Explore the various Tarlac tourist spots in this comprehensive travel guide. Discover remote destinations and adventurous things to do for lifelong travel.
Tarlac has so much more to offer aside from its important role during the Philippine Revolution, which deposed the Spaniards. It is more than its historical churches featuring European architecture.
Unknown to many, Tarlac is now a growing ecotourism destination in the Philippines.
Conquer its sleeves, and you’ll find numerous natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, raging rivers, and many more. Tarlac also hosts the internationally-known Mt. Pinatubo, a favorite hiking destination.
Without further ado, here are the best places to go in Tarlac!
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1. ANZAP Twin Falls
ANZAP (ASEAN-New Zealand Afforestation Program) Twin Falls cascades towards a beautiful catch basin for more than 200 feet. Trekking to the falls will lead you into the lush forests of Tarlac, home to endangered flora and fauna species.
It’s a perfect getaway for those wanting to escape the lowland heat. ANZAP Twin Falls is a hidden Tarlac tourist spot.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Bigbiga, Mayantoc
2. Mount Damas
Mount Damas rises to more than 685 meters above sea level. It’s one of the favorite climbing destinations in Tarlac.
You’ll have a panoramic view of the mountain ranges and vast rice fields of Tarlac and Pangasinan from the top. Expect to trail on rocks and boulders, streams, and tall grasses before reaching the summit.
- Location/Jump-off: Deug Resettlement, San Clemente
3. Ubod Falls
Ubod Falls is another must-see waterfall in Tarlac, measuring more than 160 feet high. It cascades on a massive cliff-like heavenly drizzle. Lush vegetation surrounds the waterfalls, giving them a rustic view. It also has a natural pool where you can have an invigorating swim.
If you’re into a thrill, you can use the surrounding boulders to jump or dive into the pool. You can visit Ubod Falls after or before hiking Mt Damas. Ubod Falls is one of the new tourist spots in Tarlac province.
- Location/Jump-off: San Clemente
4. Mount Telakawa
Mount Telakawa is another mountaineering tourist destination in Tarlac you should not miss. It stands for more than 645 meters above sea level.
You’ll get a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, lush forests, and lahar (molten lava) fields from the top. You can visit an Aeta community to experience its unique culture if you have time.
- Location/Jump-off: Capas
5. Capas National Shrine
Capas National Shrine pays tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese invaders during World War II.
A 70-meter monolith stands with a list of soldiers who perished during the war inscribed. It is one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Tarlac.
- Location/Jump-off: Capas
6. Nambalan River
Nambalan River pictures the best of Tarlac’s ecotourism destinations. Its pristine waters emanate from forested mountains. The river has many deep pockets with inviting waters that one can’t help but jump.
Aquatic species such as shrimps and eels thrive in the river. During the rainy months, kayaking or whitewater rafting are favorite activities here.
- Location/Jump-off: Mayantoc
7. Tinaboy Water Camp
Tinaboy Water Camp features a beach-like setting along a beautiful river. The name of the site comes from “Tina” and “Boy” who were lovers who fell to their death from a cliff to the river. It is one of the rustic tourist spots in Tarlac.
You can have an overnight camp here while listening to the flowing waters or stargazing during the night. Enjoy swimming in its cold waters or try catching some fish for lunch.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Labney, Mayantoc
- Trekking Time: 45 minutes
8. Calao Falls
Calao Falls is a two-layered cascade. The main layer measures around 20 feet high with a circular catch basin. The pool is ideal for swimming, and it has cold and crystal-clear waters.
Tropical forests surround the waterfall. Wild fruits also abound. You’re lucky if you come here when these fruits are ripe.
- Location/Jump-off: Mayantoc
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
9. Pangasaan Falls
Pangasaan Falls cascades on the face of a massive limestone rock formation. It measures 20 feet high and is one of the off-beaten tourist spots in Tarlac.
It carved a very deep pool, and you can jump from one of the surrounding cliffs. Expect to trail on pristine rainforests before finally catching sight of Pangasaan Falls.
