Last updated on April 12th, 2023 at 02:19 pm
If you are planning to visit Nueva Ecija. Here you have 25 best Nueva Ecija tourist spots and things to do in Nueva Ecija. The area is popular because of falls and mountains and there are also historical sites like Ancestral homes in Gapan.
Read here best Hotels in Tarlac
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
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WHERE TO STAY IN NUEVA ECIJA
Click and interact with the map to book your accommodations for Nueva Ecija.
You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagen if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.
Book your accommodations in Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija through Agoda or Booking.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
HOW TO GET FROM MANILA TO NUEVA ECIJA
MANILA TO NUEVA ECIJA BY BUS
If you want to get the bus from Manila to Nueva Ecija by bus. There are buses with Victory Liner leaving Manila from Pasay or Cubao to Cabanatuan.
Bus fare Manila to Nueva Ecija with Victory Liner is around 200 PHP and Manila to Cabanatuan travel time is around 4 hours.
Once in Cabanatuan Bus Terminal to Cabanatuan City there are two kilometers. You can ride a tricycle if you are staying around Cabanatuan City center.
Click here to boo your bus from Manila to Nueva Ecija!
MANILA TO NUEVA ECIJA BY CAR
If you are coming from Manila to Nueva Ecija by car. Travel time will take around 3 hours depending the traffic especially leaving Manila. The distance from Manila to Cabanatuan City is around 110 kilometers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NUEVA ECIJA
Like any other place in the Philippines there are two kinds of seasons- the dry season from November to April and the wet season from May to October.
The best time to visit Cabanatuan is during dry season, especially from December to February when temperatures are much cooler and touring will most likely not be interrupted by rains and will not be really hot going around.
Click here to check the weather in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija!
NUEVA ECIJA ITINERARY AND BUDGET
A full meal in Nueva Ecija can go for as low as 80 PHP per person while a bottle of beer can be bought for around 50-65 PHP. Restaurant food can be bought for around 500-800 PHP for two people.
Prices in accommodations for hotels in Cabanatuan can vary. Starting from 850 PHP on average for hostels and budget hotels to luxury hotels starting from 2500 PHP. AirBnB is also available all over the Nueva Ecija Province.
Book your accommodations in Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija through Agoda or Booking.
NUEVA ECIJA TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN NUEVA ECIJA
You will find amazing Nueva Ecija tourist spots and many things to do in Nueva Ecija. From places in the nature like mountains, cave and waterfalls to cultural and historical sites around Nueva Ecija Province.
1. MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK
Minalungao National Park is located in General Tinio and it’s one of the main Nueva Ecija tourist spots. Minalungao National Park is an ecotourism destination offering breathtaking green pristine river and unique rock formations.
There are many activities to do swimming, fishing, riding a bamboo raft. You can rent Bamboo Rafts for 500 PHP good enough for 10 people for the whole day. Minalungao National Park entrance fee is 100 PHP. There are also floating cottages for rent from 1000-1500 PHP.
To get to Minalungao National Park you will have to ride a jeepney from Gapan or Cabanatuan to General Tinio. Once in General Tinio you can ride a tricycle 50 PHP to Minalungao National Park.
FALLS IN NUEVA ECIJA
2. ALOHA FALLS
Aloha Falls is located in Carranglan and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Nueva Ecija. As a part of the hike to Mount 387. You will able to refresh and swim in Aloha Falls.
The trekking can last 4-5 hours in toatal and isn’t really hard. Aloha Falls entrance fee is 50 PHP and if you hire a guide is 500 PHP for a group.
3. GABALDON FALLS
Gabaldon Falls is located Gabaldon. You will have to hike around 40 minutes to get to Gabaldon Falls. You will love the pristine waters and rock formations around the area.
Gabaldon Falls entrance fee is 20 PHP and if you hire a guide the fee is 100 PHP. To get to Aloha Falls from Cabanatuan you can ride a public jeepney.
4. GENERAL LUNA FALLS
General Luna Falls are located in Rizal. General Luna Falls is one of the beaten Nueva Ecija tourist spots. If you like the adventure, hiking and swimming you will have to visit General Luna Falls.
