Pik-a-Pak-n-Go Tours
It's more than just a relaxing vacation.
Angeles City – Clark 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 re-emerge 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 St. 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 look-see of the town’s 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’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, duty-free shopping arcade, Nayong Pilipino sa Clark, El Kabayo Riding stables, Dinosaurs Island at Clarkland and finally to SM City Clark for a much-needed shopping experience. Optionally, one may run to Paradise Ranch and Zoocobia Fun Zoo on the hills of Sacobia Valley for a thrilling zoological and environmental experience. One may even take a brief tour of DECAwake Clark Cable Park in Brgy. Margot, Angeles City for a quick wakeboarding routine.
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLex), drive up to Dau toll plaza an 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 Estate 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 any of the casinos in Clark (Mimosa, Hotel Stotsenberg / Casablanca or 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), TreeTop 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 for a relaxing experience. Cap your day with a last-minute shopping spree at either 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 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. 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 North Luzon Expressway, take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines exits to connect to SCTex all the way to Subic.
Clark Educational Field Trip
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 (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 first 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 Vicente. 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, off-road 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 Kulinarya Day Tour
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.
What to do: Must-tries are the Kapampangan halo-halo places in various places in the province. There are three distinct halo-halo varieties: Guagua (Razon’s), Angeles (Corazon’s) and Arayat (Kabigting's and Jurado's) halo-halo. It must also be noted that Kapampangan halo-halo is distinct from the other halo-halo served in the country because it uses only three or four ingredients or sahog. However, the richness of these ingredients more than compensates for the number of types thrown in the glass. Arayat for example is distinct for its pastillas, crushed beans and saging combination; Guagua for its macapuno, saging, and leche flan; while Angeles is distinct for its mais, saging, pastillas and crushed beans combination. Also check out Aling Lucing's at the Crossing (Henson Street, Angeles City) which is the birthplace of Pampanga sisig and the steakhouses in Marisol Subdivision, Angeles City. Luring's of Guagua (with branches all over Pampanga) serves some of the best barbeque and other grilled meat products. Ikabud (the contracted form of ika kabud which translates as only you) is another restaurant that serves grilled food and is located in Hensonville, Angeles City. If you want to try out everything, go for Smorgasbord, the buffet Kapampangan lunch and dinner offered at Partyland (MacArthur Highway and SM City Pampanga) and Holidayland (Gapan-Olongapo Road) both in the City of San Fernando. (Source: Ivan Henares: Ivan About Town Blog)
How to get there: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLex), drive up to Dau toll plaza an 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.
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. Spectacular views, towering lahar canyons, thermal springs, cool mountain springs and cascading waterfalls along O' Donnell streambed.
What to do: Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for one hour, disembark in Sitio Dapili and trek for maximum of two hours to the crater, view the tranquil yet majestic 2.5-km crater-lake located in Botolan, Zambales which is 30 kms away from Sta. Juliana. Or optionally bathe yourself in any of the six sulfur-filled thermal pools at Sitio Tarukan. Cap your day with a generous fishing expedition at Tambo Lake before proceeding to the wellness spa located at the village.
How to get there: If you're coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway. Exit Dau toll plaza for you to take your rented vehicle (meeting place is usually at the Clark main gate), otherwise straight to Sta. Ines toll gate. From there, take the MacArthur Hwy to Mabalacat enroute to Bamban and Capas in Tarlac towards north. When you reach the marketplace in Capas, take a left turn to Brgy. Sto. Rosario and negotiate the 22-km. countryside road passing along barangays Aranguren, O' Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Patling and finally, the last frontier which is Brgy. Sta. Juliana - the gateway to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.
San Fernando Heritage Tour
Description: Downtown San Fernando is home to the city’s historic poblacion which was zoned into a heritage district in 2004. The first stop is the city hall of San Fernando where one boards a kalesa that would take him to some of the heritage houses along Consunji Street.
What to do: The first heritage house is the Santos-Hizon House, a Victorian-style house built by the couple Teodoro Santos and Africa Ventura, is currently owned by the heirs of his son Augusto Hizon. A short walk across the street is the grand Hizon-Singian House – an NHI-declared heritage house. Next stop is the Lazatin House, another NHI-declared heritage house, built in 1925 by the couple Serafin Lazatin y Ocampo and Encarnacion Singian y Torres. Likewise, one may visit the historic Pampanga Lodge and Restaurant for a local Kapampangan native cuisine and finally, the historic San Fernando Train Station – the silent witness to the city’s history during that infamous death march of the last world war. Treat yourself to an exotic yet sumptuous lunch at the famous Everybody’s Café along MacArthur Hwy.
How to get there: From Manila take the NLex, drive up to San Fernando toll plaza and take a right turn to Jose Abad Santos Ave. towards the town proper of the City of San Fernando; at the junction, take a left turn to MacArthur Hwy. to the poblacion.
Pampanga-Bulacan Kulinarya Day Tour
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 known to many as the so-called Pagkain ng mga Bayani (food for the heroes).
