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Department of TourismRegion III
NEW AND EMERGING DESTINATIONS(for House of Travel, Inc.)
Candaba Swamp and Wild Duck Sanctuary (Birdwatching)Candaba, Pampanga
The Candaba Swamp is located 60 kms north of Metro Manila. It encompasses about 32,000 hectares of wetlands located mostly in the town of Candaba, Pampanga, and is bounded by the towns of Baliuag, San Ildefonso and San Miguel in Bulacan, San Luis and Arayat in Pampanga, and Cabiao in Nueva Ecija. Situated
at 11 meters above sea level, the swamp is the lowest point in Central Luzon. It acts as a natural flood retention or catch basin holding wet season overflows from the Maasim, San Miguel, Garlang, Bulu and Penaranda rivers, and draining into the Pampanga River. The natural retention capacity is approx 1.5 billion cubic meters. The swamp is the staging and wintering area for migratory birds from October up to April of every year. It is a significant part of the East Asia-Australiasian Migratory Flyway that includes Siberia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and Singapore. WHAT TO SEE: Migratory birds spend winter in the Philippines or pass through the islands on their way to points South and North on their return trip to their native habitats. Egrets and indigenous birds like the rare salaksak and batala can be observed especially during dry months when the fishponds turn to rice fields - when large numbers of egrets descend on shallow pools teeming with snails and small fish. In 1982, about 100,000 ducks were observed in a single day, thus having the largest concentration of birds in the country. PROPONENTS: The Municipality of Candaba found technical support from an environmentalist group KAAKBAY SA KALIKASAN (eMail: [email protected] or Tel. No. 63 2 952-4882) in its campaign to advocate environmental conservation and protection in the area. HOW TO GET THERE: The town of Candaba may be reached from 4 exit points in the NLEX: 1) exit Sta. Rita passing thru Pulilan and Baliuag; 2) exit Pulilan passing thru Baliuag; 3) exit San Simon; and 4) exit San Fernando passing thru Mexico and Sta. Ana towards Poblacion, Candaba. CONTACT INFORMATION: Office of the Mayor,www.candaba.lovesnature.com or http://www.geocities.com/mun_of_candaba/ eMail: [email protected] or Tel. No. (63 45) 632-1299.
Pawikan Conservation Center Morong, Bataan
Located in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan is the site of a community-based Pawikan Conservation
Program devoted to the preservation and propagation of endangered marine turtles aptly called Olive Ridley turtles or Lepidochelys Olivacea. Manned by former poachers and turtle egg collectors who turned into conservation advocates, the Program's mission is to secure the eggs laid during the nesting season (between September and January) and transfer them into the hatchery to facilitate breeding and to contribute to the regeneration of the fishing grounds. Some 30,000 hatchlings have been released in Morong as of 2005 (since 1999) by a community-based conservation center formerly supervised by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM). The UN Development Program since 2001 has provided funds to the community for conservation work and maintenance of an office. Many tourists go to this sanctuary during the nesting season and especially during the Pawikan Festival to be able to get a chance to witness the endangered sea turtles struggle to shore at night to lay their eggs. During the Pawikan Festival, tourists are even able to "adopt a turtle" and personally hold and release a baby turtle into the sea. Contact Information: Ms. Nida Valdez (Bantay Pawikan People’s Organization), Mobile 0928-718-5721 Email [email protected]
Dicasalarin Beach San Luis, Aurora
A place of multiple attractions, this natural cove boasts of a kilometer-long white sand beach. On the left side is a steep imposing hill while on the right side is a peninsula and a cave. Each attraction is ideal for various recreational activities. Contact Information:
Michael Palispis (Provincial Tourism Officer),Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373/ 0929-303-3506 Email: [email protected]
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Dicasalarin Cove Dicasalarin, Baler, Aurora
Dicasalarin Cove is a secluded white sand beach where the verdant Sierra Madre foothills meet the Pacific Ocean. Dark, thickly forested hills contrast with the striking white shoreline. There are no resorts, no facilities on this fine stretch of sand. A freshwater river, flowing from the mountains beyond, trickles out to the sea. Dicasalarin Cove's stunning beauty and relative isolation certainly make it one of Baler's best-kept secrets.
Though it is possible to take a short boat ride along Aurora's rough coastal waters, hiking to Dicasalarin is the way to go. The adventure will entail passing through most of Baler's barangays, climbing up to a hilltop weather station where the vistas are breathtaking, tramping through lush forests, scrambling across rocky shores and finally to the desolate beach where the beauty is as rough as the crashing waves of the Pacific.
