Uncover the North's best kept travel spots!
Sometimes, a staycation just won’t cut it for a good vacation. When the lust for adventure hits, you just have to seek a thrilling escape into nature. The good news is there are many destinations north of Manila to help you satisfy your craving for an exciting vacation. May it be an exciting hike, a historical site, or an interesting rock formation, the Philippines will never run out of experiences for the curious traveler. All you need is a full tank of gas in your car, a backpack of supplies, and a renewed sense of adventure!
Here are some hidden gems in the north to add to your bucket list this year.
1. Tinipak River
Trek to the Tinipak River in Daraitan, Tanay. Walk in the riverbanks of this gorgeous stretch of freshwater, which you can reach in just two hours! You can also try hiking Mt. Daraitan, which is near the area. It will take you roughly five hours to reach its summit, but the view will be worth it.
Tinipak River
Address: General Nakar, Quezon Province
2. Masungi Georeserve Park
Get mesmerized by the Sierra Madre mountain range while you enjoy the wonders of the Masungi Georeserve located in Baras, Rizal. It’s a 600 million-year-old rainforest that is home to over 350 documented flora and fauna.
Go spelunking in 66-million-year-old limestone caves, brave rope courses atop the forest canopy, and wander paved trails.
Reserve a visit with your barkadas and book now!
Masungi Georeserve
Address: Kilometer 47 Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970
Contact details: 0908 888 7002 | trail@masungigeoreserve.com
3. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija
Minalungao is derived from “mina” and “lungao”, which means gold mine in caves. The park covers over 2,000 hectares of natural beauty that overlooks the majestic Peñareda River that flows through a three-story limestone wall.
You can do so many things here such as cliff diving, kayaking, trekking, spelunking, and even food tripping on bamboo rafts that cruise along the river.
Minalungao National Park
Address: Minalungao National Park, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 3104
Contact details: support@minalungaonationalpark.com
Source: Klook
4. Kapurpurawan Rock Formations, Ilocos Norte
These rock formations fronting the Bangui Bay in Burgos, Ilocos Norte are certainly a sight to behold. Derived from the Ilocano word “puraw” which means white, these delicate limestone formations were carved by natural forces. The formation is approximately three kilometers from the main highway so one will need to trek just a little bit or go horseback riding to see it up close.
5. Nagsasa Cove
If you’re looking for a place to be completely off the grid, this destination is the best candidate for your next trip. A sister to the more popular Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa is located on the coast of Zambales. Like other popular destinations in the area, this beach was an unexpected result of the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption which completely changed the landscape of the area.
The site has no electricity or mobile signal, so if you’re looking to reset, head here.
6. Hidden Coves at Five Fingers
If one cove isn’t enough to satisfy your craving for adventure, how about five? In Mariveles, Bataan, you’ll find a quintuplet of obscure coves that resemble a full hand if you look at the map. You can hike up cliffs that are 20 to 40 feet or swim in the coves’ waters.
Mariveles Five Fingers
Address: Mawakis Cove Trail, Mariveles, Bataan
Contact details: 09059448960
Social: Facebook
7. Art Heritage Tour in Angono
Angono — the hometown of national artist Carlos ‘Botong Francisco’ and many other artists including Jose ‘Pitok Blanco and Nemi Miranda — has everything art lovers need. Visit various museums that house these painters’ works.
You can also see the oldest artwork in the Philippines, the Angono Petroglyphs, which date back to the late Neolithic period from 2,000 BC, here.
Botong Francisco's Art Museum
Address: 217 Dona Aurora St. Angono, Rizal 1930 Angono, Philippines
Social: Facebook
The Blanco Family Museum
Address: 312B A. Ibañez St, Angono, Rizal, 1930
Contact Details: (02) 8651 0048 | 0927 214 6485
Social: Facebook
Nemiranda Arthouse
Address: San Roque, Angono, Calabarzon, Philippines 1930
Contact Details: +638727-9989 | nemi_miranda@yahoo.com
Social: Facebook
Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs Site Museum
Contact Details: 0915 896 2166
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
