Summer Destination? Check out North and Central Luzon

Excited about summertime?

You know, that hot dry season that we experience here in the Philippines where the sun seems to shine and burn even brighter than ever?

That’s the one.

And what’s the best way to enjoy that summer heat? 

Surely, it’s beyond the perimeters of your house and lot or your condo building.

And if you’re looking forward to sipping cool smoothies while getting that sun-kissed skin, you’re also probably looking for places to visit either alone or with your family in tow. 

Whether you want to pack for a long solo trip or simply spend a few days off and unwind with family and friends,  choose from this list of summer destinations you can visit.

Looking for a vacation home, too?

You may also browse our listed properties for North Luzon and Central Luzon, and make plans for a summer home as well. 

We’ve also included a featured project for each area just for you.

Ready?

Here goes. 

1. Baguio City

Summer capital, you say?

It’s still Baguio City for most travelers. 

And for good reason. 

Bring your jackets along and enjoy the cool temperature as you stroll around the City of Pines and visit its must-see attractions. 

Where to go?

Top two places to visit include Burnham Park and Camp John Hay, both of which are great reminders of the American Colonial Period. 

You can also relish your strawberry taho and strawberry ice cream while also feasting on familiar sights and tourist favorites starting off with the Botanical Garden and Mines View Park. 

Finally, you can go horseback riding at Wright Park which is situated just beside The Mansion—another photo-op favorite. 

Ohmyhome project spotlight: Canyon Hill

Developed by Crown Asia, a Vista Land Company, Canyon Hill stands nine (9) stories high and is the perfect vacation home that lets you enjoy the cool and crisp air of Baguio City right out of your doorstep. Equipped with a fitness gym and swimming pool, you’ll definitely be able to keep that active lifestyle while enjoying leisure time in your new summer abode. The price range for a one-bedroom unit starts at PHP5,400,000. 

2. Vigan City

Up for a historic and gastronomic adventure?

Head on to Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur. 

Recognized for being one of the best-managed UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vigan is a wonder that’s surely worth your while. 

What’s there to see?

Stroll down its cobblestone streets and tour the townscape as it boasts of its colonial Spanish beauty infused with cultural heritage that marks the mix of colonialism and cultural influence, over the years.

Calesa ride, anyone?

Get onboard a horse-drawn carriage as you tour its streets and continue towards the city’s tourist attractions such as Baluarte Vigan (Fortress of Vigan) where a mini zoo awaits visitors and Calle Crisologo’s lineup of heritage houses where capiz shell windows greet you along with its appealing architecture.

As for the food?

Vigan cuisine will definitely tickle your taste buds with its distinct taste. Among the iconic and noteworthy Ilocano dishes that Vigan is proud of include Vigan longganisa, bagnet, dinengdeng, and pinakbet, to name a few. You’ll be able to enjoy these and more at food stalls like the one in Plaza Burgos. You can also opt to dine at Cafe Leona and the Heritage Mansion, for a unique Ilocano dining experience.

Ohmyhome project spotlight: Camella Bantay

Camella Bantay is located at Barangay Cabaroan, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, just a few minutes away from the city of Vigan. Aside from having easy transportation access via Partas Bus Line, this Spanish-themed house and lot development is also accessible to schools, hospitals, churches, landmarks, and places such as Vigan City Public Market. A four-bedroom house and lot ranges from PHP 4,400,000 – PHP 4,700,000.

3. La Union
   
   In the mood for some beach vibe?

Situated approximately 273 km north of Manila, this prominent province is also known as the surfing capital of the North. Surrounded by Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Benguet, and the South China Sea, La Union is just a land trip away from the Metro.

            But there’s more to La Union than the usual sand and sea combo. 

While surfing in San Juan, La Union is the number one activity that most tourists look forward to when visiting La Union, what others do not know is that there’s more beyond the shores.

One good example?

Bascil Ridge.

Located East of the city proper is a place where history meets hobby.

How so?

Because while Bascil Ridge hosts the 10-km mountainous terrain (Naguilian Epic trail) where you can go biking or cycling, it also holds a piece of history with it as it served as a final retreat for the Japanese Imperial Army. 

Your reward for reaching the top?

It’s a breathtaking view of the San Fernando coastline.

  Looking for other activities in La Union?

You can also visit the Pindangan Ruins which was an old Catholic church built by Spanish priests around 1764 or go on a river cruise and explore the Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park.

Ohmyhome project spotlight: Lumina Homes San Juan

About 15-minutes away from San Juan and San Fernando, La Union, Lumina Homes San Juan can be your potential vacation home as it is so close to the beach and other leisure areas. Plus points for its amenities such as a basketball court, mini gardens, and a playground. A one-bedroom home is within the range of PHP 530, 000 to PHP 914,000, while a three-bedroom duplex can cost from PHP 1,318,000 to PHP 1,384,000.

4. Pangasinan

Named after the people’s source of livelihood, Panagasinan or Pangasinan literally means “where salt (asin) is made”. 

And now that its recent 442nd founding anniversary celebration has also marked the return of festivals and boosted tourism in the province, Pangasinan promises to be a worthwhile destination for your next summer trip.

