Wonderful Places in Bulacan

By: Stephanie Kith C. Martos

Biak Na Bato National Park

Perhaps the most famous Bulacan park, Biak-na-Bato National Park is a protected area located in San Miguel. The 2,117-hectare park has historical significance because it served as a mountain hideout for Filipino revolutionaries fighting Spanish forces. General Emilio Aguinaldo established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato here, as well. Today, the park is a popular destination for those who want toreconnect with nature by going on hiking tours and exploring rock formations, caves, and rivers. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because some areas require a bit of a hike to reach.

Barasoain Church A trip to Bulacan would be incomplete without a stop at Barasoain Church. The church, officially known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, hosted the first Philippine Congress in 1898 as well as the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in 1899. It was also here that the Malolos Constitution was drafted. The church was also featured in the last incarnation of the PHP10 bill. The church was completed in 1888 and is made of stone with typical Spanish Baroque architecture. If you have time, go to the Barasoain Museum or the Museo ng Republika ng 1899 (Museum of the 1899 Republic), which has dioramas of historical events that took place at the church.

Ciudad de Victoria

The massive Bulacan arena is located in this 140-hectare tourism zone in Bocaue. It is officially known as the Philippine Arena and has a seating capacity of 55,000 people, making it the world's largest indoor arena. Apart from the arena, there is also The Garden, which contains thousands of colorful plants and flowers that have been strategically placed to provide stunning views and unique photo spots. Today, the park is a popular destination for those who want to reconnect with nature by going on hiking tours and exploring rock formations, caves, and rivers. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because some areas require a bit of a hike to reach.

Mt. Balagbag

Mt. Balagbag is a popular hiking destination near Manila. This mountain in San Jose del Monte is one of the best places to start hiking in Bulacan if you're a beginner. The trek to the summit is fairly easy, but if you go in the late morning or early afternoon, wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water because the trail can be hot. Bring some money and buy food at the stores you'll pass on your way to the summit if you want to pack light. You'll be rewarded with a view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and Metro Manila once you've arrived.

Pulilan Butterfly Haven

The place that once charmed a number of visitors from Baguio to La Union to Bicol because of its garden filled with colorful and lively butterflies has now lost its magic as only a few caged butterflies, plenty of them dead, empty pupa breeding cabinets, and one breed of caterpillar can be found in Pulilan Butterfly Haven. According to one of the makers of the butterfly frames, 20,000 pieces of butterflies are delivered to the place from Marinduque and Mindoro. Aguirre said that making butterfly frames gives higher income as orders are being paid right away by big companies but when it comes to self-gratification, money is no compare to the garden.

Bakas River

Bakas River is a must-see in Norzagaray. The footprints of Bernardo Carpio, a legendary being with superhuman strength, are believed to have been left on some of the rocks along the riverbank. The river's name comes from here. In Filipino, the word bakas means "trace." If you plan to spend the entire day here, you can rent huts along the riverbank as well as ring floaties. Just be careful where you walk or swim because the current can be strong and some of the rocks are slick.