Things to see and do Northern Luzon

This mining site, also known as the Itogon Mines, is one of the tourist attractions that best illustrates the mining world and the cultural heritage of the Itogon of Benguet. The interconnected tunnels are maintained by Benguet Gold Operations, which organizes guided tours of the area. Beware, claustrophobic people will refrain. For the others, it's an interactive tour that allows you to experience mining underground. There is a small train and the guide provides elements of history during the visit.

This is one of the must-see tourist spots in Baguio. Accessible by jeepney or tricycle. The Mine Observation Park is a great scenic spot that offers splendid views of Baguio, the valley, the forests and the mountains. There are a few street vendors on site. Make a wish by tossing a coin into the old mines. The place is especially popular in the late afternoon when the sun colors the landscape.

The town of Kabayan is known for its burial sites that dot the surrounding hills. Knees bent over bodies embedded in hollowed-out tree trunks, the mummies are at least 500 years old and are believed to belong to the Ibaloi group. To reach the caves, you need a guide and a long walk on difficult paths. You can go to the Timbac cave or to the Tinongchol rock. The latter is as high as a three-story house and contains centuries-old mummies in cavities carved in the rock.

Located in the center of Banaue village, this is where the buses arrive. The tourist office is not particularly useful, you will mostly go through your guesthouse to organize your visits. However, they can provide the visitor with a map of the area (20 PHP), arrange private transportation and find you an official guide whose rates are fixed: it is necessary to count around 1 500 PHP per guide for one day. This will avoid you having to use the services of a "fake" guide (who can wait for tourists at the bus station).

This is a very useful tourist office. They are in charge of coordinating the different associations of accredited guides and of fixing the prices of the expeditions (so you are sure to get a fair price if you go through them). Several walks are proposed to discover the area, through Echo Valley, the hanging coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls. It is also here that you will pay the environment tax when you arrive (50 PHP).

Covering 690 hectares of forests and hills, this former U.S. military base has become a recreational center open to the public, with hotels, restaurants, shopping center, a famous golf course, tennis courts, bowling, swimming pool and race track. But also, a butterfly sanctuary, eco-trail in the forest, abseiling, paintball, zip line park... The list is long and gives you an idea of what you can do here, especially with children.

Ivana is located 14 km south of Basco. Dedicated to St. Joseph, this Catholic church was built in 1775 and is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Spanish and Filipinos. Its white façade was restored after being damaged by the earthquake of 2000. It is also in Ivana that you can see the House of Dakay, the oldest house in Batanes, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its former janitor, Lola Idan, remained famous for being one of the most photographed personalities of the archipelago, until her death in 2014.

The weaving room of this school built in 1905 by Protestant missionaries, in the north of the city, is the best showcase of the handicrafts of the region. You can see the weaving as it has been practiced by the mountain people for centuries. EWRI is committed to promoting indigenous art, especially Igorot art and weaving. The company also offers other local handicrafts such as wooden sculptures and rattan baskets.

These large waterfalls are located at a rather arduous one-hour walk from the rice fields of Batad: do not go in flip-flops (even if they should be useful for walking in the water once you arrive!). The Tappiya waterfall flows into a huge natural pool surrounded by cliffs covered with tropical vegetation. It is very pleasant to bathe there after the walk. The place is magical. During the rainy season, the water can rise up to 2 meters; but during the dry season, you will have only a trickle of water in the river.

After a 15-minute walk or a short ride on a tricycle, we reach the top of the Naidi hills where a lighthouse, 20 meters high, offers a 360° view of the town of Basco, the sea, Mount Iraya and the cliffs of the island. The lighthouse served as a base for American telegraphs during the Japanese occupation. In 1941, the lighthouse was bombed and it was only rebuilt in 2003. The site with the ruins of the old lighthouse is still accessible. At sunset, the view is breathtaking.

The hot springs in the village of Mainit(mainit means "hot" in Tagalog), on the heights of Bontoc, are a pleasant expedition, off the beaten track. Legend has it that the village of Mainit is located on a dormant volcano. There are several hot springs and the inhabitants have built artificial pools to enjoy them. You can dip your feet in the pool of sulphur water, which is known for its therapeutic and relaxing properties.

This walk proposed by the tourist office is a real delight! The program includes a three-hour walk through Echo Valley, suspended coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls.

The village of Buscalan is famous among Filipinos and international travelers as it is the homeland of tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od. A true legend in the country, she was even on the cover of Vogue in April 2023! She belongs to the Kalinga tribe and is the last and oldest traditional tattoo artist. At the time of writing, she is 107 years old. She still tattoos with a pick and ash. A beautiful souvenir for the most adventurous, a unique experience for the others too!

Lovers of old stones should go to Savidug and Chavayan. These two villages are home to traditional Ivatan stone houses. These houses are extremely sturdy and designed to withstand the twenty or so typhoons that hit the Batanes every year. The inhabitants live here peacefully, mostly from fishing and a little from agriculture. It is possible to buy the famous typical women's headgear (vakul), at the Sabtang Weavers Association, for about 400 PHP. Men wear jackets (kanayi) and hats (salakut).

Nestled at the bottom of the valley which shelters the sublime rice fields of Hapao, we reach it after 1 hour of walk. We cross the river by a small bridge to reach these natural hot springs. In a small natural pool, bubbles are formed. There is a light smell of sulfur because it is what creates the bubbles. On the spot, there are cabins to change (remember to take your bathing suit and keep an eye on your things). It is very pleasant to bathe in such a naturally warm water. It seems that the sulfur also has benefits for the body.

Located 15 minutes from Baguio, this museum exhibits a permanent collection of the national artist Benedicto Cabrera, considered the best-selling artist of his generation of Filipino artists. Paintings by the master, collection of indigenous arts and works by contemporary Filipino artists. A souvenir store, a café and a small forest trail complete the pleasant ensemble. An interesting museum that succeeds in merging art and nature, located in a rather exceptional natural setting, in the heart of the mountains. Will appeal to contemporary art lovers!

Tam-Awan means "viewpoint" in Ilocano. This art village, in addition to being very picturesque itself, does indeed offer beautiful views of the mountains. The village, composed of small huts, promotes local and regional artists. One can participate in workshops, buy the works produced on site by the artists, and even experience sleeping in traditional huts. There is also a charming café that serves traditional Filipino and local dishes such as chicken soup. We recommend it!