Things to see and do Luzon

Located in the heart of Intramuros, the Basilica-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Diocese of Manila. The current structure is a reconstruction as it was partially destroyed during World War II (in fact, it is the seventh version since the original structure was built in 1571). Filipinos still remember the visit of Pope Francis in 2015 who celebrated mass here. Its dome is huge and its stained glass windows tell the story of Christianization. Many weddings are celebrated here every weekend.

Located in the northern part of Binondo's Chinatown, the cemetery was founded in the ^mid-19th century by Lim Ong and Tan Quien Sien (Don Carlos Palanca) in order to facilitate the burial of a large number of Chinese who were not allowed to be buried in the Spanish Catholic cemeteries by the Spanish colonists. The cemetery is very picturesque and covers an area of 54 hectares. Respect for the ancestors and the dead is very important in Chinese communities. Thus, far from being an ordinary cemetery, a little austere, dedicated to death and meditation, this one is a real village in the city where the graves are houses, sometimes equipped with all the necessary comfort (refrigerator, air conditioner, cooking plates, bathroom) so that the families of the deceased are well installed when they come to visit their dead. It is even estimated that about 6,000 people live here, in the mausoleums, waiting for better days. Every Saturday, the cemetery resounds with the presence of its visitors who liven up the place: singing, smells of fake money and burning incense. Its streets are made up of mausoleums richly decorated with marble, wrought iron and stained glass, many even in Art Deco style. A monument houses the ashes of the cremated on two floors and, on the third, the bones of those who will return to their native land, China. The poorest are buried on the left side of the Buddhist temple. An amazing visit!

The 58-hectare Rizal Park is a must-see place: both a favorite place of relaxation for Filipino walkers and families and a place steeped in history. Considered one of the largest parks in Asia, it stretches from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay. It was called Bagumbayan Field or Luneta during the colonial period, which means "little moon" and was used by the Spaniards as a place of execution for revolutionary Filipinos. The park is now called Rizal National Park in honor of the national hero, Jose Rizal, who was executed here in 1896. His death led to the Philippine revolution. Among the historical events that took place in the park, we should mention the declaration of independence from the United States in 1946, the demonstrations against President Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s, or the impressive World Youth Day in 1995 when a tide of 5 million faithful (!) poured in to attend the mass of Pope John Paul II. Finally, every year, festivities take place on June 12 for Independence and on December 31.

Every day, from the first light of the day, on its lawns, one can meet tai chi lovers or joggers who enjoy the morning freshness. It is also a favorite place for all kinds of oddballs: preachers, smooth talkers and chess players. They are installed near Central Lagoon and give the park a special atmosphere. You can walk around the park from Manila Bay in a clockwise direction and see the following sights

The Delfonso Marcello sculpture. The most beautiful view of the park. The sunset over Manila Bay is magnificent.

The Manila Hotel. The most traditional and most luxurious hotel in Manila. Built in 1912, it is the first 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It was notably the residence of General MacArthur. A visit (or a night) not to be missed.

The Rizal monument. It is certainly the most significant of the monuments in the park and is inspired by the death of Rizal. His farewell poem is inscribed on a plaque in different languages.

The Philippine flag. Next to the Rizal monument, the flagpole of the Philippines flies at a height of 31 meters. It symbolizes the independence of the country, freed from the American yoke on July 4, 1946. It also represents the kilometer 0, which is the reference point to calculate distances in the Philippines.

The Rizal Fountain. Given as a sign of friendship by the Protestant Church of Heidelberg in Germany.

The auditorium. In the open air, it hosts events and concerts.

Chinese and Japanesegardens. The Chinese garden is quite nice, the Japanese garden next to it is a bit more basic but still pleasant.

The orchidarium. Located at the corner of Maria Orosa and P. Burgos Street, it features local orchids and other plant species.

Map. In relief, the 7,000 islands of the Philippines.

National Museum of the Philippines. Located at the eastern end of Rizal Park, one of the most interesting museums to discover the history of Philippine art.

In summary, Rizal Park is a real oasis of calm in the urban jungle that is Manila. It is not particularly beautiful but it is a very important place for all Filipinos so it is worth a visit if you spend a day in the capital. It combines very well with the visit of Intramuros just next door.

