Cheap Flights to Luzon

Luzon is the main island of the Philippine archipelago and offers a wonderful and rare mix of the bustling modern metropolis of its capital Manila and the majestic emerald rice terraces dating back to more than 2,000 years. The island's awe-inspiring Cordillera mountain range rises to nearly 3,000 metres and attracts hikers and sightseers looking for peace and tranquillity. Visitors will find the locals overwhelmingly friendly whether in the busy city or in the mountainside villages. Luzon's capital has an alluring array of historic and interesting attractions from ancient Intramuros ruins and Fort Santiago to the National Museum of the Philippines and state-of-the-art Ocean View oceanarium.

Discover the island's natural beauty, visit the striking El Nido limestone sea stacks, the spectacular Pagsanjan Falls and one of the stunning island volcanoes such as Mayon. Mount Pinatubo crater is an unforgettable experience with its shimmering gemstone-like green waters and volcanic features. Activities for those seeking adventure include caving, diving, mountain biking, hiking and rafting in some of the world's most unspoilt and beautiful terrains. Annual festivals abound in Luzon with riotous costumes, dancing in the streets and some unusual folklore traditions. Panagbenga Festival held in Baguio City is a colourful flower fest, while the Sinulog-Santo Nino Festival is a cultural and religious celebration with numerous street parties.

Things to do

Luzon has a fantastic variety of memorable things to do. There are cultural and historic sites galore to visit including the Taal Heritage Village, UNESCO World Heritage Paoay Church and Fort Santiago. The latter has beautifully presented Rizal Shrine Museum and manicured gardens, fountains and plazas.

• Ancient Rice Terraces
  Banaue rice terraces are definitely not to be missed and are listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Easily accessible from Manila, their chiselled beauty is a dramatic sight spreading over the mountainside. Batad rice terraces are a great location for exploring the local villages and surrounding wilderness.

• Aquariums and Zoos
  Fun for all the family, a trip to Avilon Zoo which houses over 3,000 specimens and exotic wildlife is a must, or see the tigers at Zoobic Safari. Manila Ocean Park is a world class marine themed park and has an integrated boutique mall and restaurants.

• Shoppers Paradise
  A highly popular destination for visitors is SM Mall of Asia. It covers over 400,000 square metres and has 20 seater tram to help tourists and shoppers reach all parts of this amazing shopping, leisure and entertainment complex.

Calendar of Events

Throughout Luzon, there are festivals and events all year round -- some small and some hugely popular. There are harvest festivals, flower festivals, river and sea festivals and even a fertility festivals.

• The Pahiyas Festival. This takes place in May and it is one of the oldest festivals dating back to the 16th century. It celebrates the harvest, and there is music and colour and a lively atmosphere, all of which give thanks to San Isidro Labrador.

• Panagbenga Flower Festival. This event highlights the different cultures of its eleven tribes, including the Ibalois and Igorots. The street dances are inspired by these cultural tribes and it is a time of pageantry, parades, merrymaking and colourful fun.

• The Pagoda sa Wawa is a smaller more intimate affair held in the town of Bocaue in July. A barge carrying a beautifully decorated float is released on the river, while great music and good food is enjoyed by onlookers.