One of the Philippines' most ethnically diverse provinces, Tarlac is home to Tagalogs, Ilocanos, Kapampangans, and Pangasinense. Tarlac has evolved into a melting pot that offers a variety of the greatest regional cuisine in the nation as a result of the mixing of many ethnic communities. It is also well-known for having extensive rice and sugar plantations that were formerly home to Aetas, the indigenous people.
It is now observed in Central Luzon as a holiday. At the Malatarlak Festival, grass-inspired costumes are used for the traditional dance, theatre, and music. The Spanish phrase "Malatarlak," which translates to "different types of grass," is the source of the name of the province Tarlac.
It should come as no surprise that Tarlac has a lot of outdoor activity-focused and environmentally friendly tourist locations, like the majestic Mount Damas and the ANZAP Twin Falls, given that the province is famed for its wide fields.
In addition, Tarlac has a variety of outdoor recreation options, including go-kart racing and ATV riding. Tarlac has more to offer if extreme sports aren't your thing. You might take a relaxing excursion to the Monasterio de Tarlac or explore the Capas National Shrine and Aquino Center Museum to learn about the past.
History
Tarlac's significance in the struggle for the nation's emancipation is well known. When he evacuated the previous capital, Malolos, Bulacan, in March 1899, the first President, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, declared it the center of the first Philippine Republic. The Americans pursued him to Nueva Ecija, so this barely lasted a month. The American army took Tarlac in November 1899.
When the Bataan Death March came to an end in 1942, it was at Camp O'Donell in Capas when American and Filipino soldiers gave themselves up to the Japanese forces. The soldiers didn't free Camp O'Donell or rescue the Capas prisoners of war until early in 1945.
Through the years, Tarlac has repeatedly come back as a stronger and better Tarlac, ready to take on the challenges of the future, demonstrating its ability to survive wars, economic hardships, and political unrest, among others.
So here are the top 10 tourist destinations in Tarlac if you're up for a variety of activities.
1. Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo in Tarlac is a well-liked tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and fascinating history. A stratovolcano, this mountain last erupted in 1991. It has resulted in considerable loss and destruction. The enormous crater lake, which was produced by the eruption at the mountain's peak, is a favorite destination for tourists. Due to the dense woodlands that surround it, it is a great spot for swimming, hiking, and picnics. To understand more about the local customs and culture, many tourists travel to the area near Mount Pinatubo.
2. Monasterio de Tarlac
A 30-foot-tall enormous statue of the Risen Christ that resembles Brazil's Christ the Redeemer is a famous feature of the monastery. The monastery also houses a fragment of the True Cross Relic, which is said to have been carried to the Philippines by St. Helena from the Calvary Hill in Jerusalem. It eventually traveled to Germany.
The Monasterio de Tarlac is one of the most well-known tourist attractions that religious adherents must see. The Mount Resurrection Eco Park monastery was constructed in 2001 and is located 300 meters uphill on the Zambales Mountain Range in Barangay Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac. The Monasterio de Tarlac, with its picturesque surroundings, has developed into a haven for spiritual reflection and reconnection.
3. Capas National Shrine
The Capas National Shrine, a significant monument in the region, marks the precise spot where the Bataan Death March came to a halt. The location, which was formerly a detention camp, now serves as a memorial for the Allied forces, which included 60,000–80,000 US and Filipino soldiers as well as Czech and Slovak soldiers, who fought with the Japanese in 1942 at the Battle of Bataan.
The Philippine Government constructed the Capas National Shrine in honor of the thousands of soldiers that died at Camp O'Donnell after being made to travel over 83 kilometers from Mariveles and Bagac to San Fernando.
The shrine has 3 memorial walls with the names of Filipino and American soldiers who perished at the time, a 70-meter obelisk, and 54 hectares of parkland with tributes for the deceased. Additionally, there are peace poetry and a statistical breakdown of all Japanese prisoners of war engraved on the walls.
4. Tarlac Recreational Park
A well-known destination for tourists is Tarlac Recreational Park. It has a surface area of 78 hectares. The park is overseen by the local administration and serves as a venue for sporting events. It held two significant athletic events as well as the 2009 Central Luzon Regional Sports Association.
