Holiday Destination? Check out North and Central Luzon

Apr 03, 2024

The Philippines' famous pristine beaches are a result of its physical qualities, which also mean that the nation is home to several mountains that are a must places to visit. The Philippines' North Luzon contains some of the most breathtaking mountainous regions in the nation. Destinations where tourists can experience nature at its purest are only a few hours away from the bustling urban streets of Manila, the country's metropolis.

Investigate the Philippines' Northern Luzon Provinces.

Find out which places you should include on your bucket list for travel as the best family holiday destinations. Find out about the greatest tourist attractions and things to do that you shouldn't miss. 

BAGUIO

In the center of the province of Benguet lies the landlocked city of Baguio. Baguio City, also referred to as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," is the entry point into the Cordillera and considered as one of the best family holiday destinations.

Baguio City experiences somewhat colder temperates than the metro and nearby provinces because of its elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level and its pine-covered geography. Adventures in Baguio are well-liked by both residents and foreign visitors seeking relief from the intense heat of the city.

It can get as low as 10 degrees during the icy months of December, January, and February. The wet season lasts for the remainder of the year, whereas the dry season runs from November to April.

There are lots of hotels and other lodging alternatives in Baguio. The greatest ones are close to well-known Baguio tourist attractions and souvenir shops. The Botanical Park, Burnham Park, Session Road, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, and Night Market are not to be missed. Definitely a family holiday destinations.

BANAUE

The main draw for tourists to Banaue (often spelled Banawe) is its breathtaking rice terraces. The Ifugao people built the 2000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces as part of a vast engineering endeavor to cover the valley sides.

One of Banaue's most well-known tourist attractions is the Rice Terraces. In addition to being recognized as a National Cultural Treasure, this breathtaking environment has also influenced popular culture and top notch serene atmosphere.

The film production reveals that the scene where the primary villain, Thanos, walks out of a little hut to enjoy the sunset over a landscape of mountains and rice paddies in the film's epilogue of the 2018 blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War depicts the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Contrary to popular assumption, the Banaue Rice Terraces are not the ones listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the abundance of contemporary buildings. But still it is one of the best family holiday destinations.

Instead, visit the Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces, both located in the Ifugao province. On the other hand, a Banaue heritage trip must include a visit to the Rice Terraces of Banaue.

BATAD

Nestled amidst the Ifugao rice terraces is the charming village of Batad, home to a whole family of less than 1500 inhabitants. It's conceivably the ideal location to take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a gorgeous waterfall close by, and the scenery is very breathtaking.

There are no motorized vehicles in the village and no roads that link to Batad. To visit this isolated mountain community, travelers must travel on foot, so be prepared for a lot of walking and trekking. Generally speaking, walking is limited to the rice terrace walls, which are wide enough for one person to pass at a time.

The Batad banaue rice terraces have stone walls, in contrast to the mud walls of Banaue. The two batad rice terraces offer a striking spectacle, forming an amphitheater. It is one of the best places to visit.

The little community now has a tourist spot with a variety of guest homes and hostels that cater to tourists, the majority of which have stunning views of the rice terraces. One can make a day trip to Batad from Banaue if time is of the essence.

SAGADA

Sagada is a relaxed town in northern part of the Central Cordillera Mountains, located about 1.5 kilometers above sea level in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River.

The province has long been a favorite with foreign travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path visit due of Sagada's abundance of tourism attractions.

Trekking, exploring caves and waterfalls, spelunking, picnics, bonfires, rappelling, touring historical sites, going on nature treks, and taking part in tribal ceremonies are all common activities on a day trip to Sagada.

Another well-known feature of Sagada is its hanging coffins. The indigenous tribes still use this customary method of interring the dead. Not everyone is eligible for this type of burial; marriage and having grandchildren are two requirements.

Weekend warriors in the area have been talking about Sagada a lot lately because of a well-known local romantic comedy that was made there.

A few of the breathtaking natural and cultural gems of Sagada that entice travelers each year are Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Underground River, Lake Danum, Pongas Falls, Mount Ampacao, and Marlboro Mountain.

KALINGA

Kalinga is a landlocked province that is surrounded by Mountain Province to the south, Abra to the west coast, Isabela to the east, Cagayan to the northeast, and Apayao to the southernmost point of the north.

Previously a part of the larger province of Kalinga-Apayao, the two separated in 1995 so that the local administration could better meet the needs of the different indigenous people living in the area.

The province is a country of natural beauty and charm, home to a wide range of scenic features such rice terraces, rustic villages, mountains, and caverns. Kalinga, a country of live waters, is abundant with rivers and waterfalls that wind around communities.

The isolated town of Buscalan, where daring visitors trek to receive traditional tribal tattoos from Apo Whang-od, dubbed the oldest mambabatok in modern world, is a major lure for contemporary travelers to Kalinga. She belongs to the wider ethnic group of Kalinga and is of the Butbut people.

Some of the more well-known places in Kalinga are the Preserved Tributary Falls and Forest, the Saltan River in Balbalan, the Capitol Provincial Park, the Chico River in Tabuk, the Kabunyan Natural Dam, and Sleeping Beauty in Tinglayan. The Pasil, Saltan, and Chico rivers are the greatest in the region for whitewater rafting.