Manila Bay, with an area of 2,000 ^km2, extends 48 km inland from the sea. It is home to the port of Manila and is known for the battle that took place there between the Spanish and the Americans in 1898. In 2023, it was declared a "dead zone" because of its extreme pollution. A long walk allows you to go along it: you can contemplate it for example from the Mall of Asia or further on the Dolomite Beach. The bay is the ideal place to admire sunsets, which are, admittedly, quite breathtaking.

It's one of the capital's most famous historic sites. Construction of the fort began in 1571 and lasted over 150 years. From up there, you could observe every movement in Manila Bay. And as colonized Manila grew in importance and wealth through trade, so too did Fort Santiago, gradually becoming a wonderful showcase for Spanish success in this part of Asia. The fort was the scene of many painful events, as it was here that many soldiers perished, including the man who would become a true national hero, Dr. José Rizal. The revolutionary poet spent his last days here before being executed by the Spanish on December 30, 1896. Fort Santiago is also known as the Shrine of Freedom, named in 1950 in memory of the Filipino heroes imprisoned and killed here under Spanish and then Japanese rule. Partially rebuilt after the Second World War, it has become a symbol of Filipino revolt against the various occupiers, and a place for strolling for locals and visitors alike. Tables are available for picnics, and you can climb the remnants of the ramparts, which offer beautiful views over Manila. There's also an open-air theater, the Rajah Soliman Theater, in tribute to the Muslim leader of pre-colonial Manila, and the Rizal Museum. A must-see (especially for history buffs)!

At the end of Rizal Park, near the bay, this amusement park is an interesting choice for families. You can visit large aquariums and you can even walk underwater! Children love the penguin room where they lend you a coat before entering so that you can see them in their natural habitat... A lot of activities are possible. The services are numerous: hotel, restaurants, bars, spa, stores... A very complete structure!

Many Filipinos come here on weekends because the hanging coffins are one of Luzon's landmarks. For over 2,000 years, the people of Sagada have practiced a rather unique burial rite. Here, the dead are not buried but on the contrary, the coffins are suspended from the walls of the cliffs because placed in height, the spirits have more chance to reach the afterlife. Some coffins are over a century old. It should be noted that this custom tends to die out.

Walking down Session Road, the liveliest street in the city center, you come across the public market, which stretches along Magsaysay Avenue. The market is a very popular, huge attraction with multiple, well-stocked sections. You can find everything from beautiful flowers and sampaguitas to cashews, roasted peanuts, jams, strawberries, clothes, tennis shoes, flip-flops. It is full of fresh fruits and vegetables from the farms of La Trinidad and Benguet. A must to feel the pulse of the city!

Bocos, on the road from Banaue to Mayoyao, shows houses decorated with buffalo skulls. Further on, towards Batad, Matanglag is famous for its bronze founders, who work on statuettes and amulets. For the Ifugaos, these silver or bronze pendants represent luck and fertility. Down the road, Poi-Tan, is known for its perfectly preserved traditional culture. In this very pretty village, bordered by a river, problems are solved by a council of elders and the inhabitants are engaged in woodcarving.

The Bell Church or Buddhist temple is located to the north, under the aegis of an ecumenical community mixing Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. Chinese priests can make predictions to visitors. There are pagodas, dragons, the traditional koi pond and even a shrine containing the image of Our Lady of Lourdes after climbing another two hundred and fifty-two steps to Lourdes Grotto. It has a beautiful view of the city since it is located at the top of the hill.

St. Paul's Cathedral in Vigan is known for its baroque architecture and more specifically "earthquake baroque", an architectural style unique to the Philippines. For example, the bell tower was built next to the main body of the church so that it would not collapse inside in case of an earthquake. It was built by the Augustinians between 1790 and 1800. It is really gigantic. The tomb of Leona Florentino, poetess of Ilocano, the first woman of letters of the country, can be seen there (on a column near the entrance on Plaza Burgos).

These islands are an ideal place for a day trip. The bay is located in Santa Lourdes (Tagburos), on the east coast of Palawan, 10 km from the capital's docks, and is made up of several islets with outcropping reefs bordering beautiful beaches, favorite spots for swimmers and divers. These lands are called Cowrie Island (shells); Bat Island, home to bats that hang in the mangroves; Lu-Li Island, visible only at low tide (derived from lulubog-lilitaw meaning "floating" and "sinking"); Meara Island, a peaceful private island; Starfish Sandbar Resort, known for its white sandbar and clear waters with starfish (you can camp there if you have your own equipment); Snake Island and its long stretch of white sand in the shape of a snake; Pandan Island with its white sand and coral reefs; Senorita Island, a place where lapu-lapu fish are bred; Arrecife Island, with its white sand and luxury hotel (the Dos Palmas Island Resort).