How to get there:
One can charter a bangka from Sabang to take you to Dicasalarin Cove. The trip takes about 45 minutes, hugging the coastline of Baler. We were warned, however, that this could be a very rough ride considering the strong currents of the Pacific. Remember that Baler is a surfer's destination, especially from October to February where the swells can reach 15 feet in height.
Hiking is a more worthwhile option. From Sabang Beach, walk or ride a tricycle southwards to the edge of the Pingit-Kinalapan River. Just ask for directions to Castillo. At the banks is a ferryboat, which locals call a badeo, which you need to take to cross the river to Castillo. It costs P2 per head and the ride takes 5 minutes. At Castillo you may wish to hike all the way to the jump-off to PAG-ASA hill or save your strength by hiring a trike for P25 per head. Ask the driver to take you to the base of the hill where the PAG-ASA station is located. You may also request him to come back for you at your designated time, also at the jump-off point.
The ride takes about 30 minutes and will pass by the sitios of Castillo, Cemento, and Digisit. The jump-off point is where the concrete road to the weather station ascends from the main road. Trikes can't make it up this steep road so this will be where you should ask your driver to pick you up later.
40 minutes of uphill climbing along an alternating concrete-and-gravel road will lead you to the abandoned PAG-ASA weather radar station. You may wish to go to the back of the building and climb the water tower for a nice panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains. Dicasalarin Cove is also already visible from this vantage point.
A few paces from the station's gate is the downhill trail to the beach. It is unmarked so look carefully for it. The trail cuts an easy path down the slope of PAG-ASA hill, shaded from the sun by medium-sized trees. We later learned that this is an already established hunter's trail (we even picked up a couple of snack and candy wrappers). The hike down to the beach will take about 20 or so minutes.
You will emerge from the forest into Dicasalarin Beach's reef side. Here, black rocks and dead coral line the stretch leading to a rock wall jutting out of the mountainside. There is a trail up this wall, traversing it towards the white sand beach, but you may opt to walk by the shore. Be careful, as the path is unestablished and is dangerously sharp and rocky. Your trek will be more complicated if the tide is high. A bit of rock climbing will be necessary. Indeed, for those who crave for a little adventure, it will be a worthwhile trek.
And so you will reach the pristine white sands of Dicasalarin Cove. The waves are gentle and there is an abundance of possible campsites. You may wish to explore nearby shores or climb the hills that line the beach. (Source: www.waypoints.ph)
Charlie's Point (Surfing)Baler, Aurora
Ideal for surfing, with medium quality right-hand-and-left-break waves on a sand-and-gravel bottom. The waves are best in December and January. The surf scenes from the movie Apocalypse Now were filmed here. Contact Information: Michael Palispis (Provincial Tourism Officer),Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373/ 0929-303-3506 Email: [email protected]
Dona Remedios Trinidad Natural Wonders (Mountain Climbing)Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan
Because of its altitude, the town of Dona Remedios Trinidad has a cooler and moister climate than the rest of the towns of Bulacan. Its natural features include rivers, waterfalls, forests, springs, limestone
formations mountains and hills. Magnificent and well-preserved caves can be found in Barangay Bayabas one of which is called Puning Cave with a spring running down a mountain. Another beautiful cave is the Baras-Bakal spring cave located at Barangay Pulong Sampaloc and Madlum Cave in Biak-na-Bato National Park. It has several breathtaking waterfalls like the Tumutulo Falls in Brgy. Bayabas which drops from a height of fifteen meters into an attractive setting of white stone formation and marble and cascades further into an old stone formation called Simbahan ni Lapud (Brgy. Kabayunan), Mount Bato Falls (Brgy. Sapang Bulak), Verdivia Falls (Brgy. Talbak), Talon ni Eva (Brgy. Kalawakan) are ideal places for group picnics and outings. Preferred ecotourism activities include: mountain climbing, bushwalking, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, bird watching or simply enjoying the majestic view and landscape of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. Contact Information: Bong Abando (Municipal Administrator), Tel. No. 0918-908-1519/0918-908-1524
Grande Island (Island Resort)Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales
The former R & R center for most of the American Navy personnel stationed in Subic, now an island paradise of international standards under management by Grande
Island Resort. Enjoy the fine beaches of the island amidst aquatic resources. Take a trek along the wilderness trail system.
