East is a delicate matter. Therefore, before going on vacation to Luzon, Philippines, the traveler should be well prepared for the trip: find out local prices, attractions, as well as ways of interesting leisure and outdoor activities. Luzon Island is a unique place where a developed tourist infrastructure coexists with pristine natural beauty. It seems that on this island there are still places where no human has gone before. Holidays on the island of Luzon are protected nature and bright, rich programs for recreation and shopping. What exactly to choose, each traveler decides for himself.
Luzon Island is home to the country's main city, Manila, the capital of the Philippines. There is a large international airport in Manila. Flights from Manila fly daily from Domodedovo airport, the flight schedule can be found on the airport's official website. As a rule, these are not direct flights, but flights with transfers in the capitals of Europe and Asia.
Locals and travelers often call Luzon "The Country of a Hundred Islands", since the geographical name "Luzon" is traditionally taken to mean not only the island where Manila is located, but also the whole archipelago of nearby islands.
Weather and climate on the island: what you need to know
Luzon is an island, so the climate there is very specific, it is a typical maritime climate. The air temperature is quite high all year round, twenty-seven - thirty degrees. But there is also a rather significant minus - very high air humidity. Travelers unaccustomed to this climate may feel uncomfortable at first.
Before leaving for Luzon, you must definitely clarify when the next tourist season will begin on the island, because from July to October typhoons are approaching the island, sweeping away everything in their path. At this time, for safety reasons, it is best to refrain from visiting Manila and other localities in its vicinity. It is best to go to the island in late autumn, winter or early spring.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and inns on the island of Luzon. The cost depends on the services provided and living conditions. The traveler can easily choose where he would like to live: in an economy-class hotel or in a five-star hotel.
It should be borne in mind that the tourist season in Luzon does not begin in summer, but in autumn (due to the peculiarities of the climate and frequent summer typhoons). Between October and March, it is advisable to book a hotel room well in advance of the trip, as the most popular hotels at this time are overcrowded with vacationers. Large hotels on the island of Luzon are not just places to stay for tourists, but mega-centers, which are:
- Conference rooms with lighting and sound equipment for public events;
- Beauty salons, spas and wellness centers;
- Sports halls and fitness centers;
- Children's playgrounds with animation programs for young travelers.
The most popular hotels in Luzon Island are Belmost Hotel Manila, Golden Phoenix Hotel, City Garden Grand Hotel. These are premium hotels. Also on the island there are hotels and hotels of the world's largest hotel chain Novotel. For example, one of the best hotels of this hotel chain in Southeast Asia is located in the center of Manila. For travelers on a more modest level of income, there are many economy class hotels. However, at the height of the tourist season, it is recommended to book in advance in cheaper hotels and inns.
Active holidays on the island of Luzon
Luzon is renowned for its natural beauty. Lovers of outdoor activities will certainly appreciate them. Those who love wildlife in its original form should definitely visit:
- The island's beaches, where you can go diving, surfing and other water sports;
- nature reserve Hidden Valley, where there are picturesque waterfalls and you can meet rare animals - lemurs. It is no coincidence that this reserve is called "Hidden Valley", because it is located in a calm, secluded place, hidden from prying eyes. Here the unity of nature and man is most fully felt. This is one of the few places on earth where you can find these animals in large numbers. Lemur is one of the rarest animals on earth. In the wild, they live mainly in Madagascar. Outwardly, lemurs resemble small monkeys. These cute animals have huge eyes, bushy tail and tenacious legs that allow you to easily climb any tree;
- famous volcanoes. Some of them are located on the island of Mindanao. To get to the island of Mindanao from Luzon, you can use water transport. The islands of Luzon and Mindanao are seismically active, and thrill seekers will certainly enjoy visiting active and extinct volcanoes. The most famous volcanoes in Luzon are Taal Volcano, Pinatubo Volcano, Mayon Volcano;
- sagada cave. Once upon a time there was an ocean on the site of the cave. Then the ocean became shallow due to global climate change, and the cave was used as a place for ritual burials, so the atmosphere in this place is very specific. You can get into the cave only as part of an organized excursion. Despite the fact that the cave is located at great depths, there is a cellular connection. Guides offer travelers special SIM cards for mobile phones. However, most tourists prefer to do without them in order to enjoy the stunning atmosphere of isolation from the world.
Where to go on the island
Luzon is a great place for families and children. Here the traveler will not have to think long about what to do. There are unique historical sights in different parts of the city.
How to get around the city?
It is best to rent a car, but you can also walk. The main thing is to wear comfortable shoes so as not to get tired of walking. Luzon Island is famous for its ecclesiastical monuments. Among them are the Small Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Church of St. Augustine. These are active churches, and those who wish can visit them for services.
The time of the festive services can be checked with the representatives of the temple administration. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the official cathedral of Luzon; this temple is actively visited by both local believers and tourists. Those who are interested in the history of the island of Luzon, life and art of local peoples should definitely visit the National Museum of the Philippines.
The ethnographic exposition of this museum in a visual and accessible form tells about the history of the Philippines, as well as about the life of local peoples. The museum exhibits costumes, household items, works of art and handicrafts of the indigenous people of the Philippines. The museum can book a group or individual tour in English.
After seeing all the sights of Luzon, you can book an excursion to the city of Baguio (local name - Baguio), which is nearby. This city is rightly called “the summer capital of the Philippines.” Baguio also has numerous monuments of iconic architecture and the famous Burnham Park for sports and outdoor activities. You can also visit the city of Pasig, one of the largest cities in the country with a developed infrastructure.
