For further information, please contact:
Department of Tourism-Region III
Hilaga Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, PH
Or Angeles Satellite Office, Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg.,
Diamond Subd., Balibago, Angeles City
Tel. No. (63 45) 961-2612/5617 / 625-8525
E-mail: tourismregion3@gmail.com
support@visitmyphilippines.com
Or contact your tour operator
Pik a Pak n Go Tours
It’s More Than Just a Relaxing Vacation
www.visitmyphilippines.com
Friday. The stage for this dramatic but bloody event is Brgy. San Pedro Cutud in the
City of San Fernando.
What to See and Do (Maundy Thursday – Easter Sunday): The day starts with a
senakulo or pabasa (chanting of the passion of Christ) on Maundy Thursday.
Penitents called ‘magdarame’ (flagellants) carry wooden crosses, crawl on rough
pavements and whip themselves using glass-spiked leather thongs to draw blood. On
Good Friday, witness the Via Crucis (a 2-hour street play of the way of the cross),
and at exactly 12:00 noon, the world-renowned actual crucifixion of a host of
penitents on a man-made hill takes center stage (Optional visit to Brgy. Lourdes
Northwest in Angeles City where another crucifixion takes place between 2:00 - 3:00
p.m.). At 5:00 in the afternoon, proceed to Angeles City for the centuries-old
tradition of Lubenas or procession of hundreds of devotees and a host of heirloom
carozas around the streets of the city to end inside the church.
The following day, Black Saturday, go shopping for Kapampangan delicacies, arts
and crafts in the City of San Fernando and towns of Guagua (Betis) for musical
instruments, Sto. Tomas for pottery and Candaba for fresh fruits and feathered
creatures. The next day, Easter Sunday, take time to witness the elaborate ‘Salubong’
(meeting of Christ and Mary after the resurrection) at the Immaculate Concepcion
Parish in Balibago, Angeles City, or drive to Sto. Tomas, Pampanga to witness their
own version of the Salubong better known as Sabuaga Festival (flower-showering).
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up northward and exit in San
Fernando to proceed to Brgy. San Pedro Cutud at the back of the provincial capitol.
From the City of San Fernando, take the old MacArthur Hwy. to reach Angeles City.
Bulacan Visita Iglesia Day Tour
Description: A journey to the centuries-old
churches of Bulacan during Holy Week for
spiritual renewal and discovery of its glorious
past.
What to Do: Divine Mercy National Shrine
(Marilao), Barasoain Church (Malolos),
Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion
(Malolos),
Santiago
Apostol
Church
(Paombong), St. Anne's National Shrine
(Hagonoy), St. John the Baptist Church (Calumpit), San Isidro Labrador Church
(Pulilan). Tour highlights are: Penitencia, Pabasa ng Pasion and Cenakulo.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Tabang toll exit to
proceed to Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism office) for a
briefing.
Pik a Pak n Go Tours
It's more than just a relaxing vacation.
Angeles - Clark City Tour (Day Tour)
Description: Located along the fertile farmland of
the rich Central Luzon plain, Angeles City was
established more than 200 years ago as a
commercial center in the province of Pampanga.
The development of the U.S. Clark Air Base
adjoining the city provided a massive boost to the
growth of Angeles. The city survived the
devastating Mt. Pinatubo eruption of 1991 to reemerge as a bustling metropolis of more than 300,000 inhabitants.
What to do: Start your day with a trip to the town center of Angeles City for a visit to
the Center for Kapampangan Studies at the Holy Angel University along heritage
district in Sto. Rosario St. for a briefing on Kapampangan history. Continue your
tour to the nearby circa 1860-structure called Bale Herencia. Be enthused by a vivid
photographic display of the city's long cherished history at the Museo Ning Angeles.
Take a quick walk across toward the centuries-old Holy Rosary Church for a looksee of its history. Continue your journey along Sto. Entierro St. to the historic
Pamintuan Mansion. Head back towards the residence of the city's founding couple
called Bale Matua (old house). Take a bite at the Historic Camalig Restaurant (Home
of Armando’s Pizza). Walk along Nepo Mart complex to pick up a few goodies. Hop
in and drive your way to Balibago to see the city's progress on trade and commerce.
Proceed to Clark to visit the Clark Museum, to the Centennial Lane (known as barn
houses to the Americans of old), Mimosa Leisure Park, Fontana Leisure Parks, dutyfree shopping arcade, Nayong Pilipino sa Clark, El Kabayo Riding Stables, Paradise
Ranch / Zoocobia Fun Zoo and finally to SM City Clark for a much-needed shopping
experience. Optional tour of DECAwake Clark Cable Park for a quick wakeboarding
routine.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Dau toll plaza and take a
left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one can take the
Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the city.
