For the longest time, every time I craved a fast escape from Manila, I virtually at all times headed south. Tagaytay for the environment, Batangas for the seashores, Laguna for decent springs. Once I need 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 whole area that’s filled with nature, tradition, and journey — Central Luzon. And that needed to change.
Luckily, 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 stress-free.
In the event you’re like me and have been responsible of overlooking Area III, this record would possibly simply persuade you to modify issues up in your subsequent street journey. It’s additionally nice should you’re flying in by way of 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 may go to a number of of those sights 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 street!
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 non-public trip property. Then in 2008, he purchased an outdated residence in Cagayan Valley. He then dismantled it, introduced it to Bagac, Bataan, and rebuilt it piece by piece. It appears so inconceivable till you truly see the buildings restored in what we now know as Las Casas.
Right this moment, there are a complete of 63 homes transplanted from totally 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 All of those are actually a part of the resort together with 34 buildings constructed within the model of outdated homes. These casas function lodging choices within the resort together with their lodge rooms.
In the event you don’t have a lot time or reserving lodging in Las Casas is out of your funds, you may also avail their day tour bundle. The day tour bundle will provide you with 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 realized the historical past of the homes and entered them as properly. In the event you plan on visiting Las Casas, our tip is to put on straightforward to take away footwear in the course of the strolling tour since you’ll should take away your footwear to enter the homes.
✅ RESERVE YOUR STAY AT LAS CASAS HERE!
Day Tour Charges: Weekdays, P2500; Weekends, P2900
Electronic 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 Warfare II and misplaced their lives within the Battle of Bataan. Contained in the memorial shrine complicated, 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. Up to now, guests might climb as much as the Cross’ arms with a carry and take a look at the viewing gallery on the Cross’ arms. Nevertheless, in accordance with our information, it was closed just a few years in the past as a result of cross’ structural integrity and for the overall security of tourists.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Final entry at 4:00 PM)
Entrance Payment: Common, P50; Pupil, P20
Parking Payment: Small car, P50; Giant Car, P150
✅ SEARCH FOR BATAAN HOTELS HERE!
3. Puning Scorching Spring
Journey and rest might typically sit on the alternative ends of the spectrum when touring, however that’s not the case on the Puning Scorching Spring in Porac, Pampanga.
We arrived on the base camp and hopped on a 4×4 for an off-road expertise going to the new spring. We didn’t know what to anticipate for this 4×4 trip and the primary jiffy concerned driving by tough roads. However we began to scream with delight once we began going by the realm with greenery, which made it really feel like passing by 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 may take a calming dip. Every pool has a special water temperature, and in accordance with our information, the most well liked is round 39 levels celsius.
After the new spring expertise, we proceeded to the volcanic sand spa the place we obtained buried beneath sizzling sand. Okay, that sounds a bit scary doesn’t it? Nevertheless it was similar to mendacity on a heat mattress beneath a comfy weighted blanket. We additionally obtained 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 as 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 driving again to camp on a 4×4 car and waving to the locals wanting 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.
Certainly one of, if not the, prime cities to go to for that is Angeles. Often known as the Metropolis of Angels, Angeles can be the birthplace of sisig, a preferred 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 that authentic recipe at Aling Lucing’s Sisig.
One other Angeles basic is Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, which began in 1989. Apart from their signature tokwa’t baboy dish, in addition they serve scorching sisig, which is normally included within the lists of one of the best sisig. Different eating places our staff has tried right here in Angeles are Historic Camalig Restaurant, which serves Kapampangan pizza, and Susie’s Delicacies, which is standard for his or her kakanin and mochi.
These are simply a few of the meals locations you may embody in your meals journey. Angeles is bursting with numerous eating places and even cafés serving not solely Kapampangan dishes however totally different cuisines too.
✅ SEARCH FOR ANGELES/PAMPANGA HOTELS HERE!
5. Clark
Extra formally often 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 Drive facility referred to as Clark Air Base. Right this moment, it serves as one other gateway to Metro Manila and a vacationer vacation spot as properly.
One of many locations you may 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 kids may have a blast on the 38 water slides and sights just like the Aqua Loop and Twister.
✅ RESERVE A SLOT AT CLARK’S AQUA PLANET HERE!
