10 Things to do Adventurous in Luzon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Luzon, Philippines including Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue Rice Terraces, Mount Pinatubo, Mount Mayon, Mt. Pulag National Park, Pagsanjan Falls, Sumaguing Cave, Mayon Volcano, Bomod-Ok (Big) Falls, Mt. Maculot.
Restaurants in Luzon
1. Batad Rice Terraces
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 689 reviews
Reviewed By 865cr - Washington DC, United States
We did a 3 day trek Day 1- Pula Cambulo, Day 2- Batad Day 3 short hike and back to Banaue. Day 1 was a long hike, but very nice and few people. Day 2 you arrive at Batad, definitely the most picturesque terraces, but also the most crowded with many tourists. You also visit the waterfall. You are done by 2:30pm and do nothing the rest of the day. Day 3- you do a 2 hour hike (very nice hike), then go back to Banaue, so if you are taking the night bus, you have 8+ hours to kill. Unless you are looking for downtime, I would just combine this into 2 days.
2. 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.
3. Mount Pinatubo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano in the Cabusilan Mountains on the island of Luzon, near the tri-point of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. Before the volcanic activities of 1991, its eruptive history was unknown to most people. It was heavily eroded, inconspicuous and obscured from view. It was covered with dense forest which supported a population of several thousand indigenous people, the Aetas, who fled to the mountains during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines.
Reviewed By KhanKluay
Hiking Mt Pinatubo was long ago on my bucket list - so glad it finally happened. After a thrilling Jeep ride to the starting point of the trail, a guide led us on our 1.5-2 hrs each way. The trail wasn't difficult nor ardous to hike. The views on top and lakeside of the crater, as well as the hike itself, are more than rewarding for everything. Not-so-fun fact the other morning: Our friendly host and owner of Casa Hermogina informed us, that last night the Taal Volcano erupted - the very day 1 year after we hiked there.
4. Mount Mayon
5. Mt. Pulag National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By onlineguru - Bhilai, India
Mt. Pulag stands as Luzon’s highest peak,at 2,926 meters above sea level.visitors can catch glimpses of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn . Referred as Sea of clouds. Very nice Picturesque > Four trails take you up the mountain for for few you need prior permission from DENR. Its also famous International destination for people who love nature , hike and galaxy.
6. Pagsanjan Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By achidz - Manila, Philippines
We had such a good morning. Stayed at Casa Del Rio and they sorted the boat for us. 1250pp seems expensive but is definitely worth it. The scenery is stunning and we saw plenty of wildlife too, monkeys, kingfishers, and a woodpecker. Easy to do on your own. We got the HM liner bus from Cubao for 166php each. Jeepney from Santa Cruz to Pagsanjan. Cheaper than some of the tours advertised, even with a night in Casa Del Rio.
7. Sumaguing Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 788 reviews
Reviewed By nicosamneil - Cebu Island, Philippines
Amazed by the stone formations. Adventure is somehow slippery so dont wear slippers that are hard, much better if slip resistant. Dont wear fancy clothes, an outdoor outfit would do since u'll get wet by the cold water that is flowing inside. Lucky we have an accomodating guide named artuto which is clearly a veteran in giving tours.
8. Mayon Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By Berniepi27 - Dumfries, United States
The highlight of our visit to Bicol was Mayan Volcano. We stayed in a hotel Casablanca suites in Legaspi that overlooked Mount Mayan and Lignon Hill. We captured great views from Lignon Hill and had fun with the zip line. I would strongly recommend a visual to Daraga Cathedral as it is an awesome church and also has great views. We visited the Caswaga ruins and rounded out our visit with a trip up the Mountain on the road to Tobaco PH. It is not well marked so you will need to be observant. The windy road is several kilometers long but well worth the vistas of the shoreline and mountain though you will probably be in the clouds and not see the top.
9. Bomod-Ok (Big) Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By PrinceIori - Bulacan Province, Philippines
Really enjoy the view even though it’s tiring to reach the waterfalls. It was really impressive place to see and soak in the cold water after a tiring trek.
