The Beauty and Wonders of South Luzon in the Philippines

 

The popularity of our country varies—depending on its reputation. Like the overly exploited streets in Manila—such as the famous Intramuros spot, the overpopulated sand beaches in Boracay, even up to the ever famous Bonifacio Global City that has a never-ceasing nightlife. As much as these places remain popular to tourists, there is so much more to this archipelago. From the biggest island, Mindanao, up to the infamous islets, Visayas, and last but not the least, the ever-busy Luzon. Luzon is well-known to be industry-based. It does not rely on self-survival; however, it mainly relies on business entities. Unfortunately, there are certain misconceptions regarding this particular island due to this. Thus, people tend to forget that this place is also part of the Philippine archipelago, a country that is much known for its white-sand beaches, rich cultural architecture, and a very good displacement on the map. 

Bonifacio Global City at Night

Starting from the central, let us move further below, South Luzon. This segment of Luzon is not underrated, but it also does not receive the appreciation that it truly deserves. Camping sites, beautiful mountain scenery, and white sand beaches, all these extra-curricular activities are available right on the spot. Beckoning the waves, hiking north, bonding with an affordable budget, South Luzon is literally ready to give you a place of healing and vacation. Here are some of the best places that you can visit.

Greater heights, better destinations

The cold wind of Tagaytay must not be the only thing that lures people to visit this cold momentum. After all, the infamous Taal Lake is literally located in the heart of this city. Overlooking such peaceful scenery gives you a recharge of energy—or maybe since there is a Starbucks café located nearby. Jokes aside, these vantage points will remain enough to keep on coming back to this iconic city. Just like the cold weather in Tagaytay, Mount Pico de Loro does not only give you such a vibe, it also pushes you to move—as it requires an enormous amount of hiking. However, it does not solely appear as tiring, since the accomplishment of reaching its summit is worth all the hype. This mountain raises its wings, just like how it resembles a parrot’s beak. These two dormant volcanoes will always remain in our history as it turns into our national heritage.

A fitting place for recreation

Masungi Georeserve

Childhood field trips, museums, and theme parks. Does it ring a bell? Well if it did, there must be a particular place that reminds you of such, like Enchanted Kingdom. This Disneyland-like theme park encourages not only young kids but also adults to enjoy and give aside a little time for fun. However, as much as kids are in it for the rides, adults prefer to consider this place like a shopping spot. This park lures you to spend money for yourself—from souvenirs to toys, Enchanted Kingdom is gladly welcome to cater to your recreational wishes. Recreation is nothing without nature-themed retreats; moreover, Masungi Georeserve might be your best place to visit. With its rustic rock garden, you are literally one with nature in this place. Camping is possible in this rainforest; it even has its infamous Amihan floating huts that give you peaceful scenery, on a very affordable budget. Who would have thought the city of Rizal was this much of a naturalist? Traveling to these locations in the south is made easier with the completion of the CALAX by the DPWH and its secretary Mark Villar. 

A dwell from the past

South Luzon does not only contain beautiful hotspots, this place is also rich in cultural heritage. Like an island that represents the scars from our Filipino roots, Corregidor Island is a place that serves as a remembrance for our ancestors’ heroic bravery. Once was a battlefield, now it has turned into one of the gems of our country. It has country homes and other facilities that allow you to visit and appreciate the roots of our Filipino independence. Moreover, our historical heritage does not only limit to this, a place called Fortune Island from Batangas is one of the reasons why. Fortune Island lives up to its name as it is cultivated by the rich nature of Batangas itself. Throughout the years, this island became infamous due to its access to various facilities that symbolize the true definition of a “vacation get-away”. Not only that, but to be in a place that allows you to take a rest and visit your roots, these places are definitely the most perfect ones for you to take a look into the past.

Fortune Island

What’s Luzon without bodies of water?

Luzon might appear as a large scrape of landmass, but it is not called an island for nothing. This landmass is literally around different types of bodies of water, like rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and beaches. South Luzon in addition, is no exception. In Batangas, which is fairly surrounded by beautiful bodies of water, there is this beautiful shoreline typically called “Laiya Beach”. Just like Boracay, these rich waters became an automated get-away place for city folks. Moreover, the country’s rich hotspots might only be known to be naturally given, but Lake Caliraya completely takes it to a whole new level. This beautiful body of water is a man-made lake coming from Caliraya Dam, an enormous water container filled with rich water. Once a water reservoir, has now turned into a man-made water park. To this day, this place is now a haven for family vacations and recreational water activities. All these water activities surely make this all-year summer country less hassle, don’t you think?

Wonders of South Luzon

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, it seems a bit unfortunate that we are still not yet able to visit, or re-visit these following hotspots. Enriching our own culture and reserves boosts the nation’s morale, as it encourages other people to recognize their own culture as well. The wonders of South Luzon are only one of a few dimes that this rich country contains. Being able to give insider information regarding such tourist gems will hopefully envision the pride that we want to relay. The beauty from within, a haven of peace, perfect sceneries—a place like South Luzon is naturally emitting.

It’s more fun in the Philippines, isn’t it?