Nueva Ecija has reopened its doors to tourists once more. A landlocked province in Northern Luzon, the region features vast and rich lands that offer a wide range of fun adventures for travel-hungry wanderers.
Just 179 kilometers northeast of Metro Manila, travelers can reach the “Rice Granary of the Philippines” in a comfy three-hour drive via the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (NLEX-SCTEX), the premier gateways to northern destinations.
The relaxing sight of green, rolling prominences in Colosboa Hills in the municipality of Cuyapo is what usually greets travelers headed this way. The undulating hills are the perfect playground for bike rides. It’s a great spot to delight in a hearty local breakfast while enjoying the fresh breeze with a view of Mt. Bangcay.
Hills aside, Nueva Ecija also boasts of beautiful lakes. One of them is Libsung Lake, which hugs the five-hectare property of Argamosa Farm.
From farm-to-table fare to fresh fruits, one wouldn’t run out of options in Nueva Ecija. In the town of Guimba, for instance, there’s Myriad Farms, a DOT-accredited agricultural learning site where one can go on carabao rides, pick fresh vegetables, and sleep in rustic accommodations. For a laid-back weekend retreat, The Natividad Farmhouse also offers a pool, a koi pond, friendly sheep, and homey rooms for small groups.
Another town that is perfect for the ‘gram is Pantabangan. With the awe-inspiring Pantabangan Dam as its centerpiece and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range spanning the horizon, visitors are guaranteed dreamy views and a breezy, comfortable sleep.
Unique accommodations in the area include the cozy ridge-side wooden cabins at the Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm that overlook the mountains, and the well-appointed Balinese-themed villas at the Highland Bali Villas, Resort and Spa. A welcome retreat after a long journey, the resort rejuvenates with a slew of soothing spa treatments, and pulse-quickening water sports including jet ski and banana boat rides.
Apart from gorgeous sunsets, Pantabangan is known for its refreshing sunrise views, too. Early risers can take advantage of this by heading to Forest Garden, an agritourism site that features artsy viewpoints, where a sea of clouds emerge from the mountains.
Cabanatuan City, known as Nueva Ecija’s trade center, shows that the provincial slogan, “Never-ending Fun,” can also be experienced through food. Putok batok fantasies come true at all-Pinoy resto Hapag Vicenticos, where a collection of mouthwatering Filipino eats such as crispy pata, lechon kawali, chicharon bulaklak, and adobong aligue await hungry travelers.
It is not a truly fun food tour without dessert, and for that, one can always rely on Puno’s Ice Cream and Sherbet. This beloved homegrown brand brings back childhood memories with fresh, heartwarming flavors like lychee, chocolate, macapuno, and cheese.
Another area where one can stroll is the Freedom Park. This public park offers tree-lined spaces and a memorial dedicated to General Antonio Luna who is renowned for his role in the Philippine-American War. A short walk from the park, you’ll find the Cabanatuan Cathedral and Plaza Lucero, where the fiery general’s bloody assassination took place.
Before heading back to Manila, travelers can stop by the OQuadro Café to get their fill of freshly baked pizzas, pastas, rice meals, and caffeinated beverages. A favorite hangout among the hip and young, OQuadro Cafe’s specialties are the ideal fuel for the drive home.
In an effort to reintroduce and promote travel destinations, NLEX Corporation recently brought members of the media to Nueva Ecija as part of its Lakbay Norte familiarization trip to show that safe fun is possible, despite the pandemic.