So, where do you start?

Love caves?

Bolinao, Pangasinan, for example, has three famous caves for you to explore. One of them, the Wonderful Cave, boasts of impressive stalactite-lined ceilings—a natural reflection of art and beauty.

Want to go camping by the beach?

Just head on straight to Patar Beach in Bolinao and enjoy the serenity that comes from the sand and the sea.

Ohmyhome project spotlight: Amaia Scapes Urdaneta
Developed by Amaia (a housing arm of Ayala Land), Amaia Scapes Urdaneta combines affordable housing with appealing amenities that are surely meant to make your vacation days extra memorable. For the price range, an Amaia Scape Single Home starts at PHP 3,000,000, Twin Homes around PHP 2,600,000 to 3,000,000, while Bungalow Pods start at PHP 1,700,000.

5. Batanes

Looking for a tranquil travel spot?

The boulder beaches and wave-cut cliffs of the northernmost province of the Philippines could be your next summer destination. 

Included in UNESCO’s tentative list of heritage sites, this smallest province both in population and land area (209 sq km) is also known for its zero crime rate. It even has an Honesty Store where no one mans the store and people are allowed to simply leave their payments in store.  

Reach it by plane at Basco airport in the town proper and then explore the tourist spots using a bike, motorcycle, or a tricycle. And if you fancy island tours, you may hop on a boat ride and visit the neighboring islands, too.

Ohmyhome project spotlight: Lessandra Tuguegarao
A Spanish-Mediterranean community at the heart of Barangay Larion Alto, Lessandra Tuguegarao provides easy access to Tuguegarao City Airport and Terminals. With quality yet affordable units coupled with great amenities, you’re bound to fall in love with Lessandra Tuguegarao’s house and lots. Here, two-bedroom properties range from PHP 2,800,000 – PHP 3,300,000, while three-bedroom units are priced around PHP 3, 300,000 to PHP 4, 500,000.

6. Pampanga

Despite being known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga welcomes summertime visitors with a feast for the senses.

Our favorite tourist spots?

Bring the whole family for thrilling outdoor activities at the Sandbox in Porac, Pampanga or cool down and splash around on the water slides at Aqua Planet in Clark, Pampanga. 

Looking to reconnect with nature?

Try a day hike tour in the nearby Mt. Arayat National Park or trek towards Miyamit Falls in Porac, Pampanga.

And after a tiring day?

Settle down and feast on the best Filipino dishes and Kapampangan cuisine like the ones found on the menu of Aling Lucing Sisig in Angeles, Pampanga.

Ohmyhome project spotlight: The Arcadia
Situated in Porac, Pampanga, The Arcadia is a project developed by Sun Trust Properties. It features modern contemporary homes with resort-inspired amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, basketball court, children’s play area, pocket parks and open activity spaces. Two-storey, four-bedroom houses start at PHP 5,379,890. 

You’ve probably decided which summer destination to go to, by now. 

In fact, you may have even decided that coming back to these summer spots on a regular basis is a great way to spend your weekends. Think about it, wouldn’t it be nice to wake up without having to worry about check-out time or travel time back home?

Or, if you’re up for it, living in a house closer to these destinations can also be a surefire way to enjoy all year-’round. You can even rent it out to tourists if you want to earn some income.

In that case, you can always reach out to us here at Ohmyhome Philippines and we’ll gladly assist you in getting a place for you and your family in the North or Central Luzon areas.

Just a quick note:

While travel restrictions may have started easing up, it’s still good practice to check out recent COVID-19 updates and announcements in every place you intend to visit. And, while you’re at it, make sure you practice social distancing and keep your masks on to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer experience.

So, are you ready to take those Instagram-worthy photos at your next destination?

Get your mobile phones and cameras ready for the summer!

Book a free consultation with an Ohmyhome property agent today to get started! For more information on the best and latest property listings nationwide and how our Ohmyhome’s online ecosystem helps investors like you, visit Ohmyhome.com or download the official Ohmyhome app.

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Ohmyhome was launched in the Philippines in September 2020, following the company’s establishment of a tech team in the country in 2017. Ohmyhome was originally founded in 2016, and subsequently rose in Singapore as a leading PropTech solution and licensed real estate agency.

Ohmyhome expanded into the Philippines so that Filipino home seekers can have a real estate partner that they can trust to have their best interests at heart and can be relied upon to provide exceptional services throughout the entire property journey.

Featuring thousands of properties across many of the Philippines’ major real estate brands, Ohmyhome differs from other local platforms by going the extra mile and extensively helping buyers narrow down their choices and find the property that best suits their budgets, home needs, and lifestyle preferences.

The company’s Real Estate Agents not only help in the shortlisting of options but also provide professional services through the entire purchasing process. These include assistance in property inspections, negotiations, the finalization of the Conditions of Sale, deposit collection, the submission of property documents, as well as providing buyers regular updates.

Ohmyhome helps Filipinos find their dream homes, all while making sure each real estate transaction is complete and is an efficient and enjoyable experience.

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