Where is a cool place to hang out now? Forget clout-chasing and Instagrammable spots. What we really need is somewhere to cool off in this hell of a country.
It seems every day is a chance for our country to beat records—heat index records. Just this Easter Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned that heat indices could reach between 42°C to 44°C in some areas across the country, including Metro Manila. Heat index is the level of discomfort an average person experiences relative to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity. It’s really how you experience the summer heat.
[READ: The heat is making us all stupid. Literally]Lucky for us, the Philippines is not all literal hotspots. Because it is geographically diverse, there are a few high-altitude and low-temperature locales that can cool you off with its chilly breeze—you may even be able to sport a light jacket. In April!
So bookmark these “cool” locations for your next summer getaway—as in when you want to get away as far as possible from this punishing dry season.
Mayan-Mauyen Road, Itbayat
Itbayat is the largest island in Batanes—the northernmost part of the Philippines. Bahay na Bato aside, you can also visit its rolling hills and cliffs, and take a scenic bike ride around the island.
High: 29°C
Low: 22°
Staunton Road, Sagada
Aside from being a heritage site, Sagada also boasts one of the coolest low temperatures in the country. It’s culture with a side of cool—both in the literal and figurative sense.
High: 24°C
Low: 16°C
Session Road, Baguio
Baguio isn’t the summer capital of the Philippines for nothing. Yes, it’s a little far, but we all need to get away from the wok that is the city from time to time.
High: 30°C
Low: 17°C
Sampaloc Road, Tanay, Rizal
For a quick getaway from the scorching heat of the city, this Rizal destination is just a two-hour drive replete with views of Laguna de Bay as well as cute cafes and restaurants.
High: 32°C
Low: 22°C
Little Baguio, Sapinit Road, Antipolo
If the drive to Baguio is too long for you, you can always go to this pine-lined road in Antipolo. Not much to do here though, which is perfect if you really just want to cool off.
High: 32°C
Low: 22°C
Tagaytay-Talisay Highway, Tagaytay
If you’re looking for an excuse to relive your college memories of driving up to Tagaytay for a light meal before sunrise, this is the time.
High: 33°C
Low: 23°C
Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu
Any Cebuano will tell you that the best way to cool off is to drive thirty minutes to an hour into the mountains. The farther you go, the better the view.
High: 32°C
Low: 25°C
Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental
The mountainous locale is home to breathtaking views, Malanta-og Falls, a few mountain resorts, and a bunch of cafes and restaurants to feed you along your trip.
High: 32°C
Low: 25°C
Sitio Mananawin Road, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
Many natural wonders await you at this Negros city, including a number of waterfalls that will surely relax you and take your thoughts off from the hell that is the city.
High: 32°C
Low: 23°C
Sayre Highway, Bukidnon
Sayre Highway is one of the main roads that connect Mindanao. It’s a long stretch that can take you from Cagayan de Oro to North Cotabato. Bukidnon is one of the coolest destinations you can find along this road.
High: 26°C
Low: 17°C
Itum Road, Mambajao, Camiguin
The whole of the small island can be glimpsed at the top of its mountains. One of the most accessible, with paved roads and lush views, is Itum Road.
High: 28°C
Low: 22°C