Where is the island of Luzon. Luzon Island: geographical location, climate

Luzon is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago and the 17th largest in the world. Area - 109,964.9 km². Population - 52 990 000 inhabitants (2015). The southern part of the island has two main cities in the Philippines: Manila, the capital of the country, and Quezon, the largest city in the Philippines in terms of population. The name Luzon also refers to a group of islands, one of the three largest in the Philippines. On old maps you can find the name Luzonia, referring to the island of Luzon, as well as New Castile. One common name was used for the inhabitants of the island - the Luzons. In the west, the island of Luzon is washed by the South China Sea, in the east - by the Philippine Sea. In the north, it is separated by the Luzon Strait from Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. The Luzon Strait is also divided into two branches - the Babuyan Canal and the Balintang Canal.

Luzon is a mountainous island. The relief is mid-mountain, heights up to 2934 m (Mount Pulog). The island has both extinct (Arayat) and active volcanoes (Mayon and others). Also known is the Pinatubo volcano, which last erupted in 1991. A large mountain system, the Cordillera Central, runs along the northwestern part of the island. To the south of it are the low mountains of Sambales, and to the east is the valley of the Cagayan River, which separates another mountain range from the Cordillera, the Sierra Madre. Cagayan is the largest river in the Philippines. Between the Sierra Madre and Sambales mountains lies the Central Luzon Plain, covering 11,000 km². It is the main rice production area. Mount Arayat rises in the middle of the plain.

Population

The peoples of Luzon belong to different ethnolinguistic groups. The main nationalities are Aeta, Bikols, Ibanagi, Igorots, Ilok, Pampangans, Pangasinans, Tagals. Each of the nationalities lives in a specific area. Ilok is predominant in the provinces of North Ilocos and South Ilocos, and in the Cagayan Valley. Pampangans and Pangasinans - in the provinces of Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac and in Central Luzon, Tagals - in the vicinity of Manila and in the Calabarson region. Igorots is a common name for the peoples of the Central Cordillera, the highlanders, although they are several different peoples. Ibanagi are the indigenous population of Kagayan, and the Bikols (Bicolano) are the Bicol Peninsula. Muslims and Chinese are mainly found in cities, as well as immigrants from Europe, the United States, Japanese, Koreans, mestizos and others. Each of the nationalities has its own language, but Tagalog is considered the state language. English is in great use. But back in 1899, during the anti-colonial revolution, the official language was Spanish, and documents were drawn up in it. Religiously, the picture is as diverse as linguistically. Most believers are Catholics, slightly less Protestants. Traditional folk cults are preserved. In later times, purely Filipino trends of the Christian persuasion appeared - the Independent Church of the Philippines, the Church of Christ (in Tagal Iglesia ni Cristo).

Luzon Island has many convenient bays and bays, the largest of which are Lingaen Bay and Manila Bay. The shores of the western and southern parts are indented by bays. Among the numerous mountain rivers, two stand out in size - Agno and Pampanga. The coast and river valleys are densely populated.
In the southern part of the island to the southeast of Manila Bay, Lake Laguna de Bai is located - the largest in the country, it is also the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia. Its area is 949 km², and the only river flowing from it is the Pasig, flowing to the west and flowing into the Manila Bay. The Pasig River, despite its small size, has played a significant role in the history of the Philippines, as it passes through the central part of Manila. To the southwest of Lake Laguna de Bay is Lake Taal. This is a destroyed crater of an old volcano filled with water. In the middle of the lake there is a small island, which is also a crater filled with water.
To the southeast of Luzon is the island of Mindoro. The two islands are separated by the Verde Strait, which connects the South China Sea and Tayabas Bay. To the south of this bay is about. Marinduke. The southern part of Luzon is the Bicol Peninsula, an elongated and narrow piece of land. It is separated from the main part of Luzon by the Tayabas isthmus. The rugged coastline here has numerous bays and bays, convenient for navigation. In the Bay of Lamon are located about. Alabat and the Poligllo group of islands, part of the province of Quezon. In addition to Bicol, two smaller peninsulas stand out - Karamoan and Bondok. And in the southernmost part, Bicol is adjacent to Fr. Samar. They are separated by the San Bernardino Strait. There are quite a few volcanoes on the Bicol Peninsula. The most significant is the Vayon volcano in the Albay province, 2460 m. Other large peaks are the Isarog and Iriga mountains in South Kamarines, and the Bulusan mountain in Sorsogon.

Climate

The climate is subequatorial monsoon, typhoons are frequent. The vegetation is represented by evergreen and deciduous tropical forests, in the river valleys there are areas of savanna vegetation.

