For the longest time, every time I craved a fast escape from Manila, I nearly at all times headed south. Tagaytay for the ambiance, Batangas for the seashores, Laguna for decent springs. Once I wish to go north, my thoughts instantly head straight to La Union or Baguio. It has been a well-worn routine. However not too long ago, I noticed one thing: I had been utterly and undeservedly ignoring a complete area that’s full of nature, tradition, and journey — Central Luzon. And that needed to change.
Thankfully, the Division of Tourism invited us to the Central Luzon leg of the Philippine Expertise Program (PEP), and this gave us a greater grasp of issues to do on this seven-province area. From underrated seaside cities to historic facilities to meals stops, a visit to Central Luzon may be enriching as a lot as it’s enjoyable.
Should you’re like me and have been responsible of overlooking Area III, this record may simply persuade you to modify issues up in your subsequent highway journey. It’s additionally nice should you’re flying in through Clark Worldwide Airport (CRK) and also you’re on the lookout for locations to go to within the surrounding provinces. Whether or not you’re coming from Manila or Clark, you’ll be able to go to a number of of those points of interest in a single journey. NLEX makes touring between these Central Luzon locations simpler and faster.
So are you able to discover extra of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales? Let’s hit the highway!
1. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
First opened to the general public in 2010, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a seaside resort, conference heart, and heritage vacation spot. Owned by Jose Acuzar, Las Casas began as a personal trip property. Then in 2008, he purchased an previous residence in Cagayan Valley. He then dismantled it, introduced it to Bagac, Bataan, and rebuilt it piece by piece. It appears so unattainable till you really see the buildings restored in what we now know as Las Casas.
Right now, there are a complete of 63 homes transplanted from completely different areas within the Philippines, transferred to Bataan, and rebuilt. All of those are actually a part of the resort together with 34 buildings constructed within the type of previous homes. These casas function lodging choices within the resort together with their resort rooms.
Should you don’t have a lot time or reserving lodging in Las Casas is out of your finances, it’s also possible to avail their day tour bundle. The day tour bundle offers you entry to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and is inclusive of a guided heritage strolling tour, viewing of Lodge de Oriente, balsa trip, set lunch or eating credit, and seaside entry.
Throughout our go to to Las Casas, we did the heritage strolling tour and balsa trip. As we discover, we discovered the historical past of the homes and entered them as nicely. Should you plan on visiting Las Casas, our tip is to put on simple to take away footwear through the strolling tour since you’ll must take away your footwear to enter the homes.
✅ RESERVE YOUR STAY AT LAS CASAS HERE!
Day Tour Charges: Weekdays, P2500; Weekends, P2900
E mail: reservations@lascasasfilipinas.com
Contact Numbers: +63919-056-7789 OR +632-8860-5961
2. Mt. Samat
Situated in Bataan, Mount Samat Nationwide Shrine also referred to as Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor is a historic shrine. It was constructed to honor the Filipino and American troopers who fought throughout World Conflict II and misplaced their lives within the Battle of Bataan. Contained in the memorial shrine advanced, the large memorial cross stands on the peak of Mount Samat.
From the shrine, you’ll get a panoramic view of Bataan and Corregidor Island. And should you go to on a transparent day, you’ll additionally get a glimpse of Manila throughout Manila Bay. Prior to now, guests may climb as much as the Cross’ arms with a raise and take a look at the viewing gallery on the Cross’ arms. Nevertheless, in line with our information, it was closed a number of years in the past because of the cross’ structural integrity and for the final security of tourists.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Final entry at 4:00 PM)
Entrance Charge: Common, P50; Pupil, P20
Parking Charge: Small automobile, P50; Giant Car, P150
✅ SEARCH FOR BATAAN HOTELS HERE!
3. Puning Sizzling Spring
Journey and leisure could typically sit on the other ends of the spectrum when touring, however that’s not the case on the Puning Sizzling Spring in Porac, Pampanga.
We arrived on the base camp and hopped on a 4×4 for an off-road expertise going to the recent spring. We didn’t know what to anticipate for this 4×4 trip and the primary couple of minutes concerned driving via tough roads. However we began to scream with delight after we began going via the world with greenery, which made it really feel like passing via a magical forest.
