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From Tokyo to Kyoto: Crafting an Epic Itinerary for Your Japan Tour

Planning a trip to Japan is an exciting endeavor, and one of the key factors in ensuring a memorable experience is crafting the perfect itinerary. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Japan offers endless possibilities for exploration. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, here’s a guide to help you create an epic itinerary for your Japan tour.

Exploring Tokyo: The Gateway to Japan

As the bustling capital city of Japan, Tokyo is often the first stop for travelers embarking on their journey. With its futuristic skyscrapers, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a diverse range of experiences.

Start your exploration in Tokyo by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. Take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its quirky fashion and trendy shops. For a taste of traditional Japanese culture, head to Asakusa where you can marvel at the Senso-ji Temple and explore Nakamise Shopping Street.

Don’t miss out on experiencing modern Tokyo either. Visit Shibuya Crossing – one of the busiest intersections in the world – and immerse yourself in the bright lights and energy of this vibrant district. For panoramic views of the city skyline, make your way up Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower.

Discovering Kyoto: A Glimpse into Ancient Japan

After immersing yourself in the urban excitement of Tokyo, it’s time to venture into ancient Japan by making your way to Kyoto. Known for its traditional architecture, serene gardens, and historical heritage sites, Kyoto offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural past.

Start your exploration by visiting Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf that is truly awe-inspiring. Take a stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and be enchanted by its towering bamboo stalks. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional tea ceremony in one of Kyoto’s many tea houses.

Kyoto is also home to numerous Shinto shrines, including Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of torii gates that form a mesmerizing pathway through the forested hillside. For those interested in Japanese history, a visit to Nijo Castle is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the shoguns.

Unforgettable Experiences Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

While Tokyo and Kyoto are undoubtedly must-visit destinations in Japan, there are countless other cities and regions that offer unique experiences.

Consider exploring Hiroshima, the city known for its tragic history but also for its resilience and hope. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the devastating effects of the atomic bomb and witness the city’s remarkable transformation into a symbol of peace.

If you’re seeking natural beauty, head to Hakone and soak in hot springs while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Alternatively, visit Nara – home to friendly deer roaming freely through ancient temples and gardens.

To truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider attending a traditional festival such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori. These vibrant celebrations showcase Japan’s rich cultural heritage and offer an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Crafting an epic itinerary for your Japan tour is all about balancing iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you’re captivated by the bright lights of Tokyo or enchanted by the ancient temples of Kyoto, Japan offers something for every traveler seeking an unforgettable journey through this fascinating country.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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4D3N PAMPANGA ITINERARY

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Clark, Pampanga is the secondary gateway to Metro Manila and is envisioned to become Asia’s next premiere gateway. Frequent travelers often just pass by Clark to head on to their holiday destinations and overlook that Clark is a destination in itself and not just a gateway. There are so much exciting and interesting things to do in Clark and the nearby cities besides the amazing Kapampangan cuisine.

Fly to Clark  via Cebu Pacific from various destinations across the country.

Book your flights to Clark now and get ready to experience Pampanga beyond food!

For the best deals, book your flights via Cebu Pacific Air and book your tours with Aisela Travel Leisure Corporation for an extraordinary and memorable holiday customized just for you!

Follow the visual stories at  #DiscoverMNLxCebuPacific #ExplorewithAisela

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By: Abby Leyte Southbank Café + Lounge

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By: Allan Lim Jr. Bar 20, Swissotel Clark

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Norem Highball

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• 30ml Melon and Thyme Syrup
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Dufftown Consilva

By: Arnel Sulangsawa Emilia House of Filipino Food and Bar

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By: Vincel Timtim Nasi, Swissotel Clark

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Tainted Love

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Manga -On Ta

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Tuesdays with Banaco

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Johnnie Ride

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4s Highball

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Panagyaman Bagas Martini

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By: Lovely Enage Bar 20, Swissotel Clark

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Coco De Canela Singleton

By: Kim Chan Cas Skye

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Tea Garden Time

By: Kent Llorico The Back Room, Shangri-La Fort

• 22.5ml Aperol infused with Sampaguita
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Maria Black

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She-So Spiced

By: Denice Ann Dumlao Bar 20, Swissotel Clark

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2s a Company, 3s a Balance

By: Clayton Munar Alibi Lounge, Crimson Hotel Alabang

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Couple’s Cheers

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Johnnie Brako

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By: Arnulfo Rippey Calvo Yawaragi, Hotel Okura

• 30ml Rhythm Cordial

A PERFECT 2 DAYS PAMPANGA ITINERARY

We will write Pampanga itinerary you will love it if you are a foodie. In fact, Kapampangans are known to be one of the best cooks in the country! Pampanga is a province in Luzon in the Philippines that is so popular because of its  proximity from Manila  and their  cuisine . Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Clark !

