Enigmatic and often overlooked as a mere passageway to other provinces such as Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora and Pangasinan—Nueva Ecija hides more than enough charm and attraction—that when explored fully, one can find several interesting places to see and exciting things to do. Known as the “rice bowl of the Philippines” because it remains as one of the main producers of rice in the country, Nueva Ecija is fast becoming a major attraction among travelers in pursuit of the great outdoors. To learn more about what this province can offer, we list down some places to see and things to do in Nueva Ecija.
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PLACES TO SEE IN NUEVA ECIJA
Minalungao National Park
Why is it one of the top Nueva Ecija tourist spots?
A favorite day-trip destination of travelers coming from Manila, Minalungao National Park—located in General Tinio—is an ideal place to spend a whole day basking in the beauty of nature. What’s not to like? from the turquoise colored waters to the surrounding spectacular rock formation, the vibe here is a throwback to the good ole childhood days of our parents when they bath, swim and play in crystal clear rivers. Here, you can ride a bamboo raft to cruise the still waters while having a picnic and even climb atop one of the giant boulders for some diving action. You can also walk across a hanging bridge towards the jump-off of a 1,000-step man-made trail that will lead you to the top of the hill where a towering glass cross stands. Mountains like the Mount Arayat can be visible on a clear day.
Entrance fee: ₱50 ($1)
Bamboo Raft rental: ₱500 ($10), good for 10 persons
Gabaldon Falls
Why is it one of the best places to visit in Nueva Ecija?
A relaxed trek crossing small river streams in the town of Gabaldon will lead you to a picturesque 15-feet waterfall in the middle of a lush forest. Going here is very easy, just head to the University of Science and Technology in Gabaldon and from there you will need to pay 20 pesos for the environmental fee and hire a local guide for 100 pesos.
PMP Paradise Farm
Why is it one of the best Nueva Ecija tourist spots?
Owned by a very affable man named Pablo M. Pagtalunan, PMP Farm has everything you will look for in a bucolic countryside setting: a vast expanse of farm lands, lush vegetations comprising of various vegetables, fruits and native trees, farm animals from cows, horses to sheep. All kinds of activities can be experienced here by the whole family from fishing to sheep herding to learning more about farming—PMP Farm is a one-stop destination for everyone wanting to learn more about agriculture and organic farming.
Dupinga River
Why is it one of the top Nueva Ecija tourist spots?
Dupinga River is another family-friendly nature destination in Nueva Ecija. The cool and clear waters of the river is a perfect antidote for one’s tired body. A relaxing dip here immediately produces a soothing sensation. Part of the ancestral domain of the Dumagats, the river serves as one of the main basin of rainwaters streaming from the Sierra Madre Mountains. Well maintained as an eco-park, you can opt to rent wooden cottages for 300 pesos during off-peak season and 600 pesos during summer months.
National Food Authority Grains Industry Museum
Why is it one of the best places to visit in Nueva Ecija?
Develop a newfound appreciation for the hard work of our nation’s farmers by visiting the National Food Authority Museum along McArthur Hi-way in Cabanatuan City. Here, you will find educational dioramas depicting the everyday process of planting and harvesting rice. This is a great place to visit with the whole family especially to instil to young kids the value of rice farming.
Pantabangan Dam
Why is it one of the top Nueva Ecija tourist spots?
This serene man-made lake that flows inside a 351-feet tall embankment dam generating hydroelectric power, is a scene of tranquility. The serene landscape surrounding Pantabangan dam gives a soothing experience while you wonder how many fresh underwater creatures swim under its crystal-clear waters—said to be among the cleanest in the country. The lake flowing into the dam is a favorite spot of the locals for swimming and fishing. To go here from the town center of Pantabangan, you will need to hire a tricycle.
PhilRice | Philippine Rice Research Institute
Why is it one of the best places to see in Nueva Ecija?
