Last updated on January 24th, 2023 at 06:50 pm
If you are planning to visit Pampanga soon, then continue reading as we unveil some Pampanga Tourist Spots that you can’t miss in our Pampanga travel guide: things to do in Pampanga, best time to visit Pampanga, and how to get from Manila to Pampanga. Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Clark!
Pampanga is a province in Luzon in the Philippines that is so popular because of its proximity from Manila and its cuisine. In fact, Kapampangans are known to be one of the best cooks in the country!
Angeles City in Pampanga is where Rachel came from, and it’s our home in the Philippines.
Read here top resorts in Pampanga and hotels in Clark!
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim
You can find the cheapest Filipino eSim with Airalo Philippines eSim prepaid for $4 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). For $9 USD with 3 GB data, for $13 USD with 5 GB data, for $21 USD with 10 GB data and for $32 USD with 20 GB data valid for 30 days.
Nomad eSim Philippines for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. For $10 USD with 2 GB data, For $13 USD with 3 GB data and for $15 USD with 5 GB data valid for 30 days. MTX Connect eSim Philippines for €24 with 4 GB data valid for 14 days. Holafly Philippines eSim for $44 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER coming with 8 GB data valid for 30 days and you can activate with QR Code.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
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.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
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
PAMPANGA TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET FROM MANILA TO PAMPANGA
HOW TO GET TO PAMPANGA BY PLANE
There are flight companies going to Clark like Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, you can even get cheap flights from Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, Philippines have cheap flights going to Coron and Cebu from Clark International Airport.
HOW TO GET FROM MANILA TO PAMPANGA BY BUS
And if you’re coming from Manila to Pampanga. There are also buses headed for Angeles City. For more information check, how to get to Angeles City from Manila and P2P bus going to Manila International Airport. There is also transportation going to San Fernando City.
Manila to Pampanga travel time can be around 2-4 hours depending on the traffic leaving Manila. Manila to Pampanga bus fare can be around $3-4 USD depending on regular or with air condition.
If you get P2P Manila to Pampanga bus fare can be $8 USD. And the travel time Manila to Pampanga with P2P can be around 2-3 hours from Manila Airport to Clark Airport.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT PAMPANGA
If you’re traveling from Manila to Pampanga, you can expect considerably small changes in the city’s weather. Humidity is high in the Philippines and the warmest months here are April and May.
You can hit the beaches in Zambales near Angeles city during these months to cool off. Basically, January to March is the best time to visit Pampanga as this is the sunniest period of the year and is relatively cooler than other months.
Click here to know more about the weather in Pampanga!
DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT PAMPANGA
Many of the restaurants and hotels in Pampanga are inexpensive yet more satisfying. A full meal in the city can go for as low as 80 PHP per person while a bottle of beer can be bought for around 50-65 PHP.
Restaurant meals can be bought for around 500-800 PHP for two people. Pretty cheap, right? And if you only have 20 PHP in your pocket when you’re feeling pretty hungry, you can even buy plenty of street food with that.
Transportation is also pretty cheap with jeepneys going all over town at a flat rate of 9 PHP. If you want to travel to Manila from Angeles, the ride will also be convenient and cheap at around 150 PHP.
There are also budget hotels costing for around 600-900 PHP in a promo while three-star establishments go for around 1,000-2,000 PHP, that’s only $19-38 USD! For those who want a more luxurious stay, you can check in at very nice hotels at around $50-120 USD. You can also try AirBnB in Pampanga. Read here where to stay in Angeles City.
You can also book your accommodations through Agoda or Booking
PAMPANGA TOURIST SPOTS
1. FOOD TRIPPING IN PAMPANGA
This is a must try food in Pampanga, and take note Kapampangan’s are known to be good cooks. Sisig is the most popular dish in Pampanga. For starters, Sisig are just pig ears and head mixed with fried onions and chili, served with rice and calamansi.
Our favorites are palabok, empanada, halo-halo and ube. In Susie´s you will find many different Kampangan options, and prices are very affordable.
2. LEARN ABOUT HISTORY ANGELES CITY
Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies serves as a museum, research center, gallery and more. Many changes have occurred to Angeles City from its history that’s why this center had also adopted these changes.
This comprehensive library archives important files that anyone can read to learn about Angeles city’s history and its native Kapampangan people. It is located in the main building of Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario, Angeles City.
3. HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
It’s celebrated in February around Clark area in Pampanga. It´s one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Angeles City for over 20 years already. If you are coming around this date, make sure you check this website to have full information about festival.
4. ESCAPE TO THE BEACH
Olongapo, or the beach city, has a narrow entrance guarded by the navy and has a deep sea harbor and a spot very near to Pampanga. It is also a historic place for Philippines that’s why it made it to the top tourist spots in Pampanga.
Other places you can visit in Olongapo City include the the Subic Bay, Inflatable Island, Camayan Beach, and Baloy Beach.
5. HIKE A MOUNTAIN
There are few mountains to hike around Pampanga. The most popular hiking place could be Mt. Pinatubo. Trekking this mountain can be done in a day, which involves, riding a 4×4 on a lahar field, and 3-hour trekking back and forth. Below are some of the price packages if you are coming from Manila:
Package 1 (from Manila to Pinatubo Crater Lake via Capas) – PHP 2000 to PHP 3000
Package 2 (from Manila to Pinatubo Crater Lake via Botolan) – PHP 2500
Take note that this does not include food and may change without further notice. If you have an idea about the recent packages to hike Mount Pinatubo, please comment below and we’ll update the blog post.
If you want to book your stay near Mount Pinatubo before your trip, just click here.
6. MIYAMIT FALLS
Miyamit Falls is located in Barangay Sapang Uwak, Porac in Pampanga. The trail for this falls is easy and rewarding plus you’ll love the green sceneries around it.
Tourists and locals love this falls because of its proximity to Manila plus the relaxation it brings. And of course, you could even swim here! One of the best Pampanga destinations.
7. FONTANA WATER PARK
If you’re not the party type and just wanna relax and swim, you can go to places like Fontana Water Park in Clark where you can enjoy the slides and fun water facilities. The best option for Pampanga destinations in the weekend.
You have two options, spend the day in the water park, costs around 500 PHP per person or spend your night in Fontana hotel, rates for sleeping in Fontana Hotel starts from 4000 PHP.
8. PRADERA WATER PARK IN LUBAO
Waterboarding near Manila? The answer is Pradera Verde! Wakeboarding could be hard but it’s definitely worth a try. It’s possible to learn in a day! The prices start at 250 PHP.
You can also book your accommodations through Agoda or Booking.
MORE PAMPANGA TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN PAMPANGA
9. NIGHTLIFE IN WALKING STREET ANGELES CITY
If you like to party in Pampanga, then go to Balibago in Angeles City, or the famous place called “walking street”. You get a lot of choices to where you can enjoy and meet new friends. Walking street is full of foreigners, and there are many bars and restaurants. You can go from Walking street to Balibago which is a walking distance or just a short jeepney ride.
CLARK PAMPANGA TOURIST SPOTS
10. DINOSAURS ISLAND
An animation theme park that is very good for family hangouts, and of course, full of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Island is open everyday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There are lots of reasons to choose as Clark Pampanga tourist spot for the wekend!
Click here to get a discount booking online!
11. PARADISE RANCH
Paradise Ranch can be found in Clark Highlands, Angeles. It’s famous for field and family trips because you can do a lot of activities here such as swimming, visiting the Zoocobia Fun Zoo, enjoying nature, taking Instagrammable photos and a lot more! You can’t miss as Clark Pampanga tourist spots of this list.
12. SANDBOX IN PAMPANGA
Located in Sapang Uwak, Porac in Pampanga, the thrills and challenges Sandbox will give are extraordinary. You’re safe but you still have the feeling that you aren’t because of the adventure!
This place is great for a quick escape and a must-visit place in Pampanga. Try to be a bit competitive and finish every challenge faster than your friends and families!
13. DECA WAKEBOARD PARK
Another wakeboarding spot that you shouldn’t miss! Pump those adrenaline once more as you ride these boards on high speed. You’ll love the lush sceneries everywhere as you enjoy yourself on wakeboarding in Jose P. Laurel Avenue in Pampanga. Definitely a must try tourist spot in Pampanga!
THINGS TO DO IN PAMPANGA: VISIT CHURCHES
14. SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH
San Guillermo Parish Church is located in Bacolor, Pampanga. It was originally constructed by the Augustinian Friars in 1576, making it one of the oldest churches in the province. Inside, there are paintings of the Pinatubo eruption in 1991.
15. HOLY ROSARY PARISH CHURCH
Holy Rosary Parish Church is one of the most iconic places in Angeles City, the locals call it “Pisambang Maragul”. Santo Rosario Church, or now known as the Holy Rosary Parish Church is a beautiful sight to visit having two tall towers and castle-like structures.
