Nueva Ecija is a land-locked province situated at the central plains of the Philippine’s Luzon island. Located about 180 kilometers from Manila, it is dubbed as the Rice Granary of the Philippines due to its vast plains of rice fields. Tourist attractions are few and far between across its five cities and twenty seven towns, but worry not, there are still places to visit in Nueva Ecija. It may not have any beaches, but it has an abundance of rivers to explore, a few waterfalls, and a lot of historical places.

Although Palayan City is the provincial capital of Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan City is the more commonly associated one with the province and is easier to access than the former. I would be basing this travel guide with Cabanatuan being the point of destination.

CABANATUAN / NUEVA ECIJA TRAVEL GUIDE WHAT’S INSIDE? • How To Get To Nueva Ecija • Getting Around Nueva Ecija • Nueva Ecija Organized Tours & Guides • Speak Nueva Ecija • Where To Stay In Nueva Ecija • Where To Eat In Nueva Ecija • What To See And Do In Nueva Ecija • Festivals In Nueva Ecija • What To Buy In Nueva Ecija • Nueva Ecija Tourist Spots Map • Nueva Ecija Sample Itinerary & Budget • Extend Your Nueva Ecija Trip

HOW TO GET TO NUEVA ECIJA

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The province of Nueva Ecija, thru Cabanatuan City, is easily reachable from Metro Manila through numerous bus lines plying the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Travel time is about three to four hours, depending on the traffic. Most, if not all buses, stop at Cabanatuan City’s central bus terminal, found just a little bit on the outskirts of the downtown area. Currently, there are no commercial airports in Nueva Ecija.

►BOOK A NUEVA ECIJA BUS, PRIVATE TRANSFER ONLINE

 

METRO MANILA TO CABANATUAN BY BUS ○ 3-4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE ₱190.00 +/-
Numerous bus lines travel to Cabanatuan City on an hourly and daily basis. Most of these are located in Caloocan, Pasay, and Quezon City (Cubao). Travel time takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the route your chosen bus takes. Take the ones with the signboard Cabanatuan or San Jose Via SCTEX for a shorter journey time. Buses are generally air-conditioned, with a fare of ₱190.00+/-, but there are still ordinary buses if you want to save a bit on expenses.

● BALIWAG TRANSIT - Caloocan, Cubao | (02) 912-3361
● ES TRANSPORT - Cubao | (02) 912-5975, (02) 421-4339
● FIVE STAR - Cubao, Pasay | (02) 851-6614, (02) 851-6659
● GENESIS (BALER-BOUND) - Cubao | (02) 709-0803, (02) 421-1425
● VICTORY LINER (TUGUEGARAO-BOUND) - Kamias, Pasay, Manila, Caloocan | (02) 727-4688

 

BAGUIO CITY TO CABANATUAN BY BUS ○ 4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE ₱180.00 +/-
Currently, there’s only one bus line plying the Cabanatuan to Baguio route, Summer Bloom Transport (₱180.00+/-, ordinary and air-conditioned, 4 hours travel time). One can also take vans, which are a bit faster than buses (₱250+/-, 3.5 hours travel time).

GETTING AROUND NUEVA ECIJA

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Cabanatuan is dubbed as the Tricycle Capital of the Philippines. Just go to the area near the public market and you’d understand why. With that, the tricycle is really the preferred mode of transportation, not only in Cabanatuan, but also the other municipalities and cities in Nueva Ecija. Minimum fare is set at ₱10.00. For longer journeys, there are also jeepneys available, but mostly on the city centers only.

NUEVA ECIJA ORGANIZED TOURS & GUIDES

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As far as I know, there are no organized tours around the province of Nueva Ecija. During one of my visits though, Microtel Cabanatuan organized one for us using their hotel van. You may contact them at this number: (0927) 804-2929.

SPEAK NUEVA ECIJA

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Nove Ecijanos, as the locals of Nueva Ecija call themselves speak Tagalog and Ilocano. Almost 70%, mostly from the southern areas of the province uses Tagalog, while the remaining 30% uses Ilocano as their native language. Note that the Ilocano-speakers can also understand and talk in Tagalog and the whole province can understand and speak English.

Thank You - Salamat / Agyamanak
Good Morning - Magandang Umaga / Naimbag a Bigat
Good Afternoon - Magandang Hapon / Naimbag a Malem
Good Evening - Magandang Gabi / Naimbag a Sardam
How Much? - Magkano? / Sagmamano Daytoy?
Where is… - Saan Ang… / Sadino ti…

WHERE TO STAY IN NUEVA ECIJA

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Most of the accommodations I know in Nueva Ecija are concentrated in Cabanatuan City. While there are inns and hotels around other towns in the province, it is really easier to start your sightseeing tour with Cabanatuan as your base of operation. As of the moment, there are no five-star hotels in the city, but there are pretty decent lodging houses where you can spend your night in.