Clark - Subic Holiday Tour (Overnight)
Description: Clark Freeport was once home to
Clark Air Base, the largest American military
installation outside the United States. Today, the
former military complex has undergone a massive transformation into a dynamic and
bustling industrial, aviation and tourism estate. Subic Bay Freeport, the former US
naval facility, has now evolved to become a self-sustaining tourism, industrial,
commercial, financial, and investment center in this part of the region.
What to do: Book a room in any of the world-class hotels or resorts in Clark or in
standard-class hotel in Balibago, Angeles City. Start your day with a visit to Nayong
Pilipino sa Clark, Clark Museum, and Mimosa Leisure Estates and Fontana Leisure
Parks, or do your early shopping at the duty-free shops or at SM City Clark. Play a
round of golf or gaming cum entertainment at the casino (Mimosa, Hotel Stotsenberg
/ Casablanca and Oxford Hotel). One may also visit the animal world at Zoocobia
Fun Zoo and Paradise Ranch along Sacobia sub-zone.
The next day, proceed to Subic Bay Freeport and book a room at any of their
international standard resort hotels. Start your day with a tour of Ocean Adventure
(close encounter with whales and dolphins), Pamulaklakin Forest Trails (jungle
treks, ecology tour, jungle survival demo), Tree Top Adventure (the world’s first
motorized canopy tour), Zoobic Safari (close encounter with the Siberian and Bengal
tigers!) and optional beach-frolicking at All-hands Beach Resort or Camayan Beach
Resort. Better still proceed to Brgy. Barretto in Olongapo City to try their waterfront
resorts for a relaxing experience. Cap your day with a last-minute shopping spree at
SM City Olongapo, Harbour Point Ayala Malls or SM City Pampanga, on your way
back
to
Manila.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLEx, drive up to Dau toll plaza and take a
left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one can take the
Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the city. To
proceed to Subic from Clark, take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex) at
the Clark South area near the Global City Gateway. If coming from NLEx, take the
spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines exits to connect to SCTex all the way to Subic.
Clark Educational Tour (Day Tour)
Description: Clark Freeport was once home to
Clark Air Base, the largest American military
installation outside the United States. Today, the
former military complex has undergone a massive
transformation into a dynamic and bustling
industrial, aviation and tourism estate.
What to do: For elementary students, visit to Clark
Museum, Nayong Pilipino sa Clark, Creamline Ice Cream Factory, Hansa Toys
(maker of life-size stuffed toys), and Clark Plastic.
Holy Week Holiday (Weeklong Tour)
Description: A week-long event honoring Jesus
Christ's death on the Cross. The Palm Sunday is
held on the fifth Sunday of Lent where
churchgoers bring palm and leaves to re-enact the
arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Holy
Thursday is held with a Visita Iglesia where
Catholics visit at least 7 churches. A "Pasyon" or
narration of Christ's life through singing is held.
On Good Friday, believers re-enact the sufferings
and death of Christ on the Cross. Easter Sunday
is highlighted by "Salubong" or dawn
processions held in various parts of the country (Credit: NCCA).
What to do: Day 1 (Palm Sunday). Start your Holy Week with a Mass as this day referred to as Domingo de Ramos - comes with the traditional blessing of palms and
olive branches followed by a procession. Day 2 (Holy Monday). Move around town
to do the traditional Visita Iglesia or follow the Stations of the Cross. Day 3 (Holy
Tuesday). Move around town to do the traditional Visita Iglesia or follow the
Stations of the Cross. Continue around town (by barangay) to witness the 'Pabasa'
(non-stop chanting of biblical verses in the vernacular) in different makeshift altars
or cenakulo (a theatrical dramatization of Christ's passion translated from Spanish
passion plays into the vernacular). Witness the procession of flagellants along the
way heading toward a chapel for their final journey and moment of prayer. Day 4
(Holy Wednesday). Same as Day 3. Day 5 (Maundy Thursday). Got to Mass as the
day marks the observance of the washing of the feet of the apostles and the Last
Supper. After the ceremonies, the parish priest and the apostles take their own supper
at the parish rectory and partake of a meal. Day 6 (Good Friday). Proceed to Brgy.
