22 Unbelievable Tourist Spots in Luzon, the Philippines
Manila is one of the main entry points in the Philippines besides Cebu. Apart from Manila there are beautiful areas to explore in Luzon. Did you know Palawan belongs to Luzon? Click here to get a discount booking your activities in Manila with Klook!
From remote places in the North like Pagudppud and the rice fields in Banaue and Batad to popular getaways like Tagaytay and Batangas. And we will not forget Bicol area which isn’t not often visited for tourists that prefer going to the island in the Philippines.
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LUZON TOURIST SPOTS
1. PAGUDPUD
We have been visiting twice Pagudpud so far and it’s one of our top tourist spots in the Philippines. It’s so quiet and great place to take pictures. Most of the tourists are locals.
The beaches are so beautiful and the sunsets are so colorful. Plus there are many places to visit around Pagudpud which keeps us busy for a few days always that we go to Pagudpud.
2. BANGUI WINDMILLS, ILOCOS NORTE
Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm is created to supply electricity to the province.Thus, the windmills are not only beautiful to look at; they are also useful and environmental tools used to supply electricity.
The beach is so windy an ideal for taking pictures. To get Bangui windmills from Pagudpud is 25 kilometers ride.
3. LAOAG
Laoag on the way to Pagudpud is a nice place to stop for trying local food. You can visit St. William’s Cathedral in Laoag City is famous for its Sinking Bell Tower. It is one of the things that will capture the attention of the tourists upon entering the city.
The bell tower is one of the landmarks of Spanish colony in the Philippines. The tower has earned its “sinking” reputation because it is so heavy and it was built on sandy foundations that it has been consistently sinking into the ground.
Read here things to do in Laoag!
4. BATAAN
Beautiful beaches in Bataan and amazing sunsets in Bataan. So much history in the Philippines in this Province. Bataan is popular because of the resorts for getaways from Manila and Clark. There is so much to explore plus is close from Angeles City in Pampanga where we are based.
Read here our favorite Bataan tourist spots!
5. VIGAN
Vigan is a city in the Philippines located in Ilocos Sur. It’s known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. And because of its beauty and its well-preserved Spanish-era streets, Vigan has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Great place to walk around, try local food and visiting museums to know more about the Filipino history.
6. LA UNION
La Union is one of the most popular spots for surfers. But this place is more than just its beautiful waves! There are many things to do apart from surfing. The nightlife is great and there are beautiful beaches in Bacnotan just 10 kilometers far from La Union.
7. BAGUIO
After visiting Banaue and Sagada, you might want to go on a trip to Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. It is a famous place for its temperature, beautiful views, and of course, strawberries!
If you are available, try to visit during the month of February because it is when the month-long Panagbenga Festival is celebrated! Panagbenga Festival is also known as the Flower Festival and it is the most awaited festival in Baguio City. Experience dancing on the streets with large flower costumes and loud music.
Read here Baguio tourist spots!
8. BANAUE RICE TERRACES, IFUGAO
Found on the northern part of Luzon, Banaue is one of the tourist spots in the Philippines. This is the perfect place if you want to take a break from the city and inhale fresh air, feel the cold breeze, and feed your eyes with stunning views. Banaue and Batad rice terraces are amazing and it’s great to get lost around the area!
Hike the downtown up to Banaue Viewpoint because it really feels good to be at the top of the mountain! Banaue is one of the spots where you will realize how beautiful nature is. You should also try watching Ifugao cultural shows and dance to the sound of gongs.
9. SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
Sagada is 3 hours away from Banaue. Tourists are encouraged to go here from Banaue during daytime as transportation might be quite difficult during the night. It was a great experience riding jeepneys full of people and sometimes you have to go on the top.
It is famous for the hanging coffins, rice terraces, lakes, and rich heritage and culture. It is also a popular spot for locals during the holy week, as a pilgrimage.
10. HUNDRED ISLANDS, PANGSINAN
This group of 123 islands is a popular destination in the Province of Pangasinan. Apart from enjoying the views, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and there is a pilgrimage island. Most of the tourist are locals and you can even enjoying overnight camping if you wish. This destination isn’t very popular for foreigners.
Read here to know more about Hundred islands!
11. SUBIC, ZAMBALES
One of the most adventurous places in the country, Subic should be in your list of places to visit in the Philippines. They are famous for their Zoobic Safari, where you can experience the country’s very own African adventure. You just have to pay for the entrance fee and enjoy taking pictures of the animals.
If you are traveling with a kid, you should also check Ocean Adventure. Have fun with the kids watching dolphin and sea lion shows. You can also find an Oceanarium, or a big aquarium where you can watch marine animals in their habitat. Nightlife is great around Pier One for dinner and drink.
