10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Luzon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Luzon, Philippines including Banaue Rice Terraces, Masjid Al Huda, Ayala Center, Mount Bulusan, Regina Rica, Greenbelt Chapel, Bonifacio Global City, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Monasterio de Tarlac, Philippine Military Academy.
Restaurants in Luzon
1. Banaue Rice Terraces
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Spectacular terraces were carved out from mountain ranges some 2000 years ago with primitive handtools.
Reviewed By AjKamath - Hong Kong, China
This is one of the most spectacular views and landscapes in my opinion. The rice terraces are over 1000 years old and it is impressive to see how it was built back in those days where they did not have electricity and modern heavy machinery. The villages are still quite disconnected from the world - not many spots where you have good WiFi coverage- especially around Batad. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as you’re assured of time away from the usual city life and enjoy nature in the best way possible. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming. Getting there - take a bus from Manila, about 8 hours by road. Tickets can be booked online quite easily. Please beware of the extreme AC in the Coda (purple) bus!! Carry jackets n cover yourself to survive. They DO NOT adjust the temperature even if you’re freezing! Once there I think 2 days is more than enough to cover the region and visit all the important spots - Banaue view point, Batad village and view point, Ducligan Snake river, San Fernando, etc. I stayed at Bogah home stay and had an absolutely AMAZING experience. I recommend getting in touch with Denwil ([email protected]) who can organize everything at pretty good deals. I even got to stay with his family in Batad and help them harvest the rice :) one of the highlights of my trip and something that you can do in June-July if the rice is ready for harvest. The hikes are definitely not easy so recommend good hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes/gear. Do go with a guide to ensure you’re headed on the right path. It’s quite slippery - especially after rains. Food is good - not great. Carry your own supply of snacks etc. to be safe. Not too many shops sound so good to stock up on the necessities. Rice wine is also something worth trying - I got lucky to get some of the fresh distilled wine from the freshly harvested rice and it was GOOD! :) Overall - I definitely think it’s a MUST DO while in Philippines. Really amazing and experience that you will remember over time.
2. Masjid Al Huda
3. Ayala Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
The Ayala Center is a 50-hectare commercial development operated by Ayala Land located in the Makati Central Business District in Metro Manila, Philippines. It is comprised of the Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, each with its own shopping and restaurant arcades and cinemas; three department stores, a number of hotels; and the Ayala Museum, showcasing exhibits on Philippine history and art. It is bounded by Ayala Avenue on the east, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on the south, Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay road) on the west, and Legazpi Street and Paseo de Roxas to the north. The Ayala MRT Station of the MRT Line 3 serves the area.
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
If there was one word I'd use to describe anything the Ayala family does, it'd be 'precision.' They've got the detail of this 'Philippines CBD Central' area correct. Footpaths (locally called 'sidewalks') are properly paved with easy disabled access and often are wide, lighting is good and shopping centres like Greenbelt (while far from cheapest in Philippines) are logically laid out. It's good urban design, epitomised by how Greenbelt has a wonderful Catholic Chapel and pleasant greenery with koi fish at its core.
4. Mount Bulusan
5. Regina Rica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Indy27 - Forest Lake, United States
This is a pilgrimage site and worth the drive. Filipino rewarding site that is worth it. s are terrible drivers and the trip can be a bit stressful. The tricycle drivers especially. They don't understand slow traffic stays right or anything else, but the trip is beautiful for certain. The site is also beautiful and opens at 8 and closes at 5. So you can spend all day there and it is an emotionally . It is always desirable to renew you vows and religiosity and the gift shop which only accepts cash has many things for a blessed home and person. For Catholics this is a MUST!
6. Greenbelt Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
Reviewed By DebraGee
there is a chapel in the middle of the shopping Mall. The Chapel is like a big open air church with a huge sail over the top for protection from the weather.
7. Bonifacio Global City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
Reviewed By MakotoPhil - Saitama, Japan
BGC is one of the most posh places in Manila. It’s a popular and high-end business district with plenty of business activities and areas for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For posh malling experience, Uptown Bonifacio and The Grand Canal at McKinley Hill are great places. The Grand Canal also has that Italian feel in it and you can enjoy riding the gondola. Market Market and SM Aura are huge malls. Market Market has plenty of options for food, and has plenty of transportation options to other parts of Manila. Bonifacio High Street is an outdoor shopping and dining strip with shops at both side of the pedestrian street which has a relaxing park-like vibe. When you’re in BGC, you’ll feel like you’re transferred into a different world if you entered from the somewhat chaotic environs. Within the business district, electric cables are buried underground, so the city views are orderly. There are green spaces and plenty of high rise buildings. You could also walk from one end of the city to the other, and the air quality is much better compared to most areas in Metro Manila.
8. Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By doboszdamian63 - Salford, United Kingdom
A beautiful place of worship which is centrally situated in Makete, Manila. The architecture and statuary etc inside is stunning. A wonderful place to go to worship while on holiday, or just to sit and pray or reflect quietly. An oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of bustling Manila. It can be quite busy though around the times services are being held.
9. Monasterio de Tarlac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By theosphere
This is a perfect place to meditate, contemplate and reconnect with God. You can stay at the chapel and commune with Him or have a walk and feel His presence in your steps. The view of the trees, mountains, and rice fields makes you submit to the existence and power of a divine Being. If you enjoy driving, the road going to the monastery in itself is a joy to behold. When you are here, visit the Cafroozo Cafe, enjoy your coffee while contemplating and rejoicing in the greatness of this Being we call God. PS. If you are escaping from the noise of this world, visit the monastery on weekdays. The place is full of people on weekends and holidays.
10. Philippine Military Academy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By cyrilgracer - General Trias, Philippines
we saw military tanks around the place. You can ride and take photos. Very peaceful place and guarded by military.