Angeles City in Pampanga is where Rachel came from, and it’s our home in the Philippines. If you are planning to visit Pampanga soon then continue reading our Pampanga itienrary.

Read here  where to stay in Angeles City  and  how to get to Angeles City from Manila !

Table of Contents

SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD ) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagen if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH  BOOKING  AND  AGODA !

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

HOW TO GET TO PAMPANGA

Getting to pampanga by plane.

If you are getting to Pampanga by plane. There are flight companies going to Clark like  Cebu Pacific and Air Asia , you can even get cheap flights from  Singapore and Hong Kong.  Also, Philippines have cheap flights going to Coron and  Cebu  from  Clark International Airport.

GETTING TO PAMPANGA BY BUS FROM MANILA

And if you’re getting Pampanga from Manila. There are also buses headed for Angeles City. For more information check,  how to get to Angeles City from Manila  and  P2P bus going to Manila International Airport . There is also transportation going to San Fernando City.

Click here to book your bus online from Manila to Clark !

DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT PAMPANGA

Many of the restaurants and hotels in Pampanga are inexpensive yet more than satisfying. A full meal in the city can go for as low as  80 PHP  per person while a bottle of beer can be bought for around  50-65 PHP . Restaurant meals can be bought for around  500-800 PHP  for two people.

Pretty cheap, right? And if you only have  20 PHP  in your pocket when you’re feeling pretty hungry, you can even buy plenty of street food with that.

Transportation is also pretty cheap with jeepneys going all over town at a flat rate of  9 PHP . If you want to travel to Manila from Angeles, the ride will also be convenient and cheap at around  150 PHP .

There are also budget hotels costing for around  600-900 PHP  in a promo while three-star establishments go for around  1,000-2,000 PHP , that’s only $19-38 USD! For those who want a more luxurious stay, you can check in at very nice hotels at around  $50-120 USD .

You can also book your accommodations through  Agoda  or  Booking .

Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in Clark, the Philippines with Klook !

PAMPANGA ITINERARY

We recommend you to stay at least two days to do the itinerary in Pampanga. You can stay longer if you have time. We will write about tourist spots, festivals and of course in Pampanga about food trip itinerary. Restaurants and food that you can’t miss when visiting Pampanga.

DAY 1 PAMPANGA ITINERARY

For the first day of your itinerary in Pampanga if you decide to stay in Angeles City. You can go around the city center to learn about history visiting museums and Holy Rosario Church. As we mentioned before food tripping in Pampanga is a must.

Our best recommendation of food to try is sisig. You can go to Mila’s Tokwa Baboy which is the most popular place to try sisig. You can also visit Susie’s Cuisine with affordable prices and delicious food. Our favorite is palabok and as dessert Ube and halo-halo.

At night you can visit walking street area and Bali Bago where you will find most of the bars and restaurants. For places to stay we recommend Bali Bago or Clark area where most of the hotels are in Angeles City.

There are places to stay from  $15 USD  if you go on a budget to luxury resorts. You can also book your accommodations through  Agoda  or  Booking .

FOOD TRIPPING IN PAMPANGA

This is a must try food in Pampanga, and take note  Kapampangan’s are known to be good cooks.  Sisig is the most popular dish in Pampanga. For starters, Sisig are just pig ears and head mixed with fried onions and chili, served with rice and calamansi.

Our favorites are  palabok, empanada, halo-halo and ube.  In Susie´s you will find many different Kampangan options, and prices are very affordable.

MILA´S TOKWA BABOY

It is a must try food in Pampanga, and  Kapampangan’s are known to be a good cooks.  Sisig is the most popular dish in Angeles City. Ears and head of the pig mixed with fried onions and chili. It´s served with rice and calamansi. This restaurant is always full and maybe you need to book in advance.

LEARN ABOUT HISTORY ANGELES CITY

Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies serves as a  museum, research center, gallery and more.  Many changes have occurred to Angeles City from its history that’s why this center had also adopted these changes.

This comprehensive library archives important files that anyone can read to learn about Angeles city’s history and its native Kapampangan people. It is located in the main building of Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario, Angeles City.

HOLY ROSARY PARISH CHURCH

Holy Rosary Parish Church is one of the most iconic places in Angeles City, the locals call it  “Pisambang Maragul” .  Santo Rosario Church , or now known as the Holy Rosary Parish Church is a beautiful sight to visit having two tall towers and castle-like structures but more than its magnificent exterior, this house of worship carries a lot of controversial history that was held during the  Spanish era . It’s a must-visit!

WALKING STREET

If you like to party, then go to Balibago or the famous place called “walking street”. You get a lot of choices to which you can enjoy and meet new friends. Walking street is full of foreigners, and there are many bars and restaurants. You can go from Walking street to Balibago which is a walking distance or just a short jeepney ride.

