Explore the Luzon Island Group regions, including Regions I–IV-A, IV-B/MIMAROPA, V, and CAR, with provinces, cities, municipalities, destinations, and travel guides.
Discover the Luzon Island Group
The Luzon Island Group is the largest and most geographically diverse island group in the Philippines, stretching from the northern highlands and coastal provinces of Ilocos and Cagayan Valley to the metropolitan corridors of Central Luzon and CALABARZON, the island provinces of MIMAROPA, the volcanic landscapes of Bicol, and the mountain communities of the Cordillera.
This Luzon regional guide brings together the provinces, cities, and major municipalities of:
- Region I (Ilocos Region)
- Region II (Cagayan Valley)
- Region III (Central Luzon)
- Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
- Region IV-B/MIMAROPA
- Region V (Bicol Region)
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s current Philippine Standard Geographic Code, Luzon has eight regions as of July 31, 2025, including the National Capital Region; this page focuses on the regions requested above.
Whether you are researching Philippine geography, planning a Luzon itinerary, looking for provincial destinations, or building a directory of places in the Philippines, this guide provides a convenient starting point.
Region I – Ilocos Region
Region I, or the Ilocos Region, combines historic coastal cities, agricultural provinces, heritage towns, beaches, and northern Philippine culture along the western side of Luzon.
The Ilocos Region consists of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The PSA currently records four provinces, nine cities, and 116 municipalities in the region
Related Guide
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is a northern coastal province known for historic communities, beaches, wind-energy landscapes, and distinctive Ilocano heritage.
Cities: Laoag City, Batac City
Main municipalities: San Nicolas, Pagudpud, Burgos, Bacarra, Paoay, Sarrat, Dingras, Bangui
Related Guides
- Laoag City Tourism Guide
- Paoay Travel Guide
- Pagudpud Travel Guide
- Ilocos Norte Travel Guide
Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Sur blends Spanish-era heritage, traditional Ilocano communities, river landscapes, and coastal scenery.
Cities: Vigan City, Candon City
Main municipalities: Bantay, Santa, Narvacan, Cabugao, Sinait, Caoayan, Magsingal, Tagudin
Related Guides
- Vigan Heritage Guide
- Ilocos Sur Travel Guide
La Union
La Union is a popular northwestern Luzon destination combining coastal towns, surfing communities, agricultural areas, and cultural attractions.
City: San Fernando City
Main municipalities: San Juan, Bacnotan, Bauang, Agoo, Balaoan, Luna, Aringay, Naguilian
Related Guides
- La Union Beaches Guide
- Surfing in La Union Guide
- La Union Travel Guide
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a large northwestern Luzon province recognized for coastal destinations, island attractions, agriculture, fisheries, and historic towns.
Cities: Alaminos City, Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City
Main municipalities: Lingayen, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Calasiao, Pozorrubio, Mangaldan
Related Guides
- Hundred Islands Guide
- Pangasinan Beaches Guide
- Dagupan City Travel Guide
- Pangasinan Travel Guide
Region II – Cagayan Valley
Region II, or Cagayan Valley, occupies much of northeastern Luzon and is characterized by broad river valleys, mountains, agricultural landscapes, islands, and historic communities.
The region contains Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino, with four cities and 89 municipalities according to the PSA.
Batanes
Province introduction: Batanes is the northernmost Philippine province, celebrated for dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, stone houses, and distinctive Ivatan culture.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Sabtang, Itbayat
Related Guides
- Basco Travel Guide
- Sabtang Island Guide
- Batanes Travel Guide
Cagayan
Cagayan is a northeastern province featuring the Cagayan River, coastal areas, caves, historic settlements, and access to the northern Pacific.
City: Tuguegarao City
Main municipalities: Aparri, Lal-lo, Santa Ana, Peñablanca, Gonzaga, Alcala, Iguig, Baggao
Related Guides
- Tuguegarao Guide
- Cagayan Travel Guide
Isabela
Isabela is one of the major agricultural provinces of northern Luzon, with extensive river valleys, forests, mountains, and growing urban centers.
Cities: Ilagan City, Cauayan City, Santiago City
Main municipalities: Roxas, Echague, Tumauini, San Mateo, Alicia, Cabagan, Angadanan, Palanan
Related Guides
- Ilagan City Travel Guide
- Isabela Travel Guide
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya is a mountainous inland province known for agricultural communities, waterfalls, caves, forests, and scenic highland routes.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Bayombong, Solano, Bambang, Kasibu, Aritao, Dupax del Sur, Bagabag
Related Guides
- Nueva Vizcaya Travel Guide
Quirino
Province introduction: Quirino is a small, largely mountainous province recognized for forests, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and nature-oriented destinations.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Cabarroguis, Maddela, Aglipay, Diffun, Nagtipunan, Saguday
Related Guides
- Quirino Adventure Guide
- Quirino Travel Guide
Region III – Central Luzon
Central Luzon is a major economic and agricultural region north of Metro Manila, combining expanding cities, historic provinces, industrial centers, mountains, and coastal destinations.