Treatment
Luzon is one of the most popular hydrotherapy centers in Southeast Asia. On the territory of Luzon and nearby islands there are hydrothermal springs with healing waters. In many hotels, tourists are offered a wide range of health treatments, depending on the existing disease. Spa treatments are also available to those who wish; wellness centers and beauty salons operate in hotels. Before going to the island for treatment with the healing waters, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
On the island of Luzon, the following types of acute and chronic diseases are successfully treated with the help of hydrotherapy:
- skin diseases;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- chronic stress, overwork, chronic fatigue syndrome.
Water treatments will also be useful for healthy travelers, as hydrotherapy strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance. Hydrotherapy centers in Luzon and the surrounding islands are very popular with both tourists and residents of the Philippines.
Those interested in original treatments can visit local alternative medicine centers. In these centers you can see how healers - Filipino healers work. Healers can perform a complex operation without the use of medical instruments, using solely their hand power. However, such methods of treatment are not suitable for everyone, so you should not trust your body to a healer without consulting a doctor.
What to try
In the Philippines, as in many other countries in Southeast Asia, food is taken very seriously. You can try national dishes in inexpensive cafes and restaurants located on the territory of hotels and in the historical center of the island. It should be borne in mind that in the center the cost of service in cafes and restaurants is significantly higher than in the periphery. The national cuisine of the Philippines is a real combined "hodgepodge" of traditional dishes from Spain, China and Malaysia. Here, the traveler will not have to think long about what to try: all the dishes look bright and appetizing.
There are few vegetarians in the Philippines, and the most popular foods in the local diet are pork, sea fish and seafood. For travelers who are fasting or who prefer vegetarian food, it is best to eat in hotels, in cafes and restaurants designed for tourists, as there is a large selection of dishes for every taste. And for those who want to try all the best local cuisine, it is best to eat in cafes and restaurants designed for local residents. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that the food may have an unusual taste due to local spices and be quite spicy.
Natural attractions
Among the natural beauties of the island of Luzon, one can note the stunning protected places that fascinate with their pristine, untouched by man, nature. You can get to these places by water transport; hotel administrators can tell the details about the organized excursions. Here are some things to see on Luzon Island for those who like boating and secluded beaches:
- Visayas (locally called Visayas), famous for their wonderful beaches;
- Alabat Island;
- Lake Laguna de Bay (local name Laguna de Bay);
- Pangsangkhan waterfall;
- Lingaen Bay;
- Manila Bay.
- Bay of Subic Bay (Bay) known as the former military base of the Americans. On the territory of the bay you can find animals, birds and fish of the rarest species.
The Philippine nature includes volcanoes and waterfalls, as well as secluded beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand. On the territory adjacent to the largest beaches of Luzon, there are prestigious resort hotels designed for beach lovers. The hotels offer a wide range of services, including rental of equipment for diving and other water sports.
What is near Luzon and where to go during your vacation
The name "Luzon" refers not only to one island, but to a whole group of islands that are adjacent to each other. You can get to the nearby islands by water transport. Luzon hotels offer a variety of guides, including organized excursions to nearby towns. During the excursions, it will be possible not only to take unique photos, but also to learn about the history of Luzon, about its twin cities, about the past and present of this paradise. In the vicinity of Luzon Island, you can visit such interesting places as:
- Corregidor Island (locally called Corregidor) is a unique place in the vicinity of Luzon, where there is a museum of military equipment. Old military equipment will certainly interest all the stronger sex, as well as children. During the Second World War, the military base of the United States of America was located here. There are also healing springs and hydrotherapy centers on the island;
- Small town of San Jose. Every spring, San Jose hosts bright national holidays as part of the Binirayan Festival. The festival celebrates the first arrival of the Malays on the island. This memorable event took place in the thirteenth century, and is still celebrated every year with a large-scale celebration. Also in San Jose, every year, the day of the memory of St. Joseph, who, according to legend, founded this city, is celebrated on a grand scale;
- Benguet Province. In 2004, locals entered the Guinness Book of Records when they made the world's largest strawberry pie. In the province of Benguet, a colorful flower festival with a costume procession is held annually. During the festival, festive costume processions are held, local and visiting artists perform, a competition for the best flower costume is held, flower fairs are open;
- Rizal Park in Manila. The park is named after the local revolutionary poet and politician of the nineteenth century, Jose Rizal. Risal is respected by the locals for fighting for the independence of the Philippines. The monument to the poet stands in the center of the park and immediately attracts the attention of those walking. There are other interesting monuments in the park. The park also features a Japanese-style garden dedicated to the Philippines' friendship with Japan. In the park you can relax, have a picnic, listen to performances by local musicians and singers. The calm atmosphere is conducive to friendly communication. Animators offer vacationers various directions of entertainment programs.
What to take with you
A traveler who goes to the island of Luzon should definitely take with him:
- Suit, sports equipment and accessories for beach recreation, diving and other water sports;
- Comfortable footwear for visiting Sagada Cave;
- Everything you need for wellness procedures and bathing in healing springs;
- Photo camera and video camera;
- Those who want to stay in touch all the time can take a laptop and a cell phone with them, since the cellular communication of international operators works well in the Philippines, and most hotels have free wi-fi internet.
What to bring to family and friends from the island of Luzon
Luzon is a great place to shop. There are large shopping malls of the European type, as well as small private shops, as well as famous Asian markets. Markets offer local agricultural products (fresh vegetables and fruits), meat, fish and seafood, and traditional street food in mobile tents. As a rule, this is pork with rice and seafood, as well as noodles. Baking is also very popular. However, you should not get carried away with street food because of the large number of spices and flavor combinations that are unusual for Europeans.
