Top 10 Destinations in Central Luzon, Philippines
Fast fact about Central Luzon:
Central Luzon is a region, also known as region 3 on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
Seven provinces can be found in central Luzon: Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
The region is know for being one of the main rice production area in the country as almost half of its land is composed of agricultural plains.
More than eight million people are living in Central Luzon.
The region is highly accessible from the nation capital Manila through the North Luzon Expressway.
One international airport, diosdado macapagal international airport is located near Angeles City, one of the main city of the region.
Climate:
There are two seasons. The dry season lasts from October to May while the rainy season lasts from June to September. The average temperature is 27 degrees celcius with a maximum of 35 degrees celcius in April and a minimum of 22 degrees celcius in December.
Tourism in Central Luzon:
Some of the main tourism attractions of the country can be found in central Luzon.
All of them are easy accessible. Some can be done on a day tour from Manila while some others will require at least two days. Traveling in Central Luzon gives also the opportunity to taste its famous cuisine, often described as one of the best of the country.
Here’s the top 10 destinations!
1 – Pinatubo volcano
Mount Pinatubo is a 1485 meters high volcano localized at the borders of 3 provinces: Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. The last eruption of the volcano happened in 1991. To visit its turquoise crater lake you will have to trek 3 hours to reach it. It’s also possible to get a sky tour if you prefer to see the volcano from the air.
2 – Anawangin cove
Anawangin is a pristine beach cove in the Zambales province. The best option is to spend an overnight there. Camping is allowed.
3 – Diving in Subic
Subic is a famous diving spot for wrecks. Subic was a former US naval base and is easily accessible form Manila by public transportation.
4- Zoobic safari
Zoobic is a park in Subic where you can watch exotic wildlife, as tigers or crocodiles
5 – Surfing in Baler
If you are into surfing don’t miss Baler. This spot has some huge waves especially during the monsoon.
6 – Mt. Samat
Mount Samat in the province of Bataan is a popular trek for veterans as it has a shrine on its summit to remember the soldiers who died during the infamous Bataan death march during the second world war.
7 – Capones island
Capones Island can be reached from Pundaquit Zambales. You need two days to complete this adventure.
8 – Giant lantern festival
This festival happens every December in San Fernando, Pampanga. People will parade will some giant lanterns all over the town. A great event for Photographers.
9 – Spelunking Bulacan’s caves
Bucalan province has several interesting caves including Biak na Bato, the most famous.
10 – Hot air balloons Clark
Each February Clark hosts the Hot air Balloons festival.