Region III consists of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales and currently has 15 cities and 115 municipalities.
Aurora
Aurora is an eastern Luzon province known for Pacific beaches, surfing destinations, forests, waterfalls, and mountainous landscapes.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Baler, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, San Luis, Casiguran, Dilasag
Related Guides
- Baler Travel & Surfing Guide
- Aurora Travel Guide
Bataan
Province introduction: Bataan is a coastal province known for historic sites, beaches, mountains, industrial areas, and its strategic location along Manila Bay and the West Philippine Sea.
City: Balanga City
Main municipalities: Mariveles, Dinalupihan, Limay, Orion, Morong, Bagac, Pilar, Samal
Related Guides
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Guide
- Bataan Travel Guide
Bulacan
Bulacan is a densely populated province adjoining Metro Manila, combining historic towns, major urban centers, manufacturing, agriculture, and cultural landmarks.
Cities: Malolos City, Meycauayan City, San Jose del Monte City, Baliwag City
Main municipalities: Plaridel, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Marilao, Obando, Pulilan, Norzagaray
Related Guides
- Malolos City Guide
- Bulacan Travel Guide
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Ecija is a major agricultural province in the Central Luzon plains, particularly associated with rice production and extensive farming communities.
Cities: Cabanatuan City, Gapan City, Palayan City, San Jose City, Science City of Muñoz
Main municipalities: Talavera, Guimba, Bongabon, Llanera, Cabiao, Laur, General Tinio
Related Guides
- Nueva Ecija Travel Guide
Pampanga
Pampanga is a culturally prominent Central Luzon province known for culinary traditions, festivals, historic communities, business districts, and access to Clark.
Cities: Angeles City, San Fernando City
Main municipalities: Mabalacat, Mexico, Porac, Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor, Arayat, Magalang
Related Guides
- Pampanga Food Guide
- Angeles Travel City Guide
- Clark Travel Guide
- Pampanga Travel Guide
Tarlac
Tarlac occupies a central position in Luzon and features agricultural landscapes, historic communities, mountain access, and major transport corridors.
City: Tarlac City
Main municipalities: Concepcion, Capas, Gerona, Paniqui, Camiling, Moncada, Bamban
Related Guides
- Tarlac Travel Guide
Zambales
Zambales is a western Luzon coastal province known for beaches, coves, mountains, islands, and communities along the Subic Bay area.
Cities: None within the province; Olongapo City is an independent highly urbanized city geographically associated with the area.
Main municipalities: Subic, San Antonio, San Narciso, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, Castillejos, Masinloc
Related Guides
- Zambales Surfing & Beaches Guide
- Subic Travel Guide
- Zambales Travel Guide
Region IV-A – CALABARZON
CALABARZON is a highly urbanized and economically important southern Luzon region comprising Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.
The PSA identifies five provinces in Region IV-A, with 22 cities and 120 municipalities
Batangas
Batangas combines beaches, diving destinations, heritage towns, agricultural communities, industrial centers, and volcano-and-lake landscapes.
Cities: Batangas City, Lipa City, Tanauan City, Santo Tomas City, Calaca City
Main municipalities: Nasugbu, Mabini, Taal, San Juan, Bauan, Laurel, Balayan, Lian
Related Guides
- Anilao Diving Guide
- Taal Volcano Guide
- Batangas Travel Guide
Cavite
Cavite is a rapidly urbanizing province south of Metro Manila with major historical significance, residential communities, business districts, and heritage sites.
Cities: Cavite City, Dasmariñas City, General Trias City, Imus City, Tagaytay City, Trece Martires City, Bacoor City, Carmona City
Main municipalities: Silang, Kawit, Naic, Tanza, Rosario, Maragondon, Alfonso, Indang
Related Guides
- Tagaytay Guide
- Cavite Heritage Guide
- Cavite Travel Guide
Laguna
Laguna is a southern Luzon province combining lakeside communities, hot springs, waterfalls, heritage towns, agriculture, industry, and rapidly growing cities.
Cities: Calamba City, San Pablo City, Santa Rosa City, Biñan City, Cabuyao City, San Pedro City
Main municipalities: Los Baños, Pagsanjan, Paete, Nagcarlan, Bay, Victoria, Luisiana, Liliw
Related Guides
- Los Baños Guide
- Pagsanjan Guide
- Laguna Travel Guide
Quezon
Quezon stretches across southern Luzon with extensive forests, mountains, agricultural areas, coastal communities, islands, and cultural traditions.