Getting there. Jeepneys and tricycles run the Puerto Princesa-Tagburos route daily (40 minutes). At the Santa Lourdes de Tagburos port (10 km north of Puerto Princesa), fishermen rent their motorboats for islandhopping. The nearest one can be reached in 30 minutes. All travel agencies in Puerto Princesa also organize day trips to Honda Bay: it's not expensive and everything is included!

An interesting museum about the national hero Jose Rizal whose death inspired the struggles for Philippine independence. Restored in 2014, it shows objects that belonged to him when he was imprisoned for two months before being executed on December 30, 1896. Among the objects on display are books and manuscripts, letters, sculptures, paintings, but also souvenirs brought back from his many boat expeditions and objects from his home in Calamba. The video projections allow us to recall the atmosphere of the time.

Nagtabon Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand, more than 800 meters long and surrounded by crystal clear waters. It is located at one hour drive from Puerto Princesa. Still preserved from the influx of tourists, it reigns there a certain softness of life which invites to the relaxation and the contemplation. That of marvelous sunsets, for example. Be careful between October and February, the waves are too strong but otherwise it is possible to swim and surf. A camping site is not far away for those who want to prolong the pleasure.

It is a huge park of 27 hectares, the largest of all Quezon City. It forms a kind of enormous roundabout encircled by the road. In the middle of the park stands the Quezon Memorial, a 66-meter high statue erected in honor of Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Philippines in the period of independence under the Commonwealth in 1934. The park is very popular with Filipinos who call it the Circle and come to play sports, picnic or simply to meet and rest.

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.

There's no need to go through an agency to organize your whale shark interaction outing: just go to the tourist office, register, complete a 6-person boat (or share the price), pay theenvironmental fee and snorkeling equipment rental and then set off on your adventure. Before heading out to sea, the friendly staff will show you a promotional video that also includes safety rules to ensure the animal's well-being, which is protected and preserved here.

Swimming with whale sharks of 20 meters long? If it wasn't already a dream, it should become one at the mere mention of this exceptional experience... Welcome to Donsol, one of the few spots in the world where you can interact with what is considered the biggest fish in the world (the whale is a mammal), in an incredible setting. Here, whale sharks(butanding in Tagalog) are not fed to be attracted like in Oslob, they live their life quietly in freedom, following the plankton. It is up to us to adapt to the animal and not the other way around (this is the principle of ecotourism and we love it!). The downside of this perfect picture? You have no guarantee that the whale sharks will show up the day you will be there. But let's say that this uncertainty is part of the experience, spices it up. However, you should know that the best period is from March to May, and that as early as December it is possible to see them. When it rains, for example, they stay in the background. So, it's up to you to decide. The trip to Donsol and the 3 hours in the boat are still a pleasant moment, sprinkled with adrenaline and the excitement of crossing the path of these big fish. And if you are one of the happy few who have the chance to swim with them, then the pleasure will be multiplied by ten. In summary: an experience recommended when you have time to spare as it easily takes 3-4 days and there is no certainty to see these magnificent marine animals!

Lovers of unique landscapes should go to the Suba dunes (between Laoag and Paoay), a sandy desert in a tropical region. Some of the dunes reach 800 meters in width. It is a bit like the Sahara of the Philippines (hardly exaggerating...). Scenes from Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July were even filmed there. It is possible to rent all-terrain vehicles or buggies but the main activity is less polluting and less expensive: if you have always dreamed of skiing or surfing in the sand... you will be able to realize your dream here!

Located one hour from Virac, Binurong viewpoint is in the baranguay of Guinsaanan. Once you get there, you still have to make a short and easy 20 minutes trek to reach the viewpoint. And there, you just have to enjoy the dazzling view which is offered to you, green pastures, steep cliffs, the agitated sea... The most courageous will get up early to come and contemplate the sunrise from here, you will not be disappointed. Finally, for the little information, in bicolano binurong means "healing".