Luzon history

In the northeast of the island of Luzon, in Callao Cave, a third metatarsal bone was discovered, presumably of the species Homo sapiens. The remains, designated as a man from Callao (en: Callao Man), date back to 66.7 ± 1 thousand years ago. In ancient times, according to most scholars, the Philippines and Luzon in particular were connected to Asia by a land bridge, through which the first settlers entered the territory that later became a group of islands. These were the aeta, according to their anthropological affiliation - Negritos, akin to the Australoids. It is believed that this fact was about 15,000 ago.
The Austronesians, another ethnic group, the Mongoloid type, reached the islands about 2,500 years ago, as a result of a large wave of migration of the Austronesian peoples. But during this period there was no longer a land bridge with Asia, so they arrived in the Philippines by sea. These peoples possessed the skills of navigation. They were mainly Malays, but also migrants from about. Taiwan and other regions of Southeast Asia.
The first contact with Spain took place in the 16th century. The Spanish conquistadors were headed by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti. They arrived on the shores of Luzon in 1570-1571. Luzon and neighboring lands were declared the possession of the Spanish crown, and were under the Spanish yoke for over 300 years. The island was the center of the Philippine National Liberation Revolution in the late 19th century. After that, the Spanish dominance was replaced by the American one.
On December 8, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked American military bases on Luzon, and subsequently occupied the island. The Japanese placed their bases at several points, of which the most important was the coast of Lingaen Bay. Both Filipinos and Americans fought against the Japanese occupiers. Their combined forces retreated initially from their positions on the Bataan Peninsula, from where they hoped to launch an offensive. A battle took place here, which lasted several months. As a result, American and Filipino forces were left without supplies and surrendered to the Japanese army. After leaving Luzon, American forces based for a time on Leyte and Mindoro, but between 1941 and 1943 they began to gradually move towards Manila, which was also occupied by enemies. The Battle of Manila took place in 1943. After that, the Philippine and American troops returned several more positions. The official date of the final victory is July 5, 1945. By this time, Luzon and the rest of the Philippines were completely liberated.

Luzon beaches

The main feature of the beaches on the island is the unusually fine white sand. The greenery of palm trees growing near the water, an extraordinary shade of the azure sea and dazzling snow-white beaches create an amazing color. The infrastructure is quite developed, but it is so imperceptibly woven into the overall picture of the island that it does not in the least violate the extraordinary natural harmony and beauty.
But not only the beaches are a source of delight, diving sites all along the coast provide an opportunity to enjoy the rich coastal underwater world. In the northern part of Luzon, there are strong winds that raise waves on the sea surface, here you can enjoy windsurfing. In this part of the island, this type of outdoor activity is quite common.

Luzon landmarks

70 km from the capital is the Quezon National Park - the main natural attraction of the island. It contains the world's smallest active volcano Taal, the uniqueness and picturesqueness of which lies in the fact that in its crater lake there is an island, and in it there is a lake, and in this lake there is another island and another small lake. All this looks amazingly beautiful!
Luzon is the Sagada Caves, the Magdalio Falls, which fans of extreme sports can get to by canoe, overcoming the rapids. It is also about 20 active volcanoes, including Banahoa, considered a sacred mountain and a place of pilgrimage for 17 sects of different religious beliefs.
However, lemurs - funny miniature monkeys, which are also called tarsiers, are the most amusing and beautiful attraction of this picturesque island. After all, nowhere else in the world can you find these rare animals in nature!

Information

• Washing water areas: South China Sea, Philippine Sea
• A country: Philippines
• Square: 109,964.9 km²
• Highest point: 2922 m
• Population (2015): 52,990,000 people

The capital and largest city of the country is located on the southwestern coast of Luzon, on the shores of the bay of the same name.

There are also many interesting places in the vicinity of the capital - the lighthouse at Cape Boheador (1892, the highest in the country), textile workshops in Paoai (widely known for their fabrics in the national style), the famous "Bamboo Organ" in the Las Picas area, a factory for the production of the famous "jeepney" in Sarao, the "lonely mountain" Arayat (1026 m), the city of Pagsanyan (63 km from Manila), near which the famous McDapio waterfall and picturesque river rapids are located (it was here that F. Coppola filmed his film "Apocalypse Now ") etc.

In the throat of Manila Bay is the infamous island Corregidor, for the possession of which there were fierce battles during the Second World War. Now here are interesting ruins of a fortress of those times, the Malinta tunnel network (the location of the temporary headquarters of General MacArthur), as well as a Japanese cemetery, a small museum and the Memorial to the Fallen. The province of Laguna (45 km southeast of the capital) is very popular, where many hot sulfur springs and resorts based on them are concentrated - Cuiyab, Los Banos (the unique Rice Research Institute is also located here), Pansol, etc.

Northwest of Manila is the bay Subic Bay is a former US naval base and one of the best diving areas in the country. At the top of the bay is the city of Olongapo, which is increasingly becoming a major resort with golf courses, yacht clubs, sports centers and luxury hotels. Also, the former American Clark Air Base (70 km north of Manila) has been turned into a large resort area, on the territory of which a special economic zone (SEZ) is now open with many tax incentives for companies operating here. It also houses one of the best parachuting centers in Asia - "Tropical Asian Center", as well as many golf courses and routes for active recreation.

To the north is the mountainous region of Zambale, in which the Sagada Caves (the place of traditional burials of the Ifuago head-hunters tribe), picturesque rice terraces around Banaue with a total length of about 22.4 thousand km (it is believed that they were carved into the rocks of local mountains more than 3 thousand years ago), the most beautiful serpentine Zigzag Road, the Sino-Filipino "Friendship Pagoda" and the Ma-Cho temple in San Fernando (La Union), the resorts of the islands of Capones and Kamera, the Pinatubo volcano area, the fishing village of Pandakit , a salt mining area in the Dasol Bay area, as well as tens of kilometers of luxurious beaches in the La Union, Tambobong, Pandakit, Iba, Amungan and Erman Major Island.

Mountain resort Baguio located 250 km north of Manila, in the Benguet province. This is the "summer capital" of the country, lying at an altitude of about 1525 m above sea level, and famous for its mild climate and clean air. The sights of the city are considered the summer residence of the government of the country - the Menshn mansion, Bell Church ("Temple of the Bell"), picturesque crystalline massifs of the surrounding rocks and ancient burials in the surrounding mountains. Nearby lies Lingaen Bay with its "one hundred islands" (actually there are about 400), framed by white sandy shores and long coral reefs.

