For the longest time, each 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. After I wish to go north, my thoughts instantly head straight to La Union or Baguio. It has been a well-worn routine. However lately, I noticed one thing: I had been utterly and undeservedly ignoring a whole area that’s full of nature, tradition, and journey — Central Luzon. And that needed to change.

Happily, 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 will be enriching as a lot as it’s enjoyable.

In case 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 highway journey. It’s additionally nice when you’re flying in through Clark Worldwide Airport (CRK) and also you’re searching 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 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 middle, and heritage vacation spot. Owned by Jose Acuzar, Las Casas began as a non-public trip property. Then in 2008, he purchased an outdated dwelling in Cagayan Valley.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.

At this time, there are a complete of 63 homes transplanted from completely different areas within the Philippines, transferred to Bataan, and rebuilt. All of those at the moment are a part of the resort together with 34 buildings constructed within the type of outdated homes. These casas function lodging choices within the resort together with their lodge rooms.

In case you don’t have a lot time or reserving lodging in Las Casas is out of your price range, it’s also possible to 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 journey, set lunch or eating credit, and seaside entry.

Throughout our go to to Las Casas, we did the heritage strolling tour and balsa journey. As we discover, we discovered the historical past of the homes and entered them as effectively. In case 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 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 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 when you go to on a transparent day, you’ll additionally get a glimpse of Manila throughout Manila Bay. Previously, guests might climb as much as the Cross’ arms with a carry and take a look at the viewing gallery on the Cross’ arms. Nonetheless, 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 holiday makers.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Final entry at 4:00 PM)
Entrance Price: Common, P50; Pupil, P20
Parking Price: Small car, P50; Massive Car, P150

✅ SEARCH FOR BATAAN HOTELS HERE!

3. Puning Sizzling Spring

Journey and rest could generally sit on the alternative 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 new spring. We didn’t know what to anticipate for this 4×4 journey and the primary jiffy concerned driving by way of tough roads. However we began to scream with delight after we began going by way of the world with greenery, which made it really feel like passing by way of a magical forest.

After the thrilling journey, we arrived on the scorching spring. There are 12 swimming pools right here with water coming from the Sacobia River the place you may take a soothing dip. Every pool has a unique 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 underneath scorching sand. Okay, that sounds a bit scary doesn’t it? But it surely was identical to mendacity on a heat mattress underneath a comfy weighted blanket. We additionally obtained a barefoot therapeutic massage by an area whereas nonetheless underneath 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 might 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 could be a mistake to go to this province and not go on a meals journey. Some folks even journey to Pampanga only for the meals alone.

One among, if not the, prime 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 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’ll do that unique recipe at Aling Lucing’s Sisig.

One other Angeles traditional is Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, which began in 1989. Apart from their signature tokwa’t baboy dish, additionally they serve scorching sisig, which is often included within the lists of the very best 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 well-liked for his or her kakanin and mochi.

These are simply among 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 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 once a US Air Power facility referred to as Clark Air Base. At this time, it serves as one other gateway to Metro Manila and a vacationer vacation spot as effectively.

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 points of interest just like the Aqua Loop and Twister.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT AT CLARK’S AQUA PLANET HERE!

In case 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 improvement 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 charge is P100 per head, with an extra P100 charge to expertise the 4D Theatre.

Clark additionally was once the venue for the Philippine Sizzling Air Balloon Competition the place you may watch over 100 big balloons fly. Nonetheless, this huge 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 case 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 large 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 pageant might be the Big Lantern Competition held within the Metropolis of San Fernando.

And “largest” 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 pageant. To this present day, 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 look at.

We have been capable of see a mannequin of those rotors in particular person after we visited the Clark Museum. Although not as large as those you’ll see on the pageant, the lantern displayed was nonetheless just a few ft tall. On its aspect 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 Big Lantern Competition. 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 symbolize Jesus Christ.

The province of Bulacan additionally has a number of festivals you may 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 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 among 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 occurred in 1898.

Observe: In case you’re serious about visiting the Antonio Bautista and Dr. Luis Santos Home, you may organize a tour with the Malolos Tourism Workplace.

Entrance Price (per home): P150, minimal of 10 pax
Further Tour Information: P1,500 to P3,000
Malolos Tourism Workplace Contact Info: 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 have 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 obtained 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 obtained to take pleasure in 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 have 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 a giant group of pals. They settle for bookings for a day tour with a minimal of 20 folks. The day tour bundle contains interactive suman making, barquillos making, and extra plus a Kapampangan feast. It’s also possible to e-book the farm for an in a single day keep, good for as much as 16 folks.

Day Tour: P2,500/head (minimal of 20 pax)
In a single day: P30,000/evening (up to 16 pax)
Contact Info: Message their Fb web page to e-book

9. Zambales Seashores

In case you’re a seaside lover and also you’re from Manila, likelihood is you’ve been to no less than one seaside in Zambales for a fast escape. However when 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 may 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 timber, giving it a vibe that 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 will see that a few resorts, dwelling stays, and seaside villas right here, perfect 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 good for surfers of all talent ranges—from newbies to seasoned surfers. In case you’re not likely into browsing, it’s also possible to simply go swimming in Sabang and watch different vacationers or locals journey 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’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 case 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 panoramic pure marvel in Nueva Ecija. Declared as a protected space, the park is thought for its towering limestones bordering the Peñarada River. The park gives 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 may take you from one aspect of the river to the opposite whereas having fun with the gorgeous view from above. In the meantime, thrill seekers can go cliff diving or spelunking.

12. Subic

Subic is one other traditional 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 traditional doesn’t imply outdated as a result of it nonetheless has a lot to supply to vacationers even at present.

It has the seaside, the water adventures, and the a number of family-friendly points of interest 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 occasional outlets alongside Subic’s streets.

In case you’re celebrating an important day, you may go on a yacht cruise. However when you’re on a price range and nonetheless wish to bask underneath the colourful sky throughout sunset, head to the SBMA seaside. Simply discover a spot on the seaside and calm down when 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 precipitated extreme harm and lahar flooding in its surrounding areas. This volcanic exercise additionally modified the panorama of various locations within the provinces round Pinatubo.

At this time, this majestic volcano has turn into a must-visit attraction particularly for adventurers. Its jump-off level is situated in Capas, Tarlac. From the jump-off level, the Pinatubo journey begins with a scenic 4×4 journey 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 folks 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