10 Best Things to Do in Luzon Philippines Guide 2025
Most tourists land in Manila only to take a connecting flight to Cebu, Palawan (El Nido, Coron) or Siargao. But what about Luzon, the island where Manila is located? Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, boasts stunning landscapes.
From stunning white beaches to active volcanoes, Luzon truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or seeking a relaxing escape, check out the 10 best things to do in Luzon. They’ll make you want to explore this off-the-beaten-path island on your next trip to the Philippines.
We’ve created a detailed travel guide for the top 3 best things to do in Luzon to make your visit easier.
8 Top Tour Picks in Luzon
Check out our handpicked tours in Luzon and tick off some must-see attractions.
- Caramoan: Island Hopping Tour starting from Catanduanes.
- Zambales: Experience the best Beach Hopping Tour from Manila.
- Mayon Volcano: Discover off-road trails on this exciting ATV tour.
- Mount Pinatubo: Explore the crater lake on a guided day tour.
- Banaue Rice Terraces: Explore stunning landscapes on a 4-day trek.
- Taal Volcano: See the best views with this guided tour.
- Hundred Islands: Explore beautiful islands on this tour.
- Dingalan Viewpoint: Discover Luzon’s hidden gem on a guided tour.
Map of the 10 Best Things to Do in Luzon
Open our free map pins in Google Maps to save them for your next trip.
10 Best Things to Do in Luzon
1. Caramoan Island Hopping
Caramoan Island Hopping is the best thing to do in Luzon Island and a truly hidden paradise in the Philippines.
Imagine a place similar to El Nido or Coron but with almost no tourists. Yes, there are white sand beaches and limestone rock formations like those in Palawan, but here you can enjoy the serenity of having this paradise all to yourself.
We highly recommend Caramoan Island Hopping to anyone who shares our passion for stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Top 3 Hotels in Caramoan
- Budget ($): Magindara Guesthouse
- Mid-range ($$): RMTM’s Beachfront
- Luxury ($$$): Tugawe Cove Resort
2. Zambales Beach Hopping
Another best thing to do in Luzon is Zambales Beach Hopping, an amazing getaway from Manila, located just a 3-hour ride away.
The boat tours starting from Pundaquit Beach in Zambales take you to a hidden paradise of beaches and islands, featuring turquoise waters, white sand and lush vegetation, typically visited only by local tourists. This place is completely off the beaten path for international travelers and promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Popular beach destinations in Zambales include Capones Island, Camara Island, Anawangin Cove, Talisayen Cove and Nagsasa Beach. We enjoyed island and beach hopping, as each destination offered a unique experience. Our favorite part of the tour was hiking to the Anawangin Viewpoint, which provided a breathtaking view of the bay.
Top 3 Hotels in Zambales
- Budget ($): Balai Subik Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Charm’s Place
- Luxury ($$$): Moonbay Marina the Villas
3. Mayon Volcano
Exploring Mayon Volcano, located in Legazpi City, with its perfectly shaped cone and breathtaking surroundings, is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Philippines. Bring your camera to capture the volcano and lush landscapes. In our ultimate guide, we show you the best Mayon Volcano viewpoints.
Beyond its captivating views, Mayon Volcano is an adventurer’s playground, offering activities like hiking, ATV rides and ziplining for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Top 3 Hotels in Legazpi
- Budget ($): Arimbay – RedDoorz
- Mid-range ($$): Balai Tinay Guesthouse
- Luxury ($$$): The Marison Hotel
4. Mount Pinatubo Volcano Trek
Famous for its dramatic eruption in 1991, Mount Pinatubo now attracts adventurers with its breathtaking crater lake. The turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged landscapes, make it a must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Join a trek or a 4×4 adventure to explore this geological wonder.
Discover the best accommodations near Mount Pinatubo.
5. Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and were built by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago. These hand-carved terraces showcase a blend of nature and culture. A visit to Banaue provides not only stunning views of the lush green landscape but also insights into the rich heritage of the region.
Discover the best accommodations near Banaue Rice Terraces.
6. Calaguas Islands Camping
The Calaguas Islands are a group of unspoiled islands featuring powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for camping and beach getaways, these islands remain relatively untouched
Discover the best accommodations near Calaguas Islands.
7. Donsol Whaleshark Snorkel
Known as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World,” Donsol offers an extraordinary opportunity to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. Snorkelers and divers flock here during peak season to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. The experience is designed to be both sustainable and eco-friendly, ensuring the well-being of the whale sharks and the environment.
Discover the best accommodations near Donsol Whaleshark Snorkel.
8. Taal Volcano and Taal Lake
Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, is one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the Philippines. It’s unique for having a lake within a volcano and another small island within that lake. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, hiking trails and panoramic views from nearby towns like Tagaytay.
Discover the best accommodations near Taal Volcano.
9. Hundred Islands National Park
Located in Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands National Park is an archipelago of over 120 islands scattered across the Lingayen Gulf. Each island has its own charm, offering activities like snorkeling, kayaking and cliff diving. It’s a fantastic destination for island hopping and water sports.
Discover the best accommodations near Hundred Islands National Park.
10. Dingalan Viewpoint
Often called the “Batanes of the East” Dingalan in Aurora Province boasts stunning views of rugged cliffs, rolling hills and beautiful beaches. It’s a haven for hikers and photographers, with breathtaking spots like Dingalan Lighthouse and Dingalan Mountain View.
Discover the best accommodations near Dingalan Viewpoint.
