As an avid traveler, I’ve been to many tourist spots here in the Philippines, mostly in Luzon. While Northern Luzon has popular tourist spot destinations such as Baguio and Ilocos Norte, Southern Luzon has its own share of popular and beautiful destinations too.
Waterfalls:
Pagsanjan Falls, Cavinti, Laguna
A well-known attraction in the Philippines, this waterfall is also known as Magdapio Falls among locals. Personally, I’ve never been here but I really want to go here not just for the falls, but for the “shooting the rapids” experience! This is one of the options in order to get to the falls, the other option is much more intense (and scarier) I think. You have to trek down a steep steel ladder + vertical rappeling with a 90 degree angle! This is probably the reason why Pagsanjan Falls is very popular – you’ll already have a great adventure even before reaching the falls.
The falls have another attraction too which is called the Devil’s Cave. The cave is underneath the falls, so entering this cave will just double up the whole thrilling experience of visiting Pagsanjan Falls.
Taytay Falls, Majayjay Laguna.
While this waterfall is much smaller compared to Pagsanjan, Taytay falls is still a view to behold. I’ve been here two times and the last time I went here was back in 2014. The hike to the falls is only 20-30 minutes long, so its a pretty much a chill hike if you’ll ask me.
We had a refreshing swim there since the water was so cold! The water was also very clear and the surrounding trees add to the relaxing atmosphere of the place. The place can get really crowded during the summer months (March-May), so I suggest going on weekdays and non-holiday days.
Beaches:
Nasugbu, Batangas
Personally my favorite destination in the South – we usually go here twice or thrice a year. Just a 2-hour drive from Manila, (via Tagaytay) the beach of Nasugbu has become very popular due to its beach resorts that range from budget-friendly to luxury.
See also: Tagaytay Travel Guide
- Canyon Cove Resort
Official website: https://canyon.ph/canyon-cove/
- Amara Residences
Official website https://amararesidences.com/amara/
- Pico Sands Hotel
Official Website https://www.picosandshotel.com/
Laiya, Batangas
Located in San Juan, Batangas, Laiya is becoming popular due to its huge number of resorts available for all tourists. This is our go-to place every summer since 2008, and I’ve witnessed how Laiya has changed from a remote, quiet place to a bustling resort spot.
- Blue Coral Resort
Official website: https://bluecoralbeachresort.com.ph/
We stayed here last October 2019 and this is one of my favorite resorts so far because of its spacious infinity pool + clear beach waters.
- Kabayan Beach Resort
Official website: http://kabayanresort.com/
- La Luz Beach Resort
Official website: https://www.laluzbeachresort.com/
Cagbalete Island, Mauban Quezon
Just a 3-hour drive away from Manila, Cagbalete Island is known for its huge white sand bar that you can visit during low tide, and clear emerald waters. I’ve been here last 2016 and I was a witness to the beautiful sand bar- we did a lot of picture-taking.
Upon reaching Mauban Port, you need to take a large boat (travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour) which will take you to Cagbalete Island. The only downside to this Island is they have no electricity, although the resorts have an available generator which runs from 6 AM-6 PM. Aside from swimming and sightseeing, you can also go island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Check first with the resort if they will provide gear for you.
Resorts in Cagbalete:
Villa Cleofas https://www.cagbalete.net/
MVT Sto. Niño Resort https://www.facebook.com/mvtstoninobeachresort
Pansacola Beach Resort https://www.facebook.com/pansacolabeachresort/
Mountains
Mt. Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna
One of the most popular mountains in the Philippines, Mt. Makiling is known for its beauty and the famous legend behind it. According to the legend, the mountain is named after a woman named Makiling, a spirit who guides the mountain. If you will view the mountain from afar, you can see that the shape of the mountain looks like a lying woman, which is supposedly Makiling.
There are two trails going to the summit: The Sto. Tomas Trail in Batangas and Mariang Makiling Trail at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna. I’ve been in UPLB before and although I didn’t hike all the way to the summit, you can sense a feeling of mystery and magic in the mountain.
Since Mt. Makiling is near Metro Manila, many tourists and hikers go to this mountain. To know more about how to hike in Mt. Makiling, you can refer here
Mt. Banahaw, Dolores Quezon
This huge dormant volcano is very popular because of many supernatural and mystic happenings here. It is said that many spirits and deities dwell there and from what I’ve heard, many locals there believe that Jose Rizal’s spirit, the national hero of the Philippines still lingers there. This place is also popular among catholic devotees, since there are many spots there that are said to cure illness.
I’ve been here many years ago ( i think it was around the summer of 2006) and we went to Sta Lucia Falls (pictured above), a spring that is believed to cure sickness. When we went there, nothing supernatural happened except after we got out of the falls, we realized that our Coleman water Jug (a regular size one) is not losing water. That was weird since there are many of us ( around 10-12 people) and that was our only source of water. I remembered that all of us drank when we were having a picnic at the falls, so obviously, the jug won’t be full. However, when we checked inside, the jug is still full! This still boggles me up until today, so think it’s the work of the “spirits” dwelling there.
Aside from Sta Lucia Falls, some of the popular attractions of Mt. Banahaw are Jerusalem, St. Jacobs Well, and Justice Cave.
Treasure Mountain, Tanay Rizal
Last but not the least, this mountain is gaining popularity among tourists because of its location (it’s just a 1-2 hour drive from Manila) and the “sea of clouds” phenomenon.
Although I didn’t see the sea of clouds due to the rainy weather, I was still in awe of the view of the mountain – it’s still virgin and you won’t see any view of houses or buildings. Maybe this view won’t last long since there are already plans for development in the area, I just hope that it won’t destroy the beauty of the place.
See also: Trip to Treasure Mountain, Tanay Rizal
Aside from these places, I know that there is so much more to visit in Southern Luzon- and I can’t wait to travel there after this Pandemic!
How about you? Do you know other places in Southern Luzon aside from this list? Recommend me some and I’ll add those to my travel bucket list!
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