Filipinos love to go on quick vacations or getaways over a simple weekend. Many would just book a reservation on nice beach resorts, go camping, hiking, sightseeing, and many more! If you live in Luzon, especially in Metro Manila, you’d find it necessary to take a break and enjoy your days off sometimes. We all need to escape the stress and hassle brought by the city every now and then, right?

Well, with that being said, why not try exploring the Land of Heroes? That’s right. Bulacan is now extremely accessible thanks to the widespread development of our expressways. Even if you’re living in the South, you can still reach Bulacan easily thanks to the Skyway Stage 3. It only takes less than an hour to reach some parts of Bulacan nowadays so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit! With the province’s undoubtedly rich background in culture and history, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Bulacan already has a lot of developed cities but the good thing is that the province was able to preserve and maintain its breathtaking natural features. Its incredible landscape houses beautiful caves, sparkling rivers, waterfalls, and even majestic mountains perfect for hiking! Bulacan is truly a haven for those who love the outdoors.

Moreover, Bulacan is also known to have many historically significant landmarks that played a huge role in our country’s freedom. Oh, and Bulacan also has a ton of waterparks and grand resorts that Filipinos absolutely adore especially in the summer!

Ah, trust me. You wouldn’t run out of things to do and explore in Bulacan because the options are literally endless. So to help you plan your next trip in this amazing province, here are the 15 Best Tourist Spots in Bulacan!

1. Barasoain Church

First on the list is no other than the most famous church in Bulacan, the Barasoain Church. Also known as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, this church was built in 1888 during the Spanish Colonial Era. That’s why it features a Baroque Architecture design that’s relatively common among the churches constructed during the reign of Spain in our country.

Barasoain Church is considered the most important religious building in the Philippines because it has been the venue for some of the most significant moments in our entire nation’s history. The church is where the First Philippine Congress convened, where the Malolos Constitution was drafted, and finally where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated. That’s why it has been hailed as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East”.

Today, the Barasoain Church serves not only as a religious institution but also as a reminder to every Filipino how much our ancestors loved and protected our country from foreign invaders.

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2. Biak-Na-Bato National Park

Another must-visit tourist destination in Bulacan is Biak-Na-Bato National Park. Located in San Miguel, Bulacan, this protected location covers a massive area of 2,100 hectares and features countless natural landmarks such as forests, river systems, waterfalls, mountains, and a ton of caves.

Biak-Na-Bato is truly a perfect place for everyone who loves to explore the outdoors! It was even developed to entice the adventurers out of everyone because there are also several hanging bridges and staircases connecting rivers and caves to one another.

More than being an ideal location for outdoor activities, Biak-Na-Bato is also visited by a lot of people for its historical significance. “Biak-Na-Bato” means split boulders, and this perfectly resembles the area where you can find thousands of enormous rock formations scattered all around. This served as a perfect location for Filipino revolutionaries to set up their hideout.

In fact, some of the caves also played a huge role in our country’s fight against Spain. There’s the Bahay Paniki Cave, Aguinaldo Cave, and Tanggapan Cave which served as the hideout of President Emilio Aguinaldo during the war.

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3. Mt. Maranat

Ah, for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts out there, get ready because you’re definitely in for a treat! Mt. Maranat is known as one of the most favorite and must-visit hiking spots in the country. It has exciting and challenging trails that’ll make you love it even more. Although technically considered to be part of Bulacan, it is said that the jump-off point to explore Mt. Maranat is located in Rodriguez, Rizal. So, keep that in mind!

More than its famed peak which features an astonishing view of the green and luscious forests of the mountain, what’s really special about Mt. Maranat is its campsite where you can also witness the breathtaking beauty of the Maranat Falls. This magnificent wonder features cold crystalline waters cascading through beautiful rock formations that will certainly make you fall in love. Be sure not to miss it!

