Central Luzon: Dwelling in nature’s abundance

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Sunday, 22 January 2012 06:48

Aurora • Bataan • Bulacan • Nueva Ecija • Pampanga • Tarlac • Zambales

About the region

Composed of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales, Central Luzon is also known as the Central Plain of the Philippines. Its close proximity to Metro Manila makes it the perfect destination for day-trippers and an easy journey for those who wish to explore its various attractions and immerse themselves in the local culture longer.

How to get there and go around

By Air. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport located in the former Clarkfield Airbase has daily flights to and from various local and international destinations.

By Land. A mere 66 kilometers away from Metro Manila, the region is easily accessible through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Travel time can range from 45 minutes (Manila-Malolos, Bulacan) to 3 hours via bus (Manila-Olongapo City). Modes of transport include air-conditioned buses with terminals located around Metro Manila, FX taxis, and private rental cars.

Public transportation available for travelers inside Central Luzon provinces and towns are buses, jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs (bicycles with sidecars).

Where to stay

Its proximity to the nation’s capital gives the day traveler the option to stay in Metro Manila. However, for tourists wanting to stay for a couple of days in the region, accommodations can be availed at varying prices. Popular choices for hotels are Holiday Inn Resort, Clark Field, Microtel Inns and Suites in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, and Amihan Aplaya Lodge in Aurora.

To learn more, see www.flyphilippines.com.ph/.

What to eat

Central Luzon is home to Pampanga, the province known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. The adventurous traveler should not miss the sisig (boiled and fried minced pig), betute (Stuffed Frog), Buro (fermented rice with fish or shrimps), and camaro (crickets) in Pampanga. The flaky empanada (pastry filled with vegetables and chicken) and pastillas de leche (milk candies) from Bulacan are also worth the trip. A tourist hankering for tropical fruits should not miss the well known sweet mangoes of Zamabales.

What to buy

Various shopping destinations are scattered all over the region. The SM chain of shopping malls can be found in Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac. Duty free shopping can also be enjoyed in some establishments within the Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City, Zambales. To enjoy Central Luzon’s mercantile culture, a trip to local public markets should be included in the trip.

Additionally, Pampanga is known for its parols, or colorful Christmas lanterns, made of Japanese paper and capiz as well as its well crafted wood carved products.

What to see and do

Mt. Pinatubo

Prior to this volcano’s fiery eruption in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo was dormant for an estimated four hundred fifty years. Situated in the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac, tourists will experience a thrilling ride via 4x4 jeep through the ash fields and rivers of Crow Valley before taking a hike to the summit. Hikers will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater and the surrounding environs. Weary travelers can then experience refreshing volcanic spa treatments at the Mt. Pinatubo spa.

Tour packages can be availed of with prices ranging from USD290 for one person and as low as USD50 per person for a group of 10.

To learn more, see www.trekkingpinatubo.com/

Candaba Wetlands Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature lovers will appreciate the over 760 bird species that call the Philippines their home in the 32,000 hectare Candaba swamps, as well as some of the rarely seen migratory birds such as the Shrenck’s Bittern, Great Bittern, Gadwall, Coot, Philippine Mallard or ducks, and Eurasian Spoonbill. The swamp lands is part of the East Asia-Australian Migratory Flyway which includes Alaska, Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia. The best time to visit is from October to February.

Tour fee is 150 Philippine pesos or roughly USD3.50. For more information, contact +63999-414-3266 or +63939-780-2077

Barasoain Church

History buffs will appreciate this remarkable church built in 1630. It was the silent witness of crucial events in Filipino nation’s history such as the convention of the first Philippine Congress on September 15, 1898, the drafting of the Malolos Constitution from September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899, and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899.

To learn more about attractions in Bulacan, visit www.bulacan.gov.ph/tourism.

Relevant Contacts and Online Resources

Central Luzon Tourism Council
Ninoy Aquino Plazuela, Tarlac City
Tel. No. (+6345) 982-4051/1923
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tarlaccity.gov.ph
A more detailed listing of tourism officers from the different provinces can be found here.
A useful portal for hotel accomodations, transport, shopping and dining in Central Luzon can be found here.

Download this brochure.

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