After the thrilling trip, we arrived on the sizzling spring. There are 12 swimming pools right here with water coming from the Sacobia River the place you’ll be able to take a calming dip. Every pool has a special water temperature, and in line with our information, the most well liked is round 39 levels celsius.
After the recent spring expertise, we proceeded to the volcanic sand spa the place we bought buried beneath sizzling sand. Okay, that sounds a bit scary doesn’t it? Nevertheless it was identical to mendacity on a heat mattress beneath a comfy weighted blanket. We additionally bought a barefoot therapeutic massage by a neighborhood whereas nonetheless beneath the nice and cozy sand and had a mud pack for the face, which was a bit chilly compared. The nice and cozy volcanic sand supposedly helps relieve physique ache and improve blood circulation.
After the spa remedy, we hopped again on the 4×4 to return to base camp the place the bathe space is. Now right here’s the kicker: we didn’t know that we’d be using again to camp on a 4×4 automobile and waving to the locals trying like this! This was positively one of many highlights of the journey, regardless of my social nervousness! Haha!
✅ CHECK PUNING HOT SPRING DAY TOUR FROM MANILA HERE!
4. Angeles Meals Journey
Filipinos know Pampanga because the culinary capital of the Philippines and it might be a mistake to go to this province and not go on a meals journey. Some individuals even journey to Pampanga only for the meals alone.
One in all, if not the, high cities to go to for that is Angeles. Also referred to as the Metropolis of Angels, Angeles can also be the birthplace of sisig, a well-liked Filipino dish historically made with pork jowl and ears, pork stomach, and hen liver. It was in 1974 when this model of sisig was first made by Lucia Cunanan, and you may do this unique recipe at Aling Lucing’s Sisig.
One other Angeles basic is Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, which began in 1989. Except for their signature tokwa’t baboy dish, in addition they serve scorching sisig, which is normally included within the lists of the perfect sisig. Different eating places our workforce has tried right here in Angeles are Historic Camalig Restaurant, which serves Kapampangan pizza, and Susie’s Delicacies, which is in style for his or her kakanin and mochi.
These are simply a few of the meals locations you’ll be able to embrace in your meals journey. Angeles is bursting with numerous eating places and even cafés serving not solely Kapampangan dishes however completely different cuisines too.
✅ SEARCH FOR ANGELES/PAMPANGA HOTELS HERE!
5. Clark
Extra formally generally known as Clark Freeport and Particular Financial Zone, Clark covers part of Angeles, Mabalacat, and Porac in Pampanga in addition to Capas and Bamban in Tarlac. Clark was a US Air Pressure facility known as Clark Air Base. Right now, it serves as one other gateway to Metro Manila and a vacationer vacation spot as nicely.
One of many locations you’ll be able to go to in Clark is Aqua Planet, a waterpark that spans 10 hectares, making it one of many largest in Asia. Right here, each adults and youngsters can have a blast on the 38 water slides and points of interest just like the Aqua Loop and Twister.
✅ RESERVE A SLOT AT CLARK’S AQUA PLANET HERE!
Should you like historical past, it’s also possible to go to the Clark Museum and the 4D Theater subsequent to it. The museum showcases the wealthy historical past of Clark from 1901 to its growth as a Freeport zone. In the meantime, the 4D Theater includes a 20-minute movie about Clark together with the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Entrance price is P100 per head, with an extra P100 price to expertise the 4D Theatre.
Clark additionally was the venue for the Philippine Sizzling Air Balloon Competition the place you’ll be able to watch over 100 large balloons fly. Nevertheless, this huge balloon fest is now held in New Clark Metropolis in Capas, Tarlac.
However you’ll be able to nonetheless fly from Clark as a result of Clark Worldwide Airport sits on this hub! This airport serves as a gateway to each home and worldwide locations. Should you’re touring to or from Manila, Clark Airport is a superb different to NAIA or Manila Airport.
✅ SEARCH FOR CLARK HOTELS HERE!
✅ Associated Article: 2024 MANILA to CLARK to MANILA P2P BUS SCHEDULE (NAIA, Trinoma, Clark Airport)
6. Fiestas
Fiestas are big within the Philippines. Some are greater than others, however right here in Central Luzon, there are a number of festivals you’ll be able to go to. In Pampanga, the largest pageant might be the Large Lantern Competition held within the Metropolis of San Fernando.