San Pedro Cutud, City of San Fernando at 7:00 in the morning to witness the Via
Crucis or Way of the Cross. At 12:00 noon, join thousands of people to witness
actual crucifixion of a host of 7 - 10 penitents. Or an optional visit to Brgy. Lourdes
Northwest in Angeles City where another crucifixion takes place between 2:00 - 3:00
p.m. Go to church for the Las Siete Palabras (Seven Last Words). Day 7 (Black
Saturday). Go shopping for Kapampangan delicacies, arts and crafts in the City of
San Fernando, Betis, San Matias and Mexico. Day 8 (Easter Sunday). At 8:00 in the
morning, proceed to Sto. Tomas, Pampanga to witness their Sabuaga Festival
(showering of petals) and street dancing. Or one may choose to go instead to any
church in Pampanga to witness the most elaborate
'Salubong' at 6:00 in the morning.
Cutud Lenten Rites and Crucifixion
(3N/4D)
Description: Apart from its popularity as the culinary capital of the Philippines,
Pampanga is equally known among legions of Catholics for its annual re-enactment
of Christ's crucifixion on Good native delicacies and handicrafts, and tour of the
pottery-making industry called Pagburnayan. Proceed to Laoag City for a day of fun
at the beach and gaming at the Casino Filipino in Fort Ilocandia Resort. Experience
Laoag by day at the Malacanang of the North and Paoay Church. Leave Laoag for
Clark to spend another night before heading back home.
From La Union, one may optionally take a 2-day trip to Baguio for a city tour, a
flight of golf or shopping spree. Then take an 8-hour drive down to Tuguegarao City
for white-water rafting in Kalinga, and onto Cagayan North for caving,
mountaineering, and river trailing at the northern corridor of the Northern Sierra
Madre Natural Park in Penablanca.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway. Drive up to Dau
toll plaza, take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one
can take the Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the
city. To get to La Union and onto Laoag City, drive overland northbound via
MacArthur Highway.
Tarlac Pilgrimage Tour (1 Day)
Description: One of the most frequented pilgrimage
sites in Central Luzon, the Monasterio de Tarlac is
home to the most revered Relic of the Holy Cross
upon which Jesus Christ was crucified and died.
Now enshrined at the Church of the Servants of the
Risen Christ (SRC), the reliquary may be venerated
daily (except Thursday) after the liturgical services
are held at 10:30 a.m. by the monastic congregation
of the SRC .Every January 27 and September 14,
during the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross,
the reliquary is laid open to the public for veneration.
What to Do: Spend time at the monastery in the morning for a moment of prayer,
retreat or recollection. Venerate the relic of the True Cross. Hand in a donation.
Then, in the afternoon, visit these equally significant churches: St. Sebastian
Cathedral in Tarlac City, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in San Miguel, Expiatory
Chapel in Gerona, Our Lady of Peace Parish in La Paz, San Nicolas de Tolentino
Parish in Capas and Sto. Nino Parish in Bamban - all in Tarlac.
How to Get There: From Manila, take the NLex, exit Sta. Ines toll plaza in
Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed toward north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy.
San Sebastian (corner Hotel Sogo on your left), take a left turn at the bypass road
(Tarlac-Camiling-Pangasinan). Follow the 36-km backcountry but well-paved road
to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac (turns are well signposted). As an option, drive
along NLex, proceed to the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll to take the
SCTex all the way to Tarlac via Luisita toll plaza.
(maker of TV and monitor casing). For college students, visit to Cyber City
Teleservices, America On-line, plus optional tour of Dream Line Satellite,
Yokohama, and Clark Plastic. History Tour includes: Clark Museum, Museong
Kapampangan, White House, Memorial Stones, Stotsenberg Gate Posts, Twin
Cannons, Spanish Cannon, The Barns, Parade Ground, American World War Aces
Memorial, Goddess of Peace Shrine, and Kamikaze West Airfield. End your day
with a shopping tour at the duty-free shops or SM City Clark.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, drive up to Dau
toll plaza and take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option,
one can take the Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach
the city.
Angeles - Clark - Sacobia Camping Holiday (Overnight)
Description: Sacobia Valley with an area of 5,612
ha. is a vast expanse of virgin forest, range of cool
mountain peaks, scenic valleys and hills and an
exuberantly rolling terrain coupled with the
presence of indigenous communities. The presence
of a chain of waterfalls and abundant natural
springs speaks well of its natural beauty and
majestic appeal to both local and foreign visitors.
