San Fernando Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink and how to get around in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines.


Introduction to San Fernando

San Fernando is a city in the province of Pampanga, located in Central Luzon, in the Philippines. This vibrant city is known for its rich cultural heritage and is regarded as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” due to the famous Giant Lantern Festival held annually. San Fernando has much to offer to its visitors, from outdoor adventures to museums and historical places, and mouthwatering local food.

List of Places to Visit in San Fernando

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • San Fernando Train Station - one of the most picturesque train stations in the Philippines, showcasing the classic architecture of the American colonial era.
  • San Fernando Museum - a fascinating museum showcasing artifacts from San Fernando’s rich history, including artifacts from the Spanish colonial period and World War II.
  • Archdiocesan Museum and Library - housed in a beautiful colonial building, it features religious art, sculptures, and relics from the Spanish era.

Natural Attractions of San Fernando: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Arayat National Park - a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning views of the city and the surrounding Pampanga province.
  • Aeta Village - located at the foot of Mount Pinatubo, visitors can learn about the culture of the Aeta tribe, an indigenous people of the Philippines.
  • San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites - witness the intense and emotional reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ held every Good Friday in San Pedro Cutud.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Fernando

San Fernando and its nearby areas offer several hiking and biking routes. The popular ones are:

  • Mount Pinatubo Trek - a challenging hike that takes you through stunning landscapes to the Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake.
  • Mt. Arayat National Park Trail - a seven-kilometer trail leading to the summit of Mt. Arayat, known for its stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Sacobia River Trail - a five-kilometer biking trail that takes you to the Sacobia River, famous for its man-made lagoon and water park.

Best Things to Do in San Fernando: Activities and Tours

  • Giant Lantern Festival - an annual celebration of lights, sound, music, and dance, featuring ethnic Filipino dances, cultural presentations, and a lantern parade.
  • San Fernando Night Food Market - experience the bustling local food scene at the city’s night food market, offering a variety of local dishes.
  • Abe’s Farm - a scenic escape situated in nearby Magalang town, offering a farm-to-table culinary experience, spa services, and cultural tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Fernando

Day Activity
1 Visit the San Fernando Museum and Library
2 Explore the Aeta Village
3 Hike Mt. Arayat National Park Trail
4 Attend San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites
5 Sample local cuisine at San Fernando Night Food Market
6 Visit the Giant Lantern Festival
7 Take a day tour at Abe’s Farm

Food and Drink Scene of San Fernando

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sisig - a local dish that originated in Pampanga, consisting of chopped pig face and ears mixed with onions, peppers, and spices.
  • Pampanga-style Lomi - a hearty noodle soup with pork, chicken, and vegetables, served in many local eateries.
  • Adobong Balut - a unique dish consisting of balut (a developing bird embryo boiled and eaten in its shell) cooked in adobo sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Pampanga’s Best - a popular brand known for their tasty and organic juices made from fruits and vegetables grown in Pampanga.
  • Kapampangan Craft Beer - locally crafted beer made with high-quality ingredients by the Pampanga Brewery.
  • Sampaloc Candy Drink - a sweet and sour refreshing drink made from boiled Philippine tamarind and sugar.

Where to Stay in San Fernando: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Microtel by Wyndham San Fernando - a modern hotel located in the city center, offering guests a comfortable and convenient stay.
  • Clark Marriott Hotel - located near the Clark International Airport, offering luxury accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Aviary Suites Hotel - a budget-friendly option in the city center, offering guests a cozy and comfortable stay.

What to Buy in San Fernando: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • San Fernando Handicrafts - handmade crafts that showcase the artistic talent of the locals, including wood carvings, pottery, and woven textiles.
  • San Fernando Fruit Preserves and Candies - locally made product made from fruits and sugar, featuring unique flavors such as tamarind and langka (jackfruit).
  • Giant Lantern Festival Souvenirs - a variety of souvenirs featuring the vibrant and colorful designs of the Giant Lantern Festival.

Local Culture and Customs of San Fernando

San Fernando’s culture is heavily influenced by its rich history, including the Spanish colonial period and American colonial era. The locals are known for their hospitality and warm welcomes to visitors, and the city’s festivals and traditions reflect the pride and dedication of the community.

Best Time to Visit San Fernando

The best time to visit San Fernando is during the Giant Lantern Festival, which usually takes place in December, but the city can be visited all year round as the weather is often sunny and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Fernando

Do:

  • Try the local food, especially the famous sisig dish that originated in Pampanga.
  • Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting museums and historical places.
  • Attend the Giant Lantern Festival and witness its colorful and vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites, such as churches and temples.
  • Photograph locals without their permission.
  • Litter or damage the environment while exploring the natural attractions of San Fernando.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Fernando

San Fernando is a relatively safe city, but it is advised to be careful with your belongings and to avoid walking alone at night. It is recommended to be cautious when visiting busy areas, and to use registered taxi services instead of taking unregistered taxis.

Health in San Fernando

It is advised to drink bottled water and to be mindful of what you eat to avoid any potential health problems. It is important to bring sunscreen and bug repellent when visiting outdoor attractions.

Getting to San Fernando: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Fernando

The closest international airport to San Fernando is Clark International Airport, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. It offers daily flights to and from cities in Asia and Australia. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or private car to reach San Fernando.

Bus Stations Near San Fernando

Various bus companies offer daily buses to San Fernando from Manila and other major cities. The Victory Liner Bus Terminal in San Fernando is the most convenient arrival point for visitors arriving by bus.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a private car or hire a driver to travel to San Fernando. It is also possible to take a jeepney, a popular form of public transportation in the Philippines.

How to Get Around in San Fernando

The best way to get around San Fernando is by taking a taxi or jeepney. Visitors can also rent a car or scooter to explore the city. Be aware that traffic can be congested depending on the time of day.

Where to Go Next from San Fernando: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Angeles City - a vibrant and lively city known for its entertainment and nightlife scene.
  • Mt. Pinatubo - an active volcano popular for its stunning crater lake trek.
  • Subic Bay - a popular family-friendly destination known for its beaches and ocean adventures.

Conclusion

The city of San Fernando is a hidden gem in the Philippines, with an abundance of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and delicious local food. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed trip, San Fernando has something to offer for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty and wonder of this magnificent city.

The crucifixions at San Pedro Cutud The crucifixions at San Pedro Cutud