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4. Mt. Gola

Another must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts out there is located in San Miguel, Bulacan. Mt. Gola stands at an elevation of 196 meters which can be easily hiked together with its sister mountain, Mt. Manalmon, in half a day. That’s why hikers usually take the twin-day hike where they’ll be able to reach the summit of both mountains.

The mountains are only separated by a river that’s why it’s relatively easy to accomplish the hike in no time. Moreover, there are also several guides supervising the tour so you’re definitely in good hands. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the picturesque view of the mountains of Doña Remedios Trinidad and the forests surrounding the area.

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5. Kaytitinga Falls

Located in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, another hidden gem you must visit is the Kaytitinga Falls. These magnificent three (3) level falls are a popular destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts out there.

The falls are situated inside a lush and preserved forest where you can witness the pristine beauty of rich biodiversity such as plants, trees, animals, and also several rock formations. Also, there are still some indigenous people, the Dumagats, living there. Which only means that the culture in Kaytitinga Falls is still perfectly preserved and protected.

To reach the falls, you will need to trek for at least one (1) hour, so be prepared!

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6. Mt. Manalmon

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Mt. Manalmon is the sister mountain of Mt. Gola. The two mountains are usually traversed in a twin-day hike where Mt. Manalmon is always the first one to be climbed. This is because the mountain’s elevation is 36 meters lower than Mt. Gola.

The trail en route to the summit of Mt. Manalmon is quite challenging and rugged. You may even need to crawl for safety in some parts of the mountain. But don’t worry! The view on top of the summit is truly amazing and all your hardships will be worth it.

 

7. Secret Falls

The famous Secret Falls of Doña Remedios Trinidad is another one of the famous tourist destinations in Bulacan. The Secret Falls is a popular destination for everyone who loves the outdoors because reaching the campsite involves a lot of walking, trekking, and camping. But don’t worry! The trail is absolutely beginner-friendly, that’s why I guarantee that you’ll be able to relax and just admire nature’s undeniable beauty by the end of your trip.

The Secret Falls features stunning waterfalls where cold and clean waters cascade through the rugged rock formations where tourists can swim and relax at the same time. After exploring the Secret Falls, visitors can opt to stay at the campsite where a stunning overlooking view of the Doña Remedios Trinidad Mountains can be enjoyed by many.

 

8. Tila Pilon Hills and Talon Pari Falls

Are you ready to discover yet another hidden gem in Bulacan? Well, suit yourself because we’re now exploring what is dubbed as the “Chocolate Hills of Bulacan”. Yup! That’s right, Tila Pilon Hills of Doña Remedios Trinidad is now becoming a legendary tourist destination for outdoor lovers. The scenic and picturesque view of the hills are really out of this world and you should definitely pay a visit. Moreover, the hike en route to the summit is also beginner-friendly where some parts are mostly flat.

Another must-visit destination near the Tila Pilon Hills is no other than the Talon Pari Falls. This amazing cascade of waterfalls features crystalline waters that are perfect for swimming and cliff diving. So, what are you waiting for? Talon Pari!

 

9. Kabayunan View Deck

Situated yet again at the majestic mountains of Doña Remedios Trinidad is the Kabayunan View Deck. This tourist attraction is gaining more and more popularity thanks to its breathtaking sights and scenery. Feel free to camp out with your friends and loved ones as you fall in love with the city lights and constellations at night and the lush and green mountains during the day.

The Kabayunan View Deck is slowly being developed further to accommodate the influx of tourists around the area. That’s why you may find several attractions in the view deck where you can take spectacular photos for the ‘gram. Also, expect low or totally no phone signal around the areas of Doña Remedios Trinidad. Well, that’s why it’s the perfect destination to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just focus on getting along with family and friends!

 

10. Verdivia Falls

Ah, Verdivia Falls is another must-visit natural wonder located in Bulacan. The splendid combination of the waterfalls’ turquoise waters, beautiful rugged rock formations, and relaxing ambiance makes a perfect destination for family picnics and get together with friends.

