Camiling Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, and activities to do in Camiling, Tarlac. Learn about its local culture, customs, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Camiling

Nestled in the province of Tarlac in Central Luzon, Philippines, Camiling is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known for its abundant rice fields, Camiling is a place that offers a relaxing and peaceful environment that is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

List of Places to Visit in Camiling

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Dr. Jose Rizal Shrine - This shrine was built to commemorate the visit of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero, to Camiling in 1891. It is located in Barangay San Roque and features a statue of Rizal.
  • Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion - Located in Barangay Bebe Anac, this site serves as the final resting place of Tarlac soldiers who fought for the country’s independence.
  • Camiling Catholic Church - Also known as St. Michael the Archangel Church, this historical church was built in Spanish colonial times and has a well-preserved architecture.
  • Bongabon Bridge - This bridge was part of the Japanese occupation and the Philippine-American War. Today, it serves as an important landmark that tourists visit.

Natural Attractions of Camiling: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Matarik-Tarik Falls - Located in Barangay San Antonio, the waterfall boasts an immense beauty that is considered the highlight of the area.
  • Clemente Park - A public park located in Barangay La Purisima, this spot offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the serene environment.
  • Camiling River - The river is a great destination for nature lovers to relish the scenery while watching local fishermen.
  • Victoria Park - The park is located in Barangay Bebe Anac and is home to several species of animals, including monkeys and crocodiles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Camiling

  • Mount Bueno Trail - The trail starts from Barangay General Luna and stretches up to the peak of Mount Bueno. It provides an adventurous trek through lush forests, providing stunning views of the rice paddies.
  • Camiling to Mangatarem Bike Route - The bike route starts at the Camiling Public Market and ends in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, which is approximately 35 km away. The path features gentle slopes and passes through several rice fields and villages.

Best Things to Do in Camiling: Activities and Tours

  • Try the Local Cuisine - Taste the local delicacies such as sinaing na tulingan, a tarlac specialty fish dish, and chicharon. You can find these in local markets like the Camiling Public Market.
  • Visit Local Festivals - The Bato Balani sa Gugma Festival and the Birgihan Festival are some of the most celebrated festivals in Camiling.
  • Go Fishing - Enjoy a relaxing time by going fishing at the Camiling River, where you can catch various kinds of fish.
  • Attend the Local Sunday Market - Every Sunday, the town center transforms into a vibrant and bustling marketplace as vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and other goods.
  • See the Ricefields - Camiling is known for its vast rice paddies, which offer picturesque views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Camiling

Day Activity
1 Arrival and check-in
2 Visit to Dr. Jose Rizal Shrine, Bongabon Bridge, and Camiling Catholic Church
3 Hike up Mount Bueno Trail
4 Visit Matarik-Tarik Falls and Clemente Park
5 Join a Sunday market event and try the local food
6 Go fishing and visit Victoria Park
7 Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Camiling

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sinaing na Tulingan - A local dish of Camiling, sinaing na tulingan is a slow-cooked dish of mackerel with salt, vinegar, pepper, and spices.
  • Chicharon - A savory dish made from deep-fried pork belly or pig skin.
  • Inasnado - A sweet delicacy made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, mixed with sugar and salt. It is molded into cubes and wrapped in banana leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Palamig - A popular local drink made from sago, a fruit-based mixture, sugar and ice.
  • Salabat - A ginger tea drink, Salabat is often consumed to relieve stomach aches or colds.

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

  • Vista Venice Resort - This resort is located in Barangay San Francisco and features an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
  • Camiling Hotel - Located in Barangay Poblacion, this hotel provides guests with clean and comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local dishes.
  • Casa Grande Hotel - This hotel is situated in Barangay Bebe Anac and offers its guests air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

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

  • Shrimp Paste - Local shrimp paste is a sought-after ingredient in local cuisine. It is widely available in markets and supermarkets throughout Camiling.
  • Basketware - Made from the town’s abundant bamboo trees, basketware is a popular souvenir item in Camiling.

Local Culture and Customs of Camiling

  • Respect for Elders - In Camiling, showing respect for elders is considered a vital aspect of the culture.
  • Religious Practices - Catholicism is the dominant religion in Camiling, thus displaying respect for religious symbols like crosses, chapels, and images of saints is encouraged.
  • Local Dialect - Locals from Camiling speak Kapampangan and Ilocano, although Tagalog is widely understood.

Best Time to Visit Camiling

The best time to visit Camiling is from December to May when the weather is dry, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities. It is also the season of festivals, which offers a chance to experience the local culture and traditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Camiling

Do:

  • Try the local food.
  • Respect the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Pack light and bring comfortable walking shoes.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious symbols and practices.
  • Dispose of your trash anywhere. Practice proper waste management.
  • Take pictures of locals without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Camiling

While Camiling is generally a peaceful and safe town, visitors should always remain cautious and take necessary safety precautions like carrying only important documents such as identity cards and passports and avoiding dark and isolated areas.

Health in Camiling

It is advisable to get updated on necessary vaccinations before visiting Camiling. It is also best to carry a basic first-aid kit in case of emergencies. Visitors should also carry enough water to avoid dehydration during outdoor activities.

Getting to Camiling: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Camiling

The closest airports to Camiling are Clark International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Pampanga. From there, visitors can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Camiling.

Bus Stations Near Camiling

Victory Liner operates regular daily buses from Manila to Camiling. You can also take local buses from Tarlac City or select routes in neighboring provinces like Pangasinan and Zambales.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to travel by car or motorcycle. However, be knowledgeable about local driving regulations, especially concerning safety rules and the use of a driving license.

How to Get Around in Camiling

Tricycles are the primary means of transportation around Camiling. Jeepneys and buses are also available, and car rentals can be arranged with local agencies.

Where to Go Next from Camiling: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tarlac City - The capital city of Tarlac province, Tarlac City is a bustling town that offers several tourist attractions, including Mount Pinatubo, Tarlac Recreational Park, and the Aquino Center and Museum.
  • Zambales - A coastal town known for its natural beauty, including its beaches and nature reserve.
  • Pangasinan - A province known for its natural resources, including Hundred Islands National Park and the Balungao Hilltop Adventure.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in immersing yourself in the local culture or taking a relaxing break in the countryside, Camiling won’t disappoint. Its historical landmarks, natural attractions, and local festivals are all reason enough to pay a visit. With this comprehensive guide, visitors will be well-equipped to navigate the town’s many offerings and enjoy their stay in Camiling.

The Old Camiling Church The Old Camiling Church