For the longest time, whenever I craved a quick escape from Manila, I almost always headed south. Tagaytay for the atmosphere, Batangas for the beaches, Laguna for hot springs. When I want to go north, my mind immediately head straight to La Union or Baguio. It has been a well-worn routine. But recently, I realized something: I had been completely and undeservedly ignoring an entire region that is packed with nature, culture, and adventure — Central Luzon. And that had to change.
Fortunately, the Department of Tourism invited us to the Central Luzon leg of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), and this gave us a better grasp of things to do in this seven-province region. From underrated beach towns to historic centers to food stops, a trip to Central Luzon can be enriching as much as it is relaxing.
If you’re like me and have been guilty of overlooking Region III, this list might just convince you to switch things up on your next road trip. It’s also great if you’re flying in via Clark International Airport (CRK) and you’re looking for places to visit in the surrounding provinces. Whether you’re coming from Manila or Clark, you can visit several of these attractions in a single journey. NLEX makes traveling between these Central Luzon destinations easier and quicker.
So are you ready to explore more of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales? Let’s hit the road!
1. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
First opened to the public in 2010, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a beach resort, convention center, and heritage destination. Owned by Jose Acuzar, Las Casas started as a private vacation property. Then in 2008, he bought an old home in Cagayan Valley. He then dismantled it, brought it to Bagac, Bataan, and rebuilt it piece by piece. It seems so impossible until you actually see the buildings restored in what we now know as Las Casas.
Today, there are a total of 63 houses transplanted from different areas in the Philippines, transferred to Bataan, and rebuilt. All of these are now part of the resort along with 34 structures built in the style of old houses. These casas serve as accommodation options in the resort along with their hotel rooms.
If you don’t have much time or booking accommodation in Las Casas is out of your budget, you can also avail their day tour package. The day tour package will give you access to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and is inclusive of a guided heritage walking tour, viewing of Hotel de Oriente, balsa ride, set lunch or dining credits, and beach access.
During our visit to Las Casas, we did the heritage walking tour and balsa ride. As we explore, we learned the history of the houses and entered them as well. If you plan on visiting Las Casas, our tip is to wear easy to remove footwear during the walking tour because you’ll have to remove your shoes to enter the houses.
✅ RESERVE YOUR STAY AT LAS CASAS HERE!
Day Tour Rates: Weekdays, P2500; Weekends, P2900
Email: reservations@lascasasfilipinas.com
Contact Numbers: +63919-056-7789 OR +632-8860-5961
2. Mt. Samat
Located in Bataan, Mount Samat National Shrine also known as Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor is a historical shrine. It was built to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II and lost their lives in the Battle of Bataan. Inside the memorial shrine complex, the gigantic memorial cross stands at the peak of Mount Samat.
From the shrine, you’ll get a panoramic view of Bataan and Corregidor Island. And if you visit on a clear day, you’ll also get a glimpse of Manila across Manila Bay. In the past, visitors could climb up to the Cross’ arms with a lift and check out the viewing gallery at the Cross’ arms. However, according to our guide, it was closed a few years ago due to the cross’ structural integrity and for the general safety of visitors.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
Entrance Fee: Regular, P50; Student, P20
Parking Fee: Small vehicle, P50; Large Vehicle, P150
✅ SEARCH FOR BATAAN HOTELS HERE!
3. Puning Hot Spring
Adventure and relaxation may sometimes sit on the opposite ends of the spectrum when traveling, but that’s not the case at the Puning Hot Spring in Porac, Pampanga.
We arrived at the base camp and hopped on a 4×4 for an off-road experience going to the hot spring. We didn’t know what to expect for this 4×4 ride and the first few minutes involved driving through rough roads. But we started to scream with delight when we started going through the area with greenery, which made it feel like passing through a magical forest.
After the thrilling ride, we arrived at the hot spring. There are 12 pools here with water coming from the Sacobia River where you can take a relaxing dip. Each pool has a different water temperature, and according to our guide, the hottest is around 39 degrees celsius.
After the hot spring experience, we proceeded to the volcanic sand spa where we got buried under hot sand. Okay, that sounds a bit scary doesn’t it? But it was just like lying on a warm bed under a cozy weighted blanket. We also got a barefoot massage by a local while still under the warm sand and had a mud pack for the face, which was a bit cold in comparison. The warm volcanic sand supposedly helps relieve body pain and enhance blood circulation.
After the spa treatment, we hopped back on the 4×4 to return to base camp where the shower area is. Now here’s the kicker: we didn’t know that we would be riding back to camp on a 4×4 vehicle and waving to the locals looking like this! This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip, despite my social anxiety! Haha!
✅ CHECK PUNING HOT SPRING DAY TOUR FROM MANILA HERE!
4. Angeles Food Trip
Filipinos know Pampanga as the culinary capital of the Philippines and it would be a mistake to visit this province and not go on a food trip. Some people even travel to Pampanga just for the food alone.