It is best to send for shopping for family in the capital of the Philippines, Manila. You can bring as a gift to your family and friends such useful, tasty and beautiful gifts as:
- Local fruits, as well as dried fruits and various fruit sweets made according to the recipe of local residents;
- Paintings from seashells. Filipino artists make paintings of various formats and genres from them, from abstraction to genre scenes from the life of local peasants;
- Strong alcoholic drinks. Representatives of the sterner sex will certainly appreciate a beautifully packaged bottle of the famous Filipino rum - a favorite drink of brave captains and fearless sea robbers-pirates;
- Products made by local craftsmen from fabric and straw: bags, decorative panels, clothes and hats;
- Pearl jewelry. It is best to choose pearl jewelry after consulting a guide or tour guide, as recently, fake pearls are often sold to tourists in jewelry stores aimed at foreigners for a lot of money. It is better not to be tempted by products made of black pearls, because this type of pearl is most often counterfeited by the locals.
Environmental problems
Those who travel to Luzon should keep in mind that Manila is the largest industrial center and, in this regard, the island of Luzon is a rather polluted place. On the island, especially on the outskirts of Manila, there are illegal dumps of industrial waste. Manila's factories and factories pollute the air with exhaust gases, and the Pasig River bears the "honorary" title of one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
There are several rivers on the island of Luzon that are considered biologically dead due to high levels of pollution. Due to this, travelers are not advised to settle in large industrial areas. It is better to choose a hotel or hotel on the territory belonging to a large beach or nature reserve. Currently, the Manila authorities are actively working on solving environmental problems, however, the problems remain relevant.
A vacation on the island of Luzon will certainly give the traveler wonderful moments, which can then be remembered all year long by looking at photos and videos. In order for the trip to be really successful and memorable for a long time, you need to properly prepare for the trip and learn as much as possible about this paradise. Then rest will be only a joy, and small difficulties will be easily resolved.
In the south, Luzon is connected by a narrow isthmus of Tayabas with the Bicol Peninsula stretching in a southeast direction. The relief of Luzon is characterized by medium-high mountainousness. The island has about 20 volcanoes capable of eruption. The coasts of the island, especially from the west and south, abound in bays and bays.
It is impossible to calculate exactly how many races, nationalities, ethnic groups and their separate groups, tribes, including the smallest, and all mestizos are represented by the population of the island, for the capital of which the nickname "Philippine Babylon" is fixed. The same can be said for languages, although this does not mean that the inhabitants of the island have barriers to communication. All of them speak Tagalog (Filipino), colloquial Pidgin English, many - in classical English, some still remember Spanish.
History
According to the theory of the settlement of Luzon, accepted by the world of scientists and not yet refuted by anyone, this happened about 15,000 years ago, when the Philippines (and above all this future island) were connected to Eurasia by a land "bridge". Then, about 7000-8000 years ago, due to the significant warming of our planet's climate, this "bridge" sank into the ocean. The resettlement to Luzon in ancient times began, according to anthropological terminology - Australoid negritos who inhabited East Asia in ancient times. They are followed by people of the Mongoloid type from Southeast Asia. Approximately 2,500 years ago, having moved here by sea, the Austronesians settled on Luzon, among whom there were most of all Malays and people from the island of Taiwan. And then the migratory movement began to grow like a snowball: Luzon is a large island, with many convenient bays, and most of the arrivals saw it as a “promised land” that promised a well-fed and prosperous life.
Etymologically, the name Luzon comes from the Chinese name for the kingdom of Lusongo, which means "lower" or "southern". It was founded by the Chinese around the 12th-13th centuries. The Middle Eastern Arabs reached Luzon at about the end of the 15th century, finding here three city-states - Tondo, Mainilad and Seludung, the strongest of which was Tondo, which existed from about 900 AD. ...
The Europeans met Luzon in 1570-1571. These were the Spaniards Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti, who designated the island on their nautical maps as New Castile. On the maps of sailors of other countries, the island had a different name - Luzonia. From 1521 to 1898, Luzon, like the entire Philippine archipelago named after King Philip II of Spain (1527-1598), belonged to Spain. The Spaniards founded the capital of the Philippines (), gave many settlements Spanish names and converted the population to the Catholic faith. In 1898, according to the Paris Peace Treaty, which ended the Spanish-American War of 1898 for the redistribution of colonial possessions, Spain ceded the Philippines, Cuba, Guam and Puerto Rico to the USA. The Philippines was especially estimated at $ 20 million (the rest of the colonies went to the United States for free). On June 12, 1898, the Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964), declared themselves independent from Spain. This led to the Philippine-American War, the main events of which took place in Luzon, where Aguinaldo had a base and many supporters. The war officially ended in 1901, Aguinaldo declared himself loyal to the United States. His supporters considered their former leader a traitor and fought a guerrilla war with the Americans until 1913. The Philippines during this period was a dependent territory of the United States (with its own government, whose powers were, however, limited). In 1935, they received autonomy status within the United States. On December 8, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked American military bases on Luzon, and in 1942 Japan captured the island. On July 5, 1945, the occupiers were driven out from almost the entire island by the Americans. In July 1946, the Philippines became an independent state.
Filipinos call themselves “children of fire and water,” implying that sometimes opposite qualities are combined in their mentality. But in the literal sense, fire and water on the island of Luzon interact constantly.
Luzon is called not only the island itself, but also, together with it, several other islands - Mindoro, Marinduke, Alabat, the island group of Polillo, Karamoan, Bondok, Sumar.