These rivers provide not only a thrilling rapid-fire experience but also a window into the Kalinga people's cultural past. You will have made unforgettable memories and a greater appreciation for the province by going on a Kalinga adventure tour.

Discovering the Hidden Gems and Timeless Beauty of Central Luzon's best family holiday destinations.

One of the tourist spots in the Philippines' Region III is Central Luzon, which is distinguished by its vast plains, lush gardens, and a plethora of undiscovered tourist attractions and places to visit. You can visit their pristine beaches, waterfalls, and places of historical significance religious interest. This article offers suggestions for tourist spots in Central Luzon that you should visit, along with pertinent details about these locations.

DINGALAN

The stunning scenery of Dingalan, in Central Luzon, draws a lot of tourists. The region is well-known for its vast caverns, pure rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls, which make it a top choice for those who enjoy the outdoors. You can take a van from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija in Cubao to Dingalan in order to get there. Once there, you can take a tricycle to get to Dingalan's many tourist sites. It's not that far and hassle to go to from the National capital region.

You can book a room at the gorgeous offshore views Cave Beach Resort. Furthermore, a number of tourist attractions, such as Dingalan Mountain and Dingalan View Point, are nearby this lodging.

Because of this, it truly is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and there are many beautiful beaches where you can unwind and take in the breathtaking environment. Even if there isn't much to do in the town, you won't get bored because of its lovely location among the Sierra Madre Mountains and the abundance of natural beauty nearby.

MT PINATUBO, TARLAC

Make sure to visit Mount Pinatubo while on vacation in Central Luzon. This mountain features perfect volcanic cone, an enthralling crater lake and an amazing vista of entire island. The lake shimmers in the sunlight, renowned in underwater world for its blue hue. Indeed a natural wonders in the country.

Depending on the season, the color of the lake can change throughout the year. One of the most popular climbing routes is available on Mount Pinatubo, a popular destination for those who love outdoor activities. To explore Mount Pinatubo, head to Capas, Tarlac, and then take a tricycle or a jeepney to Sta. Juliana Tourism.

When visiting Central Luzon, make sure to see Mount Pinatubo—it's simply breathtaking to gaze upon and unbelievably active volcano. The stunningly gorgeous mountains and volcanoes that dot the terrain of small island are certainly not the main attraction; instead, the shimmering crater lake that sits at their center is. One of the best family holiday destinations as well.

Enclosed by lofty peaks, the azure depths glisten and shimmer in the midday light, and the lake's hue varies dramatically from season to season all year long.

PILAR BATAAN

Pilar is a Central Luzon city with a range of fascinating historical landmarks and sites to explore. The Mount Samat National Shrine, which was constructed to honor the World War II fighting, is one of these attractions and contribute to it's rich history. That's why it is considered one of the home for spanish colonial architecture and ancient city. It's a must visit destination.

In addition, visitors can see Our Lady of the Pilar Parish Church and the shrine of the Flaming Sword. Travelers can use the Bataan National Road and the Bataan Provincial Expressway to get to Pilar.

The Mount Samat National Shrine, which was constructed to honor and remember the gallant American and Filipino men who served in the Second World War, is the main draw of Pilar. It's true that the massive cross appears striking.

BALER

The beautiful village of Baler in Central Luzon is well-known for its beautiful landscapes. Gorgeous palm trees lush greenery lining the ancient city's edge offer stunning vistas of the towering mountains. In addition, surfers have made Baler famous for its gorgeous pristine white sand beaches crystal clear waters, which were also highlighted in the film Apocalypse Now. Baler boasts an amazing waterfall as well.

For adventure seekers, Baler, well-known for its water sports such as surfing, scuba diving spots and white sand beach from the iconic film Apocalypse Now, is extremely lucky to have a setting as lovely. If you're feeling daring and love outdoor activities, the area has stunning limestone cliffs and some amazing shores and waterfalls. A plus one for those adventure seekers and looking for a world class surfing spots.

It takes about five to six hours to go from Manila to Baler. You can take a bus to Cabanatuan and then take a different bus or van to Baler from there.

CORREGIDOR ISLAND

Corregidor Island is one of the places to visit and a must-see when in Central Luzon. It offers a plethora of good woodland roads and coastline trails for hiking or cycling, in addition to many fascinating historical sites to explore. It's indeed a place of rich history.

Corregidor has been fortified for a long time because of its advantageous location at the mouth of Manila Bay. Nowadays, a lot of tourists come to view Fort Mills and the other anti-aircraft gun batteries walled city that were built to defend the capital city of the Philippines during World War II.

Although Corregidor Island is one of the most visited tourist locations in the nation due to its WWII landmarks, memorials, and decaying defenses, its breathtaking scenery is also well worth seeing.

There are a lot of tourist attractions on Central Luzon, Philippines. Tourists from abroad and locally alike love this area. There are many different types top attractions of tourism in Central Luzon, including historical, religious, and natural tourism.

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