And “largest” is kind of literal, as a result of every year, a number of barangays from the Metropolis of San Fernando, Pampanga current their 20-foot lanterns through the pageant. To this present day, the lights on every lantern are operated by hand utilizing massive metal barrels known as rotors, which makes the dancing lights much more spectacular to look at.
We had been in a position to see a mannequin of those rotors in individual after we visited the Clark Museum. Although not as massive as those you’ll see on the pageant, the lantern displayed was nonetheless a number of toes tall. On its facet is the rotor that controls its lights. You may even attempt rotating it your self and see the way it makes the lights on the lantern dance.
One other city celebration that includes lanterns is the Lubenas Procession. They are saying this non secular exercise impressed the Large Lantern Competition. It’s now thought-about a dying custom, however some cities in Pampanga nonetheless handle to maintain it alive.
We bought to witness the Lubenas in Magalang, Pampanga, additionally known as Lubenas ning Pasku. Through the procession, you’ll see a carriage with the patron saint of the taking part barangay, adopted by two rows of six lanterns on bamboo poles headed by a cross representing the 12 apostles. Some additionally embrace a lantern within the form of a fish to signify Jesus Christ.
The province of Bulacan additionally has a number of festivals you’ll be able to expertise together with the Singkaban Competition of Malolos. Guiguinto additionally has the Halamanan Competition, which occurs each January. In the meantime, San Jose del Monte has the Tanglawan Competition in September. And in Might, childless {couples} go to Obando for the Obando Fertility Dance.
For extra on these festivals and the issues that make them distinctive, you’ll be able to learn extra about them on Bulacan’s official web site.
7. Malolos Heritage Tour
When it comes to heritage excursions, we advocate including a Malolos Heritage Tour to your tour of Area III since Malolos performed an enormous half in our historical past as the primary republic of the Philippines.
Listed below are a few of the spots you shouldn’t miss in a Malolos Heritage Tour:
- Malolos Cathedral, which served because the seat of President Emilio Aguinaldo through the first Philippine Republic,
- Heritage homes in Barangay Sto. Niño St, such because the Bautista Home, Uitangcoy-Santos Home, and Dr. Luis Santos Home,
- Barasoain Church, the place the Malolos opening of the Malolos Congress happened in 1898.
Be aware: Should you’re serious about visiting the Antonio Bautista and Dr. Luis Santos Home, you’ll be able to prepare a tour with the Malolos Tourism Workplace.
Entrance Charge (per home): P150, minimal of 10 pax
Extra Tour Information: P1,500 to P3,000
Malolos Tourism Workplace Contact Data: 044 931 8888 Native 2503
8. Alviz Farm
Alviz Farm in Santa Rita, Pampanga, opens its doorways to guests not solely as a farm but in addition as a mattress & breakfast.
Upon getting into the farm, it felt like strolling right into a city fiesta the place meals is being shared by all people. With a chilly coconut and dayap sherbet in hand, we had been invited to dig into an entire lechon on the desk. There have been additionally different Pinoy fare to pattern like tsokolate de batirol, suman, ube halaya, barquillos, chicharon, and grilled hen. We bought to take pleasure in consuming it whereas watching the locals put together them.
The fiesta-like welcome was simply the beginning of a mouth-watering culinary expertise right here as a result of we additionally bought to take pleasure in Kapampangan dishes for dinner. We stuffed our bellies with numerous native specialties like Asadong Matua, Buro, Kare-kare, biringhe, and Sisig Babi.
However what made this expertise extra particular had been the performances by Arti Sta. Rita. The group sang and danced to Christmas songs and Kapampangan classics like Atin Cu Pung Singsing and Mekeni Tuki Ka.
A go to to Alviz Farm is greatest for a household trip or a visit with an enormous group of associates. They settle for bookings for a day tour with a minimal of 20 individuals. The day tour bundle consists of interactive suman making, barquillos making, and extra plus a Kapampangan feast. You can too guide the farm for an in a single day keep, good for as much as 16 individuals.
