Top unique driving destinations in Luzon

This Independence Day weekend, there's no better way to celebrate the country's independence than to enjoy its natural beauty that our ancestors gave their lives for.

- By INIGO ROCES and IAN MAGBANUA

There are still a great many destinations within Luzon that one can easily drive to in order to enjoy a brief respite from the daily grind.

Rather than the usual destinations, we've searched for alternative locales that might not be on your radar but are worth a visit nonetheless.

Dingalan, Aurora

Tucked away on the eastern coastline of Luzon, the town of Dingalan in Aurora Province is steadily emerging from obscurity to become one of the region's most captivating hidden gems. Often referred to as the "Batanes of the East" due to its dramatic cliffs, misty mountain ranges, and rolling grasslands that drop into the Pacific Ocean, Dingalan offers a raw and unspoiled alternative to the more commercialized coastal destinations in the country. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers alike, inviting visitors to explore its lighthouse trek, white sand beaches, waterfalls, and view decks overlooking the Sierra Madre.