Find out the most remarkable Bulacan tourist spots when wanting to find a quick escape from the busy neighboring streets of Metro Manila.
Bulacan is a predominantly Christian province, and the many century-old churches are an understatement to describe in the region alone. Moreso, some of the critical historical events that greatly influenced today’s modern-day living happened in the province of Bulacan.
Besides historical value, Bulacan is also home to numerous options for exploring the great outdoors. From caves and mountains to rivers and waterfalls, you can find some of the nearest escape destinations from Metro Manila.
Listed below are some Bulacan tourist spots for your next adventure
Table of Contents
1. Barasoain Church
Bulacan contributes to one of the most significant histories of the Philippines. The Barasoain Church was the first site of the Philippine Congress in 1988, followed by the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in 1989.
Known officially as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Barasoain Church features classic Baroque architecture built from stones during the Spanish era and dates back to 1888.
For the history buff, the Barasoain Museum is an excellent addition to your activity when visiting this Bulacan tourist spot. Located inside the old convent, visitors can read about the chronology of historical events that took part in the history of the church and the Philippines as well.
You can look forward to seeing its grand interior featuring an ornate ceiling and a beautiful retablo. The bell tower outside perfectly displays an excellent background for your mandatory picture souvenirs.
2. Biak Na Bato National Park
The Biak Na Bato National Park is one of the most popular Bulacan tourist spots covering 2,117 hectares of a protected landscape in San Miguel and nearby towns. Also playing a significant historical avenue, this place caters to the formation of the Biak-Na-Bato Republic to expel the Spanish regime.
While General Emilio Aguinaldo utilized the caves as a hideout back in the day, today, the Biak Na Bato National Park offers many activities every outdoor enthusiast will love.
From hiking, spelunking, and mountain hikes, the vast landscape of Biak Na Bato is perfect for filling your day tour in Bulacan.
Here are some of the wonders of Bian Na Bato National Park:
Mount Manalmon
Mount Manalmon is one of the peaks inside the Biak Na Bato National Park and part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. One of the beginner-friendly hikes near Metro Manila, peak summits at 196 meters above sea level.
Jump-off point is at Sitio Madlum in Barangay Sibul. Pass by the Madlum Cave and cross the shallow part of Madlum River before setting foot on the mountain trails of Mount Manalmon.
According to PinoyMountaineer.com, it has a difficulty level of 2/9, giving the confidence to conquer the peak easily within an hour or two.
Hikers will have a rewarding view of the Siera Madre and Mount Gola and the lower plains of San Miguel at the top. Some other exciting things to do during your Mount Manalmon hike are a quick visit to Bayukbok Cave, taking a dip at the Madlum River, or passing by the monkey bridge.
Mount Gola
Hikers who are into more extreme adventures may take Mount Gola instead. While you can easily trek at Mount Manalmon, reaching the heights of Mount Gola requires some agility and flexibility.
Mount Gola has almost the same summit as Mount Manalmon at 192 meters above sea level. What keeps the thrill of climbing Mount Gola is when you need to crawl in some areas to advance to the summit point safely.
Do not forget to wear comfortable gear as you have to pass by rocky surfaces and cross streams.
Hiking to these Bulacan tourist spots requires a guide, so make sure to secure a permit first at their local tourism or barangay.
A quick stay at the summit rewards climbers of the mountains’ breathtaking greens, perfect for mandatory portraits for the ‘gram.
Madlum Cave and Madlum River
For the less adventurous tourists, you can still enjoy Biak Na Bato National Park outdoors at Madlum cave and river.
The Madlum River is an excellent place to cool down during the hot summer months while taking picturesque views of the large rocks. You can also ride a bamboo raft at small fees for extra fun.
There is also a hanging bridge for an overlooking spot and avenue for another photo ops.
When you’re a fan of spelunking, the Madlum Cave is an excellent alternative to hiking as well. This tourist spot in Bulacan is one of the two cave systems in the national park, where imagination can give birth to different rock formations.
Still expect to get wet as you have to squeeze yourself and pass some narrow openings to reach the endpoint.
For a quick trivia, General Emilio Aguinaldo drafted the Biak Na Bato Constitution in this cave.
🔗 Read Nearby Tourist Spots | Pampanga | Bataan |
3. Ciudad de Victoria
Home to the largest indoor stadium in the Philippines and the world, Ciudad de Victoria is among the rising Bocaue Bulacan tourist spots, which will boost economic and leisure activities in Bulacan and nearby northern Metro Manila.
The most prominent in this development is the Philippine Arena, which has a seating capacity of 50,000, perfect for international and local event hosting.
Apart from the gigantic stadium, its well-designed landscapes are eye-catching at every corner. You can stroll and jog during the morning or take the night market and witness the night views.
