Traveling on a rainy day

Izah Morales

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The weather is no deterrent to a true-blue travel lover

IF IT'S RAINING, GO surfing! Surfing in Baler, photo by Renz Bulseco

MANILA, Philippines – Summer bid us farewell two typhoons and several weather disturbances ago, but traveling did not leave with it.

While most people would prefer to stay home and sleep, travelers won’t let the rain dampen their spirits. They will still choose to wander and discover the beauty that the Philippines has to offer, whether in sunny or stormy weather. 

Kill the boredom that the rainy season brings. Here are suggested activities that one can do even on a rainy day: 

1. White water rafting / kayaking

KAYAKING. Photo courtesy of Angel Juarez

Water sports enthusiasts love the rainy season. It’s when the rapids are stronger and water levels are high.

Lakwatsero’s Angel Juarez recommends white water kayaking in the raging Tibiao River in Antique. If you want to experience the wild river with a group, Kara Santos of Travel Up suggests braving the rapids of Chico River in Kalinga.

2. Surfing

SURFING. Photo collage by Pinoy Adventurista

The Southwest Monsoon — locally known as the Habagat season (June-September) — blends perfectly with the waves.

Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, is best experienced during Habagat. 

It is a fun and rewarding experience to brave the waters with bigger waves,” says Pinoy Adventurista.

Another preferred surfing spot is Baler in Aurora. Philippine Travelogue’s Brenna Bustamante says that she adjusts her activities according to the weather condition. 

“Ever since I started surfing in Baler while raining, I came to love it. The rain adds to the drama and the thrill of riding the waves,” she says. 

3. Wakeboarding / kneeboarding

WAKEBOARDING IN CAMSUR. Screen grab from YouTube (WWAWorldSeries)

If you need a dose of adrenaline rush, head to Camarines Sur and try wakeboarding or kneeboarding at the Camsur Watersports Complex. 

Doi Domasian of The Travelling Feet recalls how the bad weather welcomed them in June but that didn’t stop them from enjoying their trip. 

We had a marvelous time kneeboarding and playing at the inflatables in the waterpark of the Camsur Watersports Complex. It’s a must-visit rain or shine,” says Domasian.

4. Hiking under the rain

GIVING THE RAINY WEATHER a warm welcome. Photo by Christine Fernandez

Climbing mountains during the rainy season may be considered dangerous, but Jovial Wanderer and mountaineer Christine Fernandez chooses to continue conquering heights except when there’s a typhoon or threat of flash flood. 

“I don’t mind hiking under the rain. One of my favorites is the Mt. Makiling Traverse or MakTrav. The trail begins in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and ends in UP Los Banos, Laguna. A MakTrav experience isn’t complete without surviving the thick mud,” says Fernandez.

5. Reflecting, relaxing and writing by the beach

ENJOYING THE BEACH. Photo by Darwin Cayetano

Who says that going to the beach is not fun during the rainy season? James Betia of Journeying James sees it differently. 

“It’s better to go during the rainy season because you have the beach for yourself. After all, most Filipinos don’t want a tan, they want to get wet,” says Betia, who seeks solitude in the beaches of Palawan. 

This was echoed by Darwin Cayetano of Treasure Tracker who loves to sit by the shore of Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan. 

“I just love hearing the strong waves hitting the shore. It’s also fun playing under the rain; it reminds me of my childhood days — simple and carefree,” says Cayetano.

Melody Co of Guiltless Getaways visits Boracay every August when hotel and airfare rates are cheaper. 

“The beachfront is not crowded. There is no sun to burn you and the winds are perfect for Paraw sailing,” she says.

6. Indoor wall-climbing

INDOOR WALL-CLIMBING. Photo courtesy of Kara Santos

If you’re just around the metro and want to stretch your muscles without getting wet, try wall-climbing.

Kara Santos does indoor wall-climbing at Power-up, which has branches in Centro Atletico Cubao, Old Balara and R.O.X.

7. Visiting the museum

THE VARGAS MUSEUM at UP Diliman, QC. Photo from Facebook

If you want to spend less but have a meaningful weekend trip, go to the museums and appreciate the greatest works of Filipino artists.

Pinay Traveller’s Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin visited the Vargas Museum of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City one rainy day. 

For an entrance fee of Php 20.00 (for UP alumni, students) or Php 30.00 (for non-UP visitors), you’ll have a visual feast of the masterpieces of Juan Luna, Felix Resurrecion and Fernando Amorsolo. 

The Vargas Museum is open from 9am-5pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Don’t let the weather ruin your trip. Sometimes, the rain is a shower of blessings in disguise. – Rappler.com 

(Izah Morales is a travel addict who happily contributes to Rappler as often as she can. Follow her travels at http://www.tripadora.com.)

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