DAY 2 ITINERARY IN PAMPANGA

For your second day in your Pampanga itinerary there are a few plans to choose. You can refresh in Fontana Water Park in Angeles City or Pradera Water Park in Lubao. You can relax in Miyamit waterfalls and Punno Hotspring.

If you like the adventure you can hike Mt Pinatubo. You will have to plan in advance since you have to go in an organized tour to get to the crater view. And of course more food tripping is going on. You have to keep trying more local food.

For the food tripping we recommend you to try our favorite locals restaurants Mr Frosty and Camalig for local food and pizzas. Tool House great if you go with kids they love it. And Mesa Restaurant if you want to try fine dinning and the best Pampanga delicacies.

HIKE A MOUNTAIN

There are few mountains to hike around Pampanga. The most popular hiking place could be  Mt. Pinatubo . Trekking this mountain can be done in a day, which involves, riding a 4×4 on a lahar field, and 3-hour trekking back and forth. Below are some of the price packages if you are coming from Manila:

           Package 1  (from Manila to Pinatubo Crater Lake via Capas) –  PHP 2000 to PHP 3000

           Package 2  (from Manila to Pinatubo Crater Lake via Botolan) –  PHP 2500

Take note that this does not include food and may change without further notice. If you have an idea about the recent packages to hike Mount Pinatubo, please comment below and we’ll update the blog post.

If you want to book your stay near Mount Pinatubo before your trip, just click here .

FONTANA WATER PARK

If you’re not the party type and just wanna relax and swim you can go to places like Fontana Water Park in Clark where you can enjoy the slides and fun water facilities. You have two options spending the day in the water park costs around  500 PHP per person . And  rates for sleeping in Fontana Hotel starts from 4000 PHP .

PUNING HOT SPRING

Puning Hot Spring in Angeles City is a full service hot spring that will surely pamper you to the max. It has natural hot springs that purify your skin and detox your system. Besides from its hot spring they also  provide multiple spa services.  

Throughout, The view is beautiful and the entire experience ultra-relaxing. Prices are starting  3500 PHP  per person and minimum 3 people.

PRADERA WATER PARK IN LUBAO

Waterboarding  near Manila? The answer is  Pradera Verde ! Wakeboarding could be hard but it’s definitely worth a try. It’s possible to learn in a day! The prices start at  250 PHP .

MIYAMIT FALLS

Miyamit Falls is located in  Barangay Sapang Uwak, Porac in Pampanga.  The trail for this falls is easy and rewarding plus you’ll love the green sceneries around it. Tourists and locals love this falls because of its proximity to Manila plus the relaxation it brings. And of course, you could even swim here!

MISTER FROSTY

Our  favorite local restaurant quality-price  in Angeles City. The food is delicious, big portions and very affordable prices. Good for adults and also great menu if you are traveling with kids. Our favorite choices are sisig and sinigang!

Pizzas here are great and we really love their style! It’s located in city  center  and it’s perfect for visiting with a few friends and ordering their  pizzas and beer buckets.  Food is delicious and the staff is very welcoming too. You’ll love it here.

We have been in the Tool house a few times already and kids love it. Our little one loves ordering baked macaroni. For us, it’s lengua and steak with mushrooms sauces are our favorite. Prices are affordable here, too. There are a few branches in Nepo, SM and close to city center.

It’s one of Rachel’s favorite restaurants in Angeles City. Prices here are a little bit expensive but the food is really delicious. It’s ideal to try the classic food in Pampanga first like sisig. There are multiple choices like  prawns and  kare – kare and all of them are great.

MORE DAYS PAMPANGA ITINERARY

If you have more days to enjoy in Pampanga in your itinerary. You can visit Dinosaurs Island, Sky Ranch in Pampanga, Sand Box and Deca Wakeboard Park and an amazing adventure flying around Pinatubo for this you will have to go to Clark.

If you like to visit churches as a cultural heritage tour. San Guillermo Paris Church in Bacolor, Betis Church in Guagua and Arzobispado de Pampanga Church in San Fernando. 

And of course if you like Festivals is the great opportunity to visit Pampanga. You can check Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Holly Week in Pampanga is so popular. And Hoit Air Baloon in Clark and Lubao will be an amazing time to visit Pampanga.

DINOSAURS ISLAND

An animatronic theme park that is very good for family hangouts, and of course, full of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Island is  open everyday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM . There are lots of pro

Click here to get a discount booking online!

SKY RANCH SAN FERNANDO PAMPANGA

Missing the rides in the city? Try riding here at  Sky Ranch.  This place is good for families, friends and just you, it’s fine too. You’ll enjoy the ambiance of this happy place because everybody is just enjoying every ride and attraction they try. You would surely enjoy the experience in Sky Ranch!

