1. Baguio City: In 1903, American colonists built a sanatorium here for soldiers suffering from heat-related stress and homesickness. It did not become an independent town until 1909. Baguio City is 5,200 feet (approx. 1.58 km) above sea level, resulting in lower temperatures; it even dropped to 6.3°C in 1961. Therefore, it has become a great summer retreat, especially popular among tourists during Holy Week (the week before Easter). You can also enjoy peanut brittle and fresh strawberries in the surrounding areas.
Tip: It takes about 8 hours by bus from Manila.
2. Tagaytay: Tagaytay is very close to Manila, just an hour away. With its cool temperatures, it is known as the second capital of the Philippines and boasts the spectacular scenery of Taal Volcano, the world's smallest active volcano. Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos once invited Ronald and Nancy Reagan to visit her mansion here. Today, wealthy locals retire to homes here that are only slightly less grand than Imelda Marcos's.
Tip: Tagaytay loop buses run along Taft Avenue in Manila. By car, take the South Luzon Expressway, pass the Santa Rosa and Carmona exits, or take the Manila-Cavite Expressway to reach Tagaytay.
3. Sagada: At the beginning of the last century, because the weather here was relatively cool and suitable for growing lemons, Anglican missionaries lived here. At an altitude of 5,300 feet (approx. 1.62 km), the climate is very suitable for fruit cultivation. In January and February, the nights are windy and cold, and drinking civet coffee is a local folk remedy to warm the body. Although tourists may feel their teeth chattering in Sumaguing Cave and on the summit of Kiltepan, they are simultaneously rewarded with the magnificent view of clouds floating like a sea.
Tip: Both scheduled buses and Baguio jeepneys can reach here, taking about 5 hours.
4. Don Salvador Benedicto: With its lush pine forests, this town is known as "Little Baguio" and sits at an altitude of 2,500 feet (approx. 762 meters). Temperatures can drop as low as 16°C. The roads lined with pine trees, combined with the casual Lion Monument, make it feel like a miniature version of Baguio City, and it is quiet and peaceful. The Magnetic Hill surprises drivers, as if a traction force is pulling them, which is very interesting.
Tip: From Baguio City, it takes one hour by bus; from Manila, it takes half an hour by plane.
5. Canlaon City: At an altitude of 2,600 feet (approx. 792 meters), it is a great place to escape the heat. Waterfalls and naturally formed peaks allow tourists to satisfy their desire to be close to nature. The Philippine banyan trees here are very beautiful, with the oldest being 1,300 years old.
Tip: There are direct roads from Baguio, Dumaguete, and San Carlos, with beautiful scenery along the way.
6. Davao City: Located on Mindanao, it covers 244,000 hectares (approx. 2,440 square kilometers). Unlike other high-altitude big cities, it is characterized by pagoda-shaped mountains and green natural beauty. Here you can see the highest peak in the Philippines—Mount Apo, which is 2,954 meters high.
Tip: There are direct flights from Manila, and there are also flights from places like Singapore.
7. Lantapan: Located on the slopes of the Kitanglad mountain range, Lantapan can be described as "the coldest of the cold," where dew can sometimes linger on leaves until noon. At an altitude of 4,000 feet (approx. 1.2 km), it is prone to typhoons, but this also makes its soil very fertile. Combined with the cold weather, it has become the "cradle of vegetables." It is also the second-highest mountain road in the Philippines after Mount Apo, a must-visit for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Tip: The highway between Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay City is open daily. In addition, there are jeepneys from the Malaybalay City public market directly to Lantapan. There are daily flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro.
8. Marawi: In the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, Marawi is an ancient Muslim settlement where mosques and torogans can be seen everywhere. Located on Mindanao at an altitude of 2,600 feet (approx. 792 meters), temperatures can drop as low as 14°C. This city is known as a dangerous city because its beauty requires some adventure for tourists to see. Conversely, the university here is a "city within a city," which is very safe and peaceful, with complete facilities, including hotels.
Tip: Take a bus or jeepney from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan, then travel along Amai Pakpak Avenue.
9. Banaue: Banaue is one of the four towns in Ifugao province, and its Philippine Cordillera Rice Terraces are highly valued by UNESCO. Although this ancient engineering technique is widely found in Asian countries, the altitude and slope of the Banaue mountains make it stand out. The highest mountain here is 4,900 feet (approx. 1.5 km), and its lower temperatures are also suitable for growing wheat.
Tip: There are night buses from Manila to Banaue every evening.
10. Lake Sebu: With clusters of lilies and swimming tilapia, this is the postcard-perfect Lake Sebu. It is located on Mindanao with a maximum temperature of 25°C, and together with two other lakes, it forms seven waterfalls. Tourists can enjoy canoeing led by the T'boli people. It might be cold enough to shiver, but with the warmth of the T'boli people, tourists will surely feel a touch of warmth. Additionally, clothing can be purchased in the town.
Tip: Fly or drive to General Santos City, then take a bus to Koronadal City, and transfer to Surallah. In Surallah, you can take a bus or jeepney to Lake Sebu.
