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Traveloka PH

04 Oct 2017 - 9 min read

Top 10 Bulacan Tourist Spots to Visit

1. Verdivia Falls

Verdivia Falls

(photo via Instagram, @koolkaticles)

Verdivia Falls is like a page off of Alex Garland’s “The Beach”. Named after its “verde” or green waters, the falls boast of fresh, clean waters flowing from the virgin streams. It’s also surrounded by trees which make swimming under the sun less scorching.

Type: Waterfall, Nature
Location: Barangay Talbak, Doña Remedios Trinidad
Budget: P10 per person and P200 tourist guide fee per group
Activities To Do: Swimming is the best thing to do at Verdivia Falls. It features fresh cool waters in the middle of nature’s stunning views. Cliff diving is a must try for thrill seekers!
Don’t Miss: Ride the bamboo rafts for a unique experience!
Travel Tips: - Best to book a travel guide early so he may guide you on the trek to and from Verdivia Falls. - Keep the area clean! Locals are very strict with tourists and their litter, so make sure you clean as you go!

2. Mt. Gola

Mt. Gola

(photo via Instagram, @clemea)

Part of the Sierra Madre mountain range is Mt Gola. It’s one of two mountain treks found in the Biak na Bato National Park, one of the more iconic Bulacan tourist spots. According to locals and tourist guides, Mt Gola served as a camp and vantage point for guerillas during the Japanese invasion. It’s now considered as a heritage site of the province.

Type: Nature, Trekking
Location: Biak na Bato National Park, San Miguel
Directions: You may take a bus ride from the Cubao Bus Station to San Miguel, Bulacan. Alight at St Paul School in San Miguel then ride a tricycle to Biak na Bato National Park.
Budget: P900 (P30 Entrance Fee, Tour guide fees range from P300 to P500, Transportation will cost around P350)
Activities To Do: Spelunking, Rafting, Cross the monkey bridge
Don’t Miss: The trek to Mt Gola is definitely an experience, but the view at the mountain peak is what will make your trip worth every drop of sweat. Make sure you take enough snaps at the top for the best Instagram post.
Travel Tip: Before your trip, make sure you secure a trekking permit from the Municipality of San Miguel Bulacan. You may email your letter of intent to rrboyflorencio@yahoo.com or call +63 9053726148.

3. Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm

Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm

(photo via Facebook, @Gkenchantedfarm)

Who says travelling can’t be educational and charitable? At Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, you can have fun while learning and helping your kababayans. The area offers first-hand experience at being a social entrepreneur while spending time with animals and the community.

Type: Nature, Museum
Location: California Street, Pandi-Angat Road, Angat
Directions: By commute, you may take a bus from SM North EDSA to Del Carmen. Alight at Bocaue exit and make your way to Walter Mart. Take a jeep to Brgy Encanto and get off at Encanto Elementary School.
Budget: P395 to P995 (Day tours), P800 to P3,500 (Overnight rates at Pool Villa)
Operation Hours: 8am to 5pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Activities To Do: - Feed the animals - Try your hand at making cheese, salted eggs and even stuffed toys at their Social Enterprise demos. - Enjoy farm-fresh meals! Since GK helps farmers cultivate farms, they have access to the freshest vegetables, produce and free-range meats.
Don’t Miss: Learn pottery and water irrigation first-hand. Visit the Bamboo Palace Center as well!
Travel Tip: Before visiting, make sure you book your trip through info@gkenchantedfarm.com.

4. Saint John of God Parish Church

St. John of God Parish Church

(photo via Instagram, @paulabandola)

Also known as San Juan de Dios Parish, the church was established in the 19th century and is best known as the site of the Battle of San Rafael. The historic duel between the Filipino revolutionaries led by Gen. Anacleto “Matanglawin” Enriquez and the Spanish army led to the death of 800 Filipinos. It is believed that bloodshed in the church reached ankle-high. It is also believed to be the inspiration behind Dr Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” characters Crispin, Basilio and Sisa.