The Gardens showcases thousands of colorful flowering plants and shrubs, beautifully landscaped to match different themes. They even have a mini zoo and amusement rides, perfect when traveling with kids or during family days.
Apart from its vibrant and refreshing ambiance, the cleanliness and orderliness of the complex are worthy of commending and appreciating.
4. Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
Experience a piece of Korea and serenity at the same time in Lolomboy, Bocaue, when you visit the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon.
Among other famous Bulacan tourist spots, the shrine embodies the nationality of Saint Andrew Kim through a touch of Korean architecture. Saint Andrew Kim was the first Korean-born priest and has lived in Lolomboy, Bocaue as a seminarian. Completion of the new shrine took place in 2015. A nearby smaller church called Parish of Sto Cristo is also a few walks from the shrine.
Tourists and devotees who visit the shrine can enjoy a blissful and serene ambiance, especially during weekdays. Large arcs and columns beautifully adorn the connecting path walks of the two churches, surrounded by colorful landscapes.
A place to embrace peacefulness and gratitude, the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is an excellent addition to your next Bulacan itinerary.
5. Malolos Cathedral
Malolos Cathedral is also known as an important historical site in Bulacan. The church’s convent served as the presidential palace of General Emilio Aguinaldo from September 1898 to March 1899.
Aguinaldo ordered Antonio Luna to burn down the church during the Filipino-American war while escaping the American forces. The church was then slowly rebuilt from the remnants of war until 1936, followed by a declaration as a cathedral in 1962.
The Malolos Cathedral is officially known as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion through Pope John Paul II’s declaration.
One exciting takeaway when visiting Malolos Cathedral is the Kalayaan Tree. Under the tree is a monument depicting the meeting of the Filipino revolutionaries. Locals believe that the tree is a living witness to the first government of Malolos.
6. Pinagrealan Cave
Another historical Bulacan tourist spot not to miss is the Pinagrealan Cave. This cave sets at the Sierra Madre in the quiet town of Norzagaray and is a favorite local destination for hiking activities as well.
Pinagrealan cave stretches up to a kilometer of cave systems. Inside, the cave characterizes a smooth surface and pointed stalactites formed from the timeless drops of water.
Expect to get wet and dirty as most pathways are waist-deep submerged. When planning for a visit, make sure to check the weather updates as most of the paths swell instantly after rain.
From the historical point of view, Pinagrealan Cave once became a hideout of Katipuneros (Filipino anti-colonial revolutionaries). Aguinaldo was believed to have used the cave as a safe place during the American occupation.
7. Mount Balagbag
Favoring its proximity to Metro Manila, Mount Balagbag in Norzagaray Bulacan near Rodriguez Rizal is a popular hiking destination for locals.
Mount Balagbag is a beginner-friendly hiking tourist spot in Bulacan for its relatively easy and expansive trails. It has an altitude of around 770 meters above sea level, enough to have a broad view of the Manila skyline, the Siera Madre ranges, as well as the Ipo watershed.
Aside from hikers, mountain bikers also favor the vast trails of Mount Balagbag. However, note that there are little to no trees here. Thus, the scorching heat is the only struggle when hiking during the summer months.
Along the way, you can spot some small stores selling food and refreshments so that you can optionally pack lightly. There is a designated site for campers when planning to camp at Mount Balagbag.
8. Kabayunan Viewing Deck
Found in Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Kabayunan Viewing Deck is among the favorite Bulacan tourist spots of young adventurers and those who wish to unwind from the bustling metropolis.
Kabayunan Viewing Deck captivates the quirky eyes of travelers for its eye-catching gimmicks of Instagrammable viewing decks and spaces. These trending viewing platforms come in different forms and shapes like a heart, star, spider web, butterfly, and boat.
Enjoy taking many photos against the verdant mountain ranges during the daytime, or watch the sky glimmer in lights from the Metro Manila skyline by night. Camping here is available, and you can relax and wake up from the cold breeze of mountain air.
When planning to camp at night, make sure to bring all your camping provisions since there are no current rentals available. Reaching the camping site comes in different options like hiking for 2-3 hours, renting a 4×4 truck, riding habal-habal, or riding your bike or motorcycle.
9. Verdivia Falls
Continue your outdoor adventures in Doña Remedios Trinidad by hiking your way to the Verdivia falls. With nearby access to other Bulacan tourist spots like Biak Na Bato, you’ll find yourself distanced from the busy streets of the lowland.
Verdivia waterfall has around 15 feet of water flowing directly into a wide basin. The pool basin is not too deep for a few strokes, and riding bamboo raft for a water massage straight to the falls.
The waterfalls’ name is inspired by its greenish to bluish shimmer. At the same time, the tall trees from behind complement the overall serenity of the area.