70 km south of Manila lies the picturesque Tagaytay mountain range (height 600 m), within which the Quezon National Park and the unique Taal volcano (the smallest active volcano on the planet) are located, in the crater lake of which there is an island, on which, in turn, also there is a small lake. Also in the southeastern part of Luzon are the "city of seven lakes" San Pablo, the Banajao volcano (2188 m, the sacred mountain of as many as seventeen religious sects, a cult place where numerous pilgrimages are arranged) and the magnificent Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours (1856 , considered a national treasure) in Taale.

Nearby, at the foot of Mackiling Volcano, lies the famous "Lost Valley" of Hidden Valley with the Alaminos crater, numerous caverns with hot mineral water, waterfalls, the Lourdes grotto (it is believed that the water flowing from it has healing powers), hundreds of thermal springs and luxurious vegetation ... In the province of Albay rises the Mayon volcano (2462 m), which is considered one of the most perfect volcanic cones in the world.

Taal, which is not so far from Manila, is considered one of the smallest active volcanoes on earth. It rises with a small hill in the middle of the lake of the same name, which, by the way, was formed as a result of volcanic activity - 100-500 years ago, the former caldera of the volcano was flooded with natural waters. Since the mid-16th century, the volcano has erupted more than 30 times. The last eruption took place in 1965 and was quite devastating. However, the greatest damage in the 20th century was brought about by the eruption of Taal, which happened in 1911. In 10 minutes, the surroundings of the volcano turned into a lifeless desert. Hundreds of human victims were killed. The volcano erupted from all its craters - from the summit and located on the slopes.

Taal slightly resembles a nesting doll. Located in a lake, in its crater it hides another small lake, in the middle of which there is also a tiny island. Despite the fact that the volcano is a potential hazard, the area around it is densely populated. The local institute of seismology is trying to predict Taal's activities.

Taal is a very popular tourist destination. It is easy to get here, the feeling of a live volcano brings a special romance to the tour. Well, from its top a magnificent view of the surroundings opens.

Coordinates: 14.01869000,120.98546200

Mayon volcano

Mayon is the most active volcano on the Philippine island of Luzon. The frequency of its eruptions is about once every eight years. The last eruption happened in 2009, and one of the most violent happened in 1814. Of course, this is inconvenient for the locals, but they put up with their troubled neighbor for their impeccable beauty.

The shape of the volcano is almost perfect - a symmetrical cone without flaws is completed by a crater, which is constantly lightly smoked. The picture is close to perfect. Mayon looks especially picturesque during the eruption. But watching this spectacle is better from a safe distance.

The inhabitants of the Philippines love their volcano so much that they built it into a cult. As one of the main symbols of the country, it is depicted on various souvenirs, postcards, stamps and even banknotes. And also many poems and songs are dedicated to him.

Coordinates: 13.25331300,123.68741200

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Manila Bay

Manila Bay is located off the west coast of Luzon Island. It is one of the finest natural harbors in the entire Southeast Asia region. The area of \u200b\u200bthe bay is 1994 km & sup2, the length of the coastline is about 190 kilometers.

Manila Bay is a geographical point known in history. Here at the very end of the 19th century (1898), during the Spanish-American War, the Battle of Cavite was fought, here Japanese troops besieged the island of Corregidor in 1942.

The bay looks like a closed bay, into which a rather narrow entrance leads. The entrance to the bay is blocked by the island of Corregidor, which divides it into 2 parts. There are also other smaller islands that give the bay a certain charm.

Today, Manila Bay is a harbor of great economic importance. The lands around it are densely populated; in the vicinity there are many cities and large industrial enterprises.

Coordinates: 14.57959600,120.86176300

It is difficult to call the river a landmark, which has been recognized as biologically dead since the 1990s. This happened as a result of the rapid growth in the population and industry of the Philippines after World War II. Waste from enterprises was often dumped directly into the river, which in the end led to such sad consequences. Nowadays, activities are underway to revive the river.

In a natural sense, the Pasig River, 25 kilometers long, divides the metropolitan region in two. The water cut of its channel depends on the water level in the Laguna de Bai Lake, where the river originates.

Perhaps an interesting place to visit is the city of the same name, located on the banks of the Pasig. There are several important sights here - the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the 16th century, the Museum of History, and the Rain Forest Natural Park.

Coordinates: 14.58217100,121.09575900

Manila Chinatown Binondo

Binondo is a neighborhood in Manila inhabited by Chinese immigrants. The quarter is the oldest Chinatown in the world - it was founded in 1594 and was the center of Chinese trade in the region even before the arrival of the Spanish colonialists.

Binondo was founded by the Spanish Governor of the Philippines, Luis Perez Dasmarinas, who at the end of the 16th century ordered all Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism to be settled here. Throughout its history, the quarter has experienced several destruction, but it was rebuilt and eventually became the financial and commercial center of the city, where the offices of banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions are located. Today Binondo continues to play an important role in the life of the city and is one of the most prestigious and expensive areas of Manila.

Coordinates: 14.59993400,120.96691800

Waterfall Restaurant

Dine right at the foot of the waterfall, feeling the rushing stream of cool water tickling your heels, is offered by the original restaurant located in the Philippine Villa Escudero.

Waterfalls always attract tourists: roaring streams of water or gentle jets flowing down the stones are always interesting and unusual. But, as a rule, these natural monuments are usually viewed from the outside. The idea of \u200b\u200bputting restaurant tables right in the water might seem crazy to someone, but the visitors accepted it with enthusiasm. It must be admitted that the waterfall is artificial, but this does not in any way affect the popularity and originality of this place. Water in a stormy wide stream flows down an almost sheer wall right to the feet of the diners, creating a natural natural noise. Particularly desperate visitors can simply swim in the rushing waters. Needless to say, what delight the children experience here?