Related Info: Grande Island holds historical significance as a defense fort that protected
the Philippines for four centuries. It was first occupied by the Spanish Empire and in 1885, was fortified as an island fortress together with its port city, Olongapo. Grande Island then became the key to the overall defense of Manila. The Spanish ascertained that if Subic Bay was controlled by an enemy, it could easily be made into a support base which could expedite the attack and captivity of Manila.
The Spanish were correct in judging that Subic Bay was the key to protecting Manila. In 1898, the U.S. Navy led by Admiral Dewey, attacked Manila Bay before the Spanish could complete their fortification of Grande Island. The American gunboats Raleigh and Concord, together with Filipino insurgence troops, captured Grande and Subic. With the signing of a peace treaty between Spain and the U.S., Subic Bay was then left largely undisturbed.
1n 1905, the U.S. Army purchased Grande Island and began arming it. It was given the name Fort Wint in honor of Brigadier General Theodore J. Wint, U.S. Army. Guns were mounted in the batteries. The batteries were assigned the following names: Warwick (10-inch guns), Woodruff and Hall (6-inch guns), and Jewell & Flake (3-inch guns). To this day, the remains of these batteries and some of their cannons can be seen on Grande Island.
On December 12, 1941, Japanese planes began to bomb Fort Wint and fired upon it with machine guns. No personal injuries were suffered by any Fort Wint personnel. It was later ordered abandoned on Christmas Eve. All of the fixed Coastal Defense systems were rendered useless and left in place.
The Japanese then garrisoned Fort Wint with anti-aircraft guns and automatic weapons. No efforts were made to repair the American guns or to build a new permanent fortification.
When Manila fell during World War II, the Japanese abandoned Subic Bay to protect Manila. In December 1944, the U.S. captured Subic Bay without firing a single shot. The Americans then developed it into a supply base.
During the post World War II period, Grande Island was abandoned and then rediscovered. Many sailors and marines used the island as a rest and recreational center during the Vietnam War.
In April 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War, Grande Island was made into a haven for 43,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian men, women and children refugees. Grande Island served as a temporary housing area until the refugees could be transferred to a more permanent location. This was called “Operation New Life”. One year later, the Grande Island Recreation Center was opened to military personnel and their dependents and was established as a Family Recreational Center. Contact Information: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tel. No. (63 47) 252-4655 (Manager's Office) / 252-4149 (Secretary's Office) / 252-4195 (Admin Office) (Source:www.grandeislandresort.com)
Tarlac Ecotourism Park and Relic of the True Cross Shrine (Pilgrimage Tour)Sitio Padlana, Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac
In the early months of 2001 under the leadership of Governor Jose "Aping" Yap, a project was launched to find a place in the province where people and nature can co-exist
in harmony with each other. Soon after, a 278-ha forested land that would eventually serve as a sanctuary for environment and nature lovers was established.
Located at an altitude of 308 meters above sea level, 30 kilometers from Tarlac City, the said place boasts of perfect climatic condition with natural ecosystem for plants, disterocarp trees, convenient habitat for native and migratory birds and wild animals. The place is a perfect place for camping holidays.
On April 12, 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 602 officially declaring the Tarlac Ecotourism Park as "ecotourism park and campsite." Vic Yap, in-charge of Special Projects Office, facilitated the construction of concrete roads, electricity, water system, eco-park buildings and other amenities for the campsite.
Today, the Monasterio de Tarlac Chapel , a hermitage house, dormitories donated by friends of the "Servants of the Risen Christ" are now in place and soon a bigger church will rise to serve as a repository of a host of religious relics and artifacts that originates from the Vatican. The blessing of the monasterio dedicated to the Relic of the Holy Cross was presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with Tarlac Bishop Florentino F. Cinense, and other clergy on January 30, 2007.