Day Tour: P2,500/head (minimal of 20 pax)
In a single day: P30,000/evening (up to 16 pax)
Contact Data: Message their Fb web page to guide
9. Zambales Seashores
Should you’re a seaside lover and also you’re from Manila, likelihood is you’ve been to a minimum of one seaside in Zambales for a fast escape. However should you haven’t but, it is best to positively tick it off your record as a result of this province is a haven for sun-worshippers. The beachscape right here could be very distinctive because it was shaped after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. You’ll discover clear waters, black or greyish sand, and the seaside lined with agoho bushes, giving it a vibe which you could’t discover wherever else.
When it comes to beachscapes, Zambales might be most recognized for the coves of San Antonio, corresponding to Nagsasa Cove and Anawangin Cove, and Crystal Seashore Resort in San Narcisco. In recent times, the cities of Botolan and Liwliwa are getting a bit extra love too! You’ll discover a few resorts, residence stays, and seaside villas right here, preferrred for household or barkada getaways.
✅ SEARCH FOR SAN ANTONIO RESORTS, SAN FELIPE RESORTS & BOTOLAN RESORTS!
10. Baler Tour
Generally known as the birthplace of Philippine browsing, Baler within the province of Aurora is the place to be in Central Luzon to catch some waves. The most well-liked browsing spot right here is Sabang Seashore. With shallow waters and powerful waves, Sabang is good for surfers of all talent ranges—from inexperienced persons to seasoned surfers. Should you’re not likely into browsing, it’s also possible to simply go swimming in Sabang and watch different vacationers or locals trip the waves.
Baler can also be a paradise for nature lovers as a result of other than the seaside, there are different vacationer spots to go to if you wish to be near nature. You may go on a fast hike to Diguisit Falls or
Ditumabo Mom Falls and take a dip in its cool gushing waters.
Should you’re the sort who appreciates a mixture of historical past and nature, go to the 600-year previous balete tree and Ermita Hill. One other cease you’ll be able to add to your itinerary is Aniao Rock Formations and Diguisit Islets.
✅ SEARCH FOR BALER RESORTS HERE!
11. Minalungao Nationwide Park
Minalungao Nationwide Park is a wide ranging pure surprise in Nueva Ecija. Declared as a protected space, the park is thought for its towering limestones bordering the Peñarada River. The park affords its guests picturesque sceneries with a mixture of journey.
Vacationers can take pleasure in actions like bamboo rafting, picnics, kayaking, and naturally, swimming! There’s additionally a dangling bridge that can take you from one facet of the river to the opposite whereas having fun with the beautiful view from above. In the meantime, thrill seekers can go cliff diving or spelunking.
12. Subic
Subic is one other basic vacationer vacation spot for many who are coming from the metro, particularly because it was one of many first hubs to be developed in Central Luzon. However basic doesn’t imply outdated as a result of it nonetheless has a lot to supply to vacationers even right this moment.
It has the seaside, the water adventures, and the a number of family-friendly points of interest to start out with. There are additionally many trekking websites and a number of diving websites for many who like nature adventures.
A meals journey or café hopping journey right here will certainly excite foodies as there are a whole lot of home-grown eating places and low outlets alongside Subic’s streets.
Should you’re celebrating an important day, you’ll be able to go on a yacht cruise. However should you’re on a finances and nonetheless wish to bask beneath the colourful sky throughout sunset, head to the SBMA seaside. Simply discover a spot on the seaside and loosen up whilst you watch the sky flip into a colourful canvas because the solar units.
✅ SEARCH FOR SUBIC HOTELS & RESORTS HERE!
13. Mt. Pinatubo
Straddling Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga, Mount Pinatubo is an energetic volcano in Luzon. Its 1991 eruption has triggered extreme injury and lahar flooding in its surrounding areas. This volcanic exercise additionally modified the panorama of various locations within the provinces round Pinatubo.
Right now, this majestic volcano has change into a must-visit attraction particularly for adventurers. Its jump-off level is positioned in Capas, Tarlac. From the jump-off level, the Pinatubo journey begins with a scenic 4×4 trip to the pinnacle of the path. Then, you’ll trek to the volcano’s picturesque crater lake.
Throughout your journey, it’s also possible to go to a village of an Aeta tribe — the indigenous individuals in Mt. Pinatubo — and get to know their tradition and lifestyle.
✅ RESERVE MT. PINATUBO HIKING DAY TOUR HERE!
Updates Log
2025.01.0X – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Edited by: Hannah Manalo
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