The most beautiful natural sites to discover Northern Luzon

One of the most famous parks in the country. Centered on an artificial lagoon, this park is named after the American urban planner Daniel Burnham who designed the city of Baguio. The park, a real green corridor of more than 32 hectares, in the heart of the city, is one of the refuges of the city dwellers who like to meet there to picnic, walk or enjoy the lake. The grounds are also ideal for concerts and the flowered paths attract cyclists and rollerbladers. There are also tennis, soccer and basketball courts, and an orchidarium.

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.

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.

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.

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.