Instead of walls, this restaurant has lush green vegetation, and instead of a ceiling, there is a canopy that resembles a sail. Tables and chairs are made of bamboo and traditional peasant food is served for lunch. It may not be very sophisticated, but it is made from fresh natural products. And the wonderful natural surroundings make this dinner simply unforgettable.

Coordinates: 13.99522600,121.34101200

Legazpi airport

The airport was built in the late 60s, and in the 70s, Philippine Airlines (PAL) began regular flights from Manila. The airport is currently being modernized. Since the airport is located only 12 km from the crater of Mayon volcano, during the activity of the volcano, flights stop, as everything is covered with ash.

Are you curious to know how well you know the attractions of Luzon? ...

Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate)

Another name is Daraga Church. Built around 1773 from blocks of volcanic rocks. In 2007 it was declared a national treasure. Part of the church has been treated with lime to preserve the building. And some remained the same as it became after the eruption of Mayon volcano for the edification of descendants

The most popular attractions in Luzon with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Luzon on our website.

More Luzon Attractions

The Philippines is famous for its beaches of white, very fine sand. In combination with the amazing azure color of the sea and the palm trees growing near the water, these beaches are a delightful picture. Almost all of them have a developed infrastructure, the elements of which are arranged in the same way so as not to disturb the ideal beauty created by nature.

Numerous dive sites will give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of not only the beaches, but also the coastal underwater world. In the northern part of the island, where strong winds and waves often blow, windsurfing is common.

Treatment in Luzon

The largest lake in the country is also located on the island, it is called Laguna de Bai. A large number of hot springs enriched with sulfur make the water curative. That is why the resorts of Los Banos, Cuiyab, Pansol and many others are located on the shores of this unique lake. Here, vacationers are offered a variety of methods and programs aimed not only at improving the body, but also at obtaining a certain cosmetic effect.

Another special place located just an hour's drive from the capital is the Hidden Valley Nature Reserve. In natural depressions between the piles of solidified lava formed after the eruption of the volcano, water enriched with minerals accumulated for centuries, which flowed from the mountains. The high-end hotel, named after the nature reserve, has eight pools created by nature itself. The water in these baths heals many ailments - female and male diseases, psoriasis, arthrosis, arthritis and others.

Manila - capital of the Philippines

Manila is a metropolis, one of the largest in the world, with seventeen districts. It is located in the northwest area of \u200b\u200bLuzon and gives it a special metropolitan atmosphere. Despite the fact that during the Second World War the city was badly destroyed and many architectural monuments were damaged, there is something to see for tourists in Manila.

This is, first of all, the central part, which was built by the Spanish conquerors - Intramuros. In this part of the city, where the fortress used to be, there is a cathedral, colonial buildings, parks, the Church of St. Augustine. In Manila, there is a beautiful Rizal Park, many museums, in the Church of San Jose there is a famous organ made of bamboo. And, of course, not a single tourist will deny himself the pleasure of visiting Chinatown, being in this atmosphere and buying all kinds of gold trinkets and pearl jewelry.

Baguio

Known for its mild climate and clean air, the Baguio resort is located 250 km from Manila in the Benguet province. It stretches at an altitude of 1525 meters, among picturesque mountain landscapes, next to Lingaen Bay, which is famous for its excellent beaches and beautiful coral reefs. It is also called "the bay of a hundred islands", although there are more than four hundred islands!

Attractions of the island

70 km from the capital is the Quezon National Park - the main natural attraction of the island. It contains the world's smallest active volcano Taal, the uniqueness and picturesqueness of which lies in the fact that in its crater lake there is an island, and in it there is a lake, and in this lake there is another island and another small lake. All this looks amazingly beautiful!

Luzon is the Sagada Caves, the Magdalio Falls, which fans of extreme sports can get to by canoe, overcoming the rapids. It is also about 20 active volcanoes, including Banahoa, considered a sacred mountain and a place of pilgrimage for 17 sects of different religious beliefs.

However, lemurs - funny miniature monkeys, which are also called tarsiers, are the most amusing and beautiful attraction of this picturesque island. After all, nowhere else in the world can you find these rare animals in nature!

Diving

Diving enthusiasts on the island have a large number of dive sites that can be found along the coast. Here, not only beginners will find a lot of interesting things for themselves, who will be helped to comprehend the basics by certified instructors, but also experienced aces. After all, here you can see not only the underwater world, but also examine the sunken ship, if you are lucky, and in Donsol you can watch whale sharks. Diving in what was once an American military base in Subic Bay will leave a lasting impression on the coral reefs of indescribable beauty. Holidays in the province of La Union will provide an excellent opportunity to combine beach vacations and diving.

How to get there

Due to the fact that the capital of the state of Manila is located on the island of Luzon with its international airport, getting to the island is relatively easy. Flights from Russia connect to major European or Asian cities, such as Seoul or Amsterdam.

Updated 11.13.

Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines

Luzon Island is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is on this island that the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located, and it is here that most tourists arrive for further travel around the country. Many people underestimate Luzon and immediately go on a route to the tourist islands of the Philippines, but the island has something to visit and see for tourists. And in this article we will tell you about the sights and how to spend time in the Philippines on the island of Luzon.

What to do on Luzon Island

• Go snorkeling on any of the island's beaches
• Try one or more trekking routes along the Banaue or Batada rice terraces
• Take a trip to the smallest active volcano in the world - Taal
• Take surf lessons on the beaches of the north of Luzon Island
• Spend a few days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Luzon or nearby islands
• Visit the capital of the Philippines and its main attractions
• Go on a tour to the hydrothermal springs with healing water on the island of Luzon

What will you find in this article?

