Now in its eighth year, Lakbay Norte once again concluded a media familiarization tour participated in by travel writers from online and print publications. It is organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau in partnership with Victory Liner as a way of promoting Northern Luzon as a premier tourist destination. This year's itinerary took the more than twenty travel writers and photographers to the places of Subic and Clark in Pampanga and to the surfing town of Baler in Aurora. Here’s a quick rundown of all the places highlighted by #LakbayNorte8 as possible destinations for travelers heading to this part of Luzon.
Lakbay Norte Highpoints: Must-see Places in Clark, Subic and Baler
Pampanga
Pamintuan Mansion at Angeles City’s Heritage District
Aimed at erasing the stigma of Angeles City as a red-light district, the LGU spearheaded efforts to highlight the city’s heritage district. The result of this transformation gives history enthusiasts a big reason to visit this part of Pampanga.
Start your learning exploration at the Pamintuan Mansion. Built in the late nineteenth century by Mariano Pamintuan and Valentino Torres, it became the living headquarters of General Arthur MacArthur and General Antonio Luna. This is also where Philippine Independence was first declared.
El Kabayo Glamping and Picnic Grounds
A glamping spot away from the beach or the mountains is made possible by the planners behind El Kabayo Glamping and Picnic Grounds. Situated in a vast patch of lawn-covered lot inside the Clark Freeport Zone, it provides an ideal camping spot where friends and families can bond under the starry skies.
The glamping package consists of tents with mattresses, and a food spread of cold cuts, cheese, fresh fruits, sliced hams, and wines. Other activities include conversations over a bonfire, archery, and horseback riding.
Subic Forest Trail with Mad Travels and Tribes & Treks
Fusing together hiking the great outdoors and community immersion is the main mission of Mad Travel. Through their Tribes and Treks tours, they bring guests to the forested home of the Pastolan tribe of the Aetas. During the hike, Aeta guides share their skills in carving cooking instruments and utensils from bamboo, as well as starting a fire to cook food.
Other activities involve tree planting, plus guests are lectured on the many ways one can help preserve the forest.
Tibby’s Farm
Lakbay Norte 8 participant Celine Murillo describes this farm as:
“The place grows organic produce, livestock, and fish, mostly with the aid of an in-house aquaponic system. It also serves as an educational facility for individuals and groups interested in starting an organic farm. And, just like with all places where things grow and thrive, the farm has an alive and rustic vibe.”
Aqua Planet
One of the biggest water theme parks in Asia, Aqua Planet boasts thirty-eight thrilling slides and attractions, including the Tornado—a four-person lifebuoy ride—and the Aqua Loop, a vertical drop slide that launches you into numerous loops.
If you don't fancy the thrills, you can always chill by the wave pool and enjoy the sun at the many cabanas in the park.
Zoocobia
This mini-zoo and theme park in Clark showcases a Night Owl Show every evening. The spectacle culminates in a dazzling display of lights, Jabbawockeez-like choreography, and a scintillating fire dance routine performed by members of the Aeta community. They also host a Dinner in the Dark as a way of honoring and helping their blind massage therapists by donating proceeds from the dinner to their organizations.
Sunset Cruise at Subic Bay
We capped the second day of Lakbay Norte 8 at the Subic Yacht Club, where we tried the services of SAGS Subic Sailing. They offer sailing tours for visitors wanting to enjoy the scenic views of Subic Bay.
This is a perfect activity for couples wanting to enjoy a romantic time together—especially during a sunset cruise when the sky and scenery turn a few notches more dreamy.
Check out these other Fun, Cultural and Family-Friendly Destinations in Pampanga
Aurora
Ditumabo Falls
This fifty-meter-high waterfall is also known as “Mother Falls.” It is Baler’s must-visit nature attraction because it only requires a half-hour hike over an easy trail that knifes through a mountain parallel to the massive pipes of a hydraulic plant. The waterfall’s wide basin, surrounded by massive boulders, is suitable for a refreshing dip—especially after a surfing session.
Baler Heritage Town
Baler town boasts a number of heritage and historic sites, such as the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, which was where the "Siege of Baler" happened in 1898. A short walk away is the Museo de Baler, which houses an impressive collection of historic artifacts.
Also located within the area is the replica of the childhood home of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, the wife of President Manuel Quezon.
Dicasalarin Cove
As our boatman told us, “fifteen minutes and one hour” away from Cemento Beach is an isolated cove surrounded by rolling hills and jagged rock formations. A long stretch of fine white sand comprises the shoreline of Dicasalarin Cove.
Stretch out on the edge of your boat, then take some photographs before taking a dip and diving into the crystal-clear blue seas.
Water Sports at Cemento Beach
With the famous Cloud 9 and Dapa, Aventino’s—with its pocket-friendly menu price—is the most accessible and affordable place to fulfill one’s pizza and pasta cravings. Don’t ignore their three-layered pizza and pair it off with one of their signature shakes.
They offer a number of speedboat-towed inflatable rides, such as the chill Banana Boat, the mildly wild UFO couch that can sit up to eight people, and the electrifying Flying Fish. These thrilling activities are a good option to balance out the stoked feeling of surfing the waves in Baler.
Surfing in Sabang Beach
Of course, nobody departs the town of Baler without riding a surfboard. After the joyful feeling from plunging into the great outdoor wonders of Baler dwindles, surrendering to the lure of the waves and the feeling of getting stoked becomes a must.
There is no better way to end one’s Baler trip than playing with the waves and letting Colonel Kilgore know that “Every Juan can surf.”
Lakbay Norte 8 Familiarization Tour was organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) and NLEX Corporation.
All Photographs courtesy of Mac Dillera.
