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Luzon
Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands. Its spectacular landscape is made up of mountainous regions in the north, the flat vistas of the central plain, lakes and volcanoes in the southern peninsula, and a coastline dotted with caves and sandy-beached islands. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, lies on the island's east coast (see Manila & Area).
BAGUIO: 250km (150 miles) north of Manila is Baguio, 1525m (5000ft) above sea level, a cool haven from the summer heat. It is accessible both by air and land, though the drive up the zigzagging Kennon Road is more popular as it offers spectacular views of the countryside. Baguio has a good variety of restaurants, mountain views and walking excursions. Main attractions include The Mansion, summer residence of the Philippine president; Bell Church; Baguio Cathedral; and the Crystal Caves, composed of crystalline metamorphic rocks and once an ancient burial site.
BANAUE: Banaue is eight hours’ bus ride north of Baguio. A remote mountain community lives here, and tourists can visit their settlements. The beautiful rice terraces are the main attraction of this area. A breathtaking sight, they rise majestically to an altitude of 1525m (5000ft), and encompass an area of 10,360 sq km (4000 sq miles). The terraces were hand-carved some 2000 years ago using crude tools cutting into once barren rock, each ledge completely encompassing the mountain. Now listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites, they offer an unforgettable sight to tourists and trekkers in the area (see also Sport & Activities ). Banaue has a tourist hotel and many good pensions.
HUNDRED ISLANDS: Lying off the coast of Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands group is made up of 400 islets surrounded by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This area is ideal for swimming and fishing. Hundred Islands is the second-largest marine reservation in the world, teeming with over 2000 species of aquatic life. The caves and domes of Marcos Island and the Devil’s Kitchen are worth exploring.
The entire province of Palawan is a remarkable terrain for adventure and exploration, with its primeval rainforests, St Paul’s Underground River and Tubattaha Reef. Inter-island cruises around northern Palawan are now available.
ELSEWHERE: Mindoro island, reached by ferry from Batangas pier and south of Manila, is a place where the stunning scenery includes Mount Halcon, 2695m (8841ft) high, Naujan Lake and Tamaraw Falls.
La Union, situated on the northwest coast of Luzon, has some of the best beach resort facilities on the island. There are regular buses to La Union from Manila and Baguio.
Bicol Region, situated in the east, is developing as a tourist destination and offers beaches, hotels and sights such as the Mayon Volcano, a nearly perfect cone, and the Kalayukay Beach Resort.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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