Philippine is known as the second-largest archipelago country in the world that has 7,641 islands. You’ll find breathtaking and varied natural scenery here, along with a rich tapestry of cultures and languages. With an abundance of fish and other marine life, it is also a hotspot for biodiversity. This travel blog offers helpful information, advice, and necessary guides for your upcoming trip to the Philippines specifically in Luzon.
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN LUZON
INTRAMUROS CHURCHES
Intramuros is a Philippine urban neighborhood and historic walled city located inside Metropolitan Manila. The name, which translates from the Spanish as “within walls,” relates to the walled city that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, established near the entrance of the Pasig River not long after 1571.
Inside this place is full of historical moment that happened during Spaniard era. A lot of establishment here bear old artifacts that need to be taken care of. If you’re the type of person who loves seeing old churches, here are the top two (2) churches established.
San Agustin Church
After Intramuros was destroyed during World War II, the San Agustin Church was the only structure that remained standing. Constructed during the years 1587–1606, this church is the oldest in the Philippines. Beneath the imposing exterior is a lavish interior brimming with artifacts of exceptional historical and cultural significance.
If you are lucky enough during your travel you may witness the one of the best event in people’s life. A lot of couple use this church to held their wedding and while you are wondering inside the museum you can be part of their wedding at the top part of the church. JUST MAKE SURE NOT TO RUIN THEIR DAY!
The Manila Cathedral
Since the brutal bombs of the 1945 Battle of Liberation, the Manila Cathedral has stood tall. It actually experiences multiple tragedies. When it was first constructed in 1581 out of nipa and bamboo, Juan de Vivero had only meant for it to be a little parish. However, on December 21, 1581, Domingo Salazar, the first-ever bishop of Manila, declared it to be a cathedral. Aside from the San Agustin Church, a lot of couples also choose this church to have their wedding.
No wonder why they choose this, LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THE EXTERIOR & INTERIOR OF THIS CHURCH!
NATIONAL MUSEUMS IN MANILA
National Museum of Natural History
This museum will surely amaze you how pretty and massive all the artifacts they have. How realistic all the set up inside and how family & friend oriented the museum is. If you are a very curious type of person and who loves history, never doubt the effort of this museum. This building display botanical, geological, and zoological sample.
But before you enjoy the tour, one of the staff from here will remind you regarding about do’s and don’ts while having a sightseeing. Right after this, you can now explore the six floors this building have.
National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology showcase most of the artifacts that our country had before. This building consists of five floors and each floors shows different gallery with different collections and story.
Now if you are one of those people who wonders what type of living and what kind of clothes, alphabet, and other relics does Filipinos had this is for you. It showcases a lot of antique that old Filipino had way back before.
National Museum of Fine Arts
This building consists of 4 story height that is full of fine arts made by different Filipino artist. What you will see here are mostly paintings with different patterns and textures. Walls that full of arts display and description of the artists with their background story.
This museum is perfect for the aspiring artist or painters as well as those people who loves seeing arts. But a very clear reminder, just appreciate the arts and respect the place for those people who really what to see and understand all the sample details inside the museum.
ARTS & SCIENCE MUSEUMS
Here are the lists of museums that everyone will surely enjoy from the lights to animation and sounds. You can bring your family, friends, and love ones while wearing appropriate attire for a very good photo you can take inside.
Art in Island
Prepare yourself to be amaze with their breathtaking interior design, lightning, and animated projections. Make sure to bring a quality phone or camera so you can have your own copy of realistic photo.
Art in Island is a 3D Art Gallery located in Quezon City and they are open every Tuesday to Sunday at 11 am – 7:30 pm. With their prize of 850 pesos for adult and can be discounted if you are a student, senior citizen, card holder, and PWDs.
Mind Museum
Mind museum is highly recommended for both kids and adults. This establishment was built with the purpose of letting everyone to experience science activities while enjoying and learning at the same time.
Highly suggested to bring your children, nephews, and nieces because for sure they will enjoy all the gallery you will visit while learning at the same time. This gallery is located at Taguig and open every Tuesday to Sunday at 9 am – 6 pm. You can enjoy the “All Day Pass” with the amount of 750 per person but there are different prices for adult, students, and teachers depends on your status.