5. PALASAPAS FALLS
Palasapas Falls are located in Manicla barrio in San Jose City only 7 kilometers away from poblacion. One of the best things to do in Nueva Ecija will be swimming and refreshing in Palasapas Falls.
6. BURBURAYOK SPRING
Burburayok Spring is located in Rizal at the foot of Mt. Amorong in Nueva Ecija. It’s always a great plan relaxing in a hot spring since they are medicinal and good for your health.
So you can’t miss Burburayok Spring in the list of Nueva Ecija Tourist Spots.
FARMS IN BUEVA ECIJA
7. PMP PARADISE FARM
PMP Paradise Farm is located in Barangay Nazareth in General Tinio. PMP Paradise Farm is owned by Pablo M. Pagtalunan. There are many activities that you can do at the farm from walking around to feed animals. There are a lot of tropical trees like mangoes, jackfruits and guyabano.
8. GROSS OSTRICH FARM
Gross Ostrich Farm is located in Tagumpay Barangay in San Leonardo. If you are interested to learn how an ostrich grows and about the size of their eggs it will be a great opportunity for you to visit.
MOUNTAINS IN NUEVA ECIJA
9. MOUNT 387
Mount 387 (Batong Amat) is located in Puncan, Caranglan. The trekking to the summit at Mt 387 can be around 2-3 hours which is easier than going back. On the way back you can take a swim in Aloha Falls. If you are a beginner is an easy trek to try in Nueva Ecija.
10. MOUNT KEMALUGONG PAASA PEAK
Mount Kemalugong Paasa Peak is located in Barangay Siclung in Laur. It’s the highest peak in Nueva Ecija with 1750 meters. It’s not an easy trek and you will need 10-12 hours to finish the trekking. You will have to contact their Tourism Office in Nueva Ecija.
11. MT. OLIVETE
Mt. Olivete is popular for pilgrims. On the top of the hike you will find a church and people doing this hike are looking for spiritual rejuvenation and healing. As you see Nueva Ecija tourist spots will have a lot of trekkings.
12. DALTON PASS (BALETE PASS)
Dalton Pass-Balete is the mountain that divides Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija. It was called Balete Passduring the World War II where allied troops drove away the Japanese Army.
13. TAYABO NATURE PARK
Tayabo Nature Park This park is located in San Jose City. It’s a man made park and it’s the gateway of the Cagayan Valley. There are hundred steps and below Tayabo Nature Park there is a river.
14. PANTABANGAN DAM AND LAKE
Pantabangan Dam is lcoated in Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija and it was built in 1971 and completed in 1974. It is considered one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Sunset time can be the best time to visit!
15. DUPINGA RIVER
Dupinga River is located in Gabaldon. It’s one of the best things to do in Nueva Ecija. You can swim and rent cottagex next to the river. Prices of the cottages are starting 600-1000 PHP. During weekdays you will find less people than during the weekend and holidays.
SPENDING A DAY IN WATERPARK AND RESORTS
16. HUNTER VALLEY PLANTATION AND RESORT
Hunter Valley Plantation and Resort is located 30 kilometers far from Cabanatuan city center outdoor pool, spa, massage, pool (kids), garden.
Address: Brgy. Cabu, Cabanatuan, Cabanatuan, Philippines, 3100
Click here to check prices and availability!
17. CRYSTAL WAVES HOTEL AND RESORT
Crystal Waves Hotel and Resort is the first wave pool resort in Nueva Ecija. Crystal Waves has Wave Pool with Jacuzzi, Mickey-mouse inspired Olympic size swimming pool, Kiddie Pool with Aqua Play Area and also have adventure amenities such as Zipline, Wall Climbing and Rappelling.
Address: Maharlika Highway, Dinarayat, Talavera, Talavera, Philippines, 3114
Click here to check prices and availability!
CULTURAL SITES IN NUEVA ECIJA
18. NATIONAL SHRINE OF LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA (GAPAN CHURCH)
The National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora is also called the Three Kings Parish. It was founded in 1589 and it’s one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. If you love historical and cultural sites is a must in the list of Nueva Ecija tourist spots.