SANDBOX IN PAMPANGA

Located in  Sapang Uwak, Porac in Pampanga , the thrills and challenges Sandbox will give are extraordinary. You’re safe but you still have the feeling that you aren’t because of the  adventure !

This place is great for a quick escape and a must-visit place in Pampanga. Try to be a bit competitive and finish every challenge faster than your friends and families!

DECA WAKEBOARD PARK

Another wakeboarding spot that you shouldn’t miss! Pump those adrenaline once more as you ride these boards on high speed. You’ll love the  lush sceneries everywhere  as you enjoy yourself on wakeboarding in  Jose P. Laurel Avenue in Pampanga.  Definitely a must try tourist spot in Pampanga!

FLYING AROUND MT PINATUBO FROM CLARK

Clark is a military air base and you can get a flight around  Mount Pinatubo and Mount Arayat.  Is it true that some places are best enjoyed from up above? We walk the streets of Angeles City many times a year, but looking down the city and the provincial parts of it (farm lands and non-city/residential ares) was definitely more beautiful.

Riding a small aeroplane felt very different than your regular helicopter flight .  This a very cool thing to do in Angeles City. The flight lasts 45 minutes and it costs  $100 USD  each person, perfect for planning a special activity to do with your friends.

SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH

San Guillermo Parish Church is located in  Bacolor, Pampanga . It was originally constructed by the Augustinian Friars in  1576,  making it one of the oldest churches in the province. Inside, there are paintings of the  Pinatubo eruption  in 1991.

BETIS CHURCH GUAGUA

It’s located in  Betis, Guagua . Betis Church is a  Baroque style church  under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. The church was dedicated to Saint James, the Apostle and it was established in  1607 .

ARZOBISPADO DE PAMPANGA CHURCH

It’s located in  San Fernando, Pampanga . It was given a a Canonical Coronation by  Pope Pius XII  through a Papal Bull dated in 1956.

It’s a religious and cultural activity most of Catholic Filipinos observe in the Philippines! People are literally  imitating  what Jesus went through before His death. You can see them in the streets around Angeles City participating in their Filipino traditions and practices from Wednesday to Friday in Holy week.

It’s also a tradition for Filipinos to  avoid meat  during Holy Week, so fish and vegetable dishes are famous in this period.

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL IN SAN FERNANDO

The huge and intricately designed  lanterns,  or  parol , are exhibited every December in San Fernando City. The number of lights are limited to 10,000 light bulbs for each Giant Lantern participants during last years. This is a famous event in Pampanga that many locals and tourists join.

HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

It’s celebrated in February around Clark area in Pampanga. It´s one of the  biggest festivals  celebrated in Angeles City for over  20 years  already. If you are coming around this date, make sure you  check this website to have full information about festival.

WHERE TO STAY IN PAMPANGA, ANGELES CITY

Red planet angeles city hotel.

Red Planet Angeles City is located in Angeles features a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and a restaurant on-site. The rooms come with both air conditioning and a fan. It is also equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and a safety deposit box. The bathrooms include hot water supply for the shower and a bidet for the toilet. A hairdryer and towels are also included. 

Daily a la carte continental breakfast can be enjoyed daily at the property, while a variety of dining options are available a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel’s front desk provides luggage storage services and the business center is available for guests to use. The staff can also assist with car rental services.  Twin room rate starts at $27 a night.

Click here to check their rate and availability !

LEWIS GRAND HOTEL

Hotel Lewis Grand is within a short drive from several tourist attractions such as the Mimosa Golf & Country Club and Fontana Water Park. Lewis Grand Hotel offers 4-star accommodations with flat-screen TVs. It features an outdoor pool, gym and free WiFi. Free parking is available. Spacious rooms are fitted with cable TV, DVD player and internet access.

They are equipped with a safe, fridge and electric kettle. Large bathrooms feature a bathtub and overhead rain shower. Guests can relax in the whirlpool or by the large outdoor pool. The hotel can provide airport shuttle upon request.  Room rate starts at $77 a night!

Click here to check their rates and availability !

Angeles City may not be big like Manila or Cebu, however there are a lot of foreigners traveling and even living here. It can be both for leisure, business and even studies. This is why there are many types of hotels (for different budgets) in the city.

Some of the most popular locations for booking hotels are in  Balibago area and Clark area.

There you have it our favorite Pampanga itinerary! Are we missing anything? Let us know in the comments below and we’d love to add it in our list!

Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys 

Happy Travels! 

Pampanga Travel Guide: The Culinary Capital of the Philippines

Best Time to Go to Pampanga

• How to Get to Pampanga

By Land Transport

Getting around pampanga, where to stay in pampanga, what to see and do in pampanga, go on a nature trip.

• Explore Pampanga’s Rich History
• Attend Pampanga Festivals
• Cool Down at Themed Resorts

What to Eat in Pampanga

Practical information and tips, what to bring, sample itinerary in pampanga, day 1: arrival + sightseeing + heritage tour, day 2: trekking + food trips + pub crawl, day 3: resort day tour + shopping + departure.