But more than its magnificent exterior, this house of worship carries a lot of controversial history that was held during the Spanish era. It’s a must-visit in the list of Pampanga tourist spots!
16. BETIS CHURCH GUAGUA
It’s located in Betis, Guagua. Betis Church is a Baroque style church under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. The church was dedicated to Saint James, the Apostle and it was established in 1607.
17. ARZOBISPADO DE PAMPANGA CHURCH
It’s located in San Fernando, Pampanga. It was given a a Canonical Coronation by Pope Pius XII through a Papal Bull dated in 1956.
18. ZOOCOBIA
Zoocobia Fun Zoo can be anyone’s go-to place, whether a family with kids, grown-ups or group or friends, this is one of the places you won’t forget! There are so many thrilling activities for fun-lovers of all ages will surely enjoy.
Besides from the rides, they also serve affordable meals that provides a little bit of everything for you to try. Entrance fee is 300-400 PHP for adults while children under three feet can go inside for free!
19. FLYING AROUND MT PINATUBO FROM CLARK
Clark is a military air base and you can get a flight around Mount Pinatubo and Mount Arayat. Is it true that some places are best enjoyed from up above?
We walk the streets of Angeles City many times a year, but looking down the city and the provincial parts of it (farm lands and non-city/residential ares) was definitely more beautiful.
Riding a small aeroplane felt very different than your regular helicopter flight. This a very cool thing to do in Angeles City. The flight lasts 45 minutes and it costs $100 each person, perfect for planning a special activity to do with your friends.
20. SKY RANCH SAN FERNANDO PAMPANGA
Missing the rides in the city? Try riding here at Sky Ranch. This place is good for families, friends and just you, it’s fine too. You’ll enjoy the ambiance of this happy place because everybody is just enjoying every ride and attraction they try. You would surely enjoy the experience in Sky Ranch!
21. PUNNING HOT SPRING
Puning Hot Spring in Angeles City is a full-service hot spring that will surely pamper you to the max. It has natural hot springs that purify your skin and detox your system. Besides from its hot spring, they also provide multiple spa services.
Throughout, the view is beautiful and the entire experience is ultra-relaxing, yeah ultra! Prices start from 3500 PHP per person for a minimum of 3 people.
22. MALLS CULTURE IN PAMPANGA
Filipinos love going to the mall in their free time. Full of restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment for kids, SM Mall Clark and SM Pampanga in San Fernando. Marquee Mall is another place with beautiful gardens to hang out in. And if you want to get visa extension in the Philippines you can do the process in Marquee Mall.
FESTIVALS IN PAMPANGA
23. HOLY WEEK
It’s a religious and cultural activity most of Catholic Filipinos observe in the Philippines! People are literally imitating what Jesus went through before His death. You can see them in the streets around Angeles City participating in their Filipino traditions and practices from Wednesday to Friday in Holy week.
It’s also a tradition for Filipinos to avoid meat during Holy Week, so fish and vegetable dishes are famous in this period.
24. GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL IN SAN FERNANDO
The huge and intricately designed lanterns, or parol, are exhibited every December in San Fernando City. The number of lights are limited to 10,000 light bulbs for each Giant Lantern participants during last years. This is a famous event in Pampanga that many locals and tourists join.
25. TIGTIGAN TERAKAN KENG DALAN
If you love going to festivals, you have to experience Angeles City’s Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan Festival, held every October. It’s an annual festival where people have colorful street dancing parades, tons of food and drink stalls and booths, and of course, loud music everywhere.
26. SINUKWAN FESTIVAL
Sinukwan Festival is celebrated in San Fernando City for one whole week. There are spectacular street dances and it’s so colorful. This is celebrated in November or December every year.
You can also book your accommodations through Agoda or Booking.
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Clark, the Philippines with Klook!
There you have it, our favorite Pampanga tourist spots! Did you enjoy our Pampanga travel guide blog post? Are we missing any of them? Let us know in the comments below and we’d love to add it in our list!
Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links you will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys
Happy Travels!
Charles Krim
Monday 11th of July 2022
Last month we have a chance to experience the Hot Air Ballon Festival. I'll return to the city to do further exploring
Ruben Arribas
Monday 11th of July 2022
Thanks Charles! Hope you had an amazing time at the Hot Air Balloon Festival :)