About Bulacan accommodation

Just a short trip north of Metro Manila, Bulacan is well worth more than a quick pass through. This province mixes limestone caves and river adventures with a serious local sweet tooth, and it's earned a reputation as the country's go to spot for native delicacies like pastillas and inipit. Whatever your budget, you'll find a comfy place to rest up between adventures, from simple transient rooms near the highway to relaxed resort style stays closer to the caves and rivers.

Where should you stay in Bulacan?

Bulacan is made up of several towns, each handy for a different kind of stay.

• Malolos, the provincial capital, is a solid all rounder with markets, eateries and a good spread of transient hotels.
• Sta Maria and Marilao sit close to the main highway, making them easy stopovers if you're travelling between Manila and the north.
• Baliwag (Baliuag) is a lively commercial town known for its food stalls and central location.
• Pulilan and Plaridel offer straightforward, budget friendly stays in the heart of the province.
• Norzagaray is the handiest base if you're heading out to Biak na Bato or the Angat River for the day.

How much is Bulacan accommodation?

Accommodation in Bulacan is easy on the wallet, with something for every kind of traveller.

• Budget (around AU$20 to AU$40 a night): simple transient inns and guesthouses around Malolos, Marilao and Sta Maria.
• Mid range (around AU$45 to AU$90 a night): 3 star hotels with a pool, aircon or breakfast included, common around Malolos and Plaridel.
• Higher end and resort stays (AU$100 and up): private resorts and farm style getaways nearer Norzagaray and Bustos, a nice option if you're basing yourself there for a river or cave day trip.

What is Bulacan known for?

Bulacan packs a fair bit into one province.

• Biak na Bato: a striking cave and nature park with limestone cliffs, walking trails and cool rivers running through it, a great half day adventure out of Norzagaray.
• Angat River and Angat Dam: a favourite for river adventures such as rafting, swimming and simply cooling off by the water on a hot day.
• Native delicacies: Bulacan is famous as the country's "watering hole" for sweets, especially pastillas (milk candy) and inipit, so leave room for a taste test.

What are the best hotels in Bulacan?

Some well reviewed, bookable options around the province include:

• Acro Residences, Malolos, a comfortable mid range pick close to the city centre.
• Villa Beatriz Private Resort, Malolos, a relaxed resort style stay.
• Meaco Royal Hotel, Plaridel, a reliable option for a central overnight stop.
• Hotel Turista, San Jose del Monte, handy for travellers passing through the south of the province.
• Floating Sanctuary by Cocotel, Santa Maria, a quirky, laid back choice.
• Lauren's Crib, Marilao, a straightforward, budget friendly base near the highway.

Tips for booking a stay in Bulacan?

• Book ahead on weekends and around local festival dates, as rooms in popular towns can fill up fast.
• If you're just passing through, pick a hotel near the highway around Marilao or Sta Maria to save on travel time.
• Basing yourself in Norzagaray makes day trips to Biak na Bato and the Angat River much more relaxed.
• Check the weather before heading out to the caves or river, as conditions can turn wet, and pack a light rain jacket just in case.
• Confirm what's included, such as breakfast, aircon or pool access, since this varies a lot between budget and mid range stays.