What to do: Your day starts with an Angeles –
Clark City
Tour (see above itinerary). The
following day, drive thru the hills of Sacobia Valley in Clark sub-zone area and visit
their makeshift Aeta community center in Brgy. San Martin to make proper
arrangements for a camping site. Choose from a range of camp sites that is safe and
conveniently close to a waterfall or streambed for a naturally adventurous
experience. One recommended site is in Sito Sta. Rosa owned and managed by an
Aeta chieftain named Apung Duman. The place is ideal for pitching tent, biking, offroad driving, camping, mountain climbing, caving, outdoor living exercise / team
building and kayaking / tubing at certain times during the year. Cap your two-day
itinerary in Balibago entertainment district for a bottle of cold beer before heading
back to the hotel.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Dau toll plaza and take a
left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one can take the
Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the city.
Pampanga-Bulacan Kulinarya Tour (1 Day)
Description: Pampanga is known for its hard-working population who are justifiably
proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine - regarded by many as the best regional
food in the Philippines. Bulacan is proud of its legendary Tita Mila – well known for
her preparation of sumptuous dishes most delectable to the heroes of Bulacan
(pagkain ng mga bayani).
indigenous ones like the rare salaksak and batala; optional tour of Mt. Arayat
National Park in Arayat or any of the cool spring resorts in Ayala (inside Pampanga
Agricultural College) for a short mountain climb and swimming in natural spring
What to do: Hands-on cooking demo at
Galang Culinary School in Angeles City for
a taste of Paksing Demonyo, Pako Salad,
Bangus Sasmuan, Sisig and Tibok-Tibok;
Borromeo Residence in Mexico, Pampanga
for a cooking demo on Pampanga's Tocino
and San Nicolas cookies, plus tour of
ancestral homes with authentic houseware
and furniture; and Tita Mila Enriquez
Residence in Bulacan, Bulacan for a
cooking demo and lecture on the so-called 'Pagkain ng mga Bayani' (food for the
heroes) like Binilot na Morcon, Bringheng Bulacan or Calamares Relleno. Don’t
forget to drop by Everybody’s Café in the City of San Fernando for a taste of your
favorite exotic dish turo-turo style. Try out their pako salad, calderetang baka,
morcon, chicharon bulaklak, tortang bangus, inihaw na hito or bulalo soup. For the
brave, go further and savor the buro with hito (fermented fish paste with catfish),
betute (deep-fried stuffed frog), camaru (fried cricket adobo), dumara (wild duck
adobo) or pindang damulag (carabeef tapa). (Source: Ivan About Town Blog)
Description: The development of the U.S. Clark Air
Base adjoining the city provided a massive boost to
the growth of Angeles. The city survived the
devastating Mt. Pinatubo eruption of 1991 to reemerge as a bustling metropolis of more than
300,000 inhabitants. Today, Clark has become the
gateway to the North Philippines and to some
southern destinations due to the presence of
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Dau toll plaza and take a
left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one can take the
Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the city. To
reach Bulacan drive back to NLex all the way to Pulilan toll plaza toward MacArthur
Hwy.
Candaba Bird Watching cum Mt. Arayat Tour (1 Day)
Description: The Candaba Swamp is the staging
and wintering area for migratory birds from
October up to April of every year. It is a
significant part of the East Asia-Australiasian
Migratory Flyway that includes Siberia, Japan,
China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia,
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
South Korea and Singapore. Mt. Arayat, rising
above sea level by 3,300 ft., boasts of lush green vegetation and wildlife sanctuary.
At the foot of the mountain, visitors are bound to take a dip and experience the
rejuvenating effect of cool mountain spring at the Arayat National Park.
What to see: Migratory birds spending their winter in the country - egrets,
Clark - Cebu - Bohol Tour (4N/5D)
What to do: Travel to Clark to enjoy five-star reception in any of its world-class
resorts. Enjoy a night of entertainment at the government-operated Casino Filipino to
watch live celebrity shows or spend time at the Balibago entertainment district
outside Clark for a drink or two. The next day you hunt for souvenirs at SM City
Clark or in any of the duty-free shops. Leave Clark for Cebu via Diosdado
Macapagal International Airport to enjoy Central Visayas' myriad of wonders:
Magellan's Cross, Taoist Temple, Basilica de Sto. Nino, shopping at Tabo-an
Market, or an evening of fun at the Casino Filipino. The next day you leave Cebu for
Tagbilaran via Ocean Jet for a tour of Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church,
plus the popular Loboc Riverboat Cruise to share happy moments with the Tarsiers.