Travel north of Manila and explore Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Find out the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, top things to see and activities to do, where to eat the best food, and how to plan your itinerary in this travel guide.  

The Philippines is home to a variety of unique cuisine and amazing dishes . Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, offers not just a gastronomical adventure for a great introduction to Filipino food. 

It also has fun outdoor activities for the family and historical sites and city attractions to visit. 

• Find the best Pampanga tours for your travel itinerary 
• Check out this Puning Hot Springs Pampanga tour

Apart from the culinary heavyweights found in Pampanga, the province is famous for its theme and amusement parks such as Aqua Planet, Zoocobia Fun Zoo, and SandBox. History buffs will also enjoy exploring the Clark Museum, Nayong Pilipino, and the Museo Ning Angeles.

The Philippines is known to celebrate the longest Christmas holidays in the world, which starts in September. Local and international travelers flock to Pampanga to get a glimpse of the best and biggest  parol (Christmas lanterns) during the Giant Lantern Festival.

See our popular Pampanga Tours and Activities

Inararo ecotour with tour guide | pinatubo base camp, tutulari avatar gorge, view deck, bataan & pampanga world war ii tourist spots shared day tour with transfers from manila, mt. pinatubo day tour with tour guide | toblerone hills, crater lake.

Read on to find out everything you need to know when planning a trip to Pampanga. 

Like the rest of the Philippines, Pampanga has two seasons: wet and dry. The hottest months are from March to May, the summer season. The coolest months are from December to February. It's better if you check the weather forecast before planning your visit here. 

In general, it is best to travel to Pampanga during the dry and cool months, between November to February. The Giant Lantern Festival is also held during December. 

If you visit during Holy Week, usually March or April, you might be able to catch the Easter crucifixion ceremonies. During this time, devotees reenact Jesus’ way to the cross, even down to literally being nailed on the cross. It’s not for the faint of heart, so best to skip it if you can’t bear to watch.

How to Get to Pampanga

The province’s proximity to Manila makes it very accessible by car. It only takes about 2 to 3 hours by car to get to Angeles City.

Numerous bus lines also pass and make stops at the City of San Fernando, Angeles City, and Mabalacat City. Another option is to fly to Pampanga via Clark. Here’s a rundown of how you can go to Pampanga.

There are no direct flights from Manila going to Clark International Airport in Pampanga so the best option is to drive or commute there.

From Manila via Private Transport

You can easily spot the San Fernando Exit along NLEX, as it is near two major malls, SM City Pampanga and Robinsons Starmall Pampanga.

Further ahead is the Angeles Exit, which will take you to Angeles City and the Clark Freeport Zone. You can spot Marquee Mall along NLEX near the Angeles Exit.

By Commuter Bus

Angeles City is about 90 km from Manila, and it takes about 2-3 hours by bus to get to Dau Bus Terminal in Angeles, depending on the traffic.

Major bus companies leaving from Pasay and Cubao, such as Victory Liner , Five Stars , Philippine Rabbit , and Philtranco have frequent trips to Dau and Clark International Airport.

From the Dau Bus Terminal, you can catch a jeepney or taxi to your hotel, or to other towns and cities in Pampanga.

By P2P Bus 

If you’re coming from the airport in Manila, there are Premium Point-to-Point buses servicing the NAIA-Clark International Airport route. There are pick up points in NAIA Terminal 3, Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas and TRINOMA Mall in Quezon City.

Photo by Clark International Airport

For those coming from different parts of the Philippines and other countries, Pampanga has its own international airport, Clark International Airport, making it easily accessible by air. Major airlines include Philippine Airlines , Cebu Pacific and Air Asia .

From Cebu City 

Most major airlines have direct domestic flights to Clark International Airport daily. While some flights have one stopover, flying is still a great alternative to driving.

Philippine Airlines has five daily flights to Pampanga, while Cebu Pacific and Air Asia have three and one, respectively. Total flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Davao City 

If you’re coming from the southern parts of the Philippines, flying straight to Clark International Airport will save you a lot of time. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly four times daily to Pampanga while AirAsia flies once daily. Total travel time is 1 hour and 50 minutes.

From International Airports

Most major airlines from Qatar, UAE, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore have international flights to Pampanga daily.

If you’re coming from outside of the Philippines, we advise flying straight to Pampanga. But you can also fly to NAIA first and take a car or bus from Manila going to Pampanga.

Taxis and UV Express shuttles are also available. You can also get on the tricycles for shorter, inter-city commutes. For a hassle-free tour experience, you can also book tours with transfers. 

