The Philippines is a beautiful country, with natural wonders that travelers from around the world love to explore. From beaches to waterfalls, there’s no shortage of amazing destinations to visit in the archipelago.
While it experiences great summers, the country also has a long rainy season, which runs from June to November. You might be tempted to cancel all your plans and just stay at home when the rain starts to fall. But I’m here to convince you otherwise.
Rainy days offer a different perspective on your travels. As long as you know where to look, there are tons of indoor activities to do in the Philippines when the weather is less than favorable. Bookmark this the next time you wake up to a rain shower during your travels to the Philippines.
1. Dive Into the Local Art Scene
The Philippines doesn’t just boast about its beauty with its outdoor nature destinations. You might also find a slice of charm in indoor art galleries scattered all across the country. Manila, Cebu, and Baguio are hotspots for culture and art, featuring both modern and indigenous styles.
Among the galleries travelers make time to visit include the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila and the BenCab Museum in Baguio. No matter where you go, these galleries and museums will offer you refuge from the rain while fostering a deeper sense of cultural connection to the Philippines.
2. Go on a Food Trip
There are three things travelers love about the Philippines: the beaches, the people, and, of course, the food. Remember that time you tasted local dishes like adobo or sinigang for the first time?
Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to focus your itinerary on sampling the best dishes that the Philippines has to offer. Go restaurant hopping, find a small mom-and-pop eatery, or maybe even drive to Pampanga, affectionately but informally known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.
3. Relax with Digital Entertainment
If the rain’s really aggressive and staying in your hotel is the safest and coziest option, then the best you can do is embrace it. Don’t think for a second that there aren’t any ways to keep yourself entertained, though.
Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of apps and games you can play to pass the time. From e-books to online casinos, staying in on a rainy day in the Philippines can be just as enjoyable
4. Find Hidden Cafés and Nooks
The coffee culture is a pretty big hit in the Philippines. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that the Philippines is the second-largest consumer of coffee in Asia, with 80% of Filipinos drinking about 2.5 cups of coffee per day!
Why do we love it so much, you ask? Well, you’ll have to visit our cafés to find out. And we don’t mean getting takeout from the nearest Starbucks. There are so many cafés tucked away in the Philippines’ most inconspicuous spots.
In addition to coffee, you might even find a café that offers other fun activities, like board games, a mini library, or a live music session — perfect for spending a rainy day.
5. Visit Indoor Markets and Cultural Centers
Shopping is another favorite pastime in the Philippines. And trust me when I say you won’t run out of indoor malls, markets, and shopping centers wherever you are in the archipelago. There’s practically an SM in every city where you can spend time shopping, dining, or enjoying fun activities.
If you’re lucky, a rainy day might even coincide with a performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Indie film screenings, ballet shows, orchestras, and musicals are frequently held here, giving you something entertaining to do without having to brave the rain.
The Philippines sees a lot of rainfall throughout the year. But you shouldn’t let that get in the way of your travels. When it’s pouring outside, all it takes is updating your itinerary to add these fun and exciting indoor activities.