Cruise back to Cebu. Then fly back to Clark to spend another night before heading
back home.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway. Drive up to Dau
toll plaza; take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one
can take the Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the
city. To get to Cebu, fly via Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
Clark - Ilocos - Baguio - Cagayan Valley Tour (5N/6D)
What to do: Travel to Clark to enjoy five-star
reception in any of its world-class resorts.
Enjoy a night of entertainment at the
government-operated Casino Filipino to watch
live celebrity shows or spend time at the
Balibago entertainment district outside Clark
for a drink or two. Leave Clark to drive
overland to La Union for a day of fun at the
beach and entertainment in the evening. Take a tour of its many wonders: Bell
Church, Chinese Temple, Botanical Garden, and Museo de Iloko. Leave La Union
for Vigan for a tour of the city's heritage village, shopping for
Mt. Pinatubo eruption of 1991 to re-emerge as a bustling metropolis of more than
300,000 inhabitants. Today, Clark has become the gateway to the North Philippines
and to some southern destinations due to the presence of Diosdado Macapagal
International Airport.
What to do: Travel to Clark Freeport to enjoy
five-star reception in any of its world-class
resorts. Enjoy a night of entertainment at the
government-operated Casino Filipino to watch
live celebrity shows or spend time at the Balibago
entertainment district outside Clark for a drink or
two. The next day you hunt for souvenirs at SM
City Clark or in any of the duty-free shops. Then
take your flight to Boracay via Diosdado
Macapagal International Airport to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Take an hour or so to
enjoy island hopping tour. Fly back to Clark and spend another night before heading
back home.
How to get there: How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Dau toll
plaza, take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one can
take the Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the city.
To get to Boracay, fly via Diosdado Macapagal International Airpo
Clark - Busuanga Tour (4N/5D)
Description: The development of the U.S. Clark
Air Base adjoining the city provided a massive
boost to the growth of Angeles. The city survived
the devastating Mt. Pinatubo eruption of 1991 to
re-emerge as a bustling metropolis of more than
300,000 inhabitants. Today, Clark has become the
gateway to the North Philippines and to some
southern destinations due to the presence of
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
What to do: Travel to Clark to enjoy five-star reception in any of its world-class
resorts. Enjoy a night of entertainment at the government-operated Casino Filipino to
watch live celebrity shows or spend time at the Balibago entertainment district
outside Clark for a drink or two. The next day you hunt for souvenirs at SM City
Clark or in any of the duty-free shops. Fly to Busuanga in Palawan via Diosdado
Macapagal International Airport for a two-day holiday of sun, sand and sea, tour of
Honday Bay plus island hopping, tour of St. Paul Underground River. Fly back to
Clark to spend another night before heading back home.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway. Drive up to Dau
toll plaza, take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy toward Angeles City. As an option, one
can take the Angeles-Magalang toll plaza toward Brgy. Pulung Maragul to reach the
city. To get to Busuanga, fly via Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
pools. Cap your day with a short stop at Hilaga Village, SM City or Robinson’s in
the City of San Fernando before heading back to Manila.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex and proceed to San Simon or San
Fernando toll plaza passing thru Mexico and Sta. Ana before reaching the Poblacion
in Candaba (drop by the municipal hall for guided tour arrangement). To reach Mt.
Arayat, take the Concepcion Diversion Road.
Subic - Bataan Adventure cum History Tour (Overnight)
Description: Apart from being the international
symbol of valor and unsurpassed gallantry, Bataan
is most popular for its fine white sand beaches and
natural attractions like natural springs, astounding
waterfalls, mountain peaks and rainforests, while
Subic is naturally blessed with enviable dive sites,
teeming with corals and shipwrecks.
What to Do: Start your day with a tour of Ocean
Adventure (close encounter with whales and dolphins), Pamulaklakin Forest Trails
(jungle treks, ecology tour, jungle survival demo), Tree Top Adventure (the world’s
first motorized canopy tour), Zoobic Safari (close encounter with the Siberian and
Bengal tigers!) and optional beach-frolicking at All-hands or Dungaree beach or
Camayan Beach Resort. Better still proceed to Brgy. Barretto in Olongapo City to try
their waterfront resorts at Driftwood and Halfmoon, or Baloy Long Beach and Ocean
View Resort for a rejuvenating experience. The following day, drive down to Bagac,
Bataan for a history tour at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar to be delightfully
overwhelmed by the replica of an old Filipino town with ancestral homes and
buildings dating back from the 18th to the early 20th century. Water sports are
available as the resort is situated right next to the shore (South China Sea) with a
batis-designed pool for guests to wade in. Special interest tours include: Morong and
Bagac beaches, Bataan Techno Park Asian Shrines and Agri-tourism sites. Activities
include water sports, wreck diving, jungle survival training, and history tour.