If you're coming from Clark Airport, you can hire airport transfers or rent a car in Clark Pampanga going to your hotel or for touring in Pampanga. Those who are traveling in a large group and have a lot of luggage may want to book a van rental in the Philippines . If you want to explore in style, you can book  self-drive car rentals in the Philippines  like a budget car rental in the Philippines ,  SUV rental in the Philippines , or  luxury car rental in the Philippines . 

There are many hotels and resorts in Pampanga, from luxury accommodations to family-friendly spaces to no-frills lodging. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, here are the top picks for  where to stay in Pampanga for every budget:

• Check out our list of the best farm stay resorts near Manila

Luxury Accommodations

If you’re feeling the urge to splurge, here are Pampanga’s top luxury hotels you can book into.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Its strategic location inside the Clark Freeport Zone makes it accessible to restaurants, transport hubs, malls, and historic landmarks. All rooms are spacious, fully fitted, and air-conditioned; there are also PWD-friendly rooms.

The hotel has a pool, casino, restaurant, spa, and a wine and cigar lounge. The hotel also offers airport transport service, free shuttle service to SM Clark, and city tour arrangement service.

Park Inn by Radisson Clark

Also located inside the Clark Freeport Zone, Park Inn by Radisson Clark is close to the Clark International Airport. While it is primarily a business hotel, it is also perfect for families and group travelers.

Its 154 rooms and suites are designed in vibrant hues and filled with complete amenities. The hotel also has its own restaurant, lobby bar, and an adult and kiddie swimming pool.

The Mansion

Photo from The Mansion

A boutique hotel inspired by South American homes and European villas, The Mansion is a perfect home-away-from-home accommodation for families and group travelers looking to stay active even on vacation.

It has spacious rooms, a restaurant and bar, two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a sundeck, playground and game rooms for kids, a jogging path, and sports fields.

Mid-range Accommodations

There are many comfortable hotels in Pampanga that are still friendly to the budget. Check out these top choices:

Central Park Tower Resort

Located in Balibago, Angeles City, Central Park Tower Resort can be easily spotted even at night with its distinctive blue and gold façade lights. The hotel has an in-house restaurant and café, as well as a fitness center. It also has a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and rooftop cabanas.

Prime Asia Hotel

Located in the middle of Angeles City, Prime Asia Hotel is a nice place to chill. The hotel has an in-house restaurant and bar and hosts live bands every Friday and Saturday nights. Also, it’s a short 6-minute stroll from Walking Street and other establishments.

Oasis Hotel

Tucked away in a quiet and secure compound in Angeles City, Oasis Hotel offers its guest a peaceful and relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The hotel has a mini-gym, swimming pool and pool bar, and business center.

The hotel also offers therapeutic massage services and complimentary shuttle services to SM City Clark and Clark International Airport.

Budget Accommodations

If you are traveling on a tight budget and want to splurge on food instead, here are budget-friendly hotels that you can choose from.

Hotel America

Hotel America in Angeles City offers comfortable, value-for-money accommodations for travelers to Pampanga. Its claim to fame is its offer of a guaranteed full 24-hour stay so you don’t need to worry about rushing to make that 12-noon checkout time.

The hotel has an in-house restaurant and coffee shop, a swimming pool, a business center and meeting facilities.

Red Planet Angeles City

Centrally located Red Planet in Angeles City is only about 6km to Clark International Airport, 6km to the nearest golf course, 3km to SM Clark, and 2km to Dau Bus Terminal. This budget hotel offers fast and free Wi-Fi, especially for those who must always stay connected.

There is something for everyone in Pampanga, and you will never run out of things to do. Here are just some of the activities you can include in your holiday:

• Book a Mount Pinatubo tour
• Check out our Inararo Pampanga eco tour

Make sure to mark these sites on your Pampanga map: Mt. Arayat, the lone summit of Pampanga province; Mt. Pinatubo in nearby Tarlac province; Candaba Swamps and Wild Duck & Birds Sanctuary in Candaba; and Miyamit and Dara Falls in Porac.  

See our popular Hiking Tours

Explore pampanga’s rich history.

See our popular History Tours

Bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, bohol countryside private tour with loboc river cruise lunch & transfers from cebu city, cebu panoramic views tour to temple of leah, sirao garden, west 35 mountain resort with transfers.

Start off your heritage tour with the Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City.

This Spanish-era colonial home is where the first Philippine President, Emilio Aguinaldo, stood to celebrate the first anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain. It is now open to visitors as a museum.

Next, see the ruins of the San Fernando Train Station, which is famously remembered as the terminus of the tragic Bataan Death March in 1942.

Thousands of exhausted and dying Filipino and American prisoners-of-war were loaded into box cart at this station, to be sent to Camp O’Donnell in nearby Capas, Tarlac.  

Museum fans can start their exploration with the Clark Museum and the Museo Ning Angeles.