Another very insightful place to visit in Nueva Ecija is the Philippine Rice Research Institute or the PhilRice. This place is a combination of a science research, a museum and a rice field where visitors are taught everything about rice farming. This is another great place to bring the kids as they can also learn and witness how rice farming is done in actual practice by the farmers toiling the fields of PhilRice.
Address: Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija
Where to Stay in Nueva Ecija
Crystal Wave Hotel and Resort
If you’re looking for a place where the kids can play on a waterpark complete with giant water slides, then Crystal Wave Hotel and Resort should be your top choice. They also have a zip line, wall climbing, wave pool and a Mickey Mouse themed swimming pool.
Location: Talavera, Nueva Ecija
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cabanatuan
The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham is already a proven hotel brand and it’s good to know that it has a property in Cabanatuan City. The post-modern facilities of the hotel complete with a pool, is the perfect place to retire after a day-long exploration or business transactions in the province.
Location: Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
RESERVE ROOM HERE or BOOK HERE
Harvest Hotel
Harvest Hotel is a new stylish hotel that serves a sumptuous set of Filipino buffet breakfast—not to mention—they also have modern and cozy rooms that shall appeal to guests. This hotel is the ideal place to stay for families, group of travelers and even business delegates attending a conference in the city.
Location: Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
RESERVE ROOM HERE or BOOK HERE
What and Where to Eat in Cabanatuan
Tiniim na Manok
This dish distinct in Nueva Ecija, serves a whole cut of chicken on a wooden plate bathed in thick savory sauce. The delicious taste stems from the ingredients consisting of peanut-flavored paste, pineapple juice, ginger, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper and some additional spices—all used when simmering and marinating the chicken.
Cafe La Tea
A lot of trendy coffee shops can now be found in Cabanatuan—one of the must-visit is Cafe La Tea. Enjoy locally brewed coffee, a delectable choice of sweet deserts and a hip ambiance in this place where you can also relax and plot your Nueva Ecija itinerary by using the cafe’s Wi-Fi. Cafe La Tea must try includes the Chiz Buko Lumpia, Dark Choco Rock drink, spicy deviled tofu and the Cabanatuan longanisa rice topping.
Address: Robinsons Place Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Puno’s Ice Cream Plant
Ever tried the popular novelty ice-cream flavor of Nueva Ecija? tilapia ice cream, calamansi ice cream, malunggay ice cream or mango ice cream with fish paste flavor. Puno’s Ice Cream Plant have them all for you to taste plus you can also learn how they process their ice cream creations. This is such a fancy place to visit if you dig learning new things—especially about uhm, ice cream.
Address: 3100 Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Bangus Spaghetti at Chanos Chanos
Chanos Chanos may appear like an ordinary tiny food stall but upon further foodie probing, you will be amazed that it serves some unique dishes. One of which is the bangus spaghetti—a version of Filipino tomato-based pasta but instead of ground meat, they use bangus flakes.
Address: Maharlika Highway, Munoz, Nueva Ecija.
Milka Krem Carabao Milk
If you’re looking for a healthier milk option then you must try the dairy products from Milka Krem of the Philippine Carabao Center in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Humanely processed from carabao, Milka Krem also produces carabao mozzarella cheese, pastillas de leche, kesong puti, carabao milk flavored yogurt and more.
Address: Philippine Carabao Center, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.
Hapag Vicenticos
“Hapag” means “dining table” is an apt name for this restaurant that fills the table of guests with delicious array of Filipino food like Crispy Kare-kare, Gising-gising, Bulanglang Tilapia, Adobong Pusit, Sinigang na baboy sa Gabi, Kadyos and many more. This is an ideal place for a large group of friends or family to dine together.
Address: 1077 Del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan City, 3100 Nueva Ecija
Bistro 360
Residents of Cabanatuan love to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions at Bistro 360 because of the food choices served here. Expect your table to be graced by a fusion of Philippine and Western cuisines including the all-time favorite the Five-cheese Pizza.
Address: 1093 Del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
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About the Blogger: Marky Ramone Go is a regular contributor at Happy Philippines (Itinerary & Travel Guide) Blog.