The place will soon become one of the most-visited piligrimage sites in the country. Contact Information: Wilfredo Toldanes (Tarlac City Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 982-4051/1923
TOUR OPERATORS
Angeles International Travel Center Location Angeles City, Pampanga Address 805 Don Juico Ave., Clarkview, Angeles City ACCREDITED AS TRAVEL AGENCY [Acc. No. III-TTA-25-2007 dated October 23, 2007] Description Ticketing, passporting, visa assistance, tour packages Contact Person Carmen McTavish - General Manager Phone (63 45) 888-2175 / 322-0801/ 322-5929/625-6051-52 Email [email protected] Website www.angelestravel.com
Castro Travel Solutions Agency Location Angeles City Address Cruz Bldg., Don Juico Ave. cor Clark Ave., Villa Sol Subd., Anunas, Angeles City Description: Travel and tour agency, passport and visa assistance Tour Packages: Grande Island Beach Resort (2N/3D) - P3,745/pax (Twin-sharing)/P3,000/pax (Quad-sharing) Inclusions: hotel daily breakfast roundtrip ferry transfers banana boat ride local tax Accreditation TRAVEL AGENCY [Acc. No. III-TTA-23-2007 dated 13 Sept 2007] Phone (63 45) 625-6608/893-1443 Email [email protected]
GO-PAZ Travel & Tours Address 18 San Nicolas, Betis, Guagua, Pampanga ACCREDITED AS TRAVEL AGENCY [Acc. No. III-TTA-06-2008 Date Issued 28 April 2008] Phone (63 45) 900-2606 Telefax (63 45) 900-2987 Email [email protected]
LQM Travel & Tours Location Mabalacat, Pampanga Address Rm. No. 6, G/F Plaza Romana Bldg., MacArthur Hwy., Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Description Travel and tours, passporting, visa assistance, tour packaging ACCREDITED AS TRAVEL AGENCY [Acc. No. III-TTA-11-2008 dated 16 May 2008] Phone (63 45) 892-6328/331-1356 Fax: (63 45) 331-1356 Mobile.: 0918-331-4650/0915-978-0271 Contact Lerma Macarayao Email [email protected]
3 Sisters Travel & Tours (Main) Lot 2 Blk 7, Acacia St., Primavera Homes,Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan TRAVEL AGENCY Acc. No. III-TTA-14-08 dated 20 May 2008 Phone (63 44) 673-5021/8264/766-7798 Contact: Josephine Jimenez Email: [email protected]
3 Sisters Travel & Tours (Plaridel Branch) 2nd Floor, Waltermart, Plaridel, Bulacan TRAVEL AGENCY
Acc.No. III-TTA-15-08 dated 20 May 2008 Phone (63 44) 670-1657/795-2157 Contact: Josephine Jimenez Email: [email protected]
Brilliant Anchor Tours & Travel 1710 Rizal Ave., East Bajac, Olongapo TRAVEL AGENCY Acc.No. III-TTA-16-07 dated 16 August 2007 Phone (63 47) 223-2607 Fax (63 47) 223-2607 Contact: Ena Majan Email: [email protected]
Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. Grande Island Resort Terminal, Waterfront Rd., Subic Bay Freeport TRAVEL AGENCY Acc.No. III-TTA-15-07 dated 17 July 2007 Phone (63 47) 252-3241/3242 Contact: Robert Serneo/Choi Hyok Email: [email protected]
Topsan Travel & Tours 43-45 Magsaysay Drive., East Tapinac, Olongapo City TRAVEL AGENCY Acc.No.III-TA-24-07 dated 17 October 2008 Phone (63 47) 223-1079/1080 Fax (63 47) 224-4828 Contact: Jaime Luceriano Email: [email protected]
Seahorse Travel & Souvenirs Inc. Rm. 1 2nd Floor Coldwater Creek Bldg. Greenwood Park CBD TRAVEL AGENCY Acc. No. III-TA-07-02 dated 16 November 2007 Phone (63 47) 252-5617 Fax No. (63 2) 857-2433 Contact: Mr. Charles Davis Email: [email protected]
Yong Travel & Tours Lot 13-EMS Area 14th St. Subic Gate Perimeter Rd. Subic Bay Freeport Zone TRAVEL AGENCY Acc. No. III-TA-07-01 dated 16 November 2007 Phone (63 47) 252-6306 Fax No. (63 47) 252- 6304
Contact: Ms. Rosemarie Alcazar-Lee Email: [email protected]
HOTELS
Holiday Inn Clark Mimosa Drive, Mimosa Leisure Estate, Clark Freeport, Pampanga FIRST CLASS HOTEL Acc No. III-H-03-08 dated 17 April 2008 Phone (63 45) 599-8000 / (02) 845-1888 Fax (63 45) 599-2288 / (02) 843-1363 Contact: Michael Wilson Email: [email protected] Website: www.holiday-inn.com/clark
