General Santos City, the gateway to the summer capital of the south. From General Santos City International Airport, the traveler may proceed to Bulaong Bus Terminal and get on a bus bound for Marbel, from where to get on a van bound for Surallah. From there, he may get on a van bound for Lake Sebu, and then get a motorbike to take him to his accommodation.

Ifugao. This mountainous region is blessed with the world-famous Batad Rice Terraces, one of the five terraces included in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Banaue. The amphitheater-like rice terraces are the stuff of legends. Part of the adventure to Batad is top loading on a jeep and the short trek needed just to get to the village. The traveler may hire a guide or go on his own to trek the terraces or visit Tappiyah Falls for a refreshing dip into its cool waters.

How to get there – From Manila, one has to get on a bus to Banaue. The trip can take up to eight hours, one-way. Ohayami Trans is the only bus company that travels directly to Banaue. Their station is located at Corner J. Fajardo A.H Lacson Sampaloc, Manila. The bus only has two schedules: at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

From Banaue, the traveler may take a tricycle to the town proper. Once in the town, there are jeeps bound for Batad saddle point or junction. The junction is three kilometers from the saddle point. After reaching the saddle point, he may hire a guide to take him to Batad.

Siquijor. Siquijor is one of the smallest islands in the Philippines. It prides of its fine, white sand beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls. The beaches in Kagusuan and Salagdoong beckon visitors to their fine, white sands and blue, calm waters. If the traveler will have had enough of bumming around the beach, he can head to the cascading Cambugahay Falls in the town of Lazi and cliff dive.

How to get there – Siquijor can be reached by taking a flight to Dumaguete’s Sibulan Airport, which is closest to Siquijor. Once in Dumaguete, the traveler may take a ferry to Siquijor. The ferry ride takes approximately two to three hours.

Davao Oriental. Davao Oriental is famous for surfing! The best beach to surf in Davao Oriental is in Dahican Beach located in Mati. Dahican Beach offers a long stretch of white sand and excellent surf breaks for beginners. The traveler may ride the waves or enjoy bumming around the tranquil beach.

How to get there – The nearest airport to Mati in Davao Oriental is the Davao City’s airport, Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Once in Davao City, the visitor can take a Mati-bound air-conditioned bus at the city’s Ecoland Terminal. The bus ride takes three to four hours.

From Mati’s town center, he may ride a habal-habal to Dahican Beach. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes. (www.insights.looloo.com)