Tarlac City tourist spots will take you by surprise. Known for its vast rice fields, the quiet province is often treated as a stopover venue when traveling to more popular destinations like Ilocos and Baguio.
If you have some moments to spare, there are actually many places to visit in Tarlac. You can taste local delicacies and visit beautiful churches. Better yet, you can go on epic road trip with your friends and you’ll discover Tarlac tourist attractions you’re missing all this time.
About Tarlac
Tarlac is a landlocked province located in Central Luzon. It is surrounded by Pangasinan (north), Nueva Ecija (east), Pampanga (south), and Zambales (west). Diverse as it is, the province is a mixture of Kapampangans, Pangasinenses, Ilocanos, and Tagalogs.
Aside from varied Tarlac City tourist spots, the province has their own local goods they are proud of like the Ylang-ylang products of Anao. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood and Tarlac is among the top producers of rice and sugarcane in their region.
Exploring Tarlac City tourist spots for more than a day, we were just surprised that we got to do numerous, exciting activities. So the next time you pass by this cool town, make sure to see for yourself the following Tarlac attractions.
Tarlac City Tourist Spots
Kart City
What to do in Tarlac for the adrenaline junkies? You can go-kart with your buddies at Kart City. This is one of the Tarlac City tourist spots you dare not miss. The place in fact was started by group of friends who share the same passion for the sport. With first-class equipment and adequate briefing, the activity is surely safe even for the young ones.
Kart City is not just only about go-kart, it’s an entertainment center with karaoke and game rooms. It also has a number of restaurants where you can just chill and relax. What more can you ask for?
Kart City Tarlac
Contact No.: (045) 491 4053
Address: MacArthur Highway, San Roque, Tarlac City
Aquino Center and Museum
If you’re a history buff, one of the places to go in Tarlac is the Aquino Museum. It was really interesting to see both the memorabilia of Ninoy and Cory Aquino. Some of my favorite finds inside this Tarlac museum are the musings and writings of Ninoy (especially those sweet letters dedicated to Cory), Ninoy’s vintage camera, and the collection of Cory’s paintings. The museum is beautifully preserved and is definitely one of the interesting Tarlac City tourist spots you can find.
Aquino Center and Museum
Contact No.: (045) 985 0968
Address: Luisita Industrial Park Road, San Miguel, Tarlac City
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8AM-5PM
EDL Farmhouse
Looking for a farm resort in Tarlac? In case you need to spend a night in the province, EDL farm is highly recommended. With a homey vibe, the rooms are simple and neat. EDL farmhouse also has a really nice pool and a pretty lawn garden. The next best part? You can roam around and explore the farm if you need some sort of breather! If you’re like me who likes visiting farms every once in a while, this is one of the Tarlac City tourist spots you should visit.
The Farmhouse by EDL
Address: EDL Drive Sitio Nueve Barangay Dolores Capas Tarlac
Contact Nos.: (078) 0917 709 6908 | (045) 206-3345
Website: http://edlfarmtourism.com/
E-mail Address: thefamhousebyedl@gmail.com
St. Faustina Parish
St. Faustina Parish is one of the most beautiful Tarlac churches you can come across. Located at the town of Paniqui, it is the world’s first and only parish church dedicated to St. Faustina Kowalska of Poland.
The expression “Jesus, I trust in you.” was actually discerned from St. Faustina’s diary. Her relic, which was said to be a part of her finger, was kept at a small chapel. The chapel is being opened for public viewing every 5th of October, the church’s foundation day. If you’re interested in exploring remarkable churches, this is one of the Tarlac City tourist spots you cannot miss.
St. Josemaria Escriva Parish
St. Josemaria Escriva Parish is the only parish in Asia built and dedicated to St. Escriva, founder of the Opus Dei. Opus Dei is a Catholic institution aiming to spread the church’s teaching. St. Josemaria Escriva Parish is known for its drive-through facility to visit the Blessed Sacrament located at the back of the main tabernacle of the church. Located in Gerona, Tarlac, it was designed by Fr. Alex Bautista who worked as an architect before becoming a priest.
If you have more time, go inside the church and see the only relic of St. Escriva displayed in Asia (the relic was said to be a part of his tooth).
La Sagrada Familia Parish
Also located in Gerona, Tarlac, La Sagrada Familia Parish was inaugurated last October 2017. It is really beautiful inside out and is one of the admirable Tarlac City tourist spots you can visit. Notice its altar table made from marble that was kissed by Pope Francis during his papal visit in the country. It was also designed by Fr. Alex Bautista who conceptualized the St. Josemaria Escriva Parish.
Anao Ylang-ylang Center
Another one of the interesting Tarlac City tourist spots is the Anao Ylang-ylang Center. This is a plantation and manufacturing site where different Ylang-ylang products are made like oil extract, perfume, and potpourri.
Did you know that it takes four years for an Ylang-ylang tree to yield flowers? And that a kilo of Ylang-ylang flower can only produce 9ml of oil extract? With inadequate land available to plant more Ylang-ylang trees, Anao can’t meet the huge demand for their ylang-ylang products worldwide especially the oil extract. South Korea even extended help and sponsorship to the local government to uplift more the town’s Ylang-ylang business. So when in Anao, don’t miss the opportunity to grab the limited Ylang-ylang merchandise.
Anao Ylang-ylang Center
Contact No.: (045) 606 9011
Address: Baranggay Poblacion, Anao, Tarlac
Overall
Do yourself a favor and explore the different Tarlac City tourist spots. The wide array of things you can do in the place is more than just for a mere stopover. The humble town is just waiting to be discovered.
Photo Credit: All photos by Martin San Diego via North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB).
Disclosure: This Lakbay Norte trip was organized by North Philippines Bureau (NPVB) in partnership with NLEX Corporation, Bulacan Tourism and Convention Visitors Board (BTCB), Tarlac Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB), Ilocos Norte Convention and Visitors Bureau (INCVB), Victory Liner Inc., Department of Tourism Region 1, Department of Tourism Region 3, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Merrell Philippines. Lakbay Norte is an annual media familiarization trip aiming to promote Philippine provinces in the north.
