5 Top Family Activities in the Philippines During the Rainy Season

Bitten by the travel bug during typhoon season? Fret not. With these five rainy day destinations, you and your family won’t have to settle another day for the indoors.

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1. Dip into the hot spring pools in Laguna.

Dubbed as the “resort capital” of the Philippines, Laguna houses a flurry of natural hot spring resorts fit for the cold, rainy season. Resorts in the town of Calamba – a two-hour drive south of Manila – are popular for their soothing hot spring pools, which come straight from the natural springs of Mt. Makiling.

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2. Surf in Baler.

A scenic six-hour drive from Manila through winding roads and coastal hills brings you to the surfing mecca of Baler in northern Luzon. Famous for its nine-feet waves, Baler is best experienced during the rainy months of September till February. The waves though are pretty consistent year round and are suitable for all surfers, whether beginner or advanced. Surfing lessons can be acquired from any of the resorts lining the shore in Sabang and neighboring villages anytime of the year.

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3. Snorkel and bum around the beaches of Laiya.

Over the years, the once sleepy town of Laiya-Aplaya, better known as Laiya, has transformed into one of the most vaunted beach destinations in Batangas – and for good reason. Only a three-hour drive via SLEX, Laiya affords tourists proximity to the metropolis and the serenity of uncrowded, coconut-fringed cream coasts and sparkling seas.

On Laiya’s shore also rests a handful of world-class resorts offering diverse activities for all travelers, from diving to kayaking to nightly bonfires. La Luz Resort at the westernmost tip of the island is dotted with towering rock formations with beautiful rock pools. Do check out the various fishes at the small marine sanctuary just a few meters off shore from La Luz, too.  

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4. Experience fish spa and helmet diving in Bulacan.

There’s no need to fly to Boracay to experience helmet diving. Coolwaves Ranch and Water Park Resort in Bulakan, Bulacan offers helmet diving in one of its pools, as well as a fish spa, courtesy of local fishies at the on-site pond. The resort also features child-friendly pools and a wave pool called “raging river”.

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5. Wakeboard in Angeles City.

If you’re going to go wet and wild with the rain, why not up the ante and do it atop a wakeboard? Deca Clark Wakeboard Park in Angeles – the newly anointed sister of Deca Wakeboard Park Davao – lends adventure junkies the pulse-quickening thrill of wakeboarding within just two hours from the city – and only 10 minutes from the Clark International Airport!

Article and photos by Gretchen Dublin