Planetarium Museum
Planetarium Museum is another science museum where you can bring your children. They are located nearby Rizal Park. They are usually open at Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with free charge for entrance fee, but they have prices for planetarium shows depending on the following category; student, adult, senior citizen/ PWD.
This museum is more suited and enjoyable for those people who are curious about outer space and universe.
BAGUIO INTINERARIES
If you want to escape from the noises and pollution from the cities, welcome yourself to one of the nicest place in the Philippines. Baguio is known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” and aside from its well-known cold temperature, this part of Benguet Province also holds a title of having a good scenery and tourist spot.
Here are the lists of the most visited place in Baguio.
Mines View Park
This is another part of Baguio where you surely do not want to miss out because of its panoramic view. A lot of people always go here to have their photo alone, with friends and family, or with love ones. It will be a little difficult to have a nice timing because of the crowded people but it surely worth the wait. You can also rent an Igorot outfit. Be extra careful if you are going here after the rain because of the slippery floor.
Burnham Park
Burnham Park is known for their boats and bikes that you can enjoy. There is also skating area, other rides like train rides and bump cars. There are few food stalls where you can buy foods and beverages when you get hungry. Recommended to visit this place during Christmas season to see the decorative lights if you want to witness the beautiful night view at Burnham Park.
Igorot Stone Kingdom
This spot is one of the amazing go to places when you are in Baguio because of its extraordinary landscape structure. This place also offers Igorot outfit that you can wear during your tour, but expect to have a fee for that. During your tour in this place, be prepared to climb up a lot of stairs to see the amusing view at the top of the structure.
Botanical Garden
This place is perfect for you if you like seeing flowers and plants. In here, you will see a lot of colorful flowers that your children will enjoy. This place also has places where you can take photos, food stalls, and few pavilion. At night, this place also looks good because of the decorative lights.
StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork
Another tourist attraction in Baguio is the StoBoSa or the Valley of Colors project by the Department of Tourism. It is known for its colorful houses made by the artist from Tam-Awan Village. A lot of tourists really appreciated this village because of its vibrant colors that are really good with photos. Recommended to visit this place during sunny weather to really appreciate the vibes and the village.
TAGAYTAY ITINERARIES
Tagaytay is known to local and international tourist because of the view that this place can show you. The cool climate, remarkable view, and activities are the things you will experience here. If you are looking for the place to go during weekends or holidays here are the lists that you can visit, but expect that this will be busy during the said days. Do not worry because you can also go here during weekdays to experience less crowd.
Taal Volcano View
Taal is known for being the smallest active volcano in the world. The travel before you see the view will be a little challenging because you have two option, either you trek up the steep slope or ride a horse. Most of the tourist choose to ride a horse for convenient but the other choose to trek because they feel bad for the horses. Either of the two choices, there will be an amusing view waiting for everyone. Wear something comfortable but good in photos. You can also bring water for your thirst but there are few stall at the top during your travel. Lastly, bring something to cover yourself from the sun and something to wipe your sweat and trash bag for your garbage just in case you have one.
Picnic Grove
This place is known for the beautiful place and where you can easily see the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano while enjoying the company of your family and friends. There will be cottages available where you can have your picnic. There will be souvenir shop and grocery at the entrance but you can still bring your own food. You can also enjoy their other activities like horseback riding, zip lining, and eco-trail to enjoy the green scenery.
Sky Ranch
After the peaceful scenery, you can now enjoy the activities in Sky Ranch. This park is open for everyone, from children to adult, with family or friends. The available rides are Carousel, Sky Cruiser, Wonder Flight, Express Train, Rocking Tug, City Rail, Bumper Boat, Nessi Coaster, Bumper Race, Mini Viking, Bumper Car, Kiddie train, and the famous The Sky Eye. Aside from those rides there is also claw machines, 4D simulators, pedal karts, and zip line. Once you get tired from all the activities and get hungry there are available restaurants that offers meal and drinks. Enjoy the rides and appreciate the memories with everything you will experience here.