- Location/Jump-off: San Jose
10. Monasterio De Tarlac
Monasterio de Tarlac is a favorite pilgrimage destination in Tarlac, located on a site that is 300 meters above sea level. It boasts of a towering statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Tarlac’s plains.
The statute signifies the Catholic faith of the people. It is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Tarlac.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Lubiagan, San Jose
11. Duglo Falls
Duglo Falls has multiple layers for you to explore. Each layer boasts different designs or features to offer. Just like in Pangsaan Falls, you need to hike on forest trails before reaching Duglo Falls.
One of its layers measures more than 40 feet high. Most of the waterfalls have inviting pools where you can enjoy the cold and crystal-clear waters.
- Location/Jump-off: San Jose
12. Mt. Pinatubo
Tarlac province has trails leading to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, one of the Philippines’ top mountaineering destinations. It became world-renowned when it erupted in 1992.
Just like in other jump-off points, the adventure to the summit begins via a 4-by-4 vehicle ride. That takes an hour. But you can also choose to hike your way for 3 to 4 hours. Mt Pinatubo is one of the top tourist spots in Tarlac.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Sta. Juliana, Capas
13. Tambu Lake
Tambu Lake accidentally formed after the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1992. It used to be a stretch of rice paddies.
Today, it is becoming popular as a boating and fishing site for both tourists and locals. The lush vegetation surrounding the lake gives it a rustic view.
- Location/Jump-off: Capas
14. Canding Falls
Canding Falls is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Tarlac due to its accessibility. The waterfall is around 20 feet high, but its raging waters carved a wide and very deep pool.
You can climb on one of the cliffs and jump or dive towards the pool. Canding Falls is one of the best eco-tourism spots in Tarlac.
- Location/Jump-off: San Clemente
- Trekking Time: 20 minutes
15. Timangguyob Falls
Timangguyob Falls is another must-see waterfall in Tarlac. It has two layers with a naturally-built pool where you can have a thrilling plunge.
Enjoy the mists of the waterfalls as you relish the rustic atmosphere. Timangguyob Falls is one of the new tourist spots in Tarlac province.
- Location/Jump-off: San Clemente
16. Bulsa River
Bulsa River boasts a 12.5-kilometer whitewater rafting experience. Enjoy riding the rushing waters while you catch sight of rustic sceneries along the way. There are also stop-overs where you can swim, bluff hop, or stone jump.
- Location/Jump-off: San Jose
17. Tarlac Recreational Park
Tarlac Recreational Park hosted several of the country’s national events, such as the Palarong Pambansa 2010. It covers more than 78 hectares and is an ideal site for different activities.
Among the things you can do here are mountain biking, swimming, zip line, rappelling, and many more.
- Location/Jump-off: San Jose
18. Aquino Center and Museum
Aquino Center and Museum are one of the most famous tourist spots in Tarlac City. It commemorates Benigno Aquino Sr. and his wife late President Corazon Aquino. Both are considered icons of democracy in the Philippines.
One of the materials here is the blood-stained clothes of Benigno, who was assassinated during the Marcos regime.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy San Miguel, Tarlac City
- Operating Hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
- Tel.: +63 45 9850968 or +63 45 9850969
19. Ylang-Ylang Center
Ylang-Ylang Center showcases world-class creations from the Ylang-Ylang flower. The flower is one of the Philippines’ pride, known for its powerful scent. Today, the flower is marketed in the global perfumery industry.
- Location/Jump-off: Anao
20. JSJ Goat Farm
JSJ Goat Farm is one of the best agricultural tourist destinations in Tarlac. Get the chance to see and experience hands-on how goat milking is done. You can even drink fresh milk after the process.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Caruray, Gerona
Photos Courtesy of Axel del Prado, Best of Tarlac FB Page, Pico Mundo, Mon Corpuz, KYAH Travel & Tours, Jiyon the Soloist, Abygail Tomas
