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. 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.

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.

To reach Dingalan by car from Metro Manila, begin your journey northbound via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), then transition onto the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), followed by the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). From there, take the exit leading to the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CCLEX), which provides a seamless and direct route to Cabanatuan City. Once in Cabanatuan, continue eastward along the Nueva Ecija–Aurora Road, turning right at the Palayan junction towards the towns of Laur and Gabaldon. This mountain-hugging highway offers scenic views of the Sierra Madre as it winds toward the coastal edges of Aurora. After passing through the last ridgeline section near Dingalan View Deck, the road descends into the municipality itself. The total drive typically takes between four to five hours under normal traffic conditions. While most of the roads are paved and maintained, some portions beyond Gabaldon can be narrow and curvy, so drivers are advised to proceed with caution, especially if unfamiliar with provincial terrain.”

A long drive for a 7-11? This one is definitely worth it. This newly opened branch of the 24-hour convenience store boasts easily the most scenic view in the country. Located in Camalig Albay, it has none other than the picturesque Mayon Volcano as its backdrop. The branch has been compared to the Lawson convenience store in Japan with Mt. Fuji behind it. As you can guess, it’s become a haven for motorcycle riders and car enthusiasts looking to replicate the viral car photos taken at the Japanese convenience store. Unlike Lawson, parking and taking photos is still very much allowed in this 7-11.

To get there from Metro Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and transition into the Star Tollway. Exit at Sto. Tomas and take the Maharlika Highway (AH26) southeast towards and through San Pablo City. Hang a left at the Tiaong Bypass road to avoid the main town until you re-merge with Maharlika Highway (AH26). Turn right onto the Sariaya Alternative Route. Turn left onto the Quezon Eco Tourism Road. Then turn right again to rejoin the Maharlika Highway (AH26). Stay with AH26 until you get to the Rolando Andaya Highway, at which point, you’ll turn right. Drive along this road for a while until you rejoin Maharlika Highway (AH26) once again at Camarines Sur. Hang a right at the provincial road before the town of San Fernand, heading toward Nabua. Turn left into the Nabua – Balatan Road and right again to rejoin the Maharlika Highway (AH26). Finally, stay on this road until you get to the town of Camalig. You’ll find the 7-11 at the intersection of AH26 and the Camalig Bypass Road.

Though not a natural lake, Lake Lubo in Kibungan Benguet has been rising up the ranks as a new destination. It was formed from an old open pit mine that used to operate in the 80s. Now abandoned, it filled up with rainwater is now a tourist destination in Kibungan. Its pit mine history is evident from some of its nearly perfectly graded sides. Nonetheless, this lake now finds it self home to a tilapia population sustained by the locals.

The easiest way to get there is to take the same route going to Baguio City. Rather than entering its busy down town, take the military cut-off road until the rotunda. Take the second exit to get onto South Drive, and hang a right at Park Road. At the rotunda, take the fourth exit to Pacdal Road. Hang a right at the Shilan – Bekkel Road. Take a right once you get to Halsema Highway. Once in Bontoc, turn left onto the Acop-Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road. Be on the lookout for a small road headed to Boklaoan as you’ll want to take a sharp right here. Then keep your eyes peeled for the Boneng-Lubo Road. Take a left to stay on the Boneng Mines Road. This should take you to Lubo town which is right beside the lake.

Alfonso may not be a new destination to some travelers, but this one restaurant definitely is. Asador Alfonso is a fine-dining Spanish restaurant set within a 9.4-hectare estate, co-developed by renowned chef, Chele Gonzalez, and architect, Carlo Calma, the space combines minimalist architecture with a focus on tradition, especially Spanish roasting techniques. The estate’s structures are true architectural gems, and the lush landscaping and delectable food only make it a more desirable destination. This restaurant is by appointment only and it’s best to make a reservation first before heading there.

To get there from Metro Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) all the way to Mamplasan. Take the Mamplasan exit and get onto the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). Once on that highway, take CALAX all the way until its current terminus, the Aguinaldo Exit. From there, hang a left onto Aguinaldo Highway. Take a right on the Tagaytay Bypass Road. After some 24-km, be on the lookout for signs to Asador Alfonso. You will be taking a right on an unmarked road which leads to the estate.