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Luzon Island - Philippines Travel

The largest island in the Philippines is Luzon, where the capital city of Manila is situated. Day trips or weekend to for example Pampanga is relatively easy. Northern Luzon is captivating in its panoramic views, green backdrop and old Spanish houses.

Chosen as the summer capital, Baguio City is located in the mountains of the Cordillera five hours away from the capital city of Manila. All year round, its pine trees as well as its cool temperature, averaging 20 degrees centigrade, make it unique and incomparable with the rest of the country.

luzon islandAdding to the charm of the city, the Baguio Cathedral and other religious landmark are just one of the many tourist attractions. Items from wood carvings to various fruit preserves are cold in Good Shepherd Convent. Possessing the best recreational facilities is Camp John Hay, which was a former rest and recreation station for American troops from for example Subic Bay or Clark in Angeles. Every Saturday morning, a spectacle of parading uniformed cadets is being done by the Philippine Military Academy. During the summer, Philippine presidents make their residence in the Mansion House and nearby Wright Park is famous with equestrian riders. The Botanical Garden of Baguio has been transformed into an open air museum which shows the architectural styles of dwellings of the tribes of Cordillera people.

A visit to Asin which is a village that mostly supports themselves by wood carving, the village is located below Baguio and picking strawberries in Trinidad Valley are ideal side trips from Baguio. Nearby is the swimming hole with natural streams and a soothing steam bath of Asin Hot Springs.

A visit to the caves of the Ifugao, which contains many of their burial sites, is included in a side trip to Sagada. Waterfalls and lakes to visit and swim in are plenty as well. From Baguio, a seven hour trip takes you to the famous Kabayan, noted for its burial caves containing 500 year old mummies located along the cliffs. It is recommended that these caves be visited with a local guide. 340 kilometers from Manila and about nine hours from Baguio is Banaue, nestled deep in the Cordilleras. It is famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces, built by the Ifugao tribe. It has a total length of 22,400 kilometers from end to end. The region is also known for its local artifacts.

Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur comprise the north western slopes of Luzon. Nowhere is Spanish influence more obvious in this part of the country than in these two places. A number of world class resorts can be found in Laoag, the center of Ilocos Norte. There are notable churches worth visiting like Paoay Church as well as places like Currimao, Batac, Dingras, Vigan and Samat worth taking a look.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur boasts of an even stronger Spanish influence. Lining the streets of the old section are Spanish houses constructed in the 16th century while a Spanish treasure trove will be revealed on a trip to the museums.

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