5 Beautiful Destinations Where You Can Go Soul Searching in the North

Calm and quite.
by Shen Mascariñas | July 18, 2016

Up north, there are beautiful places awaiting weary and confused souls. These destinations will provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a refreshing change of scenery and all in all, some time to figure things out.

From adventurous new things to quiet serene places—here are soul searching spots you can escape to in Northern Luzon.

(Also read about 5 Beautiful Destinations Where You Can Go Soul-Searching in the South)

Buscalan, Kalinga

Travel time: 13 to 14 hours

Perhaps immersing yourself in other cultures will do you some good. Get to know other ways of life by visiting the Cordilleras. Kalinga is a wonderful place to start, where you’ll be surrounded with beautiful rice terraces and incredible mountain ranges.

No visit is complete without checking out the small village of Buscalan. This is where the famous Whang-Od resides, whom many believe to be the last living Kalinga tattoo artist.

How about releasing your brave soul and let Whang-Od share with you a piece of their culture with a meaningful Kalinga tatoo? It’s definitely something you’ll remember forever!

Burnham Park Orchidarium, Baguio City

Travel time: 4 to 5 hours

Burnham Park is an obvious spot in any Baguio itinerary, but have you heard of its secret garden? You probably won’t notice the Orchidarium without prior knowledge of its existence. Upon finding it, you’ll be greeted with vast greenery and lush mazes. The Orchidarium’s breathtaking surroundings just might be what your soul needs.

A green thumb in you might surface, too, so make sure you bring your shopping money for the various flowering and medicinal plants on sale here.

Sabang Beach, Baler

Travel time: 5 to 6 hours

When you’re out in the water, lounging on your board, anticipating the next wave—you’ll understand why people find surfing so therapeutic. The water has a magical way of erasing your troubles and clearing your mind. Surfers and beach-lovers will definitely agree. Experience that magic in one the country’s best surf spots—Sabang Beach in Baler.

(Also read: There’s a White Sand Beach in Baler that You Probably Haven’t Heard Of) 

Pugo Adventure, La Union

Travel time: 4 to 5 hours

La Union is another prime surfing spot with a charming, laid-back culture you’ll love. Aside from riding waves, you can get your adrenaline pumping through other awesome activities. Head to Pugo Adventure for kayaking, rappelling, 6×6 all-terrain vehicle rides, and many exciting others.

All in all, La Union is the type of place burnout professionals go to for a quick pick-me-up. After a few days, though, it’ll have you seriously contemplating about moving there for good.

Kiltepan Viewpoint, Sagada

Travel time: 9 to 10 hours

Remember the scene in That Thing Called Tadhana—when the main characters were screaming all their frustrations into a majestic, sea of clouds? Heartbroken or not—wouldn’t it be dandy if you could do the same?

Be in Kiltepan Viewpoint by sunrise, so you can do that, plus everything else your soul needs. Forget what everybody else thinks, and do what you gotta do for you. You’ll be so at awe at the amazing view that—at least for a while—you’ll forget about your troubles.

Where’s your soul going to recharge? Sound off below!

Also Read:

9 of the Best Glamping Spots in the Philippines
Here are 7 of the Philippines’ Most Instagram-Worthy Summer Destinations
The Best Surf Spots in the Philippines
The Best Cliff Diving Spots in the Philippines