The trail en route to Verdivia Falls is quite tricky and challenging as you will need to cross 3 to 4 streams and a mini waterfall. Many visitors of Verdivia Falls opt to bring their bikes or would rather just trek along the ridges for flexibility. I know it’s quite a challenge but trust me, it’d be all worth it! Once you reach the falls and be able to enjoy the cold, crystal clear waters of the falls, all of your hardships will certainly go away!

There’s little to no signal available in the area but there are small cottages established on the side. So better make the most out of your time and enjoy nature’s beauty with your loved ones!

 

11. San Rafael River Adventure

One of the most popular things to do in Bulacan is taking on the famous San Rafael River Adventure. It’s a one-stop shop where you can experience everything that Bulacan has to offer all in one place. Yup! From banana boat rides, kayaking, jetski, wakeboard, kneeboard, river swing, and even ATV adventures! The resort also offers classy accommodation facilities where you can stay for an entire day or overnight. The San Rafael River Adventure is truly a must-visit destination especially for those traveling to Bulacan for the first time.

But do you know what San Rafael River Adventure is really known for? It’s no other than their iconic River Cruise. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a mind-blowing experience of cruising along the massive Angat River while eating gastronomic meals of grilled and native Bulacan dishes. Truly amazing!

READ THE BLOG POST: 10 Best Resorts in Bulacan

 

12. Mandala Falls

Nope. We are definitely not yet done with the iconic mountains of Doña Remedios Trinidad because it still has an endless list of places to visit! One of those places is no other than the Mandala Falls. This spectacular wonder features cold and clean waters where tourists can swim and dive anytime they want. It also has the famous cliff diving spot where you can jump off 10 feet away from the ground!

The Mandala Falls is slowly gaining popularity that’s why more and more accommodation facilities are being constructed around the area. Kubos and cottages are now available but you can still bring your own tents and spend the night! With the clean and peaceful ambiance of Mandala Falls, I’m sure that you’ll be able to have a blast!

 

13. Zamora Falls

Ah, and there it is. Another treasured gem of Bulacan nestled in the mountains of Doña Remedios Trinidad is no other than the Zamora Falls. This massive waterfall featuring crystal clear waters is dubbed as a hidden paradise for its undeniable beauty.

The massive area of the body of water is filled with beautiful rock formations making the Zamora Falls as scenic as possible. I mean, there’s no way you’ll be able to spend the day there without taking hundreds of pictures! The water is also extremely clean and cold at the same time so I guarantee that you’ll be able to enjoy it. Oh, and the trail en route to Zamora Falls is also beginner-friendly, which means that it’s for everyone to enjoy!

 

14. Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm

Gawad Kalinga is undoubtedly one of the most famous and established foundations in the entire country. This is why when they created the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, a lot of Filipinos, especially Bulakenyos, were filled with joy. The Enchanted Farm aims to promote and help eliminate poverty in the Philippines by creating a community that helps one another build businesses and profitable ventures.

More than its noble cause, the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm also turned out to be a very successful tourist and educational destination thanks to its endless list of attractions such as the Ube Farm, Bamboo Palace, Animal Farm, and Garden of Hope.

 

15. Ipo Dam View Deck

Finally, thanks to the strategic location and abundance of natural resources in Bulacan, the province has been a perfect location to build massive engineering wonders such as dams. There are actually three (3) major dams in Bulacan which supply the majority of Luzon’s water resources. These are the Angat Dam, Bustos Dam, and Ipo Dam.

Ipo Dam is a gravity concrete dam that was constructed in 1984. It has a total catchment area of an enormous 6,600 hectares and can store 7.5 million cubic meters of water. Just those facts alone will help you imagine how large of a protected area the Ipo Dam covers, right?

Aside from its mighty function, the Ipo Dam also features a View Deck where people can enjoy and witness the beauty of nature at its finest. Here, tourists can admire the breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, rivers, and bodies of water surrounding the area. So if I were you, I’d definitely take lots of pictures!