MORE TOURIST SPOTS IN LUZON
12. ANILAO, BATANGAS
Ah, one of our favorites! We loved our diving experience in this quiet barangay in Mabini, Batangas. It is just a 3-hour drive from Manila and is a famous spot for diving enthusiasts. You can also do snorkeling here, as the water is clean and clear. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long week. The picture above is from Sepoc Island!
13. TAAL VOLCANO, BATANGAS
You will fall in love with the views from the viewing point in Taal Volcano, but you will fall in love more with the view from the Red Lava Viewing Point, where you can view the crater of the volcano. No worries if you do not like hiking. It was just an easy hike, that even a kid can do it.
Now if you love volcanoes and lakes, then it is recommended for you to visit Taal Volcano in Tagaytay. It Is the 2nd most active volcano in the Philippines and a popular tourist spot in Batangas. It´s a must in the places to visit in the Philippines.
14. TAAL LAKE IN TAGAYTAY
You will appreciate Taal Lake better through Taal Lake Yacht Club. They offer boats for rent, and they could teach you how to sail on Taal’s beautiful lake. The club offers kayak for a solo ride or a couple, as well as catamarans having four and six passenger capacity.
Renting a boat that has a passenger capacity of one to four costs about 1500-2000 PHP while bigger boats cost about 1900 PHP for an hour, and 4200 PHP for the whole day. For couples that enjoy tandem kayaks, they may rent it for 400 PHP per hour and 1200 PHP for the whole day.
If you’re feeling a little bit more brave you could also try paddle boards for 300 PHP per hour and 900 PHP for the whole day. Rest assured that these services come along with either/or life vests, instructors and drivers.
15. MAYON VOLCANO, BICOL
This volcano is one of the things the Philippines boasts. It is an active, perfect-cone volcano that is famous to tourists.
Aside from the Mayon Volcano, don’t forget to taste the delicacy of the Bicolanos- spicy foods. You can even find chili ice cream here! Would you dare to try it?
16. DONSOL, SORSOGON
And the last but not the least on our list of places to visit in Luzon- Donsol. This place is famous because it is known as the home of Butanding or the Whale Sharks.
When you visit Donsol, you shouldn’t miss diving and swimming with the whale sharks. Don’t worry because they are friendly creatures. Just don’t do anything that will stress or scare them.
17. NASUGBU
Visiting Nasugbu, Batangas is definitely underrated compared to the more popular destinations in the Philippines. It’s beauty is also incomparable. Nasugbu, Batangas is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in the Philippines.
Only a few hours from Manila, there are many things to do in Nasugbu. You can dive, swim, snorkel, do island hops and do amazing trips in Nasugbu, Batangas.
18. EL NIDO, PALAWAN
This is on the top of our list despite of its actual location being on the southern part of Luzon. We just can’t help it because it is one of our favorite places in the world! We have been here a few times already and every single visit was unique, and we loved every single experience we had.
You will seriously forget all the problems you have once you step on the clear waters and white sand beaches of El Nido. It was once a quiet place north of Palawan but because of number of people visiting here, it was developed but still beautiful!
Read here El Nido tourist spots!
19. PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN
Another gift from above, Puerto Princesa! It is the capital of Palawan and the most visited part of the province. Unlike El Nido, the capital is not famous for its beaches.
It is famous worldwide for its UNESCO World Heritage Site– the Palawan Underground River or also known as Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park. You will see unbelievable limestone formations here as you explore the underground river.
Read here our favorite Palawan tourist spots!
20. CORON, PALAWAN
Isn’t it obvious that we love Palawan so much? Another spot we recommend you include in the places to visit in the Philippines is Coron.
You will surely love diving and snorkeling here. Island hopping is also a famous activity in Coron that you shouldn’t miss. Lastly, if you have time don’t forget to hike Mount Tapyas. You have to hike for 20-30 minutes to get to the top and enjoy the picturesque views. It is surely worth it!
Read here Coron tourist spots!
21. PORT BARTON
The sunsets are amazing in Port Barton. The island hopping is one of our favorite in the Philippines. You can see turtles snorkeling and swimming. And if you want an amazing experience you can enjoy camping. The beaches are so perfect with white sand and blue water.
Read here things to do in Port Barton!
22. BALABAC
Balabac is located at South of Palawan with 40 000 population. Balabac is a paradise to discover in Palawan. There are 31 islands where you will enjoy amazing island hopping. Clear waters, amazing sunsets, great snorkeling spots and our favorite sand bars in the Philippines.
Hope it’s useful to our favorite tourist spots in Luzon. How many of them did you visit or planning to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
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Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.