19. CHURCH OF PENARANDA
Church of Penaranda was started 1869 and finished in 1891. It’s one of the most beuatiful churches in Nueva Ecija.
20. CABANATUAN AMERICAN MEMORIAL
Cabanatuan American Memorial is located in Cabanatuan City. It was a military camp for 20 years and converted a camp for prisoners during the Japanese occupation. It was a memorial dedicated to the survivors of the Bataan Death March and it was built 12th of April in 1982.
21. VISIT ANCESTRAL HOMES IN GAPAN
Ancestral Homes in Gapan is a must to visit if you love historical spots in Nueva Ecija. Gapan is the oldest town in Nueva Ecija established in 1595 and it’s worth it walking around.
22. NFA MUSEUM
NFA Museum is located in Cabanatuan City and visiting the museum you will learn the whole farming process of the rice. The old equipment that farmers were using in the past. It can be a very interesting in the things to do in Nueva Ecija.
23. PHILIPPINE RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Philippine Rice Research Institute is located in Maligaya, Muñoz. You will find the materials that farmers use for the rice production. An interesting activity to learn the process and how the government help the farmers.
FESTIVALS IN NUEVA ECIJA
24. TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL OF ALIAGA
Taong Putik Festival of Aliaga is an annual festival celebrated by the locals and devotees wearing costumes soak themselves in mud and cover their body with dried banana leaves and visit houses asking for money to buy candles to offer Saint John the Baptist.
25. FOOD TO TRY IN NUEVA ECIJA
Have you ever heard of Tilapia ice cream? Yeah one of the things to do in Nueva Ecija is trying Tilapia Ice Cream. And also the popular spaghetti at Chanos Chanos.
WHERE TO STAY IN NUEVA ECIJA
THE HARVEST HOTEL MANAGED BY HII
The Harvest Hotel Managed by HII is located a 5-minute drive from Cabanatuan City Public Market and SM Mega Center and 2 kilometers far from Cabanatuan Bus Terminal. The Harvest Hotel offers modern and elegant accommodations with free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, complimentary parking on site and with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
It’s one of the best hotels in Canatuan with the best ranking in Booking.com
Address: 1179 Pio del Pilar Street, Nueva Ecija, 3100 Cabanatuan, Philippines
Click here to check prices and availability!
MICROTEL BY WYNDHAM CABANATUAN
Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan is located in Cabanatuan in the province of Nueva Ecija. Microtel Cabanatuan offers rooms with cable TV and private bathrooms. It features an outdoor pool, restaurant and free parking.
International cuisine is served at the Liquid Coffee Bar & Restaurant. Free coffee is available in the hotel lobby. It’s one of the most popular hotels in Cabanatuan.
Address: Sta. Arcadia, 3100 Cabanatuan, Philippines
Click here to check prices and availability!
M DE LEON AVENUE
M De Leon Avenue is located in Cabanatuan and offers a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation also has private parking available on site and free WiFi.
Address: M De Leon Avenue Kapitan Pepe, Cabanatuan, Philippines
Click here to check prices and availability!
VILLA ESMERALDA BRYAN’S RESORT HOTEL AND RESTAURANT
Villa Esmeralda Bryan’s Resort Hotel and Restaurant is located in Palayan City. Villa Esmeralda Bryan’s Resort Hotel and Restaurant offers a terrace and the rooms provide have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.
Address: Nueva Ecija – Aurora Road Brgy. Marcos Village, 3132 Palayan City, Philippines
Click here to check prices and availability!
CAMP PARAISO HOTEL & RESORT
Camp Paraiso Hotel & Resort is featuring room service with a restaurant. Rooms include a terrace. An Asian breakfast is served each morning at the property. A perfect place in this list to enjoy the nature. Room rates starts at 2400 PHP.
Address: Sitio Camp Martyr, Barangay Labi Bongabon, Bongabon, Bongabon, Philippines, 3128
Click here to check prices and availability!
Book your accommodations in Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija through Agoda or Booking.
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Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.