City: Lucena City
Main municipalities: Lucban, Tayabas, Infanta, Real, Mauban, Sariaya, Gumaca, Atimonan
Related Guides
- Lucban Guide
- Quezon Province Travel Guide
Rizal
Rizal lies immediately east of Metro Manila and combines urbanizing communities with mountain landscapes, art destinations, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation areas.
City: Antipolo City
Main municipalities: Taytay, Cainta, Angono, Binangonan, Teresa, Morong, Tanay, Baras
Related Guides
- Antipolo Guide
- Tanay Adventure Guide
- Rizal Travel Guide
Region IV-B – MIMAROPA
MIMAROPA, formerly known as Region IV-B, is an island-focused region comprising Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan and is known for beaches, marine environments, forests, and island communities.
The current PSGC identifies MIMAROPA as a separate region with five provinces, two cities, and 71 municipalities.
Marinduque
Marinduque is an island province in central Philippines known for coastal scenery, rural communities, cultural traditions, and the Moriones Festival.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, Torrijos
Related Guides
- Boac Travel Guide
- Marinduque Travel Guide
Occidental Mindoro
Occidental Mindoro occupies the western portion of Mindoro Island and features agricultural plains, coastal areas, mountains, and access to marine destinations.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: San Jose, Mamburao, Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal, Abra de Ilog, Lubang
Related Guides
- Occidental Mindoro Travel Guide
Oriental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro combines coastal communities, agricultural areas, mountains, waterfalls, and access to some of Mindoro’s best-known natural attractions.
City: Calapan City
Main municipalities: Puerto Galera, Naujan, Baco, Victoria, Pinamalayan, Roxas, Bulalacao
Related Guides
- Puerto Galera Guide
- Calapan City Travel Guide
- Oriental Mindoro Travel Guide
Palawan
Palawan is a major island destination recognized for limestone landscapes, marine ecosystems, beaches, lagoons, forests, and internationally known tourism destinations.
City: Puerto Princesa City
Main municipalities: El Nido, Coron, Taytay, San Vicente, Roxas, Brooke’s Point, Narra, Culion
Related Guides
- El Nido Guide
- Coron Guide
- Puerto Princesa Guide
- Palawan Travel Guide
Romblon
Romblon is an island province made up of multiple islands and is known for beaches, diving, marble production, coastal communities, and scenic island landscapes.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Romblon, Odiongan, Tablas, San Fernando, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan, Banton
Related Guides
- Sibuyan Island Guide
- Romblon Travel Guide
Region V – Bicol Region
The Bicol Region occupies southeastern Luzon and is known for volcanoes, beaches, islands, spicy cuisine, religious traditions, agriculture, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
The current PSGC lists six Bicol provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, together with seven cities and 107 municipalities.
Albay
Albay is internationally recognized for Mayon Volcano and combines volcanic landscapes, coastal communities, agriculture, heritage, and tourism.
Cities: Legazpi City, Ligao City, Tabaco City
Main municipalities: Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Bacacay, Tiwi, Santo Domingo, Malinao, Polangui
Related Guides
- Mayon Volcano Guide
- Legazpi City Travel Guide
- Albay Travel Guide
Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte is a coastal Bicol province known for beaches, islands, agriculture, fishing communities, and historical sites.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Daet, Mercedes, Paracale, Jose Panganiban, Vinzons, Calaguas-area destinations
Related Guides
- Calaguas Guide
- Camarines Norte Travel Guide
Camarines Sur
Camarines Sur is Bicol’s largest province by population and combines urban centers, lakes, mountains, agricultural communities, and adventure destinations.
Cities: Naga City, Iriga City
Main municipalities: Pili, Caramoan, Nabua, Goa, Tigaon, Libmanan, Tinambac, Buhi
Related Guides
- Camarines Sur Travel Guide
- Caramoan Guide
- Naga City Travel Guide
Catanduanes
Province introduction: Catanduanes is an island province on the eastern side of Bicol known for Pacific-facing beaches, surfing, rolling landscapes, and rural coastal communities.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Virac, Baras, Puraran, Pandan, San Andres, Bato, Viga
Related Guides
- Puraran Surfing Guide
- Catanduanes Travel Guide
Masbate
Masbate is an island province with strong maritime and agricultural traditions, rolling landscapes, beaches, and a long-established horse-riding culture.
City: Masbate City
Main municipalities: Mobo, Aroroy, Milagros, Cawayan, Claveria, Balud, Placer
Related Guides
- Masbate Travel Guide
Sorsogon
Sorsogon occupies the southern tip of Luzon and features coastal communities, volcano-and-lake landscapes, marine wildlife destinations, and access to the Visayas.