Located about 15 kilometers from Legazpi, in Camalig, Solong Eco-Park opened to the public in 2017. The place is ideal for families or nature lovers and sportsmen (but it is also a very quiet and relaxing place). One comes here to discover the pleasures of caving in the Crystal Cave for example. And above all, you can go up to the top of Solong Hill to enjoy an incredible view of the Mayon volcano but especially of the Quitinday Hills, hunchbacked hills covered with greenery... like the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

Located next to the American Cemetery in the Fort Bonifacio area, the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) is an important place of remembrance for the more than 33,000 Filipino soldiers who died in Bataan, Corregidor and other places during World War II. The cemetery also houses the graves of the Unknown Soldier, Filipino presidents including Fidel Ramos who died in 2022, Filipino artists and other prominent figures.

It is a replica of the house of Apolinario Mabini, one of the intellectual leaders of the Philippine Revolution of 1898. During the American occupation, this house became the intellectual headquarters of the First Philippine Republic. You can visit this replica made of bamboo and nipas, a typical middle class house during that period. In the adjacent museum, you will discover personal belongings and writings of Mabini.

Its rich forest and splendid views of El Nido sunsets characterize it. The island of Lagen is home to a trail that leads across the island: you can see varans, macaques and snakes! It is also an island of majestic calaos.

Besides its caves and mummies, Kabayan is also known for being surrounded by four lakes in the middle of pine and oak forests and at the foot of the famous Mount Pulog: Lake Tabeyo, Lake Incolos, Lake Bulalakaw and Lake Datep-Ngapos. Like the village, these lakes are surrounded by mysterious legends that a guide will gladly tell you about. It is possible to make hikes accessible to beginners and from the campsite. In the evening, the starry sky is magnificent.

This house in Spanish colonial architecture was transformed into a museum. It was built in 1849 and is the birthplace of this national hero. It is from the window of this house that the Philippine flag was raised for the first time: it was on 12 June 1898, the day on which the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed. An underground passage was recently discovered at the back of the garden. It was intended as a rallying point for the revolutionary movement.

Completed in 1908, the mansion is the summer residence of Philippine heads of state. The mansion also houses a mini-museum with a wealth of memorabilia and artwork that U.S. Governors General and Presidents have collected over the years. Its elaborate wrought iron gate is inspired by Buckingham Palace in London. The residence is adjacent to Wright Park, where horses can be rented for a ride on the pine-sheltered paths. The place is appreciated for its romantic and peaceful atmosphere and its beautiful gardens.

It has many small bays along its coral-lined coastline, including Calmung bay in the East. There are good spots throughout the coast for snorkeling. You can also venture to Secret Beach, a beach that you can only swim through through a hole in the cliff: careful attention to the rise of water.

It is a huge landscape of rolling pastures and green meadows reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The only "inhabitants" one encounters are a few wild carabaos (Asiatic buffalo). There is nothing around, except a magnificent panoramic view of the sea. In Tukun, where a weather station is located, there is a breathtaking view of the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. A must-see in the Batanes.

It is considered a real paradise. Two huge rocks climb the guard on each side of the island, crowned with palm trees and tropical plants that adorn a beautiful beach.

In the 1970s, these 22-meter waterfalls were very popular with the local population who came to swim and picnic at weekends with their families. Lack of preservation and pollution from upstream villages slowly led to the ruin of this natural gem. In 2000, they were classified as a protected area, were closed for a while, and then reopened to the public in 2015. It is now not recommended to swim there but they are still a very touristy place and have become a business park (not very authentic).

In Alab, in the municipality of Bontoc, there is a huge rock covered with engravings of arrows, bows and human representations. These rocks would symbolize the warriors buried in the caves at the foot of the rock. These petroglyphs, of more than 3 000 years, would have been carved by the first inhabitants of Bontoc and would date from at least 1500 B.C. They are the most important rock engravings of the Mountain Range and the second of the country.

This cave is big, very dark obviously and some passages are quite narrow. There are alcoves in the walls in which are nested hundreds of bats, immense stalactites and stalagmites, it is fascinating to be able to explore such a place (on three floors all the same!) in such an isolated setting (there are rarely crowds of tourists here). We cross water sources on small bridges. All the more impressive when we know that this cave was formerly under the waters of the sea. Claustrophobes, abstain.