Luzon's large mountain range is the Cordillera Central, in the northwestern part of the island. To the south of it stretches the low mountain range Sambales, and to the east - the valley of the Cagayan River, which is framed by the Sierra Madre mountain range. The Luzon mountain ranges, dotted with active, potentially active and extinct volcanoes, are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The most catastrophic manifestation of the element of fire was shown to the world in 1991 by the volcano Pinatubo, which had been extinct for 611 years. There were five explosions, accompanied by ash and gas emissions within a radius of 40 km and tremors. The tremors have not stopped to this day. A few months after the eruption, a layer of sulfuric acid fog hung in the atmosphere, and a large ozone hole formed over Antarctica.
The smallest active volcano in the world, Taal, is also located on Luzon. It’s small, it’s small, but in 1911, during its eruption in 10 minutes, 1335 people were killed, all life within a radius of 10 km was destroyed. It last erupted in 1965, when 200 people died. In the Pinatubo and Taal calderas, lakes with water of an extraordinary turquoise color were formed, but sometimes the color of the water changes, becoming almost black.
Tropical hurricanes in the South Pacific, also called typhoons, often originate off the east coast of Luzon, in the South China Sea, but the Philippines in the rainy season (from June to December, and most often in August) are hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons. Not all of them are as devastating as the infamous 1991 typhoon (as if "coordinating" its actions with the Pinatubo volcano), which killed about 6,000 people on Leyte Island, caused a tsunami, and landslides and floods on the coastline. Then over Manila, lightning flashed every two seconds. In 2011, a typhoon left thousands homeless, and parts of Quezon City and Manila were partially flooded. The north of Luzon is most susceptible to typhoon strikes and all the accompanying phenomena. However, these formidable atmospheric phenomena "have mercy" Luzon relatively more often than other islands of the archipelago. For the reason that they are "young" here and their vortex funnel has not yet gained its full power, and the trade winds push them to Taiwan and further north, to China, Japan, right up to the Bering Strait. Luzon's fishermen describe the occurrence of, let's say, an ordinary typhoon as a not too scary phenomenon: in a matter of seconds, a light breeze turns into a stormy wind, a whirling vortex column rises above the horizon, it moves rapidly, and after 15-20 minutes the sea in the area of \u200b\u200bits passage again calmly. However, everyone in Luzon knows very well that one should never relax when it comes to typhoons. Thus, typhoon "Pablo" in 2012 claimed the lives of more than a thousand people (in Manila, about 100 people), more than 800 were missing, and in 2012, Luzon experienced 12 typhoons. Nevertheless, the islanders are not susceptible to panic: these disasters are to some extent predictable. And then, when all the bad is forgotten, life on a tropical island immersed in greenery quickly returns to its usual rut.
And Filipinos also say: “We lived in a monastery for 300 years and in Hollywood for 50 years,” they are temperamental and romantic, they tend to flowery expressions. In fact, the "monastery" under the Spaniards was not too strict, and "Hollywood" under the Americans can only be associated with the appearance of Coca-Cola. A new generation of Filipinos has grown up, far from these naive notions, who know how to find a common language in business with Americans, Chinese, Australians ...
general information
The largest island in the Philippine archipelago and the 17th largest island in the world, as well as a group of islands united by the common name Luzon.Administrative divisions: 8 regions, each of which is divided in turn into provinces.
The largest rivers: Cagayan, Agno, Pampanga.
Largest lake: Laguna de Bai.
Largest cities: Quezon City - 2 761 720 people. (2010) Manila - 1,652,171 people. (2010), Metro-Manila - 11 855 975 people. (2011).
Quezon City, Manila, as well as the cities of Kalucaan, Navotas, Malabon, Vapenzuela, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Taguig, Paranache, Las Pinhas, Muntinlupa, Las Pinar, Navotas and the municipality of Pateros form metro-Manila metropolitan area, or the National Capital Region, with a population of about 12 million.
Languages: Tagalog (official), English, Spanish and others.
Ethnic composition: numbered in dozens of ethnic groups.
The most numerous nationalities: aeta, bicol, ibanagi, igorota, ilok, pampangans, pangasinans, tagals, as well as the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Arabs, mestizo, white settlers from Europe, the USA and other countries.
Religions: Christianity, mainly Catholicism, the Independent Church of the Philippines, the Church of Christ, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other denominations, as well as animism, which can be combined with adherence to any official religion.
Currency unit: Philippine peso.
The most important airport: Benigno Aquino International Airport.
Numbers
Area: 109,965 km 2.Population: 48,520,774 (2010).
Population density: 441.2 people / km 2.
Highest point: Mount Pulog (2934 m).
Climate and weather
Subequatorial, monsoon.Average January temperature: + 26.8 ° C.
Average temperature in July: + 28.5 ° C.
Average annual water temperature: + 27 ° C.
Average annual rainfall: 1742 mm.
Frequent typhoons.
Economy
Minerals: deposits of gold, chromite, copper and iron.
Deposits of natural minerals used as decoration stones and in the manufacture of inexpensive jewelry.
Port Industry (Manila).
Shipping.
Fishing, shrimp and shellfish catching.
Industry in cities: production of chemicals, electronics, printed products, textiles and clothing, food and drinks, tobacco products, plywood, copra, coconut oil and other products. The food industry is the most stable sector of the island's economy.
Agriculture: cultivation of rice, coconut trees, agave, banana, mango, tobacco, corn, pineapple, cocoa, coffee.