King's Royal Hotel & Leisure Park Olongapo - Gapan Rd. Macabebe, Bacolor, Pampanga STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc.No. III-H-04-07 dated 17 July 2007 Phone (63 45) 961-7000 Fax (63 45) 961-7003 Contact: Jennalyn Miranda Email: [email protected]
Marlim Mansions Hotel Macarthur Hwy., Diamond Subd. Balibago, Angeles City STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc. No.III-H-06-07 dated 7 August 2007 Phone (63 45) 322-2002/892-5089 Fax (63 45) 625-8535 / 322-2126 Contact: Jose Moster Email: [email protected] Website: www.marlimmansionshotel.net
Montevista Villas Mimosa Leisure Estate, MA Roxas Hwy., Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc. No. III-H-12-07 dated 6 November 2007 Phone (63 45) 599-7000 Fax (63 45) 599-6830 Contact Noli B. Reyes (General Manager) Email [email protected]
Website www.mimosaresort.com
Oasis Hotel Clarkview Cpd, Balibago, Angeles City STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc. No.III-H-04-08 dated 15 May 2008 Phone (63 45) 893-3301/625-8301 to 04 Fax (63 45) 322-3164 / 625-8306 Contact: Rodrigo 'Roy' Del Rosario Email: [email protected] Website: www.oasishotel.com.ph
La Maja Rica Hotel & Restaurant MacArthur Hwy.,cor Ligtasan St., Tarlac STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc. No.III-H-11-07 dated 23 October 2007 Phone (63 45) 611-2051 Fax (63 45) 611-2053 Contact: Atty. Antonio Pascual Email: [email protected] Website: www.lamajaricahotel.net
Microtel Inn & Suites Luisita Hacienda Luisita, San Miguel, Tarlac City ECONOMY CLASS HOTEL Acc. No. III-H-02-07 dated 19 January 2007 Phone (63 45) 985-1770/985-1974 Fax (63 45) 985-1975 Contact: Roberto Gonzales/Joel Cucueco Email: [email protected] Website: www.microtelphilippines.com
Courtyard Inn Lot B, Waterfront Rd. cor Rojas St. CBD Area, Subic Bay Freeport STANDARD CLASS HOTEL Acc.No. III-H-07-07 dated 19 November 2007 Phone (63 47) 252-2366/2367 Fax (63 47) 252-2367 Contact Rizalito Magugat Email: [email protected] Website: www.courtyardinnsubic.com
The Light House Marina Resort Moonbay Marina Complex, Waterfront Rd. Subic Bay Freeport
FIRST CLASS HOTEL Acc. No. III-H-07-09 dated 3 December 2007 Phone (63 47) 252-5000 Fax No. (63 47) 7545 Contact: Mr. Raymond A. Bonifacio Email: [email protected] Website: www.lighthousesubic.com
8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel DRT Hwy Ulingao, San Rafael, Bulacan CLASS 'AA' RESORT Acc. No. III-R-01-07 dated 27 February 2007 Phone (63 44) 766-5268 / 2332 Fax (63 44) 766-6874 Contact: Ireneo Villangca Email: [email protected] Website: www.8waveswaterpark.com.ph
Malolos Resort Club Royale MacArthur Hwy, Mabolo, Malolos, Bulacan Acc.No.III-R-03-08 dated 3 May 2008 CLASS 'AA' RESORT Phone (63 44) 791-0378 / 791-7797 Fax (63 44) 662-0044 / 796-0131 Contact: Crispin Kabiling Email: [email protected] Website: www.malolosclubroyale.com
Grotto Vista Resort Grace Ville, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan CLASS ‘AA’ RESORT Acc.No.III-R-01-08 dated 14 May 2008 Phone (63 44) 6910223/ 0224 / 815-0943/44 Fax (63 44) 924-6008 Contact: Efren Bartolome Email: [email protected] Website: www.bulacan.gov.ph
Fontana Development Corporation C.M Recto Hwy., Clark Freeport Pampanga CLASS “AAA” RESORT Acc.No. III-R-01-08 dated 3 April 2008 Phone (63 45) 599-5000 Fax No. (63 45) 843-9123 Contact: Tony Biggs
Email: [email protected] Website: www.fontanaleisureparks.com
Grande Island Resort Subic Bay Freeport Office, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone CLASS 'AA' RESORT CN No. R-III-08-020 dated 17 March 2008 Phone: (632) 688-7300 / 688-7390 Fax No: (63 47) 688-7333 (Subic) Contact Person: Ms. Grace Enriquez Email: [email protected] Website: www.grandeislandresort.com