Luzon is the Philippines’ biggest and busiest island, home to its frenetic but fascinating capital, Manila, as well as a host of more serene destinations and scenic highlights. Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s offbeat cafes, trendy markets and historical sites, there is plenty to explore on the rest of the island. Major attractions include the Banaue Rice Terraces, hand carved into the steep slopes of Mount Ifugao hundreds of years ago; the perfectly cone-shaped Mount Mayon, surrounded by palm trees and rice paddies; Apo Reef, a world-class scuba diving site; Calaguas Beach, with its fine white sand and calm azure waters; the striking Pagsanjan Falls, where you can take a thrilling white water rafting trip through rushing rapids; and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which flows underground past spectacular sparkling karst formations.