Luzon — the North, the Capital, and the Islands

The country's largest island: Manila, the Cordillera rice terraces, Vigan's colonial streets, Palawan's lagoons, and Batanes at the far north.

Luzon Island Group

Destinations in Luzon

Luzon is where everything meets: the capital's energy, the cool highlands of the Cordillera, colonial-era cities on the Ilocos coast, and Palawan's island country at its far end. These guides cover the island's brightest highlights — from a weekend escape to a full northern loop.

Cordillera Administrative Region

Baguio

A cool highland city in the Cordillera — pine ridges, a walkable downtown of parks and markets, crafts and creative culture, and Benguet excursions just beyond the city line.

Cordillera Administrative Region

Banaue

Home to the famed Ifugao rice terraces — the amphitheater villages of Batad and Bangaan, ridgeline viewpoints above Banaue, and living mountain culture in the Cordillera heartland.

Cagayan Valley

Batanes

The Philippines' northernmost province — rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and the quiet stone-house culture of the Ivatan people.

MIMAROPA

Coron

Jagged limestone islands, emerald lagoons, and WWII shipwrecks around Coron town on Busuanga island — lakes, reefs, and wreck diving in Palawan's far north.

MIMAROPA

El Nido

Limestone karst towers rising from turquoise lagoons at Palawan's northern tip — island-hopping through Bacuit Bay, hidden lagoons, and long white-sand beaches.

National Capital Region

Manila

The Philippines' principal gateway — Intramuros, Binondo, and Rizal Park in the City of Manila, ringed by the modern cities of the wider Metro Manila metropolis.

MIMAROPA

Palawan

Palawan is a sprawling archipelagic province known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and diverse marine ecosystems. It offers a distinct mix of terrestrial adventure and coastal exploration across its major hubs.

Cordillera Administrative Region

Sagada

A highland town in Mountain Province — hanging coffins in Echo Valley, limestone caves, pine forests, and mountain sunrises above the clouds, reached on the famous Halsema Highway.

Ilocos Region

Vigan

A UNESCO World Heritage city in Ilocos Sur — cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial houses, horse-drawn kalesas, and Ilocano cuisine in the country's best-preserved colonial town.

Central Luzon

Zambales

The laid-back coast northwest of Manila — the pine-lined coves of San Antonio, surf beaches at San Narciso and Pundaquit, Capones Island, and weekend beach towns an easy drive from the capital.

Explore the other island groups

Visayas Mindanao