Service sector: banking and transport services, trade, tourism.
sights
■ UNESCO World Heritage Sites: rice plantations of Ifugao; baroque churches of the 16th century San Agustin (Manila), churches in the towns of Paoai, Miagao, Santa Maria, the whole town of Vigan.■ Metro Manila: Intramuros - the Old City of Manila, surrounded by fortified walls, erected in the 16th century, bombed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1950s; the most interesting are Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minor de la Concepcion-Immaculada), in total there are 16 churches and 8 monasteries in Intramuros; National Museum of the People of the Philippines, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bahai Tsinoy (Philippine-Chinese Museum), Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Risal Park (Planetarium, National Library, Butterfly Pavilion, Orchidarium, Aquarium). Botanical garden, zoo.
■ Mountain resort Baguio: Mensch - the summer residence of the country's government, the Bell Church (Bell Church), the "bay of a hundred islands" Lingaen (actually there are about 400 islands in the bay), ancient burial places in the mountains.
■ Wigan (St. Paul's Cathedral and colonial architecture), Botolan (Domorokdok dance festival, agricultural exhibitions, sand castle championships and beauty contests), Cubi Point (located in the Subic Bay free port zone - casinos, hotels, beaches , parks).
■ Sagada caves (Zambale region).
■ Volcanoes: Pinatubo (1486 m, before the eruption in 1991 - 1745 m), Banajao (2188 m, a sacred place of 17 religious groups that make pilgrimages to it), Mayon (2462 m, active, considered the most beautiful volcano in the Philippines), Arayat (1026 m, considered asleep), Taal (311 m, the smallest active volcano in the world).
■ National parks and reserves: Quezon, Subic Bay on the site of the former American military base, Mayon Volcano with Mayon volcano, Sierra Madre North Ridge.
■ Kamaya-Kost beach.
Curious facts
■ Terraced mountain (at an altitude of more than 1500 m) rice plantations of Ifugao (named after the ethnic group inhabiting this area), or Banue (according to the city closest to them), are called "steps to God" and "stairs to heaven": the sites are located one above to others, they really look like steps and are framed by mountains - very picturesque. The history of plantations is about 2000 years old. There is no man-made irrigation system here, the plantations are fed exclusively by the water of mountain streams. It is believed that the Chinese passed on the technology of rice cultivation to the Ifugao people.■ Mount Arayat, it is also a dormant volcano, is considered the place where the wizard Sinukuan lives inside the lava dome, this name means "the end" (or "almighty"). According to local legends, once Mount Arayat was in the middle of a swamp and people suffered from its fumes. Sinuquan was able to move the mountain to a place favorable for life. Another wizard lives in Mount Pinatubo - Namalari. According to the latest additions to these legends, the eruption of Pinatubo in 1991 is nothing more than a challenge to Namalyari Sinukuanu, who temporarily left Arayat. But when he returns, he will show Namalyari who is the coolest here. It is even possible that this return will mean the end of the world.
Before we start describing the island of Luzon, let's talk a little about the state of the Philippines. It is located in the southeastern part of Asia. It is a cluster of many islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean between Taiwan and Indonesia. The capital of the Philippines is Manila (location - Luzon Island). The population in 2015 exceeded 102 million people. The state occupies an area of \u200b\u200babout 300 thousand km 2.
Philippine archipelago: a brief description
The Philippine archipelago includes more than 7,000 islands. The largest of them are Luzon, Panay, Negros and others. The archipelago is located in the Pacific Ocean. Its length is more than 2,000 km from north to south, and from west to east - just under one thousand kilometers. It is conventionally divided into three groups:
- the first, called Luzon, is in the north;
- the second, central, is occupied by the Visayas;
- the third - southern group - Mindanao.
It is worth noting that not all of the Philippine Islands are inhabited. Of the total, only less than half are inhabited by people.
The archipelago is washed from all sides by the seas: in the west - by the South China, in the south - Sulawesi, in the east - by the Philippine. The coastline is almost 40 thousand km long. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe territory was almost 300 thousand km 2. In the north, they are adjacent to Taiwanese. They are separated from each other by the Bashi Strait. The predominant relief is mountains. Basically, all the islands are volcanic in origin. Even now, there is a zone of high seismic activity here.
Luzon - an island in the Philippine archipelago
Luzon Island is the largest. It is part of the Philippine Archipelago. Its area is about 110 thousand km 2. On the southeast side is about. Mindoro. They are separated from each other by the Strait of Verde. In the southern part of Luzon is the Bicol Peninsula. This land area has an elongated narrow shape. Its coastline is quite rugged. There are many bays and coves here. From about. Luzon is cut off by the Tayabas isthmus. In addition to Bicol, there are two other small peninsulas - Bondok and Karamoan. On the southern side, the island of Luzon (Philippines) borders on about. Samar, separated from it by the San Bernardino Strait.
The title of the largest was awarded not only by the size of the occupied territory, but also by the number of population. Luzon is home to over 46 million people. It ranks 17th in the world in terms of size.
Geographical position
Luzon Island is located in the Pacific Ocean. Its western and eastern sides are washed by the South China and In order to find Luzon on the map, you can use the following coordinates: 16 ° 04'30 ″ north latitude and 121 ° 00′11 ″ east longitude.
And the Taiwanese are separated from it by the Luzon Strait. Administratively, it belongs to the state of the Philippines.
Relief
Like many other large islands in the Philippine archipelago, Luzon is mountainous. There are many active and extinct volcanoes on its territory. The highest point of the island reaches almost 3,000 m. It is Mount Pulog. The rest of the relief formations are generally of medium heights.
In the northwestern part of the island is one of the largest mountain ranges - the Central Cordillera. It occupies one sixth of Luzon (more than 18 thousand km 2). This mountainous area is fairly well populated. 2% of the total population of the Philippines lives here. This amounts to over one million inhabitants.
The Sierra Madre is a mountain range located in the eastern part of the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is separated from the Cordillera massif by a river valley. Sambales are the lowest mountain formations located closer to the south.
