Things to see and do Luzon

Lake Danao (also known as Lake Manguao) was formed by the subsidence of a volcano and is filled with fresh water from which some islands emerge. With an area of 6.7 hectares, it is the largest freshwater lake in Palawan. It is a birdwatcher's paradise where more than 120 species of birds can be observed. It takes about two hours to get there and you can choose between a hike in the surrounding jungle, a boat ride on the lake (about 1,500 PHP) and a picnic. It is a nice place for a quiet break in the middle of nature.

The town is famous for its 300-year-old church and its Augustinian fort Santa Isabel, built by the Spanish in 1667, completed in 1738 and transformed into a military post during the American occupation. It contains a small chapel, an intact cannon and a beautiful garden. The church is a three-minute walk from the fort. Beautiful panorama on the port, the city, the letters "TAYTAY" which remind those of Hollywood (same dimensions, by the way!). Superb at sunset.

A very small museum that traces the history of the Manila Hotel, a place full of history and witness to the destruction of the city by the Japanese. Since 1912, it has seen many personalities like General MacArthur, Prince Charles, Neil Armstrong and Marlon Brando. It is also the occasion to visit this palace where, as soon as you enter the huge lobby, you jump back in time: back to the beginning of the century. The staff is in costume and a pianist floods the room with a soft melody from his grand piano. A real Grand Hotel atmosphere.

This would be one of the "happiest" places in Bicol, and it is true that this eco-place is very popular with the locals. In the heights of Daraga, FarmPlate is a kind of large recreational park, where you can find picnic tables, a small farm, a nice chapel and even a few trailers that offer snacks and drinks. You have to come in the late afternoon on a nice day. The sunset on the Mayon volcano, on this plain surrounded by palm trees, the garlands that light up... there is a bit of a Californian atmosphere.

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido. Hurry there to enjoy the sunset and especially the beauty of this picturesque site, its white sand and crystal clear waters. Ideal for a day of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the spot, some restaurants, bars and resorts have settled, distorting a little the beach. However the atmosphere is still peaceful, simply you will not be alone to enjoy it.

At the end of a beautiful road surrounded by palm trees, 15 minutes from El Nido, Lio Beach is a surprisingly charming little beach, away from the crowds and yet offering a host of services. On site, several bars and restaurants, the possibility to rent kayaks and paddles, a volleyball court and deck chairs to relax. In the evening, there are regular concerts. Don't miss the sunset, with the silhouette of the surrounding islands in the distance, simply sublime. A good spot to spend a fun and relaxing day.

Casa Manila is the name of both the house and the museum it houses. It is one of the houses that make up the beautiful San Luis passage. Built in the 1970s, its architecture is inspired by the houses of Binondo's Chinatown from the ^mid-19th century. The facade is a little colorful and very beautiful. In the museum, a reconstructed interior shows how a rich family might have lived at the end of the colonial period. With furniture from Europe and China, glittering chandeliers, porcelain and gilding, evidence of a certain luxury.

The city of Marikina (we speak more of a city in its own right than the district of Quezon City, which is logical for a city of 3.3 million inhabitants) is known as the shoe capital of the Philippines. We will go to this shoe museum to "admire" the gigantic shoe collection (some 300 pairs anyway!) of Imelda Marcos, the wife of the former president-dictator Marcos. You can also learn more about the shoe-making process and there is a small market next door to... find the right shoe.

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).

You'll have to climb more than 700 steps to reach the most famous viewpoint in the city of Coron. But it's worth the effort; at the top, a breathtaking panoramic view will be yours. To the right are the domed hills covered with vegetation, to the left is the silhouette of Coron Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, and in between is the beautiful Coron Bay. To avoid the heat, it is advisable to do this short (but intense) hike either early in the morning or at the end of the day for the sunset.

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.

This is perhaps the most charming and peaceful place in the entire capital. In the heart of Intramuros, just across from the Church of Saint Augustine, Plaza San Luis is a sort of micro-neighborhood made up of nine houses with colonial-inspired architecture (they were reconstructed in the 1970s), linked together by a network of alleys, patios and covered passages. Today they house museums, restaurants and souvenir stores, and they exude a sweet atmosphere of yesteryear. A must-see.

A trip to the Bacuit Archipelago(island hopping) is often THE reason to come to El Nido and maybe even to the Philippines. The bay of Bacuit and its small and large islands are indeed breathtakingly beautiful. Between the incredible verticality of the dark gray karst rocks, the turquoise lagoons, the pristine beaches and the lush vegetation never touched by man, it is simply a unique mix of colors, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world that you have before your eyes.

It is very easy to make a tour of the islands. Most hotels can organize it and many agencies have swarmed in recent years. There are four different standardized tours that allow visitors to be spread out over the different sites. A typical tour leaves at 9am and returns at 4pm. Lunch - often very good (vegetables, fresh fish, fruit) - is always included as well as the transfer to/from the hotel. Snorkeling or kayaking equipment is either included or extra.

The prices are generally aligned, even if some agencies try to sell off their prices to attract customers. We advise you to stick to the suggestions of your hotel or to the official agencies spread out in the center of El Nido. We generally leave on a large banca from the port of El Nido, enclosed in its cliffs, it is already incredibly picturesque. Be careful, to reach the boat that leaves most often from the "beach" of El Nido, you often have to walk in the water (keep your shoes on) or even swim, better be warned. Some providers offer speedboat tours: it is faster, you go further and you spend more time in the water or on the beach. The ideal would be to make a circuit in banca and another in speedboat. You can choose to do a group tour (15-20 people) or a private tour. A private tour is certainly more expensive (about 65 € per person for a group of 4) but is synonymous with privacy and freedom.