Attend Pampanga Festivals

Filipinos love their festivals , and Pampanga has lots of big, happy festivals year-round.

At the City of San Fernando, parol-making is considered the city’s treasure and is celebrated every Christmas season in grand fashion during the Giant Lantern Festiva l . Marvel at the huge lanterns with intricate designs and fancy dancing lights on display.

Other notable festivals include the weeklong Sinukwan Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga that celebrates traditional Kapampangan culture and heritage. 

The Makatapak Festival (“Barefoot Festival”) commemorates the journey of Bacolor natives as they displayed the spirit of bayanihan (spirit of communal unity) to escape the lahar flows brought about by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Pampanga is also famous for hosting the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival in previous years. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City in Tarlac, the neighboring province of Pampanga. 

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

1-day philippine hot air balloon festival pass with optional upgrades, private clark freeport transfer to/from philippine hot air balloon festival in new clark city tarlac, private angeles city transfer to/from philippine hot air balloon festival in new clark city tarlac, cool down at themed resorts .

If you want to escape the heat, head to Aqua Planet with the whole family and conquer over 30 water slides and other attractions that are suitable for all ages. It also has its own restaurants, shops, and live entertainment shows so you can spend the whole day without even stepping foot out of the resort!

Fontana Leisure Parks is another popular year-round tourist attraction. It is a resort, a water park, and a sports center all rolled into one 300-hectare space. It has a wave pool, a pirate ship water feature, and a “river” that flows around the water park.

Local Kapampangan cuisine is said to be legendary and different from the other cuisines around the Philippines. According to historians, Spanish friars and sailors taught the locals how to cook Spanish dishes.

Kapampangan cuisine has a long, rich, and flavorful history that helped the province earned the title of Culinary Capital of the Philippines.

Even if many Pampanga restaurants are offering different cuisines, including Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, German, and Spanish, here are some of the best Kapampangan dishes you should taste when you visit Pampanga:

Aling Lucing's Sisig 

Sisig is made of chopped pork ears, cheeks, and liver seasoned with calamansi (local lime), onions, chili peppers and served on a sizzling plate. Known as the Queen of Sisig, Aling Lucing’s version of the dish has become such a hit, it is now a staple at many Filipino restaurants.

Matam-ih Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine

Matam-ih means “delicious” in Aeta dialect., located at the Clark Freeport Zone, is one of the best Pampanga restaurants where you can get a taste of authentic Kapampangan food.

Filipino favorites such as sinigang na baboy, kare-kare, and tinola made with native chicken. Exotic, seasonal dishes such as crocodile meat, escargot, and crickets are also available for those with more adventurous palates.

German Angel’s Bakery and Coffee Shop

The bakery opened in 2007, mainly to serve great quality German bread to the people of and visitors to Angeles City.

They bake German and other European bread, rolls, and pastries that you can take to go. They also offer a dine-in Western-style breakfast menu that you can tuck into while people watching.

Wear comfortable clothes, especially when you go on walking tours. You can also bring extra clothes with you, so you can quickly change out of your sweaty ones.

Sunblock is essential, even when it’s a cloudy day out. Also, don’t forget to bring your hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, fans, and water to beat the heat.

If you’re going on a trek to Mt. Arayat, remember to bring garden gloves to protect your hands from sharp vines and jagged rock. Also, bring your own water and trail food.

For water park trips, always bring waterproof bags to protect your gadgets and other valuables.

Bring home some Panecillos de San Nicolas , cookies made from arrowroot, sugar, coconut milk, and butter, and blessed by Catholic priests.

06:00 AM - Departure from Cubao, Quezon City via bus 

08:00 AM - ETA in Dau Bus Terminal 

08:00 - 09:30 AM - Have breakfast

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Explore Clark by visiting Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Museum and many others

12:00 NN - Lunch at Matam-ih's Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine 

02:00 PM - Check-in at hotel

03:00 - 06:00 PM - Visit the Pamintuan Mansion, Museo Ning Angeles, and Holy Rosary Parish Church, which are often part of a heritage tour in Angeles City

06:00 PM - Dinner at Angeles City proper

08:00 PM - Call it a day. Start bright and early the next day 

06:00 AM - Join a  Mt. Pinatubo tour

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM - Hop on a 4x4 jeep, and have an exciting trekking adventure in Mt. Pinatubo

04:00 - 05:00 PM - Wash up and travel back to Angeles City 

06:00 PM - Dinner at Aling Lucing's Sisig. Go on a night out by visiting a few pubs

08:00 PM - Back at the hotel. Call it a day. Stat bright and early the next day 

08:00 AM - Breakfast

10:00 AM - Early hotel check out 

11:00 AM - 04:00 PM - Day tour at Aqua Planet

04:00 - 05:00 PM - Shopping for souvenirs 

05:00 PM - Departure from Dau via bus 

07:00 PM - ETA in Cubao, Quezon City

Explore Pampanga Today!