There is a plain on Luzon. It is called Central Luzon. Located between the Sambales and Sierra Madre massifs. The plain covers an area of \u200b\u200b11 thousand km 2. It is in this area that the most fertile lands of the Philippines are located. In the middle of the plain there is another mountain - Arayat.
Inland water resources
The coastline of the island is heavily indented. Thanks to this, there are many bays and coves here. Most of them are concentrated in the western and southern sides. The largest are Lingaen and Manilsky gulfs.
Any area dominated by mountainous terrain has a lot of rivers. Luzon is no exception. Let's dwell on some of them in more detail.
The Pampanga River flows in the province of the same name. Its length is 260 km. It originates in the Sierra Madre mountain range and flows into the Bay of Manila. A large number of ponds and irrigation canals have been built on it.
The Cagayan River is the largest waterway in the Philippine archipelago. Its channel runs along the northeastern part of the island. The length is about 500 km. It originates in the mountains of Caraballo. It flows into the Babuyan Strait. It is thanks to this river that residents have the opportunity to grow crops. The soil in the valley is very fertile, so rice, bananas, citrus fruits and grains grow well here.
An equally important waterway is the Pasig River. It is relatively small in size, the channel is only 25 km long. However, despite this, it plays an important role for the state, as it passes through the central part of the capital. It originates from the Laguna de Bai. It flows into the Manila Bay.
Besides rivers, there are also lakes on the island. The largest is Laguna de Bai. Moreover, it is the largest not only on the island, but throughout Southeast Asia. Its area reaches almost 1,000 km 2. Another large body of water located on Luzon is Lake Taal. It formed in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Climatic features
Typhoons dominate the island of Luzon. Within one year their number can reach 20. The climate is subequatorial monsoon. The division of seasons here is not the same as on the mainland. Locals divide it into three periods:
- From March to May - summer. The highest temperatures are observed at this time.
- Precipitation falls from June to November. This period is called the rainy season.
- The winter months are December, January, February.
Over 2,000 mm of precipitation falls annually. On the territory of Luzon Island, the southwest monsoon blows from May to October, and dry air masses prevail from November to April. The average annual temperature is + 26 ° С.
Wigan city
This city is a landmark of the Philippine Islands. The population here is almost 10,000 people. Vigan is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. On the territory of the city, buildings have been preserved from the time of the Spanish colonization. There are many unique architectural structures here. The most impressive is the Cathedral of St. Paul. Mena Crisologo Street brought world fame to the city. Currently, buildings of the 16th-17th centuries are still preserved on it.
Volcano pinatubo
The volcano is currently active. The last time the eruption was recorded 25 years ago. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that for 600 years it was considered extinct. Until 1991, its height was about 1,800 m, but at the moment it has decreased and is almost 1,500 m. The volcano is located not far from the capital of the Philippines - Manila. This distance is almost 90 km. Its eruption in 1991 killed almost 1,000 people. An air force base and a US naval base were destroyed. This earthquake was recognized as the most powerful and destructive in the 20th century. It reached 6 points.
Pinsal waterfalls
Luzon Island also boasts one of its most famous landmarks - the Pinsal Falls. These turbulent streams are surrounded by many myths and legends. At their top, there are several bodies of water that are shaped like a human foot. According to local legend, the lakes were formed at a time when the giant Angalo passed through these places.
This place with waterfalls is surrounded by unique scenic surroundings. The beauty of the cascades is simply mesmerizing. Stream waters fall from 85 feet. There is a hot water spring next to them.
Today I will tell you about the largest island in the Philippine archipelago, whose area is not much, not a little 105 yew. km. and even squared. By the way, this is the 15th largest island in the world! It will be about luzon Island (English Luzon). You can often find the translation "Luzon", but I think it is not so important. In the old days, the island was called Lussonia and new Castile ...
And so, this "island" is located in the northern part of the Philippine Islands. With the adjacent islands, it forms the island group of the same name (Luzon), one of three parts, together with the Visayas and Mindanao, which, in fact, form the territory of the Philippines.
The population of Luzon is 39.5 million inhabitants (2000 census).
It is on about. Luzon is the capital of the Philippines - Manila.
Manila is the largest city in the country, and it is located on the southwestern coast of Luzon (on the shore of the bay of the same name). "Big Manila", as the local people call it, is a combination of 7 cities (Pasai, Quezon City, Kalookan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig and of course Manila) and a dozen of smaller settlements (like we have SMT). In short, the city covers almost 700 km. sq. and divided into districts.
Besides Manila, the island is home to the country's most populated city, Quezon.
Since we are talking about division, it must be said that Luzon is subdivided into eight regions. These are Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarson, Mimaro, Bicolandia, Cordillera, Big Manila. Each region has several provinces.
People who live in Luzon belong to different ethnic groups. There are a total of 8 nationalities (each has its own region): Aeta, Bicol, Ibanagi, Igorots, Ilok, Pampangans, Pangasinans, Tagals. For example, ibanagis live in the Cagayan Valley, and tagals live near Manila and in the Calabarson region.
There are quite a few Muslims and Chinese in the cities. There are also emigrants from Europe, USA, Japan, Korea.
The most common languages \u200b\u200bare Tagalog and Pilipino (state). The most popular language is English.
As for religion, the information specifically on about. I couldn't find Luzon. We can say with confidence that the majority are Christians (mostly Catholics). Less than 10% of the island's population is Muslim and Buddhist.
And now a little history ...
Long ago, Luzon and Asia were linked by a land bridge. It was through this bridge that new settlers arrived (15,000 years ago). The first were the Aeta, followed by the peoples of the Mongoloid type (already by sea).