How to get there: From the NLex, take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll
plaza via SCTex all the way to Subic. To reach Bataan, take the SCTex via Tipo Rd.
to Dinalupihan toll plaza all the way to Bagac along Roman Highway.
Zambales All the Way (Overnight)
Description: Zambales is known for its idyllic
spots for water-based recreation and dive sites, including natural attractions such as
mystic caves, sterling waterfalls and refreshingly cool mountain peaks. It is the home
province of President Ramon Magsaysay
What to do: Start your day at Subic Bay Freeport at the Pamulaklakin Trails (jungle
treks, ecology tour, jungle survival demo), Ocean Adventure (close encounter with
whales and dolphins), Tree Top Adventure (the world’s first motorized canopy tour),
Zoobic Safari (close encounter with Siberian and Bengal tigers), beach-combing at
All-hands or Dungaree. The following day, head toward Zambales at Pundaquit
Beach, Capones Island and Lighthouse and Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, and
board surfing at Crystal Beach in San Narciso. Cap you day with a short tour of
Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House in Castillejos before driving back to Manila.
What to do: Book a package with any of the dive resorts in Subic. Choose any of the
following sites: the 19th century Spanish gunboat San Quintin (home of fish, eels
and lobsters), Japanese luxury liner Oryoku Maru (a Hell Ship used to transport
Mt.Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales (via O’ Donnell streambed; we do not recommend
the so-called skyway). Be mesmerized by the peace and quiet of the awesome crater
lake. Tour includes community immersion with native Aetas or visit to the Mt.
Pinatubo Wellness Spa in Brgy. Sta. Juliana for a rejuvenating body massage and
volcanic sand shower. The following day, take a tour of Clark and its environs (see
above itinerary).
How to get there: From NLex, take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll
plaza via SCTex all the way to Subic Bay Freeport. From there, Zambales is about 2
½ drive along scenic, well-paved national road.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLEx, drive up to Sta. Ines exit in
Mabalacat, Pampanga, and continue driving north to Capas, Tarlac. From the town
market, take a left turn towards Brgy. Sto Rosario. From there, it's a 22-km drive to
Brgy. Sta. Juliana, your jump-off point to your journey. For fast and convenient
travel, take the NLex from Manila, take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll
plaza to take the SCTex all the way to Luisita toll plaza toward Tarlac City.
Subic Summer Wet and Wild (Overnight)
Aurora Best Break Surfing Tour (3N/4D)
Description: Aurora is a province blessed with an
abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share
of historical relics of the past such as the home
and resthouse of former Philippine President
Manuel L. Quezon. Its natural attractions include
picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on
mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing,
snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and
trekking are only some of the activities a tourist
Description: Along with excellent beaches and
water sports, Subic offers historical attractions and
landmarks for a remarkable journey to its historic
past. It also introduces visitors to the fascinating
world of sea mammals and wild creatures.
What to Do: Zoobic Safari to be at home with
huge healthy-looking tigers, curious ostriches,
wild boars, and blind albino pythons; jungle
survival lessons (JEST camp) and mountain treks; whale shark and dolphin shows
(Ocean Adventure).
How to get there: From the NLEx, take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll
plaza via SCTex all the way to Subic Bay Freeport.
WoW Subic: Wonder over Wrecks (Overnight)
Description: Subic Bay is world-renowned for its
formidable combination of wreck sites and is one
of the more popular diving destinations here in
the Philippines and in Asia. These wreck sites are
the result of the Spanish - US War in 1898 and
the World War II when some ships were sank by
enemy forces or scuttled by allied forces to avoid
capture.
must enjoy while in Aurora.
What to do: Ride the waves on a surfboard in Sabang and Cemento Beach or
Charlie's Point, or do mountain trekking, safari, bird watching ecological studies or
simply nature tripping. Enjoy frolicking in their sandy beaches in any of the resorts
in Sabang. Visit some of their places of interest: Ermita Hill (enchanting view of
Casiguran Bay), Balete Park and Millennium Tree (the largest tree of its kind in Asia
at 600 years old), Banju Spring (hidden spring amidst prolific shrubbery) and
Ditumabo Falls (140-ft high waterfall). Try their pasalubong center at the heart of the
public market.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex up to La Paz toll plaza in Tarlac to
proceed to Nueva Ecija onto Pantabangan. Take the well-paved mountain highway
(Canili-Pantabangan Road) to reach the town of Baler. Trip takes about seven hours
from Manila.
