5 cool places to escape to this summer
The Philippines has been experiencing the worst heat to date.
On Apr. 28, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recorded the highest heat index yet at 53 degrees Celsius in Zambales. And this is expected to get worse, as more provinces are seen to reach the “danger” and “extreme danger” thresholds in May.
While many seek relief in airconditioned spaces like malls or even their own homes, some opt to escape to cooler locales. Amid sweltering temperatures, here are five cool spots in the country where you might want to retreat to for the rest of the summer.
Baguio City
(Benguet)
The Summer Capital of the Philippines prides itself for being a favorite destination of those wanting to escape the heat. Its cool climate, fun tourist spots, and rich cultural heritage are just some of the reasons why tourists flock to the city all year round.
In the past week, Baguio’s temperature stayed within the 27 to 32 degrees Celsius threshold. On Apr. 29, Pagasa reported that Baguio’s temperature stood only at 26 degrees Celsius.
The green public spaces of Baguio, along with its host of homegrown restaurants and cafes, will surely be a favorite of tourists who are expected to flock to Baguio City, especially in May when temperatures are forecasted to further rise.
Strawberry Farms
(La Trinidad, Benguet)
For those who want to avoid the crowds of Baguio City, La Trinidad offers an alternative.
Its best feature is its cool clime, as La Trinidad has consistently recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the country. At the same time, you can visit and harvest fresh produce from the strawberry plantations and different farms here. La Trinidad, after all, is rightfully known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines.”
The harvesting season, however, runs from November through May.
Masungi Georeserve
(Baras, Rizal)
Temperatures in the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal—a location that can be reached via Marcos Highway—average 27 degrees Celsius, making it worth visiting particularly during summer.
Protected under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 2018, the Masungi Georeserve is home to sprawling flora and endangered and endemic fauna like the Indigo-Banded Kingfisher, the Philippine Hawk-Eagle, and the ultra-rare JC’s Vine. You can do short hikes, engage yourself in immersive conservation activities or you can simply enjoy the beauty of nature.
Among the cooling trees and exciting wildlife, Masungi Georeserve offers some of the closest and coolest destinations for those who wish to escape the concrete jungle.
Treasure Mountain
(Tanay, Rizal)
Temperature-wise, Tanay is among the places with the lowest temperatures relative to the record-high heat index reported elsewhere.
One of the popular spots here is Treasure Mountain, which offers scenic views of lush landscapes and the majestic Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
Officially launched in 2017, the summit area is 505 meters above sea level and is more well-known as the Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite. The impressive private property is the perfect place for quick getaways since it also offers day tours, fun obstacle courses, tourist attractions, among other activities.
Batanes
Much farther north is the Batanes group of islands, dubbed the “Home of the Winds.” Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines with 203.22 square kilometers of total land area.
Anyone who has been there would surely recommend it for its refreshing and peaceful atmosphere, where life is simpler and more relaxed.
As of May 3, Basco is among the top 10 places in the Philippines with the lowest temperature at 24.7 degrees Celsius. Coincidentally, the best time to visit here is during the hottest months of March to June.
Tours in Batanes will take you to its impressive rock formations, historic lighthouses, and small islands. Itbayat, for example, the largest of the three Batanes islands, is notable for its coastline with steep cliffs and interiors of rolling hills and grasslands. It also features rainforests and caves that any willing explorer is sure to enjoy.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, pagasa.dost.gov.ph, masungigeoreserve.com, guidetothephilippines.ph