• Transport tips - find out about options for getting to Luzon Island
• List of the best places - Explore the natural and historical sights of the island
• Rental Tips - Check out the list of the best offers for renting accommodation in the resorts of the island of Luzon

We have created a FREE PDF: 12 Best Places in the Philippines

How to Get to Luzon Island, Philippines?

Luzon is the main and largest Philippine island. It is here that the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located, as well as the international airport named after Ninoya Aquino and international airport Luzon Clark... As with all the islands of the Philippines, there is only one way to get to Luzon from other countries - by plane. Manila Airport and at the same time the main air harbor of the country is considered one of the largest and busiest passengers in Asia.

Where Is Luzon Located

Manila Airport consists of 4 terminals, and there are currently plans to open another terminal for low-cost airlines. Free buses run between Manila Airport terminals. Not surprisingly, most tourists arriving in the Philippines land at Manila Airport. It is usually quite easy to buy tickets to Manila at a bargain price due to the rather large number of flights to the capital of the Philippines. Yes, there are also several international airports on the other islands of the Philippines, but the offer of flights there is rather limited. This is why it is much easier to get to Luzon Island than to other islands in the Philippines.

If the island of Luzon is not the starting point of your route through the Philippines, and you are heading here on your own from other islands, this is all the more not a problem. Moving between the islands will take a minimum of time, since all islands are connected by air with the island of Luzon (Manila airport). Moreover, in the Philippines, there are often no direct flights between many islands, and in any case, you have to fly on your own with a transfer in Manila. Do not miss, then, to include the island of Luzon in your itinerary in the Philippines.

Manila's Nina Aquino Airport is not the only international airport on the island of Luzon. Another international airport is Luzon Clark International Airport.

Major airlines flying to Clark International Airport

• Emirates
• Flydubai
• Qatar Airways
• Korean air
• Singapore Airlines

Luzon Clark International Airport is 90 km from Manila Airport. And in fact, Luzon Clark International is a small provincial Philippine airport with little amenities. It is because of the comfort that many choose the place of departure / arrival in the Philippines at Manila airport, and not Clarke.

In addition to international airports on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, there are also several local ones that can be used for faster travel within the island (for example, to get from Manila to Vigan to the north of the island of Luzon).

Find profitable travel options using. This system offers various options for moving from one point of the Philippines to another, showing the current prices.

Full list of airports in Luzon Island, Philippines

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila Airport) - MNL
• Clark international Airport - CRK
• Laolag International Airport - LAO
• Legazpi Airport - LG
• Naga Airport - WNP
• Tuguegarao Airport - TUG
• Palanan Airport - PLN
• Cauayan Airport - CYZ
• San Fernando Airport - SFE
• Loakan Airport (Baguio Airport) - BAG
• Baler Airport - BQA
• Olongapo Airport - SFS
• Perez Airport - PLY
• Daet Airport - DTE
• Virac Airport - VRC

Luzon Island Transport - How to Get Around the Island

Due to the fact that the island of Luzon is the largest in the Philippines, transport is really well developed here. You can travel between the major cities of the island by airplane and bus, train and taxi.

Oddly enough, buses are the most popular way to get around Luzon on your own. Bus service in Luzon is really well developed, and many travel by bus from Manila to resorts in the north or south of Luzon. And the most popular bus route of Luzon Island is from Manila to Banaue rice terraces. In the Philippines, new comfortable air-conditioned buses are increasingly used for passenger transportation, it is very cold in such buses, so when traveling in the Philippines, we recommend having warm pants and a bike (preferably with a hood) with you.

You can find out the cost and schedule of bus trips from Manila to various resorts in Luzon at or on the service.

Those who want to save time when moving around the island of Luzon should choose air service. The island has a fairly large number of airports (above we give a complete list of airports on the island of Luzon), and in order to independently get from Manila to remote resorts to the north or south of the island, you can significantly gain time by choosing an airplane as a way to travel.

Popular airlines operating domestic flights in the Philippines are:

• Zest Air (Air Asia)
• Philippine Airlines
• AirphilExpress
• Cebu pacific air
• SEAIR
• AirAsia

For short trips around Luzon, you can take a taxi, rent a tricycle or jeepney.

Tricycles (or tricycles) are motorcycles or mopeds familiar to us, with a cabin for passengers welded to it.

Jeepnie is an outlandish form of transport, typical for some regions of Asia.

In the Philippines, jeepneys are echoes of the American era in the country's history. American jeeps converted for passenger transportation, which were previously used for military purposes, are now painted in bright colors and decorated in a special way for the holidays - these are jeepneys. Usually jeepney has no windows and doors, loud cheerful music comes from the speakers, and sometimes you can even sing karaoke during the trip. Jeepney fares are always low and this type of transport is chosen by those who want to save money.

Water transport is also well developed on the island of Luzon. Ferries from the coastal areas of Luzon provide access to nearby small islands and neighboring large islands. Traveling between islands by ferry in the Philippines usually takes a long time, but this method of travel is cheaper than air travel. Do not forget about small boats ("banks").

Boat tours are the kind of vacation in the Philippines that you should definitely pay attention to. At all beach resorts, including Luzon Island, you can rent a private boat or buy a ticket for a group boat tour and travel to the nearby small islets. Boats are a primordially Filipino form of transport, and with their help, the main tourist leisure of the country is organized nowadays.

