Luzon
Overview
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines and home to the capital, Manila. Beyond the city, it offers historic towns, mountain scenery, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and the famous rice terraces of the north. From the heritage of Manila to the natural beauty of Pagsanjan and the cool highlands of Tagaytay, Luzon offers a good mix of history, culture, and nature.
Manila
Manila is a lively city where modern life meets a rich colonial history. In the heart of the old city, Intramuros is a historic walled district with cobblestone streets, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore museums, local markets, and restaurants, while Rizal Park and Manila Bay are popular places to enjoy the city and watch the sunset. Manila is also a great place to discover Filipino food and local life.
Must-See Highlights in Manila
Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city, with its old streets, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church, one of the country’s oldest stone churches and part of the UNESCO-listed Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Rizal Park and Manila Bay are also popular places to enjoy the city and its beautiful sunsets.
Pagsanjan Falls
Located in Laguna Province, Pagsanjan Falls is a popular natural attraction near Manila. Travel by traditional canoe through a scenic river gorge surrounded by lush greenery before reaching the waterfall. It is a fun and refreshing experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tagaytay & Taal Volcano
Located south of Manila, Tagaytay is a popular highland destination known for its cooler climate and beautiful views over Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from viewpoints such as People’s Park in the Sky and Picnic Grove, while the surrounding area offers gardens, cafés, restaurants, and local markets. Tagaytay provides a pleasant change of pace from Manila and can easily be included as a day trip or short extension.
Baguio City & Cordillera Culture
Known as the “City of Pines,” Baguio is a cool mountain city in the Cordillera region and a popular escape from the warmer lowlands. Beyond its pleasant climate and scenic mountain setting, Baguio offers opportunities to discover the traditions, arts, and culture of the indigenous communities of the Cordilleras.
Must-See Highlights in Baguio
Experience traditional Cordilleran dances and music at Tam-awan Village, offering a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the indigenous communities of the region. Visit the Igorot Stone Kingdom, explore the Baguio Botanical Garden, and enjoy mountain views from Mines View Park.
Banaue & Sagada
Located in the Cordillera Mountains, Banaue is famous for its ancient rice terraces, carved into the mountain slopes by generations of local communities. The surrounding landscapes offer scenic viewpoints and opportunities to learn about the traditions and way of life of the Ifugao people. Nearby Sagada is known for its cool mountain climate, limestone caves, hiking trails, and traditional hanging coffins. Together, Banaue and Sagada provide a different side of the Philippines, away from the coastal resorts and busy cities.
Must-See Highlights of Banaue & Sagada
Discover the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, built into the mountain slopes by the Ifugao people, and learn about the region’s traditional way of life. In Sagada, see the traditional Hanging Coffins and explore the area’s limestone caves and scenic mountain trails.
Vigan
Located in northern Luzon, Vigan is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic centre is known for cobblestone streets, traditional houses, old churches, and horse-drawn calesas. Calle Crisologo is particularly popular for its preserved architecture and evening atmosphere. Walking through Vigan offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s Spanish colonial history and traditional way of life.
Must-See Highlights in Vigan
Explore Calle Crisologo and the Vigan Heritage Village, with its well-preserved colonial houses and cobblestone streets. For a more traditional experience, enjoy a calesa ride through the historic streets of Vigan.