In Manila, the heat index or the temperature as felt by the human body has reached 40.8 degrees Celsius. This is the highest this year so far and was recorded Apr. 13. In some parts of the Philippines, the heat index has shot up to 51.7 degrees Celsius. This was recorded in Dagupan City, Apr. 9.
We’re not halfway through the dry season yet, so it isn’t surprising if the heat index and temperatures continue to rise. One of the things we can do to combat the discomfort this brings is to enjoy the waterparks near Metro Manila. Here are some that are worth trying:
Aqua Planet
Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Mon. to Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(045) 649-8500
Let’s start the list with one of the newest and biggest waterparks in the country, Aqua Planet. Here, you can enjoy 38 water slides, two nine ft.-deep wave pools, and 25 ride attractions inside the 10-hectare property.
Inflatable Island
Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales
Mon. to Sun., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
0917-8352665
Dubbed as the biggest floating playground in Asia, Inflatable Island spans around 4,200 sq. m. catering to both adults and kids. After snapping some selfies with the gigantic inflatable unicorn, get your body working at the inflatable slides, trampolines, human launchers, swings, and more. AND it’s only three hours away from Manila.
Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks and Casino
C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Tue. to Thu., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. to Sun and holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(045) 599-5000
Alright, another one in the north. Fontana is a business- and family-friendly park and resort with waterpark attractions, KTV rooms, a golf course, function rooms, and even a casino. Its water theme park called Mad Scientist Water Factory has giant slides for the thrill-seekers and also a 500 m.-long lazy river for those who just want to take the waters easy.
Aquaria Water Park
Calatagan, Batangas
Daily (except Tue.), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
0998-8475028
If you want to savor the best of both (water) worlds, Aquaria not only has swimming pools with three-story-high pool slides and cove pools but also a long stretch of beach, thanks to its prime location in Calatagan, Batangas. There are also water activities there like beach volleyball, beach soccer, banana boat ride, kayaking, and jet ski.
Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa
Nasugbu, Batangas
908-1111
For a more refined weekend getaway within reach, try Canyon Cove in Batangas. Check in the hotel and enjoy its white sand shore and of course, the inflatable waterpark. Canyon Cove also offers water activities like jet ski, kayak, cliff jumping, free diving, and island hopping among others. It also has pools if you want to have night swimming in a more secure and contained area.
Featured image courtesy of Samantha Ong
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Writer: YAZHMIN MALAJITO