Jump to: About Tarlac | Top Attractions | How to Get There | Sample Itinerary | Estimated Budget | Where to Stay | Travel Tips | FAQs
About Tarlac Province
Tarlac Province is the “melting pot” of Central Luzon, home to diverse cultures (Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Ilocano, Tagalog). It offers a rich mix of history, nature, adventure, and quirky attractions like hot‑air balloon festivals in New Clark City.
Top Attractions in Tarlac
- ⛰️ Mt. Pinatubo Crater – Hike or ride 4×4 to the breathtaking crater lake.
- 🎈 Philippine Int'l Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – Held annually in New Clark City (Feb).
- 🕊️ Monasterio de Tarlac – Mount Resurrection pilgrimage site with a giant Christ statue and relic.
- 🏞️ Capas National Shrine – WWII memorial honoring Bataan Death March victims.
- 🏎️ Kart City Tarlac – Thrilling go‑kart track + family entertainment.
- 🖼️ Museo de Tarlac & Aquino Center – See provincial history and the Aquino family's legacy.
- 🌊 ANZAP Twin Falls & Ubod Falls – Scenic waterfalls in Mayantoc/San Clemente.
- 🍽️ Isdaan Floating Restaurant – Quirky dining-on-water experience in Gerona.
- ☕ Khaku Cafe & Kape Agape – Scenic cafés near Capas/Anao.
- 🌱 Goshen Resort, RDC Farm, Limiac Park – Instagrammable countryside gems.
How to Get to Tarlac
- 🚌 From Manila: Take buses or vans via SCTEX to Tarlac City or Capas; New Clark City is accessible via SCTEX.
- 🚗 By private car: Use SCTEX or TPLEX with exits to Tarlac City, Capas, San Jose, or Gerona.
- 🚕 Within Tarlac City: Tricycles are common—red/white (yellow/green) color-coded units are recommended.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:• Early travel from Manila to Capas/New Clark City → attend balloon fiesta if in season
• Visit Monasterio de Tarlac → hike to the Christ statue Day 2:
• Head to Mt. Pinatubo via 4×4 + crater swim
• Return via Capas & stop at Capas National Shrine or Khaku Cafe. Alternate: Combine waterfalls in Mayantoc on Day 1 and museums, go-karting on Day 2.
Estimated Travel Budget
- Bus/Van Manila–Tarlac: ₱300–₱500 roundtrip
- Mt. Pinatubo tour: ₱2,000–₱3,000 (4×4 + guide)
- Balloon Fiesta: ₱1,000–₱2,500 (tickets + transport)
- Entrance & Fees: ₱50–₱150/site
- Accommodation: ₱1,000–₱2,500/night
- Total (2D1N): ₱3,000–₱6,000+ per person (depending on activities)
Where to Stay in Tarlac
- Tarlac City & Capas: Budget hotels, inns—central base for most major sites
- Near Pinatubo / Mayantoc: Eco‑lodges or camping spots
🏨 View Tarlac-area Hotels via Agoda
Travel Tips
- Book Mt. Pinatubo tours in advance (4×4 fills fast)
- Wear active shoes—roads and trails can be rough
- Stay hydrated, especially at high-altitude craters or hot festival days
- During the fiesta or spring, traffic in New Clark City may be heavy
- Reserve rooms ahead if attending the balloon festival (Feb)
FAQs About Tarlac
Is Tarlac safe? Yes—locals report it’s generally peaceful with usual urban safety.
Can I do day trips? Yes—Pinatubo or Capas Shrine can be day trips; combine with local food stops.
Best time to visit? Dry season (Nov–April); Feb for Balloon Fiesta; waterfalls flow best after rains.
Final Thoughts
Tarlac Province offers a refreshing mix of adventure, history, spirituality, and local flavor—without the crowds of other destinations. From crater lakes and pilgrim hikes to quirky cafes and agricultural routes, it’s Central Luzon’s best-kept secret! Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
