Baguio
Established by the Spanish Jesuits in 1907, the Lourdes Grotto sits at the top of 252 steps in the hilly western part of town. From the top, there’s a…
Must-see attractions in North Luzon
North Luzon
Accessible only by boat or on foot (five hours from Pundaquit), this stunning arc of white-ash sand can get packed with visitors from Manila, but if you…
North Luzon
This is a dazzling long arc of white sand that shimmers into a perfect swimming pool of blue sea. There's a big selection of accommodation here, but it's…
North Luzon
You can sleep under the stars on hourglass-shaped Capones Island, a 25-minute bangka (outrigger canoe) ride from the fishing village of Pundaquit, just a…
Vigan
Every night at 7.30pm during peak tourist season, the fountain in the middle of Plaza Salcedo bursts into a music and light show. It gets crowded and is…
North Luzon
Laoag's main architectural attraction is the Sinking Bell Tower, with what is presently a hobbit-sized doorway. Built by Augustine friars to accommodate…
Batanes
A road leads up to a trail where it's an easy five-minute walk to views over rocky beach and the endless, green Vayang Rolling Hills. If the weather is…
North Luzon
At the far end of Blue Lagoon, Dos Hermanos is a pair of easily accessible offshore islands with great snorkelling. Local legend claims the islands are…
Vigan
In barangay Camanggaan, just a 10-minute tricycle ride southeast of Vigan, you can watch abel hand-weavers in action at Rowilda’s Weaving Factory, which…
Batanes
Ivana is home to the Unesco-listed House of Dakay (1877), the oldest stone house in the Batanes.
North Luzon
The immense Italian Renaissance–style St William’s Cathedral was built in 1880.
Vigan
The Crisologos, Vigan’s most prominent political dynasty, have converted their ancestral home into this strangely compelling family shrine. In addition to…
Baguio Mountain Provinces Museum
Baguio
This museum is a great introduction to the Igorot ('mountain people') of the Cordillera and the harmful 'savage highlander'/'cultured lowlander' divide,…
Banaue
It’s a 10-minute tricycle ride up to this viewpoint (return P150), the best place to observe Banaue’s rice terraces. It actually consists of four…
North Luzon
A basic museum that tells the history of Aurora Province, mostly via photos of the life of former First Lady Dona Aurora who was born in Baler; she gave…
North Luzon
Built in 1611, this pretty church became the garrison of 50 Spanish soldiers in 1898 as they were besieged by hundreds of Filipino freedom fighters. The…
Vigan
The Syquia Mansion is filled with old furniture and exhibits dedicated to the life of Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines’ sixth president…
North Luzon
In between the sleepier beaches of Liw-liwa and Pundaquit, just west of the town of San Narciso, La Paz is the busiest and most built-up part of this…
Vigan
The Museo San Pablo, behind the altar of St Paul Cathedral, is a good place to see old santos (religious statues). Make sure to have a look at the…
Batanes
The Dipnaysupuan Tunnels were built deep into the rock face by the occupying Japanese during WWII using forced local labour; you can explore the tunnels…
Sagada
You'll pass the Echo Valley lookout on the way to the Echo Valley Hanging Coffins. You'll probably hear people shouting into the valley before you get…
Batanes
From Basco it’s a 1½-hour walk, a tough 30-minute bike ride or an easy tricycle jaunt up to Radar Tukon, a weather station on a hilltop with great 360…
North Luzon
At the entrance to Blue Lagoon is Bantay-abot (‘Mountain with a Hole’), which is exactly as the name suggests: it's a rock with a photogenic arch-shaped…
Batanes
Tukon Chapel is an appealing stone church built by the Abad family for their daughter's wedding in 2008; it's a 1¼-hour uphill hike southeast of Basco.
Vigan
In barangay Camanggaan, just a 10-minute tricycle ride southeast of Vigan, you can watch abel hand-weavers in action.
Baguio
Didn't realise Baguio was so cold? The Night Market is a great place to find a cheap used hoodie or a raincoat.
Batanes
This sacred fishing port for Barangay San Joaquin is a beach made up of exercise-ball-sized boulders.
Batanes
Basco Lighthouse is 1.2km north of Basco. Climbing it will give you stellar views of the coast.
Batanes
A refreshing spring and pool that's a 20-minute walk from the fishing village of Diura.
Sagada
Hikes from nearby Besao are less busy than those around Sagada, but they don't feature any coffins and you'll need determination to tackle them. Jeepneys…
Julia Campbell Agroforest Memorial Park
The Cordillera
In the Pula barangay of Asipulo town, the 48-hectare organic coffee farm, Bantai Civet Coffee, is a WWOOF (www.wwoof.com.ph) project that specialises in a…
North Luzon
Built by the Augustinians in 1609, the Church of St James in the town plaza is notable for its Mexican influences. On its antique altar are two Aztec-like…
University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute
North Luzon
By far the best use of your time in Bolinao is a visit to this research facility–cum–visitor centre. Researchers at the institute's laboratory cultivate…
The Cordillera
Across the lawn from the War Memorial Shrine is the Ifugao Museum, which houses an absorbing collection of Ifugao artefacts, from household utensils and…
The Cordillera
A short ride up from the village proper, this pyramid-shaped shrine marks the spot where Japanese general Yamashita surrendered on 2 September 1945, only…
The Cordillera
Pangaggawan Cave is a three-hour hike from Kiangan; there are other caves in the vicinity.
