(SPOT.ph) Aside from lakes with crystal-clear waters and seas that seem to go on forever, the Philippines also boasts valleys and mountain ridges with views like no other. These often experience the rare sight of places with sea of clouds, which is exactly that—an ocean-like formation of clouds cast over mountains. It's not always guaranteed given weather conditions, of course, but at the very least, you get to go on a much-need getaway.
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Wake up to these majestic places with sea of clouds:
Kiltepan Peak
Kiltepan Road, Sagada, Mountain Province
Rates start at P100 per person
If you watched the 2015 hit That Thing Called Tadhana, then you definitely know about Kiltepan Peak in Sagada. It is the perfect spot to catch the famous Sagada sunrise where an ocean of white clouds instantly takes over the fading darkness, then the sunlight slowly reveals the surrounding hills, foliage, and Kilong Rice Terraces. You can start the four-kilometer hike as early as 4 a.m. from downtown Sagada to catch this magical moment; or better yet, camp out in Kiltepan and wake up to chilly Sagada weather.
Ridges and Clouds Nature Camp
Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
www.facebook.com/Ridges-and-Clouds-Nature-Camp-105748270876223
Rates start at P2,500
Ridges and Clouds Nature Camp features an amazing view of the foothills of Sierra Madre and a sea of clouds during sunrise (thus the name). Accommodation options include a cabana for two (P2,500 to P4,000), a family cabana for four (P4,000), and the Twin Ifugao House for six (P7,000). You can also pitch your own tent for P500 a night. Rooms at the nature camp or not air-conditioned, but the fresh mountain air is cold enough to keep you comfortable. It's pet-friendly, solar-powered, and off-the-grid (no WiFi and mobile signal).
La Vue Cabine
Sitio Babag 2, Barangay Pangamihan, Toledo City, Cebu
www.facebook.com/lavuecabinecebu/
Rates start at P6,000
La Vue Cabine is a whole rustic cabin nestled in the hilly terrain of Toledo City that you can rent out for yourselves. Overnight rates start at P6,000 for one or two guests, perfect if you want a romantic getaway up in the mountains. You can also book for a group of four for P12,000, for six pax for P16,000, or for 12 guests for P20,000. Fees are inclusive of afternoon drinks (sikwate or honey lemonsito), dinner, and breakfast for the next day. All meals boast Sebwano specialties like humba, inun-unan isda anduhaw, linarang mamsa (sour fish stew), and more.
The Birdhouse El Nido
Maremegmeg Beach, Corong-Corong, El Nido, Palawan
www.thebirdhouseelnido.com
Rates start at P5,000
The Birdhouse El Nido lets you hide from the rest of the crowded island in its hillside property. You may have to walk up 150 steps to get to the luxury tents (a.k.a. nests), but you won't mind that once you see the beautiful view of Bacuit Bay. Accommodation includes a five-meter tent sitting on a seven-square meter platform with a large outdoor balcony space and private bathroom, queen-sized mattresses, a fan, and complimentary breakfast. If you're lucky, the cool December air can bring in some mist in surrounding forests.
Treasure Mountain
Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
www.facebook.com/TreasureMountainTanay
Rates start at P500 for two pax
Treasure Mountain in Tanay, Rizal is a not-so-secret destination for travelers who want to see a sea of clouds over Sierra Madre but don't want to go through a grueling hike. The campsite, which is a privately owned property, can easily be reached just by driving all the way to the entrance. They have day tours (P150/head) and overnight rates if you wish to pitch a tent (P500 for two pax) or sleep in a cottage (P3,500 for a maximum of six people).
Ayuste Nature Park
Sitio Patong, Mapawa, Maragusan, Davao de Oro
www.facebook.com/ayustenatureparkseaofclouds
Rates start at P1,500
The province of Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley, is home to at least 15 named mountains often visited by adventurous travelers. Ayuste Nature Park, which is found on Mount Patong, is open for day tours if you just want to hang out at the view deck or enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying the sight. But if you want to stay the night, they have rooms with rates inclusive of breakfast.
Sea of Clouds
Barangay Binuangan, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya
www.facebook.com/Dupax-del-Norte-Tourism-108441933899222
In Dupax del Norte, which is dubbed as a small valley within a valley, a sea of clouds can be seen anywhere. It's now a tourist spot called "Sea of Clouds"! But the best view can be found in Barangay Binuangan, where you just bike or drive to the side of a highway before sunrise and enjoy the view of the mountains.
Kuta Bungliw
Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
www.facebook.com/kutabungliw
Rates start at P250/head
Overlooking the Daraitan-Agos River, Kuta Bungliw Eco Lodge and Campsite features nipa huts, hammocks between trees, and open space for tents. Wake up to a clear mist amid lush forests when you stay the night. For the more adventurous, you can even hike the nearby Mt. Daraitan and Mt. Matulis, too!
Kabayunan View Deck
Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Kabayunan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan
www.facebook.com/kabayunanview
Rates start at P100
Not too far from Metro Manila, Kabayunan View Deck is frequented by cyclists and campers who just want to get away from the city. The view deck doesn't have rooms and lodging, but you can set up camp for only P100 per head or rent a tent for P200 (for two to four people). You have to bring everything you need, from butane gas to food, and be ready to really rough it out. Don't worry though, they have separate bathrooms for men and women.
Sea of Clouds
Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol
Rates range from P100 to P150
The highlands of Danao in Bohol has an actual place called Sea of Clouds, where you can see fog forming over the ridges of Mt. Manghilao at sunrise. Camping is allowed as long as you have a guide from the local barangay, but don't expect any nearby facility as the nearest houses are about 15 minutes away.
Note as of December 5: Treasure Mountain and Kuta Bungliw in Tanay, Rizal have yet to reopen. Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya is open only to local residents. Make sure to check quarantine-related announcements by local government units before heading out.
