Luzon Island is the largest one of all Philippine islands. Its area is over 100.000 square meters. It is a home to a lot of man-made and natural attractions, as well as Manila city – the capital of the island state and the most populous city of the island.
Check our 2024 travel guide on best things to do in Luzon island and get more details popular tourist attractions and places to visit.
Luzon Island General Info
- Where is Luzon Island: in the northwestern part of the Philippines, coordinates: 6 ° 31′08 ″ N, 126 ° 05′38 ″ E
- Average air temperature: 28-30 degrees.
- Average t water: 24-28 degrees.
- On the map: link.
Luzon Island: Things to Do
Luzon’s most tourist stops are related to nature. There are large national parks, protected areas and simply interesting places that worth visiting:
Pinsal waterfalls
They are located in the province of Ilocos Sur in Luzon. Green mountains give way to rocky gorges and cliffs, from which mountain rivers flow. This is how the Pinsal waterfalls arose. They are 85 feet high. You can get to the place from the city of Santa Maria by bus or rented car. Steps carved into the rock lead to the waterfalls themselves.
Ilagan Sanctuary in Isabela Province
There is a green conservation area located 400 km from the capital of the Philippines and 17 km from the city of Ilagan. Pisal waterfalls are part of this reserve. Among other places to visit, there are the caves of St. Victoria, Mount Palanan, Fuot Springs Park. The total area of the reserve is 200 hectares.
Park “Balbalasang Balbalan”
It is located in Central Cordillera area on Luzon island, 25 km from the city of Tabuk. Mount Sapakoy, which is almost 2,500 meters high, in this park is the highest in the Philippines. “Balbalasang Balbalan” is a wilderness area untouched by man.
Donsol city
A small town that attracts tourists by providing perfect snorkeling and diving opportunties. It’s island must-visit places beacuse of the huge whale sharks living in the coastal waters. You can swim with this largest species of fish by joining a tour from a local diving school. Check our guide on ethical shark swimming in Philippines.
Visit Taal Lake
Taal lake also known as Crater lake is a freshwater lake with ideal scenic views located 60 km away from Manila. The route to the highest point is suitable even for children and the elderly, and the views from it are simply amazing.
It is allowed to swim in Crater lake but not for a long time, as the water has very pretty high concentration of boron, aliminum and is called as “diluted form of sulfuric acid”.
Click here if you want to join the tour to Taal Volcano and Lake.
Mount Pinatubo
This mountain, 1445 meters high, located in the north of Manila, is another place to visit in Luzon island. It became famous after the volcanic eruption in 1991. During dry season visitors can hike through the volcanic mud or hike to the crater (with a guide only).
On a clear day, you can even enjoy unique experience and join helicopter tour to fly over the crater. Due to unpredictable weather and possible unexpected rainfall during the rainy season, the military guards Mount Pinatubo area from July to October.
Take a Trip to Banaue Rice Terraces
Philippines rice terraces are popular tourist spots and those located in Banaue is considered as National Cultural Treasure. Some of rice terraces in Philippines are over 2000 years old, with irrigation technology that has not changed much since that time.
Visit Vigan City to Meet with Colonial Past
Fans of colonial architecture will love this city. Many buildings in the style of colonial Spain have survived here with a characteristic Filipino accent. This city is located in the northwest of Luzon island. In the center of the city is St. Paul Cathedral, built in 1641.
The stone structure, 86 meters high, is impressive. In front of the cathedral is the Salcedo square with a free-standing bell tower. This is the practice in countries where earthquakes are frequent. To the north is the Archbishop’s palace.
Sliding windows, floral motifs, gardens – you seem to be in the past. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a flourishing of European Baroque in the Philippines. This style is reflected in literally everything. There are many ancestral homes of wealthy Chinese and Spanish merchants in Vigan.
Visit Manila City
For cityscapes, head to the Philippine entertainment capital – Manila. The country’s international airport is also located here. So, the chances are high that your exploration of things to do and places to visit in Luzon will start from this city.
Click here if you want to join Manila Old and New City Tour.
Check Tinipak river for great photo spots and interesting activities. The river flows in the province of Rizal in the city of Tanay. Turquoise waters surrounded by white cliffs have made the river a favorite spot for Instagram bloggers. Here you can also rent canoes and ride between the rocks or explore the caves.
Make sure to check our guide on best things to do in Manila.
Check Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati
If you’re looking for the way to avoid hustle and bustle on Luzon island, then be sure to visit Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. They are located in the village of Salcedo on the border with the villages of San Lorenzo and Urdaneta.
This is a huge park where you can have a picnic, go for a leisurely walk, go for a morning jog, or even a short hike. The most interesting time to visit the Gardens is during the Christmas holidays. At this time, the park is filled with lights and illuminations, and music is playing everywhere.
Baguio city and Mines View Park
Baguio city is considered to be the summer capital of the Philippines island. It is located in the north of Luzon island. The most popular tourist place in Baguio is Mines View Park with its incredible views.
Until the beginning of the last century, Baguio was a mining town where people came to mine gold and copper. Mines View Park is located on the hilly northeastern corner of Baguio, offering stunning views of Cordillera Mountains and Benguet’s old copper and gold mines.
Check Windmills
Want to see windmills in Luzon? Come to Ilocos on the island. Twenty windmills are located right along the beach, providing energy to the nearest settlement.
Binondo Chinatown
There are many restaurants in the capital of the country – Manila, but really authentic food can be found in Binondo Chinatown. This is the oldest Chinatown in the world and it’s guaranteed that this place is a real gastronomic paradise.
From fried siopao, dim sum and Peking duck to frog legs, Binondo has just about everything a foodie can dream of. Make sure to try beef lamien at Lan Zhou La Mien and hakaw at Wai Ying fast food restaurant. Lovers of delicious food from all over the world come here, so it’s a good idea to book table in advance.
Look for Privacy at Anawangin Cove
Another must-visit place in Luzon is Anawangin Cove in Zambales. The crescent-shaped bay, fine white sand, clear water and seclusion are reminiscent of a tropical island paradise.
There are no hotels, villas in this cove, no electricity so you can enjoy stargazing, there is no mobile connection. Instead, you’re offered to sleep in a tent or rent a cottage nearby.
Mayon Volcano
In the southern part of Luzon island there is Mayon Volcano. It is an active volcano that still frightens the Filipinos with its dormant destructive power. Tourists appreciate Mayon for its perfect cone shape and symmetrical slopes.
Be careful when visiting this place, as there are toxic gases and hot lava, which can burst out of the vent at any moment. Mayon has erupted 51 times in four hundred years. The last time was in 1814. But after each eruption, the locals restore their homes and plantations, and live next to this beautiful, but incredibly dangerous mountain.
Click here if you want to join the tour to Mayon Volcano.