It's a one and a half hour walk from the village to Suyo and it is appreciated for its mineral formations, stalagmites and stalactites. It is possible to drive to Suyo and walk 20 minutes to the cave. The Balangagan cave has been used as a burial place for the Igorot tribes, several coffins can still be seen near the entrance and others stuck in the stalagmites. Going through the rooms with a guide who tells you all the local legends associated with the place is an interesting experience but not recommended for claustrophobic people.

Visit of the JEST school and observation of the demonstrations of basic survival according to indigenous traditions. Established thirty years ago, the Environmental Survival Training School is the first and only of its kind.

For the most adventurous tourists, the night camp can last up to three days.

Trek in the thick virgin forest of Subic, escorted by instructors of the JEST. We learn to locate a source of drinking water and to set a belt using only forest resources. The length of the tour varies between one and four hours depending on the group.

This beautiful island offers visitors a short walk to reach a beautiful point of view. Birds can be observed early in the morning or late in the day. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and it is an area suitable for snorkeling.

It is in the same building as the mayor's office in Trece Martires City.

Banking agency with a DAB. 

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Virgin of Antipolo is a wooden image of the Virgin Mary very famous in the Philippines. It is kept in the church of Antipolo, which every year sees thousands of pilgrims flock to admire the icon in summer. The story goes that this miraculous icon has traveled eight times between Manila and Acapulco and has saved many people by warning them of coming disasters.

The main characteristic of this mushroom-shaped island lies in its cave, which turns into a cathedral and is illuminated by its breakthrough nave.

Its coral gardens are among the most beautiful in the vicinity of Palawan and make it one of the divers'favourite destinations. In the mysterious cave of the Palace of Neptune to the west of the island, stalagmites and stalactites parallel other strange formations.

In 1807, cholera epidemics struck Manila. The construction of a cemetery was ordered, where one had to pay 20 pesos to bury the dead for three years. On December 30, 1896, José Rizal, the national hero, was buried here. In 1912, the burials stopped and the families of the deceased had to exhume their ancestors and move them to other cemeteries... A strange story. In 1966, the cemetery of Paco Park was declared a national park and became a popular place for people to walk around.

Rather isolated, it was used as a supply point during the Second World War. A small fishing village today occupies the very pleasant places due to the white sandy beaches for the greatest pleasure of the visitors.

The People's Park, which is the former Palace in the Sky of the Marcos family, overlooks Taal Lake and the view is magnificent. This palace was built during his reign, in the 1980s. And for his family, it requires all the necessary luxury: huge reception hall, swimming pool, massage room... This project is disapproved by the population which revolts in front of this display of wealth. In February 1986, during the uprising against the dictator, the army seized the palace and distributed the furniture to the inhabitants. Today, there are only abandoned remains.

The Santo Tomas mountain is a potentially still active stratovolcano. It culminates at 2 260 meters of altitude in the province of Benguet. You can reach it by car from Baguio in about 1 hour and the view is already very beautiful. The mountain offers a 15 km hike dotted with caves, some of which were dug by gold, silver and copper miners. The summit offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Lingayen. Count between 2 hours 30 and 3 hours to reach it. It is necessary to leave at sunrise and accompanied by a guide.

Located in Kabayan, this mountain rises to 2,922 meters above sea level; it is the highest peak in Luzon Island and the second highest in the country, after Mount Apo in Mindanao Province. Pulag means "bald" in the Ibaloi dialect. An annual procession takes place there between February and April. The four-day hike to the summit provides a superb view of the Cagayan River valley, the Sierra Madre and Cordillera ranges, and the Pacific Ocean and China Sea.

This dormant volcano, 1,000 meters high, is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and is ideal for trekking (4-5 hours to reach one of the peaks). It is also sacred to the Filipinos because of the many mystical legends that surround it, starting with its name. It is here that Maria Makiling, the most famous diwata (fairy) of Philippine mythology, is said to live. Spirit of nature, she is invoked during natural disasters. And if a hiker disappears for example, it is said that it is her who, fallen in love, took him away...

Mount Iriga, also known as Mount Asog, is an active volcano (well, it has been sleeping since 1642!) of 1,200 meters in altitude. The flanks of the volcano Iriga are covered with a lush vegetation very dense. On its eastern side, Lake Buhi, whose formation is the result of the last eruption of the volcano, stands proudly. This small lake is known to shelter the tabius, endemic to the Philippines, it is the smallest food fish marketed in the world (3 millimeters!). It is used in the preparation of refined dishes.