In the event you like historical past, you may also 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 contains 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 Scorching Air Balloon Pageant the place you may watch over 100 big balloons fly. Nevertheless, this large balloon fest is now held in New Clark Metropolis in Capas, Tarlac.
However you may 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. In the event you’re touring to or from Manila, Clark Airport is a good various 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 enormous within the Philippines. Some are larger than others, however right here in Central Luzon, there are a number of festivals you may go to. In Pampanga, the largest competition might be the Large Lantern Pageant held within the Metropolis of San Fernando.
And “greatest” is kind of literal, as a result of annually, a number of barangays from the Metropolis of San Fernando, Pampanga current their 20-foot lanterns in the course of the competition. To today, the lights on every lantern are operated by hand utilizing giant metal barrels referred to as rotors, which makes the dancing lights much more spectacular to observe.
We had been capable of see a mannequin of those rotors in particular person once we visited the Clark Museum. Although not as massive as those you’ll see on the competition, the lantern displayed was nonetheless just a few ft tall. On its facet is the rotor that controls its lights. You’ll be able to 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 Pageant. It’s now thought-about a dying custom, however some cities in Pampanga nonetheless handle to maintain it alive.
We obtained to witness the Lubenas in Magalang, Pampanga, additionally referred to as Lubenas ning Pasku. Throughout 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 embody a lantern within the form of a fish to characterize Jesus Christ.
The province of Bulacan additionally has a number of festivals you may expertise together with the Singkaban Pageant of Malolos. Guiguinto additionally has the Halamanan Pageant, which occurs each January. In the meantime, San Jose del Monte has the Tanglawan Pageant 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 may learn extra about them on Bulacan’s official web site.
7. Malolos Heritage Tour
When it comes to heritage excursions, we suggest 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 in the course of 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 came about in 1898.
Observe: In the event you’re excited by visiting the Antonio Bautista and Dr. Luis Santos Home, you may organize a tour with the Malolos Tourism Workplace.
Entrance Payment (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 coming into the farm, it felt like strolling right into a city fiesta the place meals is being shared by everyone. With a chilly coconut and dayap sherbet in hand, we had been invited to dig into a complete 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 obtained to get pleasure from 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 obtained to get pleasure from Kapampangan dishes for dinner. We crammed 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 finest for a household trip or a visit with an enormous group of buddies. They settle for bookings for a day tour with a minimal of 20 individuals. The day tour bundle contains interactive suman making, barquillos making, and extra plus a Kapampangan feast. You too can ebook 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/night time (up to 16 pax)
Contact Data: Message their Fb web page to ebook
9. Zambales Seashores
In the event you’re a seaside lover and also you’re from Manila, chances are high you’ve been to at the least one seaside in Zambales for a fast escape. However should you haven’t but, you must 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 fashioned 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 can’t discover wherever else.
When it comes to beachscapes, Zambales might be most recognized for the coves of San Antonio, akin 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 will see a few resorts, residence stays, and seaside villas right here, splendid 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 preferred browsing spot right here is Sabang Seashore. With shallow waters and powerful waves, Sabang is right for surfers of all ability ranges—from inexperienced persons to seasoned surfers. In the event you’re probably not into browsing, you may also simply go swimming in Sabang and watch different vacationers or locals trip the waves.
Baler can 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’ll be able to go on a fast hike to Diguisit Falls or
Ditumabo Mom Falls and take a dip in its cool gushing waters.
In the event you’re the kind who appreciates a mixture of historical past and nature, go to the 600-year outdated balete tree and Ermita Hill. One other cease you may 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 understood for its towering limestones bordering the Peñarada River. The park gives its guests picturesque sceneries with a mixture of journey.
Vacationers can get pleasure from 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 individuals 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 sights to begin with. There are additionally many trekking websites and a number of diving websites for individuals 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.
In the event you’re celebrating a special day, you may go on a yacht cruise. However should you’re on a funds and nonetheless need to bask beneath the colourful sky throughout sunset, head to the SBMA seaside. Simply discover a spot on the seaside and calm down 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 brought on extreme harm and lahar flooding in its surrounding areas. This volcanic exercise additionally modified the panorama of various locations within the provinces round Pinatubo.
Right this moment, 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 top of the path. Then, you’ll trek to the volcano’s picturesque crater lake.
Throughout your journey, you may also 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