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THE heat is relentless, the air is humid, and even your cold drinks don’t stay cold for long. Dry season is not even officially here but it sure feels like it is already – bringing along the perfect excuse to escape the sweltering heat of the city streets.
Whether you’re longing for the salty breeze of the ocean, the crisp mountain air, or a cultural adventure to remind you of your heritage, here are some of the best places to visit in Luzon!
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La Union’s beaches have become a go-to destination for today’s young travelers. This tropical paradise blends sun, surf, and a vibrant coastal culture, making it the perfect spot for adventure and relaxation alike.
It’s no surprise that I’m Drunk, I Love You, starring Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino, chose La Union as its backdrop. And just like Carson, we can’t help but crave that crispy, flavorful bagnet!
Beyond its lively beach parties and laid-back surf culture, La Union is also a haven for food lovers—just be sure to bring your meds if you’re indulging a little too much!
Photo Courtesy: Jonalyn Viray
Looking for a beach getaway without the long travel time? Batangas is the perfect destination!
Just a few hours from Metro Manila, this province is home to stunning beaches, dive sites, and island adventures. It offers many activities if you’re up to it.
If you’re looking for white sands and luxury resorts, Laiya in San Juan, Batangas could be perfect for you! There are many private resorts and high-end beach houses for rent lining up the shore, offering luxurious accommodations and water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and banana boat rides.
If you’re more adventurous and want to explore the beauty of underwater, then Anilao, Mabini is a must-visit destination. It is regarded as the ‘Diving Capital of the Philippines’, boasting some of the country’s best coral reefs and marine biodiversity. It teems with colorful corals, rare marine creatures, and even shipwreck dive sites. The breathtaking sunset over Balayan Bay is just a bonus.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an off-beaten-path adventure, you must visit Fortune Island in Nasugbu. This little island offers a piece of Greece, with its Greek-style ruins overlooking the deep blue sea, much like in Santorini.
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Want something thrilling? Why not visit Baler, Aurora and experience riding the waves?
Baler is known as the birthplace of Philippine surfing, with its powerful waves and scenic coastlines. Sabang Beach is the perfect spot for beginners and seasoned surfers. There are surfing schools and board rentals scattered along its shore, making it easy to ride waves whether it’s your first time or your hundredth.
After a thrilling surf session, you can relax at one of the beachfront cafés and watch the golden sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
But Baler is not only known as a surfer paradise. It also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can visit the Baler Church, where Spanish soldiers held their last stand against Filipino revolutionaries.
The town is also the birthplace of Manuel L. Quezon, the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, and his ancestral house is now a museum showcasing artifacts from his life.
When the heat gets too intense, sometimes the best way to cool off is to head to higher grounds. Luzon is not only a home to great beaches but also breathtaking mountain retreats, lush forests and scenic hiking trails.
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Heartbroken? Why not take a trip to Sagada and relive the iconic moments from That Thing Called Tadhana, starring Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman? Who knows—maybe you’ll find clarity, closure, or even your own “The One” in this serene mountain retreat.
Nestled in the Cordillera Mountains, Sagada is the perfect place for a healing getaway, offering breathtaking landscapes, cool mountain air, and peaceful atmosphere that soothes even the weariest souls.
And if there’s one place that captures the essence of new beginnings, it’s the Kiltepan Viewpoint.
Famous for its breathtaking sea of clouds, this spot offers a front-row seat to one of the most stunning sunrises in the Philippines.
It’s no wonder it became an unforgettable setting in That Thing Called Tadhana, where Angelica Panganiban’s character let out all her heartbreak while watching the golden sun break through the clouds.
Another of Sagada’s most famous landmarks is the Echo Valley, where nature and tradition come together.
The valley gets its name from the way sound bounces off its towering limestone cliffs, making it a fun spot to test your voice—just shout, and you’ll hear your echo calling back!
Echo Valley gives you a glimpse of the Igorot culture— or their unique burial customs particularly.
Instead of being laid into the ground, the Echo Valley has the Hanging Coffins— centuries old coffins suspended on the face of the cliffs, following the belief that elevating the dead brings them closer to the spirits of their ancestors. This practice, though rare today, remains a powerful symbol of the Igorot people’s deep connection to their traditions.
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Want a little more thrill? For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Mt. Pulag is the ultimate bucket-list destination.
Standing at 2,926 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the Philippines.
But what truly sets Mt. Pulag apart is the legendary sea of clouds—a mesmerizing spectacle where billowy clouds stretch endlessly below the summit, creating the illusion of walking on air.
There are multiple trails leading to the peak, each offering a different experience.
The Ambangeg Trail is the easiest and most popular route, perfect for beginners.
The Akiki Trail— known as the Killer Trail— is the opposite, which would be a challenge for more experienced climbers.
But if you want to experience not just the difficulty but the biodiversity as well, then you should take the Tawangan Trail— a scenic but rarely used path, taking hikers through mossy forests and its rich biodiversity.
The dry season is mostly a vacation season for many— but it isn’t just about beach getaways and mountain adventures. It’s also the perfect time to indulge in something meaningful, like exploring the rich heritage, traditions, and culture that make Luzon unique.
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Vigan boasts one of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia. In fact, the entire historic city of Vigan is recognized to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among these is Calle Crisologo, a historic street lined with centuries old Spanish colonial houses. Walking along this picturesque avenue feels like stepping back in time, as ancestral mansions, antique shops, and cafés bring history to life.
Meanwhile, the Bantay Bell Tower is a historic watchtower that was used to guard against invading forces. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with a panoramic view of Vigan and the vast Ilocos landscape—a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset.
Pagburnayan, on the other hand, gives you a hands-on cultural experience. It is a place where local artisans continue the tradition of Vigan’s iconic pottery-making.
Watch as skilled potters shape clay into beautiful burnay jars, or try molding one yourself! These handcrafted jars have been used for generations to store water, vinegar, and local wine (basi).
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If you’ve ever wished to travel back in time and experience the grandeur of Old Manila, then Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan is the perfect destination.
Las Casas is considered as both a resort and an open-air museum, showcasing carefully restored Spanish-Filipino colonial architecture.
A guided tour through Las Casas lets visitors hear the untold stories behind each restored house, from political intrigue to tragic love stories.
You can also explore the area through balsa (traditional raft) river cruises, calesa (horse-drawn carriage) rides, or even watch theatrical performances that bring history to life.
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