Must See Travel Destinations in Nueva Ecija Part 3

MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS

Let’s face it. If destinations have personalities, Nueva Ecija would be that stunning, mysterious, reflective, demure type who would want to be discovered but stands too quiet among the quaint corners of the Philippines. Given this, there exist a few people who would dare to get to know her, but once they do, they’ll fall in love with her all at once. She’s the best kept secret our country has to offer. She’s phenomenal.

So If you think that Nueva Ecija is just about “palayan” (rice fields), think again! The province has surprisingly picturesque lakes, brilliant turquoise waters of rivers, the best 50peso zipline, a very interesting hanging bridge best for adrenaline junkies, a series of stunning waterfalls, gorgeous limestones, and yes, I heard, thermal pools too! (That, we need to find out more soon)

Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province located in Central Luzon. It is also considered as the main rice growing province here in the country and that is why it is often referred to as “The Rice Granary of the Philippines.”

However, unknown to many, the beautiful Nueva Ecija holds one of the most stunning park our country has to offer. Read More: https://www.wheninmanila.com/unbelievable-travel-destinations-in-nueva-ecija-you-never-knew-existed/

Dupinga River

Photo from: https://marklawrencematias.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/nueva-ecija/dupinga-river-gabaldon-8/

Dupinga River is one of the known tourist spots in Nueva Ecija, a favorite picnic grounds among the tourist and locals in the province. It is a wide and clean river bordered by the Sierra Madre mountain range on both sides. Nipa huts were lined up along the river bank where visitors would stay during the day. The cold and refreshing waters came all the way from the mountains which makes dipping or swimming into the river is worth a try. Huge rock boulders can also be found in the area where daring visitors do cliff diving. Families and barkadas can also enjoy singing in videoke or have some barbecue party. One can also notice the beautiful views of the river and the verdant green mountains. Read More: http://touristspotsfinder.com/2017/06/top-10-tourist-spots-in-nueva-ecija/4/#dupinga-river

Pantabangan Lake

Photo from: https://tourismnuevaecija.weebly.com/sitesdestinations.html

Pantabangan Dam actually has no natural lake per se. It can be said that this lake is artificially constructed because it used to be a part of the Upper Pampanga River flowing downstream. It became a lake only after the dam was constructed. It is considered one of the largest reservoir in Southeast Asia.

The lake has a pleasant view and a very serene landscape. You can feel the tranquility while watching the scenic view of the lake surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. Because it is cloudy we didn’t felt much heat although there are no cottages or barely any trees, nevertheless, it added to the beauty of the site.

It is said that the reservoir is among the cleanest in the country. That’s why it is a popular site for visiting and swimming by the locals. Not far away, we can see several boats fishing the natural wealth of the lake. Read More: http://www.tupanggala.com/pantabangan-lake/

Gapan Church

Photo from: https://nationaltravelers17.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/three-kings-parish-national-shrinegapan-citynueva-ecija/

The biggest and oldest church in Nueva Ecija is that of the Parish of the Three Kings in Gapan City.

Built in the 1800’s by Augustinian friars with Gapanense forced labor, the brick church has withstood natural and man-made calamities including the 1896 Philippine Revolution, World War II and the Great 1990 Earthquake.

The Gapan church is a pilgrimage site for two miraculous patron saints — the Three Kings whose feast day continues to be celebrated ever January 6, and the Divina Pastora every May 1.The Gapan church has been declared the National Shrine of the Divina Pastora. Read More: http://monvalmonte.com/nuevaecijajournal/gapanchurch/index.html