Boat tours in the Philippines reveal to tourists the true nature of the country, something for which many travel a long and difficult journey. Uninhabited islands with paradise beaches, lagoons with crystal clear waters of azure color, places of amazing snorkeling and diving - all this can be visited during boat tours from popular resorts in the Philippines and in particular the island of Luzon.

Climate and Weather in Luzon Island - When to Go to the Island

Luzon is the largest island in the north of the Philippines. The climate at the northern tip of the island is very different from the rest of the country. Northern Luzon has its own characteristics that should be considered when planning a trip to this part of the Philippines.

In general, the climate on the island of Luzon is subequatorial monsoon: year-round high temperatures (+ 27 + 30 ° С), high humidity and two pronounced seasons - dry and wet (rainy season). The dry season on Luzon Island in the Philippines lasts from December to May, and the rainy season from June to November.

Average Air Temperature During the Year in Luzon, Philippines

Number of Rainy Days Per Year in Luzon, Philippines

The northern part of Luzon Island is included in the typhoon zone, it is here that the risk of catching this type of bad weather is high. The month of August is considered the most dangerous in terms of the likelihood of typhoons on the island of Luzon, but typhoons can also occur throughout the rainy season (from June to November), and even at the beginning of the dry season - in December. It is because of the typhoons that a trip to the north of Luzon, including the rice terraces in Banaue and Batad, is best planned during the dry season - from December to May. This time of year you will be able to fully enjoy the amazing nature of the island of Luzon, and the weather will not spoil your plans.

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Luzon Home Rentals - Where to Stay on a Trip?

Since the island of Luzon is impressive in size, and on its territory is both the capital of the Philippines and various resorts - from the beach to secluded in the mountain regions, there are a huge number of rental options on the island. Manila is dominated by hotels and modern apartments, in Luzon's beach resorts, tourists usually stay in small cozy hotels, and the mountainous regions close to the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad offer tourists to stay in authentic Filipino houses.

On the island of Luzon you can find unusual accommodation for rent

• A house on a tree
• Beach house
• Jungle villa

Depending on the popularity of the city or resort, we recommend booking your accommodation in Luzon in advance. For example, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Banaue and Batad rice terraces, there are very few good rental options, and during the high season (for common holidays like New Year's and Easter holidays), the demand for them increases especially. That is why we recommend that you make sure to book your favorite accommodation option on Luzon in advance. Check out the housing options below ⤵

Accommodation Rental Options on Luzon Island on Booking.com Site We Recommend

Best Accommodation to Rent in Manila

• From 77$ per night -, rated 8,7 points
• From 62$ per night -, rated 8,4 points
• From 73$ per night -, rated 8,3 points
• From 48$ per night -, rated 7,3 points
• From 52$ per night -, rated 7,3 points
• From 44$ per night -, rated 7,2 points

Accommodation for Rent in Baguio

• From 44$ per night -, rated 8,8 points
• From 38$ per night -, rated 7,6 points
• From 55$ per night -, rated 8,6 points

Accommodation for Rent in Legazpi

• From 48$ per night -, rated 8,6 points
• From 144$ per night -, rated 8,0 points
• From 40$ per night -, rated 8,1 points

Property for Rent in Banaue

• From 40$ per night -, rated 8,8 points
• From 34$ per night -, rated 8,4 points
• From 41$ per night -, rated 9,7 points

Luzon Island Philippines - Attractions, Beaches, Best Apartments on Google Maps

For the convenience of our readers, we have marked all the important points of Luzon Island, which we write about in the article, on the map.

Luzon landmarks

Many travelers in vain do not include Luzon in their Philippines travel itinerary. Another significant part of tourists when visiting the island of Luzon is limited only to the capital of the Philippines - Manila. In fact, on the island of Luzon, in addition to Manila, there are an impressive number of interesting and beautiful places to visit:

• Natural attractions
• Surf spots
• Trekking places
• Places for a relaxed beach holiday
• Much more

Manila

You can start exploring the island of Luzon with Manila... If you have enough days to travel around the Philippines, spend 2 days in Manila. Walk to attractions such as the Manila waterfront, explore the historic Intramuros area, visit the Aquarium and, optionally, one of the shopping centers in the capital of the Philippines. We have posted a list of the best places to visit in Manila.

Rice Terraces

The most popular Luzon Island itinerary is a day trip from Manila to the rice terraces of Banaue or Batad... Rice terraces on the island of Luzon, Philippines are a man-made geological wonder with trekking routes of varying difficulty. The views from the rice terraces are a delight to the eyes, and the local scenery will remain in your heart forever.

Photos taken on the rice terraces of Luzon will remind you of the bright days in the region. But it is worth considering your trip planning carefully - during the dry season, the rice terraces in the Philippines do not look very colorful. How to get from Manila to the rice terraces is the most popular request when planning a trip to the island of Luzon: tourists usually get there by night bus, the travel time is 7-8 hours.

Baguio Mountain Resort

The Baguio mountain resort in the north of Luzon is overly popular with tourists and residents of the Philippines during the hot months (March, April and May). The region's mild climate and cool weather make Baguio an ideal holiday destination at this time of year. However, the mountain resort Baguio on the island of Luzon is visited by a large number of tourists in February. The reason for this is the colorful Panagbenga Flower Festival held in Baguio. Baguio is 250 km from Manila, and you can get from Manila to Baguio by plane - 10 km from the resort center is Loakan Airport. Baguio is located at an altitude of 1525 meters above sea level, surrounded by the amazing nature of the Philippines.

Lingaen Bay

Another attraction of Luzon, Lingaen Bay, is located very close to Baguio. There are about 400 small islets in the bay, and the shores of Lingaen are surrounded by paradise beaches with white sand, tall palm trees and beautiful coral reefs.