Type: Heritage Site, Museum
Location: Brgy Poblacion, San Rafael
Directions: From SM City Baliwag, take the Pan-Philippine Highway and Kalsadang Bago to Balagtas BMA in San Rafael.
Budget: FREE
Activities To Do: Visit the museum and see where Crispin died.
Don’t Miss: Given its rich historical background, the church also has a secret tunnel that leads to exit points around town for katipuneros. While the church tunnel situated behind the altar has already been covered, you can walk around the vicinity and find more wells and small tunnel passageways which lead to the network of underground tunnels.
Travel Tips: - Ask locals and church folk about San Juan de Dios’ history. - If you plan to visit the church museum, best to inform the parish ahead of time, especially if you’re touring in groups.

5. Bistro Maloleño

Bistro Maloleno Resto

(photo via Facebook, @BistroMaloleno)

Food is one more reason to visit Bulacan. And what better way to dine than with the Philippines’ national heroes….well, sort of! At Bistro Maloleño, you can experience eating like a bayani as they offer some of Filipino heroes’ favorite dishes. Their “Food of Our Heroes” menu features recipes straight from these local warriors’ kitchen. Just imagine what Emilio Aguinaldo had for breakfast before proclaiming the country’s independence. Well, now, you can have a taste of it too.

Type: Restaurant
Location: Capitol View Park, Malolos
Budget: around P350
Operation Hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Activities To Do: Try their specialties Nilagang Manok na Puti na may Asparagus, a favorite of Emilio Aguinaldo; Pochero ni Plaridel, Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s dish of choice; and Tempura ni Mariano Ponce.
Don’t Miss: Take Instagram-worthy snaps of your meals and the Katipunero-inspired ambience. But don’t spend too much time taking photos, be sure to devour your plate while it’s still warm for the best dining experience.

6. Pinagrealan Cave

Pinagrealan Cave

(photo via Instagram, @jakeisanowl)

Pinagrealan Cave is the stuff of adventure seekers’ dreams! Aside from its historical background -- being a hideout of Gen Emilio Aguinaldo -- it also offers a complete trekking experience. Taking on this cave is no easy feat! Apart from the super dark cave pathway, trekkers would have to go through waist-deep waters to get through the cavern.

Type: Nature
Location: Brgy Minuyan, Norzagaray
Directions: From Manila, you can take a bus from EDSA to Tunggkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte. Take a jeep from Tunggkong Mangga to Bigte rotunda, then a tricycle to the cave.
Budget: starts at P50 (entrance fee)
Activities To Do: For the most adventurous, you can take a dive into one of the inner chambers of Pinagrealan Cave, near its tailend. Expect the water to be super cold though!
Don’t Miss: Keep an eye out for the Rhino’s Rock and the Lioness Head rock formations.
Travel Tip: Make sure you’re dressed and equipped appropriately. Remember, the cave is dark and wet, so you may need to dress light, wear the right footwear and bring a flashlight.

7. Guiguinto Old Train Station

Built in 1661, this heritage site has inspired some of the best literary works in the country. The Old Train Station is site to a guerilla train ambush killing six friars during the Spanish colonization. The historical event was the inspiration behind Severino Reyes’ novel “Opera Walang Sugat” which was later adapted into the movie “Walang Sugat”.

Type: Heritage Site
Location: Guiguinto
Directions: Since the heritage site is not frequented by younger locals, only a few townsfolk know where the area is exactly. Best to ask elder Guiguinto locals for directions before taking a tricycle ride to the heritage site.
Budget: FREE
Activities To Do: Snap away! Because of its architectural beauty, not to mention the rustic, rugged ruins of the old building, the Guiguinto Old Train Station is perfect for amateur or professional photo shoots, #nofilter needed!
Don’t Miss: If you have time, soak up on the breathtaking setting with the sunset as your background.

8. Baguio of Bulacan - Hilltop

Baguio of Bulacan Hilltop

(photo via Instagram, @stephenapetrior)

Not known to many, but Bulacan also has its own piece of Baguio tucked in the outskirts of Norzagaray. Also known to locals as “Hilltop”, Brgy San Lorenzo has been dubbed as “Baguio of Bulacan” for its cool breeze and fresh air. Aside from the chill weather, it also offers an expansive view of the Cordillera mountain range and the Angat Dam.

