The Philippines has been blessed with natural beauty and the best tourist destinations, from dream-like beaches, and green and peaceful flatlands to lush tropical forests. Most of the time, all the credit goes to these destinations and the roads or bridges that connect us from our homes to these God-given wonders are denied recognition.
In this article, we’ll take a look at popular roads and bridges around Luzon that perfectly compliment their surrounding landscape. If you still haven’t decided where to go for your next road trip, read on!
Daang Katutubo
This road has been featured in TV shows, has gone viral on social media, and has been the star of numerous videos by countless local vloggers.
It’s a 24.22 kilometer stretch that connects Aguilar, Pangasinan to Mangatarem. Its construction started in 2018 and is now nearing completion.
It caught the eyes of local riders, bikers, and even tourists because of how it traverses the hills of Pangasinan, revealing its beauty in a 360-degree view. When you’re traveling the road in pristine weather conditions, all that you will see around you are the breathtaking views of Pangasinan’s hills and their peaks meeting the bright blue skies.
On your motorcycle, the ride through the lengthy two-way road is going to be easy and calm. There are no excessive zig-zags, sharp turns, or steep uphill climbs.
This road isn’t only admired for the beauty that it gives the people access to, but how it makes the lives of Indigenous People living in the area much easier in terms of traveling and trading.
Daang Kalikasan
With the newly finished Daang Kalikasan or Pangasinan-Zambales road in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, there won’t be a need anymore to pass through the busy roads of the towns of Pangasinan to visit the beaches of Zambales. And that isn’t the only thing that makes this road worth driving through.
This 54-kilometer road cuts through the mountainous parts of the coastal province offering panoramic views of the mountain ranges of Pangasinan. There are also viewing decks along the road where you can stop, admire the views, and breath some fresh air. While you’re at it, you can also hike and find a good spot to watch the sun rise or set.
Binondo-Intramuros Bridge
Looking at this bridge in Manila makes you think that you’re not really in the Philippines. It resembles the Fremont Bridge of Portland, Oregon and it somewhat gives a London vibe during the night because of how it lights up.
It was opened to the public last April or just 3 months ago after its construction that started in 2018 was finished. And, it was received by the public quite enthusiastically, even causing some unanticipated traffic congestion on the bridge during the first days of opening. It’s an iconic bridge that marks the modernization of Manila and even the country.
Besides giving the people of Manila something to admire, it also makes travel to both Binondo and Intramuros districts much faster and easier. In addition, it also helps lessen the traffic congestion in surrounding and connecting roads.
If you’re ever planning a trip to Manila, you might as well pass through this 680-meter bridge and see its beauty for yourself.
Patapat Viaduct
If you have been to Pagudpud, there’s a big chance that you have seen this marvelous piece of engineering. It’s the fifth longest bridge in the Philippines and I’m pretty sure that that isn’t the only list it belongs to considering how beautiful it is. When you drive through this bridge, you’ll normally see people get out of their cars to take pictures of the Instagram-worthy scenery.
For 1.3 kilometers, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of Ilocos Norte’s coast and if you’re lucky, the mesmerizing sunset that perfectly illuminates the sky orange. This viaduct that hovers 31 meters above the shore connects Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley. And, despite its immaculate condition, this engineering marvel is 36 years old.
Ternate-Nasugbu Highway
If you’re a motorcyclist, surely, you know or have heard about the Ternate-Nasugbu highway. It’s famous for the Kaybiang Tunnel where you can rev up your engine and hear the beast in your favorite 2-wheeler echo throughout the tunnel.
For moto-riders, it’s music to the ears. However, you should always respect traffic rules for your safety and other motorists around you.
This 7-kilometer road connects the provinces of Cavite and Batangas passing through the towns of Ternate and Nasugbu where you’ll find the best beaches, camping sites, and glamping resorts.
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
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The Philippines’ newest and longest freeway. These are a few of the well-known descriptive terms that you might see or hear whenever someone talks about this expressway.
Apart from these facts, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway is regarded as one of the most picturesque and magnificent roads in the nation. It provides travelers a breathtaking view of distant mountains (Zambales Mountain Range and Cordillera Mountain Range) and verdant plains.
With a length approaching 93.77 kilometers, this tollway provides easy and fast access to various locations in Central Luzon including Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales Freeport Zone, and Tarlac’s Industrial Park.
Halsema Highway
Is this really the most dangerous road in the world? Probably.
However, there are always two sides to every coin. It can be pretty dangerous during the rainy season, but this road is also very beautiful when the weather’s perfect. As it zig-zags along the hips of the Cordillera Central range, you’ll be able to see the inner beauty of the Mountain Range.
This is why despite its reputation, a lot of motorists and riders still choose to take their chances.
The highest point of the road sits at 7,400 feet somewhere in Atok, Benguet and after 150 kilometers of driving through this road from the South, you’ll find yourself in Baguias, Benguet.
Before making your way to this infamous highway designed by the former Mayor of Baguio, Engineer Eusebius Halsema, make sure that you’re up for the long ride. On average, driving through Halsema road from end to end will take up to 3 hours in perfect conditions, but most of the time, you’ll find yourself in a foggy situation.