Make sure to check out the many Pampanga tour options available so you can experience the best of everything in our country’s very own culinary capital!

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Pampanga day tour itinerary, "an awesome weekend getaway near manila".

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Hello from Pamintuan Mansion here in Angeles City #Pampanga! #NLIbloggersday #NLIdreamscometolife #NLIgoestoPampanga A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 3, 2016 at 1:11am PDT

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We truly enjoyed this Pampanga Day Tour and made me appreciate the province even more. Truly, there are so many things to do, activities to experience and of course, food to eat when visiting Pampanga . We should be back again real soon!

ALSO READ: Top things to do in Pampanga, Tourist Spots and Itinerary

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 0 comments :, post a comment.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Top Tours in Pampanga Province, Philippines

Pampanga province tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Free cancellation
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 2 Days Private Bataan Tour with Corregidor

2. Angeles City / Clark Airport to La Union (Bauang, San Fernando, San Juan)

3. Clark City Tour

4. Shared Vigan and Laoag Heritage Tour

5. Practice Yoga & Qi gong in Nature

6. International Cuisine Tour in Pampanga

7. Banaue - Batad - Sagada rice terraces

8. Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port

9. Pampanga Cultural Heritage Tour

10. Angeles City Heritage Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours

Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food

Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Walking Tours

Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown

Introduction to Philippine History

Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano

7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Bike

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Cruise Shore Excursion of Manila Old and New City Tour

Full-Day Tour to Pagsanjan Falls from Manila

Explore Chinatown in Manila with Mari

Manila Instagram Tour (Shared Tour)

Intramuros Sunset Tours by Bambike

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Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Makati City

Skip the Line: Dessert Museum in Manila Ticket

Historical tour of old Manila

• 2 Days Private Bataan Tour with Corregidor
• Shared Vigan and Laoag Heritage Tour
• Banaue - Batad - Sagada rice terraces
• Clark City Tour
• Pampanga Cultural Heritage Tour
• British Travel Guide To The Philippines
• Nord Luzon Touren
• Palm Cabanas Resort
• Anthro On Foot Audio Walking Tours

Pampanga Province: Tours Information

Follow this easy day trip to San Fernando, Pampanga that you can do right now

Just two hours away from Manila via NLEX, you'll reach the City of San Fernando, the capital of Pampanga, and the home of the big Christmas lanterns we all adore. But more than the big lanterns, this city boasts of many tourist spots that are waiting to be re-explored now that travel restrictions are easing up (especially for vaccinated individuals, so better have that jab). As the “ber” months are about to roll in soon, it is time to take an adventure outside the metro to shake those pandemic blues away.

Here is my suggestion for a day trip travel itinerary that you can refer to when you visit San Fernando, Pampanga.

Explore the colonial structures

What better way to start your day tour than to roam the City of San Fernando by car, foot, or even a kalesa ride. Enjoy the sights of several historic structures built during the colonial era such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, Pampanga Hotel, the Arzobispado De Pampanga at San Jose Road, the beautiful ancestral houses along Consunji Street, and the old PNR train station museum near Capitol Boulevard.

Eat lunch at a Dubai-inspired restaurant

After a city stroll, head to Souq Pampanga, a Dubai-inspired restaurant along Lazatin Boulevard. This instagrammable restaurant offers international food as well as deconstructed Filipino food including Kapampangan cuisine. It also has a boutique hotel in case you decide to spend the night in San Fernando.

Experience mulberry picking in this farm

No need to drive for eight hours just to reach Baguio or Benguet to experience strawberry picking because here in San Fernando along McArthur Highway, you'll find this hidden farm where you can experience picking mulberries for only P50. Doing this activity is not only fun (and healthy as you burn calories), you can also bond with your family and friends.

Dine at the biggest McDonald’s store

After picking mulberries, see for yourself the country’s biggest McDonald’s store. This is located at Capital Town along Capitol Boulevard. Take pictures or have a snack while savoring the afternoon breeze.

Buy Kapampangan pasalubong

Before you drive back to NLEX and head back home, visit any of the Kapampangan pasalubong shops along McArthur Highway.

The City of San Fernando has so much to offer in terms of tourist spots, which can be enjoyed by both the young and old. And while the IATF has eased travel restrictions, it’s still best that we practice all safety precautions like hand sanitizing, wearing of facemask and face shield, as well as social distancing. But more than any safety advice, it's better to be vaccinated for your own and your loved ones’ health safety. 

* Special thanks to the Velasquez-Soliman Family of San Fernando, Pampanga for hosting this weekend trip with my friends.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author is a vlogger who loves to travel and share his experiences on his YouTube channel “The Wayner.” A certified HR professional, R-Wayne is also an advocate of heritage conservation, environmental protection, and animal welfare.