Volcanoes Islands

Fans of active travel should visit the volcanoes of Luzon Island.

The most beautiful and popular volcanoes in Luzon

• Taal
• Pinatubo
• Mayon

Taal

Taal volcano is the smallest in the world, the trekking route to it is incredibly simple and suitable for absolutely everyone, even unprepared tourists. Another undoubted advantage of Taal volcano is its close location to Manila; a trip here from the capital of the Philippines does not require much effort and time.

Quezon National Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Luzon Island is Quezon National Park, which is just 70 km from Manila. It is here that the world's smallest active volcano Taal, Sagada caves, Magdaleo waterfalls and other colorful landscapes are located.

Hidden Valley Game Reserve

Another attraction in Luzon, the Hidden Valley Nature Reserve, is a two-hour drive from Manila. Picturesque waterfalls and unusual inhabitants of the reserve - lemurs, as well as natural springs make this place ideal for relaxing in Luzon, far from the bustling metropolis. Pools with healing water in the reserve are located in solidified lava. If you wish, you can spend a few days here - the Hidden Valley Hotel also has natural pools with healing water.

We have created a FREE PDF: 12 Best Places in the Philippines

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Monuments of Church Architecture of the Island

The historical sights of Luzon, in addition to the large number of buildings in Manila, are widely represented by the monuments of the island's church architecture. The Lesser Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (the official cathedral of Luzon) and the Church of St. Augustine are perhaps the most famous of them. The churches are still open to visitors and can be visited during services.

Luzon Beaches

The beaches of Luzon Island are ideal not only for a calm, relaxing holiday, but also for active sports.

• Surfing
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Wakeboarding
• Windsurfing

You just need to decide exactly how you would like to spend your time, and the beaches of Luzon Island will provide you with such an opportunity. Winds are almost always blowing in the north of Luzon and it is the perfect place to windsurf in the Philippines. At the same time, on many beaches of the island of Luzon, there are practically no waves, and a strip of fine white sand is framed by even rows of coconut palms - such beaches of Luzon are intended for a calm, relaxing holiday. There are resorts and hotels near the major beaches of Luzon Island, where you can rent water sports equipment and learn more about how you can have fun and interesting time in the region.

Given the large size of the island and the length of Luzon's coastline, the number of beaches here is truly impressive. Many of Luzon's beaches are located near coral reefs, which makes it possible to practice diving and snorkeling. As a result, spending time on almost any beach in Luzon can be both relaxing and exciting!

List of Best Beaches in Luzon Island

# 1 Saud Beach

Saud Beach, Pagudpud is a great beach for a relaxing break and snorkeling in the north of Luzon

# 2 Sabang Beach

Sabang Beach - a beach with dark volcanic sand in the east of the central part of Luzon island, there are good conditions for surfing

# 3 Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is an incredibly colorful beach in the west of central Luzon

# 4 Subic & Tikling Beach

Subic & Tikling Beach, Sorsogon is an ideal holiday destination on a nearby small island near the southernmost point of Luzon Island, you can rent a boat on the beach and go on a tour of the surrounding area

# 5 Anguib Beach

Anguib Beach is an almost deserted beach in the northeast of the island of Luzon, which amazes with its beauty

# 6 Masasa Beach

Masasa Beach, Batangas City is an ideal beach for relaxation, which is located on an island between Luzon and Mindoro, a relatively close location to the capital of the Philippines - Manila makes the beach especially attractive for tourists

# 7 Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud is a beach in the north of Luzon, next to which there are hotels, so spending a few days here snorkeling, surfing and just relaxing will be a great idea

# 8 Barangay

Barangay, Sabang is another good beach in the east of the central part of Luzon, you can rent a house nearby and spend a few days in Sabang

# 9 Cabongaoan Beach

Cabongaoan Beach, Burgos - one of the small but cozy beaches of Luzon Island, fine white sand and smooth entry into the water make it ideal for relaxing and swimming

# 10 Kuwebang Lampas

Kuwebang Lampas, Pagbilao is a good beach for relaxation, where white fine sand, tall palm trees and clear turquoise water, and the highlight of the beach is a cave

Luzon nature

As for other natural attractions, the island of Luzon is famous for its large number of protected areas and pristine mesmerizing nature.

Those who like to spend time enjoying the most beautiful landscapes should visit:

• Alabat island
• Lake Laguna de Bay
• Pangsanjan Falls
• Lingayen Gulf
• Subic Bay

An American military base used to be located in Subic Bay, but now you can find representatives of the flora and fauna of the rarest species here.

Visayas

And of course, while traveling around the island of Luzon, it is worth visiting The Visayas, which are widely renowned for their picture-perfect beaches. The beaches of the Visayas have fine white sand, tall palm trees and crystal clear water, rest here is what many come to the Philippines for.

Luzon is the name of not only the main and largest island in the Philippines, but also the province, which also includes small nearby islands. With the help of water transport from the island of Luzon, you can easily visit the attractions in its vicinity.

Correkihor Island

Among the best places that we recommend to visit near the island of Luzon is Corregidor Island, which, in addition to its landscapes, will be of interest to children and some adults - here, on the territory of the former US military base, there is the Museum of Military Equipment.

Hydrotherapy Centers

Surprisingly, the goal of many who come to the island of Luzon is treatment. Indeed, the island of Luzon is one of the centers of hydrotherapy in Southeast Asia. There are a large number of hydrothermal springs with healing waters on the island and adjacent territories. Many resorts and hotels offer tourists wellness treatments and spa programs aimed at treating skin diseases, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, as well as recovering from stress and chronic fatigue.