The first contact with Spain took place in the 16th century. The Spanish conquistadors were headed by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti. They arrived on the shores of Luzon in 1570-1571. Luzon and neighboring lands were declared the possession of the Spanish crown, and were under the Spanish "wing" for over 300 years.
In the late 19th century, Luzon was the center of the Philippine National Liberation Revolution.
In the middle of the twentieth century (more precisely in 1941, more precisely on December 8), Japanese warplanes made a major attack on the island, since there were American bases there. As a result, the island was occupied. Local residents revolted against the Japanese. The Americans helped them. But nothing good came of it. The "partisans" were forced to capitulate. Only in 1943 did the second wave of rebellion break out ... In July 1945, Luzon was completely liberated.
Luzon climate
The climate here is subequatorial monsoon type. Typhoons are common here (an average of 15-18 per year). It's always hot and humid here. The average annual temperature is +26.5 C.
Luzon weather is "divided" into three seasons: Taginit (or Tag-arav) - local summer, the hottest season (from March to May), Tagulan - the rainy season (June-November) and Tag-lamig - cool "winter" ( like we have spring) (December-February).
From May to October, the south-western monsoon "habakat" blows on the island, and in November-April dry winds "amikhan" blow.
The annual rainfall on the island usually exceeds 2000 mm.
Geography…
In the west, the island is washed by the South China Sea, in the east - by the Philippine Sea. In the north, it is separated by the Strait of Luzon from about. Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. The Luzon Strait is divided into two branches - the Babuyan Canal and the Balintang Canal. The shores of the western and southern parts of the island are indented by bays.
The relief of Luzon is mid-mountainous. The highest mountain - Pulog has a height of 2935 m.
A large mountain system - the Central Cordillera - runs along the northwestern part of Luzon. To the south of it are the low Sambales mountains, and to the east - the valley of the Cagayan River (the largest river in the Philippines), separating another mountain range from the Cordillera, the Sierra Madre Between the Sierra Madre and Sambales mountains lies the Central Luzon Plain, occupying 11,000 square kilometers. ... Mount Arayat rises in the middle of the plain.
There are lakes on the island (Laguna de Bai and others) as well as both extinct (Arayat) and active volcanoes (for example, Mayon).
Flora…
The island of Luzon is truly rich in flora. Forests here occupy almost half of the territory (40%). 3 yew grow. tree species, among them there are many valuable species (tanhile, mayapis, guizo, almon, white and red luan, large-flowered dipterocarpus, yakal, narra, erythrofleum). 1 thousand different ferns, almost a thousand orchids!
At altitudes of 1000–2000 m, pure pine (with island pine and Merkuza) grow, in which such a valuable tree species as white agathis is found.
In some places in the coastal strip, there are mangrove forests, consisting of pointed rhizophora, small-flowered brughier and soneration. The nipa palm grows along the periphery of these forests. In the course of anthropogenic activity, significant areas of virgin forests were destroyed, as a result of which many soils were severely eroded or overgrown with the tough tropical grass Alang-Alang (Imperata cylindrica), which the locals call "kogon".
Fauna…
On the island of Luzon, you can find two types of Asian buffalo (carabao and tamarau). Perhaps these are the largest animals on the island.
But there are fewer creatures here! Macaques (several species), bats, rodents, lizards - everything is there.
Among the predators, there are such small animals as short-footed mongoose, binturong, strange tail. The abundance of reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, including geckos) is characteristic.
The avifauna of the island (who did not understand, I'm talking about birds now) has similarities with Malaysian and Australian. More than two hundred bird species nest in Luzon. Among them is a rare bird of prey from the hawk family - the harpy (lives in the forests on the island of Mindanao, feeds on macaques). Not to be confused with a mythical creature!)))
The species diversity of insects is huge, among which there are many carriers of diseases (for example, mosquitoes) and agricultural pests (cicadas, etc.). The variety and beauty of butterflies is striking.
More than 2 thousand species of fish are found in the seas.
Taxi ... And now, perhaps, the most interesting. Let me tell you about the places worth visiting on the island of Luzon.
Taal volcano
A 2-hour drive from Manila is the city of Tagaytay, next to which is the cleanest Lake Taal on earth. Why then a volcano? - you ask. Hmm ... just in the middle of the island there is a small volcano (the "smallest" active (!) Volcano on Earth) Strange? But the lake itself is in the crater of a destroyed volcano!
Lost Valley
Sounds like the title of a horror movie. But everything is much more pleasant! There is a unique nature reserve not far from the capital of the Philippines. Many centuries ago, pools with mineral water flowing down from the mountains formed in the frozen lava. Gradually, at the site of the volcanic eruption, a tropical forest was formed, among which a unique hotel was built several years ago. The hotel has 8 natural pools. Their distinctive feature is their different mineral composition and different temperatures - from 25 to 43 degrees (be careful!)
Pangaskhan waterfalls
This is the name of the whole network of waterfalls on the island of Luzon. Tutachki are the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines! Rafting and rafting will be at your service.
Makati area
This is the financial center of Manila. Skyscrapers, Ayala Museum, Mabini Bohemia Street, Glorietta Cinema Center, Philippine Heritage Library on Makati Avenue, American War Cemetery and Memorial on McKinley Avenue, Marcos Museum at Malakanang Palace on Laurel Street, Makati Park Commercial Center, and the state-of-the-art Power Plant cinema - everything is here! I assure you do not get bored!
Menshn, Bell Church (aka "Temple of the Bell")
This seat of the government of the Philippines is located in the "summer capital" of the country (Baguio). And next to it lies the beautiful Lingaen Bay with its "micro" islands surrounded by coral reefs.
