Though the Philippines is a tropical country, and has the potential to be one of the hottest countries in the world during summer season, you'll be amazed to find that it has a few cold tricks up its sleeve.
Known as the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines is surrounded by the equator and Tropic of Cancer, thus making it a place of sunshine.
To cope with the warm climate, locals commonly turn to air-conditioned malls or go the beaches for the light breeze they provide.
But aside from the artificial temperature of malls and natural breezy climate of the beach, there are towns in the country that surprisingly offer cool weather where no ordinary jacket could help keep you warm.
1. Baguio
Baguio started off as an American town in the year 1909. With the help of Flatiron Building architect Daniel Burnham, the former sanatorium for heat-oppressed and homesick soldiers became a town for the American colonists in the Philippines during the 1900s.
Today, Baguio is a local tourist destination and is locally known as the summer capital of the Philippines. It is situated 5,200 feet above sea level, with temperatures that can reach as low as 43 F (6.3 C).
Aside from its amazingly cool temperature, tourists can also find scrumptious peanut brittles and fresh strawberries in Baguio.
2. Tagaytay
Tagaytay is a favourite destination among the locals of Manila if they want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for the day.
The cool city of Tagaytay is reachable for just about an hour from Manila. Aside from the low temps, the city houses some of the Philippines' well-off who are attracted to the natural beauty of Taal volcano, the smallest active volcano in the world, and its surrounding areas.
3. Sagada
At 5,300 feet above sea level, Sagada can turn into a winter town after dark as its temperatures can reach as low as 50s F, that's 10s C during the months of January and February.
Aside from this amazingly cold temperature, one can also find the famous Kape alamid or the civet poop coffee in Sagada.
Travelers can also cool it down into the freezing waters of Sumaguing Cave or freeze it up by climbing to the top of Kiltepan where an ocean of clouds greet you as you reach the top.
4. Don Salvador Benedicto
Don Salvador Benedicto or DSB is a town which best befits the term "Little Baguio", minus the sea of tourists.
Atn 2,500 feet above sea level, the town in Negros Island can chill the bones with temperatures of 60 F, that's 16 C.
Travelers will also surely enjoy the pine-lined roads and random lion monuments of the place.
5. Canlaon City
Canlaon City is known as Negros Island's summer capital.
It is situated at 2,600 feet above sea level at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon. A fun way to freshen up in this city is a visit to its hot springs warmed up by the volcano.
Aside from the springs, bodies of water which add to the beauty of the place are its numerous waterfalls, including some which have carved natural slides down the mountains.
There's also a place called Saddle in the Sky, where a ridge divides the volcano's two craters. Another amazing site is the towering balete tree, located in the city's Japanese-run agricultural estates, where numerous fireflies appear at night.