Tour A: Seven Commando Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimitzu Island, Paayong Payong and Secret Lagoon. 1,200 PHP/person/group; 12,000 PHP/2 persons/private.

Tour B: Entatula Isla, Snake Island, Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave and Papaya Beach. 1,300 PHP/person/group; 11,500 PHP/2 persons/private.

Tour C: Helicopter island, Hidden Beach, Cagbatang Island, Secret beach and Matinloc shrine. 1,400 PHP/person/group; 12,000 PHP/2 persons/private.

Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasindigan Cove, Buka Island and Small Lagoon. 1,200 PHP/person/group; 11,500 PHP/2 persons/private.

The Petit Futé's opinion. Tours A and C are the most popular (especially because of the Big Lagoon in tour A and the Hidden Beach in tour C), so you will not be alone, far from it... Tours B and D allow a little more solitude even if it is rare - non-existent, let's admit it - in this dreamy archipelago. If you can afford it, we recommend a private island hopping, you won't regret it, your guide will not hesitate to move away from the tourist spots because he knows the crowded hours. The cherry on the cake would be to leave very early in the morning to arrive on the sites before everybody! In any case, even if you choose the option in group and in daytime, it will not take anything away from this unique experience which will remain magical.

It is a very popular spot, especially at the end of the day, which does not detract from the charm of the experience. Travelers as well as locals come to bask in these naturally hot springs. The water, half spring water, half sea water, reaches in some places 40 degrees! It is in fact thanks to an underwater volcano that boils (no danger on land, rest assured). We come there to relax after a day of exploration, to enjoy the superb sunset from a most sympathetic frame between limestone rocks, vegetation and bay in the distance.

Opened in 2019, the Legazpi City Museum is the only museum in the Bicol region. Despite its young age, it's not the most modern of museums, with its big yellow signs (it's even cheesy, let's say) but the information is clear and interesting. The visit is quite quick, in 1 hour, and is perfect to learn more about the history of the city by developing the major eras (pre-colonial, Spanish, Japanese, American, the visit of Pope John Paul II, etc.). Interesting for a rainy afternoon for example.

This is the organization that manages Corregidor Island. If you want to visit this historical island, you should contact them. Indeed, it is not possible to get to Corregidor via public transport but only via an organized tour. On their website, you can find an overview of what the island has to offer in terms of activities (bike tours, monument visits, exhibitions, nature, kayaking), transportation (boats, streetcar tours), etc.

Located along Roxas Boulevard, this is a free beach whose only interest is to go there to watch the sunset, between 5 and 6 pm. Paradoxically, it is frequent that a security guard asks everyone to leave the beach at this time because it closes at 6pm, so it's a bit of a pity but it doesn't take away the beauty of the sunset! Between the beach and the boulevard behind, a kind of small market with street food and gadgets stands, very local. There is a footbridge to go back to Ermita. To do!

It is one of the oldest fortifications in the ancient city of Manila. Originally, around 1586, it was a circular star-shaped fort. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times after the various wars and earthquakes. Today, it is an important archaeological and memorial site. From the top of the fortifications, there is a beautiful view of the Rizal Park, the Manila Hotel and the towers of Manila. At the foot of the watchtower, a charming garden, which we invite you to explore: it conceals completely unsuspected bucolic corners.

Located in San Juan, Urbiztondo Beach is La Union's main and best-known surfing beach. Don't expect the white sand, turquoise waters and coconut palms of the rest of the archipelago - this is a surfing destination. On site, you'll find everything you need to rent a board, with or without a guide (we recommend taking one, as it makes catching waves much easier). Along the beach, you'll find a number of hotels, bars and restaurants. In the evening, the sunset is simply exceptional.

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!

A 30-minute walk via a rather rocky path or a 10-minute boat ride from the main beach of Port Barton (about 150 PHP) brings you to White Beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan. White sand, palm trees, turquoise waters and all this just for you... a real dream! However, be careful when swimming, as the waters are known to be home to many jellyfish, sometimes very small. So prefer a stroll in the sand before having a picnic. In the evening, the sunset is sublime.

Stellar Ground is a kind of large park where one comes to relax, spend a day or evening with family or friends. On a large square in the shade of hundred-year-old acacias, some stalls offer various foods from around the world. There are also small stores selling typical Palawan handicrafts and on some evenings there are live music performances by local bands. It is a place where children can play, stroll around and buy nice souvenirs.

The town of Coron is known worldwide as the gateway to many underwater wrecks. Indeed, several Japanese ships were sunk by the Americans during the Second World War. Some of them are up to 160 meters long and perfectly preserved (such as the Irako wreck), or are home to beautiful corals and abundant aquatic life (such as the Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Kogyo Maru or Olympia Maru wrecks). Beginners can dive around Lusong (9m) andEast Tanbgat (22m). An exceptional experience.

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!

Letting a local guide take you on an authentic, in-depth tour of the city can be an excellent idea, especially in a capital like Manila, which at first glance can impress or even intimidate some travelers. Explore Manila Tours offers several themed half-day tours: a historical tour of the city with a guide who is also a true storyteller, a Filipino cooking class, or various food tours focusing on the Chinatown district or street-food in general.