ATV and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking, zip lining, flying, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are just a few of the numerous outdoor pursuits. The best Tarlac tourist destination, this is a wonderful site to strengthen family ties or go trekking in the Barkada group building. Large-scale gatherings and special events are also held here.
5. Bulsa River
The Bulsara River is one of their great escapes.
Top tourist destinations in the province are excellent places for whitewater kayaking. This strange journey is 12.5 kilometers long and brimming with passion. For those who enjoy exploration, this excursion is ideal. While navigating the rapids, you will be able to operate and inflate a kayak. You will be surrounded by nature, cross mountains, and come across wild creatures (mostly at carnivals). The ladders can be used for rock diving, cliff jumping, and swimming as well. The white-water kayaking interlock is not open every day, though. It has a season. Only during the rainy season, when the river has the most water in it, is it accessible.
6. Ubod Falls
Ubod Falls, a 120-foot tall straight waterfall concealed in the mountain, is a must-stop for all hikers proceeding to Mount Damas. Follow the river track upstream to the location, where you will see two little waterfalls. Si-el Falls refers to the higher, curvier, shorter one.
Reaching Ubod Falls will require scaling rope parts on the left side of Si-el Falls, which will be difficult for those who are less physically active. It will take about 15 minutes to travel from Si- el Falls to Ubod Falls and experience its breathtaking splendor. Before proceeding to the jumpoff site, you can cool off at this location and have a plunge in the chilly water.
7. Mount Telakawa
On an ascent, hikers can go trekking, visit an Aeta hamlet, a goat farm where they can acquire water, and camp at the summit. As a result, going to Mount Telakawa is enjoyable and restorative.
Along with river activities, Tarlac is home to the magnificent magnificence of Mount Pinatubo, which erupted back in 1991. Walking and camping close to Mount Telakawa is the ideal place to go in the area if you're seeking for an adventurous pastime. At the foot of Mount Pinatubo, at a height of 645 meters, Mount Telakawa provides a stunning perspective of the volcano and the surrounding lahar area.
8. Mount Damas
Rivers, resting nipa huts, and stunning vistas of the Central Luzon Mountains may all be found along the route. San Clemente Dueg Resettlement is the primary starting point for Mount Damas, however there is a detour that goes to Barangay Papaac in Camiling Tarlac.
Hiking Mount Damas is the best option if you're seeking for an extreme outdoor activity. One of Tarlac's most beautiful mountains and a popular destination for hikers is Mount Damas. The hike will last for roughly 1-2 days or 4-5 hours, and it will include traversing roped sections as well as steep terrain, rivers, and waterfalls that must be rappelled down. The difficulty of climbing Mount Damas, which rises 685 meters above sea level, is evaluated as 6/9. So make sure you're prepared before going on a hike.
9. ANZAP Twin Falls
For the majority of journeys to the waterfall, you might need to camp overnight. The journey is simple to complete. You will travel along a river and through several challenging trades.
Twin Falls, a popular tourist destination in Tarlac, is located in the province's hilly interior. It is a 200-foot waterfall whose water level varies throughout the year. Fences and a lot of flora enclose the region. Beginners might need to camp for at least one night on the majority of journeys to the falls. The journey isn't particularly challenging, although there are a couple challenging trails and a river to cross. There are some locations with lovely views of the river and mountains that are great spots to stop and rest.
Some of them are fantastic places to unwind since they have stunning mountains and rivers to look at.
10. DIWA NG TARLAC
The 12 dioramas that highlight the pride, culture, and history of Tarlac will have a permanent home at Diwa ng Tarlac. In addition to seven function rooms that may be booked for training sessions, parties, or other events, it also offers a restaurant and a gift shop. There are 200 chairs available in the largest room.
Diwa ng Tarlac focuses on displaying modern art in addition to its convention center and ballroom.
COME AND VISIT TARLAC TOURIST SPOTS FOR YOUR NEXT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!
For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Tarlac province is a great location. There are many chances to appreciate nature and discover the environment. There is a variety of species in the forests and mountains, and there are several rivers and streams that are excellent for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The inhabitants of Tarlac are welcoming and friendly, and they like having guests in their province.
Tarlac province should be seriously taken into consideration if you're looking for a fantastic location to engage in outdoor adventure. Whether you're an adventurer or a fan of nature, this place has something to offer everyone. Therefore, visit Tarlac province right away so you don't miss out!
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