【講師コラム】エセル講師No.19～A Travel Guide to the Underrated Gems of Luzon～

The pandemic is over, and people worldwide are excited about finding the perfect sightseeing destination to unwind. The Philippines has always been on the travelers’ shortlist for its beautiful beaches like Boracay in Visayas, Siargao in Mindanao, and El Nido in Palawan.

But in this essay, I will not discuss the popular and beautiful beaches that our country is proud of. Instead, I will introduce you to some of the underrated places that local and foreign tourists often miss and must see.

I traveled around the Luzon region with one of my students who asked me to guide him through his journey. He wanted to explore the most interesting and remarkable parts of the Philippines, and he was not disappointed. He said, “Luzon has got a lot to offer.” I agree with him because I also did not expect that I could see such beautiful scenery and wonderful topography. Moreover, I discovered that the Luzon region has diverse cultures, great food, and friendly people. Here are some of the wonderful places in Luzon that I highly recommend for a visit.

•  [**Sagada**]

is known for its scenic and calming mountain valleys, rice fields, limestone caves, refreshing waterfalls, and cliffs that come with a sea of clouds. It is also a place where you can witness the unique tradition of hanging coffins, where the locals believe that the higher they place their dead relatives, the closer they are to heaven.

•  [**Vigan**]

 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few surviving Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Its architecture reflects the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China, and Europe, resulting in a townscape that has no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, ride a horse-drawn carriage, visit historical museums and churches, and taste the famous Vigan longganisa and empanada.

•  [**Taal Lake and Volcano**]

 Taal Volcano and Lake are the pride and joy of Tagaytay City. With 33 eruptions, it’s the second most active volcano in the Philippines. It’s signature is a huge cratered mouth and hilly sides that spill out into the Lake. But look a little bit closer and you’ll see that within the cratered mouth is a whole other Lake. And within that Lake, is another island. There is a volcano on a Lake, which has a Lake inside the volcano that has an island inside that Lake. If you’re still confused, that’s understandable. You’ll have to visit to see for yourself.

•  [**Intramuros**]　

is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. The moment you enter the walled city of Intramuros, you’ll feel like a time machine has brought you back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Going around this place, you will surely fall in love with its old-world charm. You can visit the majestic Fort Santiago, where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution; admire the stunning San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country; or join a walking or biking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Intramuros.

These are just some of the amazing places that you can explore in Luzon. There are many more hidden gems waiting for you to discover them. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip now and experience the beauty and diversity of Luzon for yourself. You will not regret it!