… I don’t know if it can be considered a beautiful place, but strange and interesting for sure. More precisely, there are many such places on Luzon. Residents of villages professing a long-standing religion will perform an "original" ritual ... with the dead. They don't bury them ... and they don't burn them ... and they don't throw them into the sea ... They put the coffins on the rocks ...
Of course, there are many famous dive sites off the coast of Luzon. Perhaps the most exciting experience comes from snorkeling or diving with whale sharks in Donsol. In the province of La Union, you can combine diving with a wonderful beach holiday. Particularly popular is Subic Bay, where the American military base was located. You can dive into several wrecks and look at the coral gardens.
... On the island of Luzon, sugarcane, coconut trees, bananas and pineapples (for export), rice, corn and sweet potatoes (to meet domestic demand), hevea, coffee, ramie, various fruit and vegetable crops, abaca, tobacco (Cagayan Valley) are grown Forestry remains one of the most important industries. The mahogany grows here, which is exported to many countries around the world.
The fishing industry is well developed.
... In the lands of Luzon, deposits of gold, chromite, copper and iron have been discovered.
... The island is well supplied with transport. In addition to the 740 km railways, an elevated railroad has been built in Manila. Most of the cargo is transported by sea (over 500 ports). One of the international airports of international status of the Philippines is located on Luzon (the second is on Mactan Island).
HOW TO GET THERE?
As mentioned above, the largest international airport of the Philippines is located on Luzon; regular flights of many airlines connect Manila directly with Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Beijing, and many regions of Southeast Asia.
Luzon is also connected with other islands of the Philippines by air. There is a ferry service, but long distance ferry travel is not recommended due to uncomfortable conditions and safety concerns.
Post Scriptum
*** At one time, King Philip II of Spain said about Manila: "Glorious and forever faithful city."
*** On July 14, 2010, Typhoon Conson struck Luzon Island. The wind force reached 118 km / h. All transport was paralyzed, institutions were closed.
The province of La Union is located on the island of Luzon and is part of the Ilocos region. Luzon Island is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago and the 17th largest island in the world. Luzon is washed by the South China Sea to the west and the Philippine Sea to the east. From the north, it is separated by the Luzon Strait from Taiwan and the Japanese Ryukyu Islands. The climate is typically subequatorial with frequent typhoons. There are several volcanoes on the island, among which there are extinct (for example, Arayat), and quite active ones - Mayon and Pinatubo, the last eruption of which occurred in 1991.
Tourists arriving in Luzon, first of all, head to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which has preserved the features of the colonial past. Here you can see the old fortress area Intramuros, the defensive fort of Santiago, the Catholic Manila Cathedral and many other churches. The historic Calle Real is home to Japanese and Chinese gardens, while the Ermita area is worth a visit to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Ethnographic Museum.
Quezon City, which was at one time the capital of the country, today houses government offices and the offices of large international corporations. And in its suburb of Kalookan, you can see the Paoai church and bell tower, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The province of La Union is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. The capital of the province of La Union, San Fernando was founded by the Spaniards in 1786. Today a little more than 110 thousand people live here. 8 km from the city on a wooded mountain, there is the La Union Botanical Garden, in which, on an area of \u200b\u200b20 hectares, various plants representing the Philippine flora are collected, as well as some species of animals.
In addition to beach lovers, here you can meet divers and fans of snorkeling (snorkeling). Until 1992, an American military base was located near the local airport, which served 1.5 thousand soldiers. Unfortunately, this did not pass without a trace for natural ecosystems - almost all the surrounding reefs were destroyed. However, a couple of interesting diving sites still remain.
Tourists have long chosen the beaches of the town of Bauang for recreation, as well as more remote ones, located in the north of the province and ideal for snorkeling, surfing and other sports.
During our surf camp, we make sure to set aside one or two days to explore the historical and natural attractions of the province of La Union.
Some of them are really worth seeing with your own eyes. For example:
Botanical Garden
In addition to the animal and plant collections, you will also enjoy beautiful landscapes.
Ruins of Pingadan
Fans of ancient architecture and photography enthusiasts can enjoy the picturesque ruins, which are one of the historical landmarks of the region.
Pindangan in the local dialect means the place where dried meat is stored. The history of this place begins with the fact that in 1764 a church of stone and reed was built on this site as the center of evangelism for the entire region. On the coast of the region, pirates have always actively attacked, and the new church also became their target. To solve this problem, the Spanish clergy decided to move the church to the Cabaroán area. After the earthquake of 1892, the church was badly damaged.
Today the buttresses of the walls are still standing. The old well, which supplied the inhabitants of the area with cool water, has also been preserved. The well is made of coral bricks and is still in good condition.
Bacsil Ridge Monument
It is a historical monument located in the mountainous region of La Union. There is an observation deck that overlooks the entire province.
This monument is located on the site of the last bastion of the retreating Japanese army. The ridge was later the eastern flank of the 21st US Infantry Division in the Philippines.
Statue of jesus christ
This statue is located in the capital of the region, San Fernando and attracts many tourists due to its size.
Cathedral of st william
This cathedral is a typical example of the Philippine church architecture and will be of interest to anyone interested in architecture (not only church architecture). Here you can see beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning altar made of carved wood with gilding.
Ma Cho Temple
Construction on the temple began on September 11, 1975, at the initiative of the then Minister of Tourism, Jose D. Aspiras, in collaboration with the Chinese community. This majestic Taoist temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level in an area of \u200b\u200bSan Fernando, opposite the China Sea. Here people pray for good luck to the Chinese deity Mo Cho.