Type: Nature, Scenic Views
Location: Bitbit Bridge, Brgy San Lorenzo, Norzagaray
Budget: starts at P250 for the cottage
Activities To Do: - Enjoy the breathtaking views of nature -- from the Sierra Madre mountain range to the expanse of the Angat and Ipo dams -- while sipping cool, fresh coconut juice sold by side street vendors. - Trail down the BitBit Bridge to the river and take a quick swim or have a picnic with family. - Some tourists use the 100ft-high Bitbit Bridge as a rappelling tower, which you may also want to try out. You can contact Tea Zone Philippines to help with your rappelling adventure at +63 9167388880.
Don’t Miss: While the view from the top is the awesome, the ride up to Bitbit Bridge is also stunning. Roll down your windows and feel the cool breeze while you take in the beauty of nature.
Travel Tips: - Try biking up the route to the viewing deck for the best Hilltop experience. Just make sure you ride carefully and with the right equipment since the winding road has a few slopes, twist and turns. Best be careful! - After soaking up the view, you could visit the Angat Rainforest and Eco Park situated just across the Bitbit bridge.

9. Marcelo H Del Pilar Museum

Marcelo H Del Pilar Shrine

(photo via Commons, @JJ Carpio)

One of the leaders of the Propaganda Movement during the Spanish regime, Marcelo H Del Pilar is best known for his pen name Plaridel. He aimed to put an end to the abuses of the colonizers through his works for the La Solidaridad and organization of anti-friar movements. His efforts in ending the 300-year rule of Spain over the Philippines has made him one of the most well-known national heroes. In honor of his heroism, his ancestral home in Bulacan has been turned into a museum and shrine open to tourists.

Type: Museum, Heritage Site
Location: Sitio Cupang, Brgy. San Nicolas, Bulacan
Budget: FREE
Operation Hours: 8am to 5pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Activities To Do: - The museum, also known as Bahay na Bato, houses historical artifacts related to Del Pilar. Among them is an original copy of the La Solidaridad. - Take a trip down history with the five main galleries featured in the museum. Each one details an important period in his colorful life. - Browse through hundreds of books, including some of Del Pilar’s literary works, in the museum library.
Don’t Miss: Make sure you view the 10-foot bronze monument of Bulacan-bred Marcelo H Del Pilar. Beneath it lies the remains of the hero.
Travel Tip: Drop by the Del Pilar mausoleum to view Marcelo H Del Pilar’s family tree.

10. Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

(photo via Commons, @Judgefloro)

One of the must visit Bulacan tourist spots, especially for the religious. The grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Jose del Monte is an exact replica of the one in France. Similar to the original one in Europe, the Marian statue is believed to be miraculous. Several locals and tourists attest to the healing powers of the grotto and its spring.

Type: Religious Site
Location: Sta.Maria- Tungkong-Mangga Road, San Jose del Monte City
Budget: FREE
Operation Hours: Healing Mass is every Saturday at 9am, Regular Mass is at 7am daily
Activities To Do: - Visit the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Aside from it being the exact replica of the one in France, the natural spring below the grotto is believed to have healing powers. You can offer prayers or even bathe in the miraculous waters. - Kids will enjoy the Rosary Hill which has 155 giant concrete beads making up a gigantic rosary. - The Little Poland Museum features a model of Pope John Paul II’s home and basement. A copy of St. Maximillian Kolbe’s prison cell where he was martyred, as well as the chapel where St. Faustina had her vision are also featured in the museum.
Don’t Miss: Visit the life-sized statues depicting the stations of the cross - the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
Travel Tips: - If you plan to visit during holidays it’s best to come early as some streets may be closed due to traffic. - The whole area is 20 hectares so make sure you wear comfortable footwear before strolling the site.

Enjoy a fun experience and check out other restaurants, things to do and more in Bulacan. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>

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