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Island in the Philippines
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Luzon is the largest and the most populous island of the Philippines. This article also covers a number of nearby smaller islands.
Manila, the national capital, is in the National Capital Region (NCR). It is the country's main center for business, finance and the entertainment industries, and one of the world's largest cities in terms of both population and GDP.
The cool highlands of the country, famous for its majestic rice terraces, pine forests and rich culture.
Jam-packed with distinct cultures, tasty cuisine, and a wide range of natural attractions. This is where the well-preserved Spanish colonial town of Vigan is situated.
Vast valleys, lush jungles, mist-filled mountains, pristine waterfalls and stunning cave systems.
The central plains of the country. The thriving city of Angeles is where the common dish sisig was invented. Until the 1990s the air base that is now Clark Airport was the largest American military facility outside continental America. Historic Bulacan, on the other hand, was the seat of the first (but short-lived) Philippine government.
Due to its proximity to Manila, this region is a favorite destination for weekend getaways. Its diverse topography and colorful culture is what attracts tourists to this region.
Ideal region for adventurers – filled with volcanoes, beaches, caverns, coves, lakes and other natural wonders. Home to the exquisite Mayon Volcano, which is popular for its near-perfect cone shape.
By ferry
Luzon is connected to the other island groups and Palawan by RORO ferries. Key ports are Batangas, Manila and Matnog.
By bus
Luzon and most outlying islands are served by an extensive network of provincial buses, which are a cheap and popular mode of transportation.
By train
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) fell into disrepair in the 1980s. This has resulted in all intercity and overnight services being suspended.
By car
Luzon has tolled expressways, grade-separated highways with at least two lanes per direction separated by a median barrier, and interchanges.
By plane
Flying within Luzon is expensive and less common, as long-distance buses have good coverage of most cities and large towns, but they beat buses in speed.
By boat
Ferries connect the outlying islands with mainland Luzon, and also between other islands.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mabalacat · International · CRK
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Metro Manila (Filipino: Kalakhang Maynila), on the island of Luzon, is the national capital region of the Philippines. With a population of about 24 million people (2015), it is the smallest and most populous administrative region of the country, contributing 37% of the Philippines' GDP. It is the country's center of administration, business, education, diplomacy and entertainment, a huge metropolis with massive social contrasts which may even exceed those in Latin America, and are reflected in the contrasts of urban landscapes.
Angeles is a city in Pampanga province. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historical significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is best known for its high concentration of casinos and sometimes questionable nightlife (though that's changing; see "Drink" below).
For other cities by the name, see San Fernando (disambiguation). San Fernando, sometimes referred to in short as CSF or SFDO, is a city and capital of the province of Pampanga, known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
Calamba is a city in Laguna, Philippines, a major economic, transportation, and tourist hub in the Calabarzon region. It is the birthplace and ancestral location of the Philippines' National Hero, Jose Rizal, and one barangay, Pansol, is home to various hot spring resorts near Mount Makiling.
Antipolo is a highland city and the capital of the province of Rizal, Philippines. Sitting above a plateau 200 m (660 ft) above sea level, Antipolo is a respite from Manila's chaos, allowing a scenic view of an otherwise crowded and bustling metropolis.
Legazpi is the capital city of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region. It is one of the three cities that has a jurisdiction over the foothills of Mayon Volcano.
Baguio is a highland city of 366,358 people (2020 census) in the province of Benguet, Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather relative to the rest of the country, it is considered the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." The city is abundant in pine trees, so it is nicknamed the City of Pines.
location of the "Hundred Islands". Home to a total of 123 small islands with pristine beaches
home of the almost perfectly-cone shaped volcano Mayon volcano
famed rice terraces
beach activities, diving sites, old Spanish churches and the scenic Taal lake and volcano
ruins, historical shrines and World War II military installations
creamy white sand and pristine waters with abundant marine resources
white sand beaches with crystal clear waters
beautiful hikes, majestic caves, hanging coffins and serene mountains
resorts, beaches and a special economic zone
cool climate, lush terrain and scenic views of Taal Lake with its volcano
cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and heritage houses. This Spanish colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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