Discovering Luzon

Travelling abroad for leisure has become prohibitive for most Filipinos, especially with the restrictive foreign exchange rates and increasing fuel prices, the latter resulting in higher airfares. This does not mean though that we should stop traveling for leisure. After all, why discover foreign lands when we haven’t seen much of our own. Take central and northern Luzon for example.

These regions have so much to offer for much less. Why spend for expensive packaged tours for two to Hong Kong when you can bring the whole family to Subic or Clark, spend a long weekend, with shopping money to spare. Many city dwellers have yet to discover the number of vacation spots further north like in Zambales, Pangasinan and La Union which have been upgrading and improving their facilities and services since the completion of the new North Luzon Expressway.

These are facilities and services that Taiwanese, Chinese and Koreans are raving about. The welcoming waters of the Philippine beaches have always been gratifying to everyone’s eyes, local and foreign alike.

In Bangui-Pagudpod Beach in Ilocos Norte is a stretch of beaches and resorts in the two municipalities which are being promoted as tourist estates, beaches which not even Bali in Indonesia can compete against. Six kilometers south of San Fernando, La Union are the Bauang beaches where kids can enjoy the sand lined coast from Baccuit to Pagdalagan.

They offer great accommodation and amenities that will satisfy even the most discerning traveler. There is also the Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan. Islets that look like giant turtles scattered off the coast of Lucap in Alaminos compose the nature and recreational park.

Many spots between the islets are ideal for swimming and snorkeling because of the shallow waters. Have lunch at the picnic groves, or even your own islet for the day and cherish the views by the view decks available on some islets. Beaches in Zambales are also divine.

Try driving by Barangay La Paz at San Narciso, Zambales. Surfers enjoy the waves that brush off to shore. Surfboards are available for your amusement and instructors are there to ensure your safety. Water sports are also offered in Montemar, Sun Moon, Fajardo’s and Morning Breeze Beach Resort in Bataan. Jetskiing and windsurfing are one of their best amenities. These are just some of the great beaches.

But let’s not forget Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines because of its cold climate and cozy atmosphere. The five to seven hours travel time is definitely worth it as many of us who have been there can attest to. Stroll along the famous Burnham Park and Session Road.

And the view at Mine’s View Park is definitely a killer. If you want to experience the finest of health tourism that Luzon can offer, visit the new Mt. Pinatubo Wellness Spa, which features a fascinating oasis amidst a picturesque pastoral environment among rolling hills and mountain ranges.

So think twice about taking those costly leisure trips abroad when you can drive and head for so many wonderful destinations in central and northern Luzon.

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