Clark - Boracay Tour (4N/5D)
Description: The development of the U.S. Clark Air Base adjoining the city provided
a massive boost to the growth of Angeles. The city survived the devastating
Sacobia River in Sitio Target, Angeles City and Sitio Puning, Porac, Pampanga.
What to do: Drive on board all-weather vehicle along Sacobia streambed and stop at
the Puning hot springs and sulfuric bathing pools to take a rejuvenating warm bath,
or visit the wellness spa in Sitio Target, Sapangbato, Angeles City. End your first
day with a cold bottle of beer in any of the night spots in the entertainment district in
Balibago. The following day, play a round of golf at Mimosa, visit Clark Museum,
Nayong Pilipino sa Clark and in the afternoon, stop by SM City Clark for some
goodies before leaving for Manila.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Dau exit, take a left turn
to MacArthur Hwy toward Balibago, Angeles City to reach Clark. Take the
Sapangbato Gate along Quirino Ave. in Clark to reach Sitio Target.
Mt. Pinatubo Trek via Porac, Pampanga (Overnight)
Description: A 7-hr trekking safari to the slopes
of Mt. Pinatubo via the Pasig-Potrero river in
Brgy. Mancatian (so-called Delta 5 lahar watch
point) while traversing fast streambeds, prolific
waterfalls and fantastic lunar (lahar) landscapes.
An optional climb up to the crater takes two
hours.
What to do: Drive on board all-weather vehicle
up to Apu Malyari Gate, trek for about 7 hours to a prolific waterfall, with optional
uphill climb to Mt. Pinatubo. Alternatively, one can take the Sapang Uwak route to
reach the crater on board all-weather vehicle. Rest overnight in any of the standard
hotels in Angeles City. The following day, take a history tour of the heritage district
of the city along Sto. Rosario St. Shop. At day’s end, shop at Nepo Mart before
heading back home.
What to do: Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for an hour and trek for two hours
starting at Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac onto the crater of
prisoners to Japan), the ex-USS New York (an 8,150-ton armored cruiser scuttled in
December 1941 to avoid risk of capture by the Japanese), cargo ship Seian Maru
(Japanese freighter / oiler), AN LST (landing ship, tank) and El Capitan (served as
floating quarters and material storage ship during WWII). The average depth for the
six wreck sites is 45 ft. Beautiful and exciting recreational dives such as coral reefs
and canyons are available. The package is complemented by a trip to the rainforest
and white sand beaches.
How to get there: From the North Luzon Expressway, take the spur road between
Dau and Sta. Ines toll plaza via SCTex all the way to Subic Bay Freeport.
Bulacan Culinary Day Tour
Description: Visit to Bulacan's famous culinary
delights, a journey to its glorious past, arts and
crafts, and hunt for native souvenirs.
What to Do: Here are some interesting places to
visit: Citang's Kakaning Bulakenyo, Sasahan Farm
(Suka Fermentation Demo), Bautista Mansion at
Kamestizuhan Street, Barasoain Church, Barasoain
Lights and Sounds & Ecclesiastical Museum, Buffet Lunch at Malolos Resort &
Club Royale, Pastillas Wrapper Making and Fruit Carving Demo, Inipit Making
Demo, and Popular Puto in Marilao. Please contact the provincial tourism office for
a guided tour.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, drive up to
Tabang exit to proceed to Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism
office) for a briefing.
Bulacan Puning Cave Explore (2N/3D)
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to San Fernando toll plaza,
and continue driving toward Olongapo-Gapan Road. Make a right turn to Sta. Rita Porac Road to reach Porac. Alternatively, one can take the Angeles - Porac Road
from Clark via Friendship Gate.
Description: Puning Cave to the south of Dona
Remedios Trinidad drains a micro-watershed in
Barangay Bayabas. Traversing this sink hole takes
about an hour.
Mt. Pinatubo Trek and Spa via Capas, Tarlac (Overnight)
Description: An opportunity to relish the beauty
and tranquility of the 2.5-km jewel-blue crater lake
of Mt. Pinatubo made more memorable by the
volcano's eruption in 1991.