Jump off point starts at Barangay Talbak with the help of local guides. Trekking could reach up to 45 minutes and require four river crossings. Worry not, as these rivers are just shallow during the dry season.
You can spend your summer getaway at Verdivia falls for a mini picnic retreat. Staying overnight is not allowed; however, you can camp at Digo’s Hill nearby.
10. Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church
Another landmark and historical piece of Bulacan is the Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church in Bulakan town. Commonly referred to as Bulakan Church, this tourist spot in Bulacan traces back its roots as early as 1575.
Bulakan Church features an artistic Neo-Classical style with observable hints of Romanesque architecture. These prominent visuals are the corbeled arches with a rose window above the main door and the three niches with statues at its facade.
A historical attribute of Bulakan Church associates to General Gregorio del Pilar, where he secretly distributed the pamphlets made by his uncle, Marcelo H. del Pilar, in the late 1800s.
Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church makes an excellent addition for either heritage tour throughout the year or Visita Iglesia during Holy Week.
11. Mount Maranat
For the love of outdoor adventures, Mount Maranat is an excellent must-have Bulacan tourist spot addition to your list. Confusing it may seem, Mount Maranat is actually the name of a waterfall lying on the foot of Mount Oriod.
Hiking your way to Mount Maranat is the exact opposite of Mount Balagbag. Dense trees cover the trails of Mount Maranat, and you have to go through a series of descending has to be done before reaching the campsite near Mount Maranat.
Behold of the lush greens and the refreshing sound of the gushing waters from the upstream. The unique challenge of going to Mount Maranat perfectly matches the likes of outdoor enthusiasts who want to disconnect from the modern world.
Like Mount Balagbag, the most accessible and nearest drop-off point is in Rodriguez, Rizal. Reaching the summit of Mount Oriod takes about four hours from the campsite.
12. Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm
If you are looking for a unique Bulacan tourist spot other than historical sites and the great outdoors, the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Enchanted Farm should fill your Bulacan itinerary.
The GK Enchanted Farm promotes meaningful recreational activities through social entrepreneurship, helping the local community. Book your tours with them and participate in their daily routines, including Guided Farm Tour, Lunch buffets, and Enterprise Demos.
Most of the activities here are everything about farming. Moreover, their social enterprise demos include peanut brittle making, bamboo straw making, carabao’s milk ice cream, Ambension silk enterprise, and stuff toy knitting.
GK Enchanted Farm also offers overnight accommodation for guests who want an extended stay. You can find them in Barangay Encanto, in Angat Bulacan.
13. Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
San Jose del Monte is also home to one of the famous Bulacan tourist spots, frequently visited by devotees and pilgrims. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a replica of the famed Rosary Basilica in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.
The pilgrimage site occupies a portion of the 20-hectare private property of the Guanzon family. Anita Guanzon’s cancer status has improved after their family’s visit to Loures, France. As a thanksgiving for the miracle, the family has decided to build a grotto shrine on their property.
With its vast location, tourists and devotees can have a glimpse of serenity and peace while reflecting.
14. Malolos Capitol
City parks and architecture are a smart addition to the itinerary when traveling the provinces of the Philippines. When you’re in Bulacan, don’t forget to drop by at their Malolos Capitol to experience a crisp and clean ambiance within the city proper.
The capitol building is quick to notice with its bright white facade and contrasts perfectly to the nearby green park. You can also spot the monuments of national heroes Marcelo del Pilar and Gregorio del Pilar in front of the building.
Aside from the monuments, the two olden metal canons are also a favorite spot for taking pictures.
The Malolos capitol and park are ideal for both a morning stroll or a night walks with your friends or family.
15. Pulilan Heritage Town
Aside from the heritage town of Malolos, where you can find top Bulacan tourist spots, Pulilan has been known for its efforts to restore its heritage assets in the past decades.
Some of the restored houses are Casa Balbina (1910), Casanova-Aguirre house built in 1927, and Adriano Salvador house (1900s). Aside from houses, they have successfully opened six museums to date.
Above all these heritage structures, Pulilan is home to one of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines, which dates back to the 18th century.
Plan your next Bulacan tourist spot escape now.
Bulacan has one of the richest cultures and contributions to Philippine history. It is dubbed “The Land of the Heroes” for having celebrated heroes and artists like Francisco Balagtas, Marcelo del Pilar, and Gregorio del Pilar.
With its proximity to Metro Manila, Bulacan is one of the top choices for a quick getaway with family or a group of friends. Whether you wish to relive the historical landmarks or conquer its outdoor escapades, many Bulacan tourist spots are ideal for a day trip.
Safe Travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols and travel requirements, you may visit the official page of the Department of Tourism.