One of, if not the, top cities to go to for this is Angeles. Also known as the City of Angels, Angeles is also the birthplace of sisig, a popular Filipino dish traditionally made with pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver. It was in 1974 when this version of sisig was first made by Lucia Cunanan, and you can try this original recipe at Aling Lucing’s Sisig.
Another Angeles classic is Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, which started in 1989. Aside from their signature tokwa’t baboy dish, they also serve sizzling sisig, which is usually included in the lists of the best sisig. Other restaurants our team has tried here in Angeles are Historic Camalig Restaurant, which serves Kapampangan pizza, and Susie’s Cuisine, which is popular for their kakanin and mochi.
These are just some of the food places you can include in your food trip. Angeles is bursting with various restaurants and even cafés serving not only Kapampangan dishes but different cuisines too.
✅ SEARCH FOR ANGELES/PAMPANGA HOTELS HERE!
5. Clark
More formally known as Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, Clark covers a part of Angeles, Mabalacat, and Porac in Pampanga as well as Capas and Bamban in Tarlac. Clark used to be a US Air Force facility called Clark Air Base. Today, it serves as another gateway to Metro Manila and a tourist destination as well.
One of the places you can visit in Clark is Aqua Planet, a waterpark that spans 10 hectares, making it one of the largest in Asia. Here, both adults and children will have a blast on the 38 water slides and attractions like the Aqua Loop and Tornado.
✅ RESERVE A SLOT AT CLARK’S AQUA PLANET HERE!
If you like history, you can also visit the Clark Museum and the 4D Theater next to it. The museum showcases the rich history of Clark from 1901 to its development as a Freeport zone. Meanwhile, the 4D Theater features a 20-minute film about Clark including the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Entrance fee is P100 per head, with an additional P100 fee to experience the 4D Theatre.
Clark also used to be the venue for the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival where you can watch over a hundred giant balloons fly. However, this massive balloon fest is now held in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
But you can still fly from Clark because Clark International Airport sits in this hub! This airport serves as a gateway to both domestic and international destinations. If you’re traveling to or from Manila, Clark Airport is a great alternative to NAIA or Manila Airport.
✅ SEARCH FOR CLARK HOTELS HERE!
✅ Related Article: 2024 MANILA to CLARK to MANILA P2P BUS SCHEDULE (NAIA, Trinoma, Clark Airport)
6. Fiestas
Fiestas are huge in the Philippines. Some are bigger than others, but here in Central Luzon, there are multiple festivals you can go to. In Pampanga, the biggest festival is probably the Giant Lantern Festival held in the City of San Fernando.
And “biggest” is quite literal, because each year, several barangays from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga present their 20-foot lanterns during the festival. To this day, the lights on each lantern are manually operated using large steel barrels called rotors, which makes the dancing lights even more impressive to watch.
We were able to see a model of these rotors in person when we visited the Clark Museum. Though not as big as the ones you’ll see at the festival, the lantern displayed was still a few feet tall. On its side is the rotor that controls its lights. You can even try rotating it yourself and see how it makes the lights on the lantern dance.
Another town celebration that involves lanterns is the Lubenas Procession. They say this religious activity inspired the Giant Lantern Festival. It is now considered a dying tradition, but some towns in Pampanga still manage to keep it alive.
We got to witness the Lubenas in Magalang, Pampanga, also called Lubenas ning Pasku. During the procession, you’ll see a carriage with the patron saint of the participating barangay, followed by two rows of six lanterns on bamboo poles headed by a cross representing the 12 apostles. Some also include a lantern in the shape of a fish to represent Jesus Christ.
The province of Bulacan also has multiple festivals you can experience including the Singkaban Festival of Malolos. Guiguinto also has the Halamanan Festival, which happens every January. Meanwhile, San Jose del Monte has the Tanglawan Festival in September. And in May, childless couples go to Obando for the Obando Fertility Dance.
For more on these festivals and the things that make them unique, you can read more about them on Bulacan’s official website.
7. Malolos Heritage Tour
In terms of heritage tours, we recommend adding a Malolos Heritage Tour to your tour of Region III since Malolos played a huge part in our history as the first republic of the Philippines.
Here are some of the spots you shouldn’t miss in a Malolos Heritage Tour:
- Malolos Cathedral, which served as the seat of President Emilio Aguinaldo during the first Philippine Republic,
- Heritage houses in Barangay Sto. Niño St, such as the Bautista House, Uitangcoy-Santos House, and Dr. Luis Santos House,
- Barasoain Church, where the Malolos opening of the Malolos Congress took place in 1898.
Note: If you’re interested in visiting the Antonio Bautista and Dr. Luis Santos House, you can arrange a tour with the Malolos Tourism Office.
Entrance Fee (per house): P150, minimum of 10 pax
Additional Tour Guide: P1,500 to P3,000
Malolos Tourism Office Contact Information: 044 931 8888 Local 2503
8. Alviz Farm
Alviz Farm in Santa Rita, Pampanga, opens its doors to visitors not only as a farm but also as a bed & breakfast.
