Tourist Spots

Bulacan is a household name in Philippine literature due to its rich historical heritage. The province, which is located north of Manila, is the birthplace of some of the country’s great men and women such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Gregorio del Pilar, Francisco Baltazar, Nicanor Abelardo, and Guillermo Tolentino, among others. Bulacan is also the cradle of Asia’s first constitutional democracy.

Aside from its full-bodied past, Bulacan is also considered one of the favorite travel destinations among local and foreign tourists due to its immediate proximity to Metro Manila. The province, which is less than an hour drive from the metro, has its fair share of astonishing attractions that are magnets to discerning travelers.

Most travel guides about the Philippines list Bulacan as one of the best backpacking destinations in the country. Tourists can use the public transport system to roam around the province. There is also a host of resorts and hotels that are perfect for overnight stay. So pack your bags and get those traveling feet ready for an ultimate Bulacan experience. The following are some of the must-see attractions in the province.

Barasoain Church

Start your Bulacan trip by making a stop in Barasoain Church in Malolos. Dubbed as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East,” this 17th century structure was the site of the First Philippine Congress on September 29, 1898. It was destroyed at the height of the Philippine Revolution but was renovated several times to preserve its original structure. Never miss a visit to a light and sound museum while in Barasoain Church.

Verdivia Falls

One of the natural wonders in Bulacan is the Verdivia Falls in the municipality of Dona Remedios Trinidad. This body of water is known for its wide-catch basin. Verdivia Falls is best for group picnics and outings. The local government is offering tourists an overnight vacation package that includes different activities such as trekking, swimming, and community immersion.

Obando Fertility Dance

Bulacan, which covers an area of 2,774.85 square kilometers, is also famous for its colorful events and festivals. One of the more popular among them is the Obando Fertility Dance, which is held from May 17 to 19. It is believed that childless couples have their prayers answered by dancing and praying to the Virgin of Salambao. The festival is also a magnet for maidens and bachelors who are looking for partners.

Biak-na-Bato National Park

Visit the Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel to enjoy a twin feeling of historical and ecological experience. Declared a protected area by President Manuel L. Quezon in 1937, Biak-na-Bato was the site of the proclamation of the first Philippine Republic. It is also known for its wonderful scenery such as the Aguinaldo, Cuarto-Cuarto, and Bahay Paniki caves. Biak-na-Bato is likewise popular among trekking and birding enthusiasts.

Aside from the above-mentioned scenic spots, Bulacan is also renowned for its historical, religious, cultural, and natural attractions such as the Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine, the Battle of Quinga Monument, St. Martin of Tours Church, Plaridel Church, and the Pulilan Carabao Festival. With these breathtaking visual treats, Bulacan is truly a perfect vacation getaway.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Allan Leandro Merin has been writing for a living since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.

Most of these target destinations are located in the rural part of Norzagaray – that part of the town where there are less people and more Mother Nature. Bubu Chacha warmed up at the Poblacion-Bigte road which I used to take whenever I (go home from Manila to Garay) wanted to have a side seeing with nature. The other way in getting to Norzagaray, Bulacan is to take the North Luzon Expressway which is convenient but more polluted and crowded. While seated inside the car, I could not believe it why it took me twenty five years to go on a planned tour around my own hometown! Well, what matters is that I did. And I even tagged some friends with me in witnessing my town’s treasures.

 ANGAT WATERSHED FOREST RESERVE

The Angat Dam or formally named the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve is the largest hydroelectric dam that NAPOCOR (National Power Corporation) built in the whole country. Though named after another town of Bulacan (Angat), the gigantic structure is actually under the jurisdiction of Norzagaray. The dam provides power and irrigation to a wide span of cities and provinces in mainland Luzon.

The wide reservoir of the dam

Getting to the NAPOCOR Headquarters is kind of tough due to security. We had to secure a permit and luckily, I have an aunt who reside there. She arranged for these permits the night before. Our car Bubu Chacha had to be subjected to three separate checkpoints while going to the location of the forest reserve. You won’t be able to walk inside it if you do not have a permit. After succumbing to the strict inspection of the guards, we entered the gate of the Angat Dam site. Unfortunately the NAPOCOR underground office was closed during weekend so we did not get the chance of experiencing the elevator ride down to the base of the dam. My mom said there is a control room here where you can see the water outside from the see through glass.

MEYTO SHRINE

This is the cradle of Christianity in the province, where the first Catholic Mass was held by the Augustinian friars, armed with cross in 1572.