What to do: Spelunking inside the Puning Cave,
river crossing using carabao-drawn carriage, visit
to the miraculous Nuestra Senora de Lourdes, a
taste of famous Kapeng Barako, with roundtrip
transfers from the municipal hall.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex. Drive up to Tabang exit to proceed to
Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism office) for a briefing.
Bulacan Biak-na-Bato Cave Explore (Overnight)
Description: A whole-day cave exploration of the
historic chambers of Bulacan: Aguinaldo Cave,
Bahay Paniki (Bat Cave), including the so-called
'Yungib 1 - 3' and 'Tangpapan'. Swimming is
offered at the Paniki cave. Optional (overnight)
trek to Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad.
Optional mountain trek to the famous 'Susung
Dalaga'.
What to do: Spelunking, trekking, swimming, camping (optional).
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex. Drive up to Tabang exit to proceed to
Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism office) for a briefing.
Bulacan Kamestizuhan Walkabout (Overnight)
Description: The province of Bulacan has a row of
monuments and historical landmarks which
commemorates the long and bloody struggle of the
Filipinos against the Spanish and American rulers.
What to see: A row of ancestral houses steep in
history: Estrella and Pariancillo Sts. on where
stands the Ejercito House which was the
Department of War of the First Philippine Republic. On the left side of Pariancillo
St. is the Cervantes House which is the Tiongson House with its intricate balustered
windows that used to be the Commisaria de Guerra. The Adriano House has been
beautifully restored and today serves as the Meralco Building. It was the Gobierno
Militar de la Plaza. Just across it is a structure with sealed half-moon balconies that
once served as the Carcel or jail. On the left are the ruins that mark the place where
Jose Rizal's historic letter To the Women of Malolos was read. The Bautista House,
ornately sculpted with neo-classic touches, was the Secretaria de Fomento. The
Reyes House with its weather vane and octagonal rose window was the Secretaria de
Exterior or Department of Foreign Affairs. Finally, the Convento which served as the
Palacio Presidencial de Aguinaldo
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex,
drive up to Tabang toll exit to proceed to Malolos
City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism
office) for a briefing.
Bataan Heroes Tour (Overnight)
Description: Bataan Peninsula was the scene of bitter fighting between AmericanFilipino forces and the invading Japanese forces at the tail-end of World War II. On
April 9, 1942, Bataan defenders surrendered. About 37,000 U.S. and Filipino
soldiers were captured. Explore the story of our WWII heroes on a two-day journey
into history.
What to do: Visit to the marker in Lamao where Gen. Edward P. King, Jr. did the
initial surrender and in Mariveles to retrace the steps of the infamous Death March
starting at the Zero Marker. Recall the jungle hospitals where the American and
Filipino nurses served the sick and wounded soldiers; Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor in
Pilar with a huge memorial Cross standing at about 311-ft high; and the historic
cathedral and its belfry in Balanga used by the Japanese to fire cannons aimed at Mt.
Samat.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, take the spur road between Dau and
Sta. Ines toll plaza en route to SCTex. Exit Dinalupihan toll plaza to proceed to
Bataan.
Nueva Ecija Farm Day Tour
Description: The province, as the agro-industrial
center of Central Luzon, has achieved agricultural
and technological advancement as shown by the
establishment of research and development
institutions.
What to see: Tour of agri-based institutions of
Science City of Munoz: farming technology of
Central Luzon State University, plant tour of Phil.
Rice Research Institute (a taste of rice wine), Phil. Carabao Center (buffalo artificial
insemination), and Fruits and Vegetable Seeds Center.
How to get there: From Manila, take the NLex, drive up to Tabang exit toward
Plaridel, Baliuag, San Ildefonso to reach Nueva Ecija. Optionally, one may take the
NLex and connect to SCTex up to La Paz toll plaza in Tarlac to proceed toward
Nueva Ecija.
Puning Hot Spring and Wellness Spa (Overnight)
Description: Geothermal exploration following the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption
indicated that the volcano hosted a hydrothermal
system which today manifests varying degrees of
temperature. Some of these are the thermal springs
along the
----------------------------------------------------------------Important: This catalogue of tour suggestions is prepared by the Department of
Tourism – Region III as guide for tour operators and tour guides in preparing tour
packages and itinerary. For information on price quotation, itinerary and contract of
agreement, please contact DOT-accredited tour operators or tour guides. Tour
packages normally include room accommodation, roundtrip transfers, guideship
service, and meals unless otherwise indicated. Prices quoted by tour operators are
subject to change without prior notice.