Top 7 Best Philippine Cemeteries Worthy to Explore

The seventh place on the list of Philippine cemeteries is shared by the Clark Veterans Cemetery and Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery.

The Clark Veterans Cemetery was located at the Clark Freeport Zone to accommodate fallen World War 2 soldiers in the Philippine cemetery of the former Fort McKinley in Manila. The remains of non-World War 2 veterans were also relocated to this military post cemetery from the former Fort Stotsenburg. It was initially managed by the Americans until Clark Air Base was abandoned following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. It was rehabilitated after being placed under the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) care. While this cemetery in the Philippines is a permanent American cemetery, it remains on Philippine property. Currently, this Philippine cemetery has the remains of around 8,600 fallen soldiers and Filipino Scouts who fought under the American flag in World War 2.

The Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery is exciting and famous in the Philippines since it is at the intersection of two highways. This Philippine cemetery is owned by the Ruiz de Luzuriaga family, a wealthy political family in the Negros province; the graveyard was left untouched by the government when a road widening project was implemented in the 1950s. Subsequently, tombs affected by the project were moved to the public cemetery in the Philippines. On the other hand, the government opted not to touch the mausoleum at this Philippine cemetery in exchange for the land donated by the family for the old city hall. While it is a private mausoleum, tourists can enter it with the family’s permission.

The Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) comes next in sixth place on our list of Philippine cemeteries. It was initially created as a burial place for Filipino military personnel who served during the Second World War. But this Philippine cemetery was later designated as the official final resting place of the deceased national heroes, patriots, national artists, national scientists, and Philippine presidents. Moreover, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also allowed secretaries of National Defense, AFP Chiefs of Staff, General or Flag offices, active and retired military personnel, and government statesmen and dignitaries to be buried at this cemetery in the Philippines. Established in 1947, this famous cemetery in the Philippines was initially called the Republic Memorial Cemetery before it was given its present name in 1954 by President Ramon Magsaysay.

The fifth entry on the list of Philippine cemeteries is unique to people who have fur babies since it was a place created mainly for animals. This cemetery in the Philippines is Located in the PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) Shelter. PAWS Pet Memorial allows people to remember a departed furry member of the family. While the remains of pets are not buried at this cemetery in the Philippines, the shelter allocated a portion of the property for a mass grave for deceased pets. Instead, pet owners can purchase a memorial tile containing the name and picture of their pets along with a short dedication at this Philippine cemetery.

Voter’s comment: “A fascinating glimpse into ancient times!!!” - Wil

Spelunkers looking for a different adventure can visit the Lumiang Burial Cave in Sagada, Mountain Province. This Philippine cemetery, known as the burial cave, is at the entrance of a popular tourist attraction in Sagada, the Cave Connection. This famous cemetery in the Philippines was a sacred ground for Filipinos living in the area hundreds of years ago because, during that time, it was traditional for Filipinos to bury their dead inside a cave. Over a hundred coffins can be found at this cemetery in the Philippines, with the oldest being around 500 years old. The coffins feature carved images of lizards in this Philippine cemetery, considered symbols of fertility and long life.

Aside from the Lumian Burial Cave, another popular tourist destination in the Mountain Province is the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. The people of the Cordilleras practiced the tradition of using hanging coffins to bury their dead for thousands of years. The pinewood coffins at this Philippine cemetery were suspended along the sides of a limestone cliff using primitive ropes and wires. Aside from the belief that hanging the coffins will bring the physical bodies of the departed closer to heaven, the practice also protects the remains from animals and humans. The height of the coffins at this cemetery in the Philippines denotes the status of the deceased in the tribe, with elders earning a higher place on the cliff. While similar practices were noted in Indonesia, historians think the method may have come from the Bo or Guyue tribes in China.

Our second spot of Philippine cemeteries is located on Camiguin Island. Camiguin Island may be famous for its volcanoes and the Lanzones Festival, but visitors can look forward to something unique when they visit the island. One particular place one can find on Camiguin Island is the Sunken Cemetery in Barrio Bonbon, Catarman. The Philippine cemetery used to be located above sea level but became submerged after Mt. Vulcan erupted in 1980. The location of this cemetery in the Philippines is marked by a white cross set up by the local government to replace the original cross, which was destroyed over time. Presently, several submerged tombstones can still be identified. Moreover, some tombs at this famous cemetery in the Philippines are visible from the surface when the tide is low. This Philippine cemetery is particularly popular among photographers who like to take pictures of the cross as the sun rises or sets.

Topping this list of interesting Philippine cemeteries is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. Visitors may only see the uniqueness of the cemetery in the Philippines after a period of time. They may think it is similar to many baroque-style churches in the country. But once they see the entrance to the underground chamber, visitors will have their “Aha!” moment. Established in 1845, it is the only underground cemetery in the country. Only elite families and Spanish friars were allowed to be buried at this Philippine cemetery. In addition, it also served as a secret rendezvous point for Filipino rebels during the Filipino-American War and a safe house for Filipino guerillas during the Second World War. The cemetery is a National Historical Landmark following a presidential decree in 1973.

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