Tarlac City Hotels

Located near the heart of Central Luzon, Tarlac City squeezes some urban flavor into the local provincial life. This is further spiced up by the entire province’s status as a melting pot of different cultures, and tranquil atmosphere.

Resting at the heartland of the vast plains of Central Luzon, Tarlac City offers plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation from the daily grind. Because of its spot in the middle of majority Ilocano, Kapampangan, Pangasinense, and Tagalog provinces, the whole province of Tarlac is where different cultures meet and mingle.

Meanwhile, its location being at 24-50 meters above sea level makes the place one of the coldest in the entire region—perfect for the summer. But there’s more to the city than meets the eye. By booking from a selection of Tarlac City hotels and other accommodations, you can plan a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure in this unique melting pot of a city.

 

How to Go  

By land transportation

The easiest way to get to Tarlac City is by bus. Some of the bus lines that offer routes to Tarlac include JAC Liner, Victory Liner, Five Star, Baliwag Transit, and Genesis. These bus lines have stations near EDSA cor. Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City.

Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Manila. Bus lines to Tarlac around Doroteo Jose Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, include Philippine Rabbit, Viron, and Genesis. Expect an ETA of around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.

 

Getting Around

As a well-developed first income class city, various jeep routes are available throughout Tarlac City. You can also avail of local transport services such as tricycles for short trips.

 

Tourist Attractions

The Aquino Center & Museum in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City, will let you refresh the country’s recent history. It houses a collection of the belongings of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., and his wife, President Corazon “Cory” Aquino—both heroes of the Martial Law era. With an entrance fee of only Php 100 for adults, this is a place you shouldn’t miss during your visit. The museum is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on major holidays.

If you visit in January, you can also take part in the Malatarlak Festival. Also known as the Melting Pot Festival, this event is a celebration of Aeta culture and is one of the province’s most famous fiestas.

 

Top Things to Do

To fulfill your need for speed, you can have a dose of kart racing at Kart City Tarlac. For Php 250.00, you can spend 5 minutes racing with your friends around their track. Afterward, you can even enjoy a full meal at their trackside grill and restaurant or have fun with some Karaoke at their KTV lounge.

If you want a more exciting adventure, you can venture a bit out of the city into the municipality of San Jose. Here, you can find the Tarlac Eco-Tourism Park. Formerly the venue of the Palarong Pambansa 2010, the place offers a variety of sports and outdoor activities. This includes zip lining, camping, kayaking, fishing, airsoft games, off-road rides, and more.

 

Where to Eat

Tarlac’s place as the region’s melting pot reflects well on the local culinary experience. The city alone plays host to numerous restaurants. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, there’s the Dampa sa Tarlac in Barangay San Rafael. Meanwhile, Macapinlac Cake House offers a wide variety of sweets, pastries, and other baked goods for your sweet cravings.

 

Nightlife

Don’t let the relatively calm atmosphere fool you. Tarlac City offers a varied selection of bars and cool places to chill out with your friends. If you want an affordable menu with a performing band to keep you company, you can check out Popoy’s Garden Grill—a local favorite.

Similarly, Live Bistro Bar offers live performances, with great service, and fun vibe. Alternatively, you can check out the Chimichanga Mexican Bar and Grill to spice up your evenings. Their fiery dishes are a great way to warm you up while in the City of Tarlac.

 

Where to Stay

The L Square Hotel is considered as one of the city’s best hotels. Along with quick and efficient service, the place also includes complimentary breakfast, plus a choice of Filipino and American food options.

If you’re in the market for budget hotels in Tarlac City,

along McArthur Highway might be more up your alley. But despite its more affordable rates, La Maja Rica has an outdoor pool and delicious menu.

 

Travel Tips

• Look to the nearby towns. A relatively developed transportation system of jeeps and buses allows for more adventures in the neighboring municipalities.

• If you’re bringing a large group with you, it might be much easier to rent a van.

• Feel free to pack light if you’re taking the bus. For convenience, you can buy some essentials and other travel needs at SM City Tarlac or at Robinsons Luisita.