Lake Laguna de Bai

Water treatments on the island of Luzon will be useful for healthy people as well, as they are aimed at strengthening the immune system, increasing the body's resistance and recuperating. Luzon's hydrotherapy centers are popular not only among tourists but also locals. Most of the sulfurous springs are concentrated in Lake Laguna de Bay, or simply Bai (Laguna de Bay), which makes the lake water curative. Popular in the Philippines, spa resorts are located on the lake shore

• Cuyab
• Pansol
• Los Banos

Healers

The island of Luzon is also popular among those who prefer treatment with alternative medicine. In Luzon, alternative medicine centers are widespread, where healers work - Filipino healers who perform operations without the use of medical instruments, only with their hands. Of course, not everyone decides on this type of treatment, and despite the fact that a visit to the healer is included in the program of some tours around the island of Luzon, you should not unconditionally trust your body to the methods of alternative medicine, and it is better to consult a doctor first.

Diving

Top-notch diving sites are widely distributed off the coast of Luzon. Divers of different styles and skill levels can enjoy their favorite hobby here. The coral reefs off the coast of Luzon are incredibly colorful and full of unusual marine life. The underwater world of the region is complemented by sunken ships, which over time perfectly fit into it. Particularly popular with diving enthusiasts on Luzon Island are diving at Subic bay and Donsol. In Subic Bay you will remember the coral gardens for a long time, and in Donsol there is the possibility of diving among whale sharks.

Nearby Islands - Where to Go, What to Visit and What to See Near Luzon Island?

The island of Luzon is rich in attractions, but the nature of the Philippines is so diverse and amazing that we recommend visiting other islands for the full experience of the trip. In this section, we will indicate the islands in the immediate vicinity of Luzon, which are worth visiting.

South-east of Luzon, across the Strait of Verde, the island is located Mindoro... East of the island of Mindoro, between the islands of Mindoro and Luzon is an island Marinduke... Both Mindoro and Marinduke are ideal beach destinations in the Philippines. Mindoro is also considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines.

To the east of Luzon Island, in Lamon Bay, there are islands that are worth visiting if there is time - Alabat and group of islands Poliglio.

Those tourists who, while staying in Luzon, do not want to waste time on further movement around the islands, you should pay attention to the southern tip of the island of Luzon - the peninsula Bicol... The peninsula's rugged coastline has numerous bays and coves, making the area an attractive beach destination in the Philippines. The beaches in the south of Luzon are popular due to their proximity and easy accessibility from the capital of the Philippines.

If you are short on time on a trip to the Philippines - for a beach holiday, go to the south of Luzon and you will not regret it! Peninsula Bicol will be interesting not only for lovers of passive beach holidays in Luzon, but also for those who like to spend time actively - for example, going to trekking trips... There are a large number of volcanoes on the peninsula, including one of the most beautiful active in the Philippines - Mayon... The southern tip of the Bicol Peninsula is adjacent to the island Samar.

In addition to Bicol, Luzon has two smaller peninsulas - Karamoan and Bondock... It is here on Luzon that the best beaches are located, and Karamoan is even considered a non-tourist analogue - one of the most popular regions in the Philippines.

• Filipinos are quite good-natured and welcoming, but in crowded places and large cities (in Manila, airports, train stations, etc.) you should be extremely careful and watch your belongings
• Do not eat raw, thermally unprocessed foods
• Use only bottled water for drinking and cooking
• Be respectful of the local population, do not allow yourself to be defiant
• Expect the islands to be full of poor people and beggars, including children
• Do not allocate more than 2 days to Manila - with a fairly large number of attractions, this is a noisy and dirty metropolis, and a vacation in the Philippines is, first of all, enjoying the unsurpassed nature of the islands
• Filipinos, like many Asians, are excessively slow, which should be taken into account when planning a travel itinerary - spend more time on the road and connections at the airport / train stations, etc., since flights are often delayed
• Do not be surprised that at the entrance to all shopping centers there are guards with machine guns, and you may be asked to search your belongings
• On the island of Luzon, as elsewhere in the Philippines, all kinds of fees (taxes) for visiting attractions, beaches, reserves, etc. are widespread.

Holidays in Luzon Island, Philippines - Tourist Reviews

Luzon is the largest and richest island in the Philippines. If you do not want or do not have the opportunity to visit other islands, a trip to Luzon can be made incredibly bright and rich in emotions. After spending 1-2 days in the capital of the Philippines - Manila, go to the natural attractions of the island of Luzon.

Visit Luzon's nature reserves and national parks, volcanoes, and snorkeling and diving sites. Take a trip to the Banaue or Batad rice terraces and follow trekking routes along the rice terraces. Linger for a few days in the mountainous region of Baguio before heading to the beaches in the south of Luzon. By boat, visit the islands neighboring Luzon and enjoy the paradise beaches and natural diversity of the Philippines. It is quite simple to organize travel around Luzon - transport is well established within the island: planes, trains, buses, ferries, boats, jeepneys, tricycles and taxis.

The largest number of offers for renting accommodation in Luzon is concentrated in Manila, there is also a good selection of hotels and other types of accommodation in Baguio, however, within the small resorts of Luzon, the choice of accommodation is quite good, there are hotels for every taste and budget. The main advice when booking accommodation in the Philippines, and in particular on the island of Luzon, is to do it in advance, especially if the trip falls during the holidays, as there are few really good rental options and they are quickly sorted out.

With a well-planned travel itinerary in Luzon, your trip will be colorful and memorable. Don't miss visiting the Luzon region when exploring the Philippines!

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