Keeping Cool in the Philippines.

Fans are one way to stay cool in the Philippines

Keeping Your Cool in the Philippines

As you may be aware, most of the year it is very hot in the Philippines. Especially in cities like Angeles City, Cebu, Davao and Manila. The further South one goes in the Philippines the hotter it gets. We found it so hot in General Santos City and Cagayan de Oro that we hardly ever ventured out of our air conditioned hotels until after 4 or 5 p.m. And be sure to keep your cool socially, if you know what's good for you.

Cool Public Transportation

Taxi Cabs

Most taxis are air conditioned. But there are many which are not air conditioned. Be sure to ask the driver if he has 'aircon' and if it is working well before you get in the cab. Generally, the newer the cab the better the air conditioning. Most taxis do not have seat belts. You may need to wait for 1/2 hour or more until you hail one that has seat belts.

Buses

There are many open-air buses. But you will probably want to avoid those. Many have wood seats.

Air conditioned buses are usually not as crowded, have soft cushioned seats, curtains at the windows and more legroom.

Trains

There are trains in the Greater Manila area, and they have very good air conditioning systems.  A great way to travel and stay cool.

Jeepneys

Jeepneys are everywhere in the Philippines. Most are not air conditioned. I have never chanced to ride in an air conditioned one. I have seen some in Manila. They will have signs saying, "Air Con" or "Air Conditioned." You will need to ask locals how to find one. If you are at a jeepney station you may ask some 'dispatchers' or drivers if there are any that use that station. I have found it fastest to just get in any jeepney that is going where I want to go.

Cool Lodging

Most hotels, apartelles, pensiones and hostels are air conditioned.

Cool Residences

There are several ways to stay cool in your dwelling.

Table fans, wall fans and standing floor fans are the choice of many Filipinos.

Air conditioning is, of course, a great way to stay cool. But, electric costs are double the cost of electricity in the USA. We rented a 2 bedroom apartment outside Angeles City for about $83 US per month and our electric bill of $70 a month was almost equal to our rent! We had installed a single 3/4-ton window type air conditioner. We used table fans to circulate the cool air through the apartment.

You may purchase window type and split type air conditioners at appliance stores in shopping malls in the Philippines.

Another way to stay cool is to live in an area with a cool climate.

Cities in Cool Areas

Baguio

Baguio is located in the mountains North of Manila and Angeles City. At an altitude of 1,540 meters (5,050 feet) the average temperature is 15 to 23 C (59 to 73 F) with the lowest temperatures between November and February.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay at about 630 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level is only about 31 miles from Manila but much cooler. With an average temperature of 23 C (75 F).

Cool Outdoors

Of course, one of the best ways to stay cool outdoors is to stay in the shade of trees or under awnings. Wear a hat and light-colored cotton clothing.

 

Massage on beach in Boracay.

How about a relaxing massage under shady palms on Boracay?

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This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about keeping cool in the Philippines. Last updated June 3, 2022.