City: Sorsogon City
Main municipalities: Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Irosin, Matnog, Castilla, Prieto Diaz
Related Guides
- Sorsogon Travel Guide
- Donsol Guide
- Bulusan Guide
Region XIV – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
The Cordillera Administrative Region is a mountainous northern Luzon region known for highland communities, indigenous cultures, rice terraces, pine forests, cool-weather destinations, and spectacular mountain scenery.
The current PSA classification calls this region CAR, comprising six provinces—Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Apayao—and two cities.
Regional naming note: Some older or non-PSA references label CAR as “Region XIV,” but the current PSGC identifies it as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Abra
Province introduction: Abra is a landlocked Cordillera province characterized by river valleys, mountains, indigenous communities, agriculture, and historic towns.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Bangued, Bucay, Tayum, Dolores, Lagangilang, Manabo, Peñarrubia, Villaviciosa
Related Guides
- Bangued Travel Guide
- Abra Travel Guide
Apayao
Apayao is a largely mountainous northern Cordillera province with forests, rivers, agricultural communities, and extensive natural landscapes.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Kabugao, Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Luna, Pudtol, Santa Marcela
Related Guides
- Apayao Travel Guide
Benguet
Benguet is a highland province surrounding the Baguio area and is known for vegetable farming, mountain scenery, indigenous culture, and cool-weather destinations.
Cities: Baguio City
Main municipalities: La Trinidad, Itogon, Tuba, Sablan, Atok, Kabayan, Bokod, Mankayan
Related Guides
- Baguio Travel Guide
- La Trinidad Travel Guide
- Benguet Travel Guide
Ifugao
Ifugao is renowned for its mountain landscapes and the cultural heritage surrounding the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Banaue, Batad, Mayoyao, Lagawe, Kiangan, Hungduan, Lamut
Related Guides
- Ifugao Travel Guide
- Banaue Rice Terraces Guide
- Batad Guide
Kalinga
Kalinga is a mountainous Cordillera province known for river valleys, indigenous communities, traditional culture, and outdoor adventure.
City: Tabuk City
Main municipalities: Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tanudan, Tinglayan
Related Guides
- Tabuk City Travel Guide
- Kalinga Travel Guide
Mountain Province
Mountain Province features dramatic highlands, traditional villages, caves, waterfalls, rice terraces, and some of the Cordillera’s best-known mountain destinations.
Cities: None
Main municipalities: Bontoc, Sagada, Bauko, Besao, Tadian, Sadanga, Sabangan, Natonin
Related Guides
- Sagada Travel Guide
- Bontoc Travel Guide
- Mountain Province Travel Guide
Why Explore the Luzon Island Group?
The Luzon Island Group offers an unusually broad range of Philippine landscapes within the one island group. Northern Luzon provides dramatic coastlines, heritage towns, highland scenery, and island destinations. Central Luzon contains expansive agricultural plains, historic provinces, emerging cities, and important transportation corridors.
Further south, CALABARZON combines highly urbanized communities with lakes, mountains, beaches, heritage towns, and weekend destinations. MIMAROPA adds a different geographic character through its dispersed islands, marine environments, beaches, forests, and internationally recognized destinations such as Palawan.
The Bicol Region brings together volcanoes, Pacific coastlines, island communities, distinctive cuisine, and outdoor attractions, while the Cordillera provides a highland experience shaped by mountains, terraces, indigenous cultures, and traditional communities.
Planning Your Luzon Island Group Trip
When planning travel around Luzon, consider grouping destinations geographically rather than attempting to cover the entire island group in a single trip.
Northern itineraries can combine the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley, while Central Luzon can be explored through Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora.
Southern itineraries can connect CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, although island destinations require additional transport planning. Bicol can be planned as its own multi-day journey, particularly when combining Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, or Sorsogon.
For mountain experiences, the Cordillera Administrative Region offers a separate highland itinerary centered around Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, and Mountain Province.
Before publishing individual location pages, verify current municipal names, city classifications, boundaries, and regional assignments against the latest PSA PSGC database because administrative information can change.
Conclusion
The Luzon Island Group offers one of the Philippines’ most diverse collections of regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, landscapes, cultures, and travel experiences. From the heritage streets of northern Luzon and the beaches of La Union and Zambales to the urban centers of Central Luzon and CALABARZON, the island group provides destinations for history, food, nature, adventure, business, and leisure travel.
The island’s southern regions add another layer of diversity through the islands of MIMAROPA and the volcanic and coastal landscapes of Bicol, while the Cordillera highlights the mountain environments and cultural heritage of northern Luzon.