5 Nature Tourist Attractions in Pampanga
2022 Apr 5 | by Apple Barretto
What are the nature tourist attractions in Pampanga?
- Mount Pinatubo
- Mount Arayat
- Puning Hot Spring
- Miyamit Falls
- Candaba Swamp
Pampanga is a popular travel destination in Central Luzon and is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. The province is every foodie’s haven with iconic dishes like sisig and desserts like halo-halo. Pampanga is also where you can find well-preserved ancestral homes, thrilling adventure parks, and bright festivals. But if you’re looking for more nature-inspired activities when visiting Pampanga, you are also in for a great time. Unknown to many, Pampanga is rich in natural wonders like majestic cascading waterfalls, stunning mountain views, and natural pools. Here are five nature tourist attractions in Pampanga you should not miss out on visiting.
Discover the off-beaten ecotourism destinations of Pampanga. Each one will surely make your vacation more enjoyable and memorable.
Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo is one of the top tourist attractions not just in Pampanga but in the Philippines as a whole. Situated in between Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano. Its eruption in 1991 was a historical event as it was the second-largest eruption that occurred during the 20th century.
The beauty of Mount Pinatubo lies in its crater lake. Depending on the season, the water color of the lake varies from blue-green to deep-blue. To see the crater lake, tourists will have to embark on an exciting journey on a 4×4 truck until reaching the drop-off point where the hiking begins. Enjoy passing through rocky trails, surface streams, and lahar fields. The hike takes 2.5 hours before reaching the spectacular crater lake. Once you see the glittering lake with massive rock formations, you’ll find that the sweat is well worth it.
There are spots at Mount Pinatubo that are perfect for selfies and beautiful portraits, so make sure to capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mount Arayat
Mount Arayat is a potentially active stratovolcano located in Pampanga. Hiking to the top of Mount Arayat is perfect for tourists looking for a challenging yet fulfilling experience as it takes 3 to 4 hours to reach the peak. If you’re going for a day hike, it is advisable to start the hike as early as 5 AM.
When wanting to climb Mt. Arayat, there are two jump-off points: Arayat (986 meters above sea level) and Magalang (1,026 meters above sea level). Experienced hikers can choose the Magalang jump-off because it is more difficult to traverse.
Expect to pass through long steep ascents and descents, towering hardwood trees, and rope segments. Hikers are advised to bring plenty of water, a change of clothes, mosquito repellant, snacks, and walking sticks. At the summit, get a spectacular view of the Pampanga plains, Pampanga river, rice fields, and nearby mountains.
Puning Hot Spring
After the grueling hikes, tourists can relax at the Puning Hot Spring. Puning Hot Spring is one of the rustic nature tourist attractions located in Angeles, Pampanga.
Puning Hot Spring is a hot spring along the Sacobia River where the water temperatures range from 40 degrees to 70 degrees. The area somehow looks like a furnace because smoke billows endlessly from the mountain crevices. There are also lush vegetation and grand rock formations surrounding the spring, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Overall, there are 11 natural hot springs and two heated pools.
Visit the Puning Hot Spring for a therapeutic bath. Aside from this relaxing moment, tourists can also fill their tummies with delicious dishes at the buffet.
Miyamit Falls
Wash away the stress from your hectic daily schedules by taking a dip at Miyamit Falls located in Porac, Pampanga. Tourists will need to trek to reach the Miyamit Falls. Nonetheless, everyone will find that the scenic view waiting is worth the sweat.
It is not hard to be mesmerized by the unspoiled mountain scenery and the sound of cascading waters of the Miyamit Falls. Its natural pools can offer you instant relaxation with its cool and crystal-clear waters. There is no entrance fee paid to visit Miyamit Falls, but a permit needs to be secured from the Porac Municipal Hall.
Candaba Swamp
From the months of October to February, thousands of great white egrets, wild ducks, white-bellied herons, speckled reed-warblers, and other migratory birds from other countries fly all the way to the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga.
In this 32,000-hectare swamp filled with freshwater pools, marshes, and grasslands, the birds head to escape the cold weather in China and Russia. Bring a pair of binoculars and travel to Candaba before sunrise to see the different bird species in their natural habitat. Tourists will surely come home with a deeper appreciation for Mother Nature after visiting the Candaba Swamp.
Key Takeaway
Add these nature tourist attractions in Pampanga to your travel list this year! Whether you are traveling with family or friends, there is so much to see in Pampanga. And it’s not just because Pampanga is the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, but also because it is filled with scenic natural destinations that fall nothing short of majestic.
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