Luzon Highlights

Volcanoes, history, and dramatic landscapes

Country: Philippines 🇵🇭

Overview

Luzon is the largest and most diverse island in the Philippines. It combines the country’s main urban center with some of its most impressive and accessible volcanoes. This itinerary is ideal starting point to explore the Philippines.

This itinerary focuses on:

  • a short stay in Manila,
  • iconic volcano landscapes.

Total duration: 3-5 days, depending on pace.

Arrival – Manila (Makati Base) ▾


Manila is the main international gateway to the Philippines.
While overwhelming, it offers important historical and cultural context.

Where to stay:
• Makati – safer, walkable, and well-connected
• Avoid staying near the airport or in random districts

Highlights:
• National Museum complex (history, fine arts, anthropology)
• Intramuros – historic walled city
• Rizal Park and surrounding museums

Transport:
• Use Grab (reliable in Manila)
• Avoid public transport for sightseeing

Recommended stay:
• 2 nights only

Manila → Taal Volcano (Batangas) ▾


Taal is one of the most unusual volcanoes in the world,
located inside a lake within another volcano.

How to get there:
• Bus from Manila to Tagaytay or Batangas
• Private transfer if short on time

Highlights:
• Viewpoints overlooking Taal Lake and crater
• Short walks and viewpoints (no serious hiking required)

Important notes:
• Access to the crater itself is often restricted due to activity
• Even without crater access, views are impressive

Recommended stay:
• Day trip or 1 night in Tagaytay

Manila → Legazpi (Mayon Volcano) ▾


Legazpi is the gateway to Mayon Volcano, famous for its near-perfect cone shape.

How to get there:
• Domestic flight from Manila (strongly recommended), or
• Overnight bus (long and tiring)

Highlights:
• Mayon Volcano viewpoints from multiple angles
• Cagsawa Ruins – iconic church ruins with Mayon backdrop
• Countryside scenery and coastal views

Activities:
• Viewpoint visits and photography
• Short walks and nature stops
• No summit hikes required or recommended

Recommended stay:
• 2–3 nights

Return to Manila or Continue Travel ▾


From Legazpi or other regional airports:
• Fly back to Manila
• Or continue to another Philippine region (e.g., Cebu or Palawan)

Always allow buffer time:
• Weather delays are common
• Overland travel is slow

Transport notes

  • Grab works well in Manila, but not reliably elsewhere
  • Flights save enormous time for long distances (e.g., Manila ↔ Legazpi)

Best season

Best time to visit Luzon:

  • December–March – cooler and drier
  • April–May – hotter but still travelable

Less ideal:

  • June–October – rainy season, possible typhoons

Volcano visibility depends heavily on weather.