Baliwag Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Baliwag with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local food and culture, safety tips, and more.


Baliwag Travel Guide - An Insider’s Tips for a Memorable Trip

Are you planning to travel to Baliwag, a quaint town in Central Luzon, the Philippines, filled with rich history and culture? If so, this travel guide is perfect for you. Let’s explore Baliwag’s hidden gems, food, culture, and safety tips to make your trip a memorable one.

Introduction to Baliwag

Baliwag is a town in the province of Bulacan, located in Central Luzon, Philippines. It is known for its agriculture, cuisine, and cultural heritage. Baliwag is also famous for raising fighting cocks and producing the best-quality lechon in the Philippines.

List of Places to Visit in Baliwag

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Biak-na-Bato National Park - This park is a nature reserve that features various caves and waterways. It was also the site of the 1897 Biak-na-Bato Republic, where the revolutionary government was established.
  • Baliwag Museum - It houses various artifacts, photographs, and antiques that showcase Baliwag’s cultural heritage.
  • Barangay Tibag Shrine - This shrine is a monument honoring Baliwag’s patron saint, Saint Augustine.

Natural Attractions of Baliwag: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mt. Balagbag - This mountain is a popular hiking spot located in the nearby town of Rodriguez. It has an elevation of 777 meters and offers a stunning view of Manila Bay.
  • Tilapia Fishing Village - This village is located in Barangay Sabang, where you can catch your own fish in a pond and have it cooked to your preference.
  • Lumang Bayan Park - This park features a man-made lake and a walking path lined with trees. It is a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baliwag

  • Baliwag-San Miguel Bike Trail - This trail starts in Ichon, Baliwag, and ends in San Miguel, Bulacan. It passes through scenic views of rice paddies, mountains, and local villages.
  • Tibag Hill Hike - This hike is located in Barangay Tibag and features a panoramic view of Baliwag’s vegetative cover. It is also a popular spot for bird watching.

Best Things to Do in Baliwag: Activities and Tours

  • Lechon Capital of the Philippines Tour - This tour takes you to Baliwag’s famous lechon spots, where you can taste the town’s best lechon. Learn about the town’s cooking techniques and lechon history.
  • Fighting Cock Farm Tour - This tour will take you to a farm where you can witness the breeding of fighting cocks. You can see how they are selected, trained, and cared for.
  • Baliwag River Adventure - Experience bamboo rafting, fishing, and swimming in Baliwag River. The river is also famous for its fish and shrimp sanctuary.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baliwag

Day Activities
1 Arrive and check-in to hotel. Visit Lumang Bayan Park and Baliwag Museum.
2 Go on a bike tour to Ichon-San Miguel Trail.
3 Hike to Tibag Hill to enjoy the scenic view and bird watching.
4 Take a fighting cock farm tour.
5 Visit Tilapia Fishing Village and try fishing.
6 Take a Baliwag River Adventure tour.
7 Have a Lechon Capital of the Philippines tour. Shop for souvenirs before departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Baliwag

Must-Try Dishes

  • Baliwag Lechon - It is known for its crispy skin and a perfect blend of spices in the meat.
  • Okoy - A Filipino dish that consists of deep-fried battered shrimp and vegetables.
  • Pancit Bihon - A Filipino stir-fried noodle dish that is commonly served during special occasions.

Local Beverages

  • Tuba - It is a Filipino coconut wine that has a sweet and slightly sour taste.
  • Salabat - A ginger tea that is believed to have medicinal properties.
  • Sago’t Gulaman - A refreshing drink made up of tapioca pearls and jelly.

Where to Stay in Baliwag: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bliss Hotel Baliwag - A budget-friendly hotel located in DRT Highway, Baliwag.
  • La Costa Resort Baliwag - A luxurious resort with an infinity pool and a spa.

What to Buy in Baliwag: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pastillas de Leche - It is a sweet delicacy made with condensed milk and coated with sugar.
  • Barong Tagalog - A formal shirt made from piña, banana fiber, or silk.
  • Crafts and Souvenirs - Local souvenir shops sell a variety of handicrafts, such as bamboo products, hand-woven fabrics, and wood carvings.

Local Culture and Customs of Baliwag

  • Baliwag celebrates the “Linggo ng Baliwag” every August, a week-long celebration filled with cultural performances, parades, and street food stalls.
  • Baliwag is also known for its religious fervor, particularly the town’s devotion to Saint Augustine.

Best Time to Visit Baliwag

The best time to visit Baliwag is during the dry season between November to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baliwag

Do:

  • Respect Baliwag’s cultural heritage and traditions.
  • Try their local delicacies, including Baliwag’s famous lechon.
  • Bring insect repellent if you are going outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Litter Baliwag’s natural attractions, such as its rivers and parks.
  • Wear inappropriate attire when visiting religious sites.
  • Touch or harm animals such as fighting cocks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Baliwag

Baliwag is a safe town to visit, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Take precautions such as wearing sunscreen protection and bringing a map when going to unfamiliar places.

Health in Baliwag

It is important to bring bottled water when traveling to Baliwag. Make sure to have your necessary medication with you.

Getting to Baliwag: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Baliwag

  • Clark International Airport - It is a 45-minute drive from Baliwag.
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport - It is a 1-hour drive from Baliwag.

Bus Stations Near Baliwag

  • Baliwag Transit - A bus line that has routes to Manila, Pampanga, and neighboring towns.
  • Victory Liner - A popular bus line that has routes to Northern and Southern Luzon.

Other Options

  • Taxi/Grab Service - Taxis and Grab services are available in Baliwag for ease of transportation.

How to Get Around in Baliwag

  • Tricycle - A mode of transportation commonly used for short distances within Baliwag.
  • Jeepney - A popular mode of transportation within Baliwag and its neighboring towns.
  • Private Car - Rental cars are available in Baliwag for those who prefer private transportation.

Where to Go Next from Baliwag: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Angat Watershed Forest Reserve - An eco-tourism destination that features a canopy walk and a view deck.
  • San Rafael River Adventure - A popular spot for water activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and bamboo rafting.

Conclusion

Baliwag is a town rich in history, culture, and natural attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can now plan your trip to Baliwag and explore the town’s hidden gems, unique cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Have a safe and memorable trip!