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; Lilian Borromeo Residence in Mexico, Pampanga for a cooking demo on Pampanga's Tocino and San Nicolas cookies, plus tour of ancestral homes with authentic housewares and furniture; and Tita Mila Enriquez Residence in Bulacan, Bulacan for a cooking demo and lecture on the so-called 'Pagkain ng mga Bayani' like Binilot na Morcon, Bringheng Bulacan or Calamares Relleno. Optionally, one may proceed to the well-known Bale Dutung (wooden house) in Villa Gloria, Angeles City hosted by Master Chef Claude Tayag for a taste of old Kapampangan cuisine and delicacies more popularly known as Claude 9 brand.
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 Swamp cum Mt. Arayat Day Tour
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 prone 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, indigenous ones like the rare salaksak and batala; optional tour of Mt. Arayat National Park in Arayat or PAC Cool Spring Resort in Ayala, Magalang (inside Pampanga Agricultural State College) for a short mountain climb and swimming in natural spring pools. Optionally, one may stop at Abe’s Farm for a taste of Kapampangan cuisine plus a rejuvenating body massage. Better still visit the now famous Gintong Pakpak Retreat House at the foothills of Mt. Arayat for sumptuous lunch cum spiritual renewal. Cap your day with a short stop at Hilaga Village (Paskuhan), SM City Pampanga or Robinson’s Starmills 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.
Bulacan Kulinarya 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
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.
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 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 Verdivia Falls Tour
Description: Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad is one of the natural wonders of Bulacan due to its cascading waterfall and wide catch basin. The village is known for its sweetest pineapple in Luzon.
What to do: Trekking, swimming, nature observation, and community immersion.
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 Biak-na-Bato Cave Explore
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 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 Kamestizuhan Walkabout (Day Tour)
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 North Luzon Expressway. Drive up to Tabang exit to proceed to Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism office) for a briefing.
Bataan Heroes Tour
Description: Bataan Peninsula was the scene of bitter fighting between American-Filipino 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 journey into history.
What to do: Visit to the marker in Lamao where Gen. Edward P. King, Jr. made his 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 North Luzon Expressway. Take the spur road between Dau and Sta. Ines toll plaza en route to SCTex. Exit Dinalupihan toll plaza to proceed to Bataan.
Tarlac Pilgrimage Day Tour
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 9:00 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 (dates may vary from time to time).
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.
Holy Week Holiday (8 days)
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 seven 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 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 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 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 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 North Luzon Expressway. Drive up to Tabang exit to proceed to Malolos City, and stop at the provincial capitol (tourism office) for a briefing.
Subic - Bataan History cum Adventure 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 beaches 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: Bataan Techno Park, Boat People Museum, Shrine of Pope John Paul II, Pawikan Conservation Center, Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, Vietnamese Village 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 the late 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 Beach. The following day, drive on to 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. Optionally, one may take a side trip to Anawangin Cove for a short island hop.
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 ˝ hour drive along scenic, well-paved national road.
Masinloc Ecotour Program (Overnight)
Description: Come and join the Masinloc Ecotour Program in San Salvador Island. Participate in the Marine Ecology Learning Program that includes: trip to the Mangrove Island, marine protected areas and Giant Taklobo Farm. Explore the natural beauty of underwater scenery thru scuba diving and snorkeling. Enjoy the sumptuous food (seafood, vegetable and fruits, and seaweeds) that will surely delight the visitors. Have fun while learning the environmental development program.
What to do: Boat ride to a long stretch of white sand beach called San Salvador Island; enjoy snorkeling to watch a school of giant clams called taklobo (known as Tridacna Gigas) and be thrilled by its awesome underwater scenery; be awed by an array of astonishing stalactites and stalagmite formation inside the unexplored caves, a 15-ft. waterfall and their 5-ha. island where a rare breed of mangrove abounds.
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 ˝ drive along scenic, well-paved national road.
Subic Summer Wet and Wild (Overnight)
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 North Luzon Expressway, 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 cum History Tour (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.
What to do: Book a wreck-diving package with any of the dive resorts in Subic. Check out Grande Island Resort off the coast of Subic Bay for your overnight stay. Choose any of the following wreck 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 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. From Subic Bay, Grande Island Resort is just a 30-minute boat ride where one may spend a night or two; frolic in their pristine waters or enjoy their watersports activities. More interestingly, take a history tour of their distinct Corregidor-like war memorials dating back to the Spanish era to the last world war.
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. Proceed to Grande Island Terminal along Waterfront Rd. to ride a passenger vessel to Grande Island.
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 North Luzon Expressway. 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.
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 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 North Luzon Expressway 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 5-6 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 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 Clark 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 in any of its gaming facilities 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 Clark 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 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 Boracay, fly via Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
Clark - Cebu - Bohol 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 Clark 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 in any of its gaming facilities 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 Clark 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 in any of its gaming facilities 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 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 For 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.
Prepared by:
Department of Tourism - Region III, Hilaga Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Tel. No. (63 45) 961 – 2612/ 5617 or Angeles Satellite Office, c/o G/F Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg., Diamond Subd., Balibago, Angeles City, Philippines, Tel. No. (63 45) 625-8525 or email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: www.visitmyphilippines.com
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. 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.
Contact