Introducing North Luzon
Generalisations fall short when describing this vast region of misty mountains, sprawling plains and endless coastline, whose population is as diverse and unique as the landscape.
Advertisement
The central mountain range known as the Cordillera is the region's trophy piece, with lush green forests blanketing vast areas of gloriously crooked earth. Isolated sandy beaches ring almost the entire coastline. In the rice terraces of Banaue and elsewhere, humans and nature have collaborated on one of the world's truly sublime displays of beauty and ingenuity. Off Luzon's northern tip, the grassy hills of the Batanes islands possess their own austere beauty.
The region is an adventure-lover's paradise, with mountainous networks of ancient walking trails perfect for trekking. Many of these trails lead to remote villages where tribespeople live much as they have for centuries. There are endless caves in Cagayan province, endless whitewater rapids on Kalinga's Chico River and endless surf breaks around the island. If you have your own kayak, windsurfer or surf board, undiscovered breaks, beaches and rapids await.
North Luzon offers plenty to more sedentary types as well. Culture aficionados can get their fill in Vigan, where old Spanish colonial mansions line the streets of the old town, and history buffs can follow MacArthur's men on the wide beaches around Lingayen.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: North Luzon & Palawan for 2 Months
by Laszlo 24 August 2011
I think you are confusing east and west. I find it hard to recommend "favourites" as each area is different. But if you keep yourself…
-
Re: North Luzon & Palawan for 2 Months
by Ochieano 24 August 2011
Thanks for these replies. My plan in North Luzon is to do a lot of hiking through Ifugao, Mountain Province and Kalinga. Once I'm in Kalinga…
-
RE: Weather in September, how bad is it?
by surfboy 23 August 2011
Difficult to predict but just checked rainfall averages for Banaue (where rice terraces are) in North Luzon and in previous years averages…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
North Luzon
Things to do
- All things to do (74)
- Activities (3)
- Entertainment (15)
- Restaurants (24)
- Shopping (15)
- Sights (17)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For North Luzon
-
1 Banaue, Batad and Bontoc
Feasting your eyes on the awesome rice terraces around Banaue, Batad and Bontoc
-
2 Vigan
Taking a step back in time in the lovely Mestizo District of Vigan
-
3 Sagada
Chilling out for days - or weeks - in Sagada, aka backpacker HQ
-
4 Batanes
Discovering a brave new world in Batanes, the Philippines' final frontier
-
5 Baguio
Taking in the ubiquitous acoustic guitar music and cool mountain air of Baguio
Our favourite North Luzon Blogs (beta)
-
Lakbay Norte 2: Eastern Hawaii, Buguey and Claveria
Blog: Just Wandering - 15 March 2011
The weather remained gloomy, even when we got back to Sta. Ana. It was decided that we won’t head to Anguib Cove anymore, so our afternoon suddenly clears up. We head to our hotel for the night earlier than expected. … Continue reading →
-
Lakbay Norte 2: Palaui Island
Blog: Just Wandering - 5 March 2011
We woke up to a grey morning, and immediately, we started wondering if we will push through with the morning’s itinerary. Two hours after the original call time, we were out in the docks and boarding the banca (outrigger boat) … Continue reading →
-
Lakbay Norte 2: Checking in at Cagayan
Blog: Just Wandering - 2 March 2011
After a 4-hour delay, we finally made it back to Cagayan. We’re on the second leg of Lakbay Norte 2, and we’re going to explore more of North Luzon. First stop: Cagayan Museum Tuguegarao Due to the delay, we had … Continue reading →
