9 Best Places to go Stargazing in the Philippines
James Aquino After visiting more than thirty international cities in three continents (and still counting), James is on a quest to visit at least two new countries each year. A registered nurse, a stage father, and a grumpy husband, he has always believed that travelling offers something that you will never learn from school. His best advice is to always take pictures along your way, but never forget the stories behind them.
Stargazing is one of the most underrated outdoor experiences today. Everyone says that they would love to go stargazing, but few actually get out there to do it. In a world where technology, pop culture and work tend to consume our life, spending the night staring at the night sky can be really therapeutic.
Here we have a list of some of the best stargazing sites in the Philippines where you can just lie beneath the celestial bodies above you.
Getting started
The key to a perfect stargazing experience is good weather. Clear skies and relatively mild weather are perfect, as these conditions offer a great view of the countless stars. Cloudy skies not only obscure the view, but can also be an indication of inclement weather.
Image credit: Zach Dischner
As a stargazer, you can go with the traditional activity of just lying on the grass or over a blanket while thinking about life or exchanging stories with your friends.. Hard-core stargazers can bring telescopes and maps to identify constellations. It completely depends on how you would like the night to go. There are stargazers who only stay halfway through the night, while others prefer stargazing to be an overnight activity.
Also Read: 12 Best Places in the World to Go Stargazing
1. Manila Bayfront
Image credit: Toto Camba
We begin this list with one of the most accessible spots for city dwellers. The Manila Bayfront can be accessed for free, and it can be a 2-in-1 destination – both for viewing the majestic sunset as well as for stargazing. Aside from this, the accessibility of Manila Bayfront means that you can pack light, and you can make your way home in the middle of the night if your accommodation is just around the city. This is the best destination for individuals who can't get enough of stargazing!
2. PAGASA Observatory
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Another very accessible destination for stargazers is the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration, or PAGASA, Observatory. Located in Quezon City, which is about an hour away from Manila, this observatory welcomes visitors day and night. The equipment available at the observatory can be used free of charge, and it is revered as one of the best destinations for stargazers. The visitor count of the PAGASA Observatory peaks when there is a scheduled astronomical activity, such as an eclipse, meteor shower, or visible comet. However, do not expect this destination to be a high-tech kind of observatory. It is a bit worn out, but this actually adds up to its distinct charm.
3. Batanes Island
Image credit: Ree Dexter
From the closest to the city, we now go to probably the most isolated location for an undistracted stargazing experience. The absence of available technology and the distraction of city traffic, as well as the purity of the environment, makes the stargazing experience in Batanes Island a raw and very refreshing one. The disadvantage here is the need for careful planning and the time required because you would have to travel by air and arrange for accommodations, but the experience that awaits you will make everything worth it.
4. Pundaquit
Image credit: Boy Reale
With pristine beaches and lots of areas on which to settle your tent and enjoy the peaceful night, Pundaquit in the province of Zambales is one of the most recommended places to go stargazing because of its location and the variety of things that can be done around the area. Despite the popularity that it is gaining, the progression of the area seems to be slower than that of other destinations. It doesn’t have manicured beaches and luxurious hotels, and you have to set up your own tent and cook your own meals most of the time. These inconveniences will make room for experiences that can become fantastic memories. Pundaquit is less than four hours away from Manila, and it is a great choice for overnight camping.
Also read: Camping in the Philippines: 10 Sites with the Most Incredible Views
5. Seven Suites Hotel Observatory
Image credit: Seven Suites Hotel Observatory
This is the only establishment-specific destination that made it on our list. The Seven Suites Hotel Observatory is the only hotel observatory in the country, and it is located in Antipolo in the province of Rizal. It welcomes its guests with the latest equipment in the field of astronomy, which allows you to have a total evening experience close to the stars. The hotel really lives up to its promise of providing a unique stellar experience that stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will definitely enjoy. Great food, comfortable accommodation, and a very comprehensive astronomy guide makes it perfect for those who want a night full of stars but without giving up the comforts of modern living.
6. Mt. Samat National Shrine
Image credit: Shubert Clencia
The National Shrine of Mt. Samat in the province of Bataan offers an experience that is both historical and astronomical. It is a destination that is not too far from the city, and the low density of city lights below makes it a great stargazing site.
This stargazing destination requires planning and can be accessed through public transport, although a rented van is recommended because transportation access is not easily available around the area, especially at night. Meals should also be brought with you because of the limited number of stores in the mountainside. During the day, you can visit the Mt. Samat cross, which is accessible and has an elevator that can bring you to the joint of the cross. It offers the view of the Bataan peninsula and the Manila Bay.
Also Read: 10 Cities in Asia with the Best Night Skylines
7. Mt. Pulag
Image credit: Francis Gimenez
Professional hikers and photography enthusiasts labelled Mt. Pulag as the closest to heaven that you can experience. While this is generally not the most favourable for the not-so-athletic stargazers, the hike is definitely worth it because Mt. Pulag brings you very close to the heavens. Almost every morning, an amazing sea of clouds will greet hikers that have spent a tranquil night underneath the stars. This location is highly recommended for experienced hikers because of the physical endurance required to reach the campsite.
8. Laiya
Image credit: Jopetsy
Considered as one of the most popular beach destinations in Luzon, Laiya offers a serene evening that can be romantic and exclusive at the same time. The calm waves and gentle breeze create the perfect setting for you to just look up and gaze at the stars. Set up a campfire while your friends are assembling the tent and talk about the great things in life while the embers go out. It is so easy to get lost in the moment while the stars are above you. Laiya is very accessible, being less than three hours away from Manila.
9. Casiguran
Image credit: Karlo Yap
This town is one of the most underrated destinations among the stargazing community. Although it is quite far when compared with other mainland destinations in this list because it is more than six hours from Manila, Casiguran in Aurora, has a unique charm that entices its guests to stay for the night and have an evening underneath the stars. Accommodation options are very affordable here, and there are plenty of food choices too. This town showcases a good mix of beachfront and countryside locations for your stargazing adventure, so you can have the freedom to choose which one suits your fancy.
Are you ready to spend the night under a sky full of stars?