Tarlac Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Tarlac, Philippines with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Tarlac
- List of Places to Visit in Tarlac
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Tarlac
- Best Things to Do in Tarlac: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Tarlac
- Food and Drink Scene of Tarlac
- Where to Stay in Tarlac: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Tarlac: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Tarlac
- Best Time to Visit Tarlac
- Do’s and Don’ts of Tarlac
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Tarlac: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Tarlac
- Where to Go Next from Tarlac: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Tarlac
Tarlac is a province located in the heart of Central Luzon, Philippines. Known for its vast sugarcane plantations, rice fields, and vast greenery, Tarlac is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It is also home to plenty of historical, cultural, and religious landmarks, making it a great educational destination.
List of Places to Visit in Tarlac
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Aquino Center and Museum
- Luisita Museum
- Capas National Shrine
- Bamban Museum of History
- Tarlac Heritage Foundation Museum
Natural Attractions of Tarlac: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake
- Lubigan Falls
- Anghalo Falls
- Tarlac Recreational Park
- Tarlac Ecotourism Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Tarlac
- Mount Pinatubo Trek
- Tarlac Recreational Park Hike
- Cinco Cristo Road Bike Trail
- Buena Vista Hills Trail Run
Best Things to Do in Tarlac: Activities and Tours
- Visit Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake
- Go waterfall hopping at Lubigan Falls and Anghalo Falls
- Explore the Aquino Center and Museum and learn about the history of the Philippines
- Take a stroll around Tarlac Recreational Park and enjoy the scenic views
- Learn about the local culture and customs at the Luisita Museum
Week-Long Itinerary for Tarlac
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Aquino Center and Museum; explore Capas National Shrine |
| Day 2 | Trek to the Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake; spend the night camping |
| Day 3 | Go waterfall hopping at Lubigan Falls and Anghalo Falls |
| Day 4 | Learn about the local history at the Luisita Museum |
| Day 5 | Explore Tarlac Recreational Park and enjoy the scenic views |
| Day 6 | Take the Cinco Cristo Road Bike Trail; visit Bamban Museum of History |
| Day 7 | Check out Tarlac Heritage Foundation Museum; go on a local food tour |
Food and Drink Scene of Tarlac
Must-Try Dishes
- Batutay (Marinated grilled beef)
- Adobo (Cooked meat in vinegar and soy sauce, served with rice)
- Buro (Fermented rice with fish)
- Longganisang Guagua (Tarlac-style sausage)
Local Beverages
- Kapeng Barako (Strong coffee made from Liberica beans)
- Sago’t Gulaman (Sweetened drink made with tapioca pearls and jelly)
- Calamansi Juice (Juice made from the local citrus fruit)
Where to Stay in Tarlac: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Microtel by Wyndham Tarlac
- La Maja Rica Hotel
- El Cielito Inn Tarlac
- Luisita Central Park Hotel
- Tarlac Village Hotel
What to Buy in Tarlac: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local rice and sugarcane products
- Handwoven textiles and baskets
- Kapeng Barako beans
Local Culture and Customs of Tarlac
- Tarlac is predominantly a Catholic province, and religious beliefs and traditions heavily influence the local culture and customs.
- The province celebrates plenty of festivals, such as the Feast of San Sebastian and the Piat Sambali Festival.
- The locals speak Kapampangan and Pangasinense, aside from Tagalog and English.
Best Time to Visit Tarlac
The best time to visit Tarlac is from November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. However, it is also the peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices during this time.
Do’s and Don’ts of Tarlac
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
- Try the local cuisine and drinks.
Don’t:
- Disrespect religious monuments or images.
- Litter or damage the environment.
- Disrespect locals or their traditions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Tarlac
Tarlac is generally safe for tourists, but it is always best to be cautious and vigilant of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your valuables safe.
Health in Tarlac
It is advisable to drink bottled or purified water during your stay in Tarlac. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria are prevalent in the Philippines. Therefore, it is always best to carry and use insect repellent.
Getting to Tarlac: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Tarlac
- Clark International Airport (57 km)
Bus Stations Near Tarlac
- Victory Liner Bus Terminal (Tarlac City)
- Five Star Terminal (Tarlac City)
Other Options
- Taxis or private car rentals
How to Get Around in Tarlac
- Tricycles and jeepneys are the most common modes of transportation in Tarlac.
- Car rentals and taxis are also available but can be more expensive.
Where to Go Next from Tarlac: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Zambales
- Bataan
- Pangasinan
- Aurora
- Nueva Ecija
Conclusion
Tarlac is a hidden gem in the Philippines, offering beautiful natural attractions, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can explore the best of Tarlac and create unforgettable memories.