Upon entering the farm, it felt like walking into a town fiesta where food is being shared by everybody. With a cold coconut and dayap sherbet in hand, we were invited to dig into a whole lechon on the table. There were also other Pinoy fare to sample like tsokolate de batirol, suman, ube halaya, barquillos, chicharon, and grilled chicken. We got to enjoy eating it while watching the locals prepare them.
The fiesta-like welcome was just the start of a mouth-watering culinary experience here because we also got to enjoy Kapampangan dishes for dinner. We filled our bellies with various local specialties like Asadong Matua, Buro, Kare-kare, biringhe, and Sisig Babi.
But what made this experience more special were 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 visit to Alviz Farm is best for a family vacation or a trip with a big group of friends. They accept bookings for a day tour with a minimum of 20 people. The day tour package includes interactive suman making, barquillos making, and more plus a Kapampangan feast. You can also book the farm for an overnight stay, good for up to 16 people.
Day Tour: P2,500/head (minimum of 20 pax)
Overnight: P30,000/night (up to 16 pax)
Contact Information: Message their Facebook page to book
9. Zambales Beaches
If you’re a beach lover and you’re from Manila, chances are you’ve been to at least one beach in Zambales for a quick escape. But if you haven’t yet, you should definitely tick it off your list because this province is a haven for sun-worshippers. The beachscape here is very unique as it was formed after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. You’ll find clear waters, black or greyish sand, and the beach lined with agoho trees, giving it a vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.
In terms of beachscapes, Zambales is probably most known for the coves of San Antonio, such as Nagsasa Cove and Anawangin Cove, and Crystal Beach Resort in San Narcisco. In recent years, the towns of Botolan and Liwliwa are getting a bit more love too! You will find a couple of resorts, home stays, and beach villas here, ideal for family or barkada getaways.
✅ SEARCH FOR SAN ANTONIO RESORTS, SAN FELIPE RESORTS & BOTOLAN RESORTS!
10. Baler Tour
Known as the birthplace of Philippine surfing, Baler in the province of Aurora is the place to be in Central Luzon to catch some waves. The most popular surfing spot here is Sabang Beach. With shallow waters and strong waves, Sabang is ideal for surfers of all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned surfers. If you’re not really into surfing, you can also just go swimming in Sabang and watch other tourists or locals ride the waves.
Baler is also a paradise for nature lovers because aside from the beach, there are other tourist spots to visit if you want to be close to nature. You can go on a quick hike to Diguisit Falls or
Ditumabo Mother Falls and take a dip in its cool gushing waters.
If you’re the type who appreciates a mix of history and nature, visit the 600-year old balete tree and Ermita Hill. Another stop you can add to your itinerary is Aniao Rock Formations and Diguisit Islets.
✅ SEARCH FOR BALER RESORTS HERE!
11. Minalungao National Park
Minalungao National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in Nueva Ecija. Declared as a protected area, the park is known for its towering limestones bordering the Peñarada River. The park offers its visitors picturesque sceneries with a mix of adventure.
Tourists can enjoy activities like bamboo rafting, picnics, kayaking, and of course, swimming! There’s also a hanging bridge that will take you from one side of the river to the other while enjoying the stunning view from above. Meanwhile, thrill seekers can go cliff diving or spelunking.
12. Subic
Subic is another classic tourist destination for those who are coming from the metro, especially since it was one of the first hubs to be developed in Central Luzon. But classic doesn’t mean outdated because it still has so much to offer to tourists even today.
It has the beach, the water adventures, and the multiple family-friendly attractions to start with. There are also many trekking sites and multiple diving sites for those who like nature adventures.
A food trip or café hopping trip here will definitely excite foodies as there are a lot of home-grown restaurants and coffee shops along Subic’s streets.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can go on a yacht cruise. But if you’re on a budget and still want to bask under the colorful sky during sundown, head to the SBMA beach. Just find a spot on the beach and relax while you watch the sky turn into a colorful canvas as the sun sets.
✅ SEARCH FOR SUBIC HOTELS & RESORTS HERE!
13. Mt. Pinatubo
Straddling Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga, Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano in Luzon. Its 1991 eruption has caused severe damage and lahar flooding in its surrounding areas. This volcanic activity also changed the landscape of different places in the provinces around Pinatubo.
Today, this majestic volcano has become a must-visit attraction especially for adventurers. Its jump-off point is located in Capas, Tarlac. From the jump-off point, the Pinatubo adventure starts with a scenic 4×4 ride to the head of the trail. Then, you will trek to the volcano’s picturesque crater lake.
During your trip, you can also visit a village of an Aeta tribe — the indigenous people in Mt. Pinatubo — and get to know their culture and way of life.
✅ RESERVE MT. PINATUBO HIKING DAY TOUR HERE!
Updates Log
2025.01.0X – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Edited by: Hannah Manalo