HARVEST HOTEL

Address: 1179 Del Pilar St., Brgy. Quezon District, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (0917) 543-2584
GPS Coordinates: 15.492916, 120.972303
HOTEL SOGO CABANATUAN

Address: Maharlika Hi-Way, Brgy. San Juan, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (044) 246-5031
GPS Coordinates: 15.425170, 120.938478
PHOTO FROM AGODA
HUNTER VALLEY PLANTATION AND RESORT

Address: Brgy. Cabu, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (044) 806 1671
GPS Coordinates: 15.508362, 121.062027
PHOTO FROM AGODA
LA PARILLA HOTEL

Address: Zulueta cor. Melencio St., Brgy. Melojavilla, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (044) 463-1810
GPS Coordinates: 15.486125, 120.959688
PHOTO FROM AGODA
MICROTEL CABANATUAN

Address: Brgy. Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (044) 958-7777 | (0927) 804-2929
GPS Coordinates: 15.481991, 120.962329
ROSEY HOTEL

Address: Central Terminal, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (0917) 706-0968
GPS Coordinates: 15.472431, 120.968177
PHOTO FROM AGODA
ROYAL CREST HOTEL RESTAURANT

Address: Maharlika Hi-Way, Brgy. Dicarma, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (02) 463-0814
GPS Coordinates: 15.483925, 120.967088
PHOTO FROM AGODA
TOP STAR HOTEL

Address: Maharlika Hi-Way, Brgy. H. Concepcion, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (044) 940-8080
GPS Coordinates: 15.462588, 120.951407
PHOTO FROM AGODA

BESM TRAVELERS INN

Address: Brgy. Adorable, San Leonardo, Gapan, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (0922)584-4388
GPS Coordinates: 15.36498,120.96284
PHOTO FROM AGODA

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK HOTEL
Address: Brgy. Minalungao, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 958-2874 | (0920) 225-9652
GPS Coordinates: 15.298281, 121.121852

FARMHOUSE HOTEL & CAFE

Address: Zone 6, Maharlika Hi-way, Brgy. Caanawan, San Jose
Contact Number: (044) 806-1167
GPS Coordinates: 15.763095, 120.957988
PHOTO FROM AGODA

HOTEL CONSUELO
Room Rates: From ₱900.00
Address: Maharlika Hi-Way, Brgy. San Mariano, Sta. Rosa
Contact Number: (044) 940-3276, (044) 940-2157
GPS Coordinates: 15.413155, 120.940252

CRYSTAL WAVES HOTEL & RESORT

Address: Maharlika Highway, Dinarayat, Talavera
Contact Number: (044) 411-0834
GPS Coordinates: 15.559876, 120.926885

• COMPLETE LIST CABANATUAN DISCOUNTED HOTELS •

WHERE TO EAT IN NUEVA ECIJA

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To be honest, I haven’t really tried eating out on most parts of Nueva Ecija except Cabanatuan City. From the little time I spent on the city’s restaurants, I never once got disappointed. Actually, I was fairly surprised at the number of good places to eat in Cabanatuan and at the quality of their dishes. Most serve Filipino and Western cuisines.

BISTRO 360
Type: Filipino, Western, Asian
Address: Gen. Tinio Street, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 463-0049
GPS Coordinates: 15.486499, 120.967587
CAFFE LA TEA
Type: Cafe, Asian, Pastries
Address: Robinson’s Mall, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 960-1653
GPS Coordinates: 15.459800, 120.950210
HAPAG KAINAN SA HARDIN
Type: Filipino
Address: Circumferential., Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (0919) 351-6251 | (0923) 708-6496
GPS Coordinates: 15.470020, 120.956031
HAPAG VICENTICOS
Type: Filipino
Address: 1077 Del Pilar St., Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 600-3237 | (0917) 565-7860
GPS Coordinates: 15.490893, 120.967777
NYORK CAFE
Type: Cafe, Pasta, Pastries, Western
Address: The Podium, Kapitan Pepe, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (0923) 625-6163
GPS Coordinates: 15.472796, 120.949976
ROSENDA’S RESTAURANT
Type: Filipino, Chinese, Western
Address: 247 Maharlika Hi-way, Brgy. Dicarma, Cabanatuan
Contact Number: (044) 940-7326
GPS Coordinates: 15.488649, 120.974800
RUSTICA RESTAURANT
Type: Filipino
Address: Bernardo District, Maharlika Hi-way, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (044) 940-7927
GPS Coordinates: 15.481991, 120.962329

CHANOS CHANOS
Type: Bangus-Based Dishes
Address: Maharlika Hi-way, Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (0925) 737-2152
GPS Coordinates: 15.713308, 120.908358

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN NUEVA ECIJA

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Nueva Ecija is recognized for producing tons and tons of rice but it’s not really known as a tourism hub. You can literally count the number of tourist spots along its almost 6,000 square kilometers of land, but to be fair, one can still get something out of a visit to the province. Besides the earmarked tourism places in the area, one can also enjoy the seemingly never-ending scenes of pastoral rice fields, small brooks, and serene rivers that dot the entire province.

►BOOK DISCOUNTED MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK TOUR

CABANATUAN CATHEDRAL & ANTONIO LUNA SHRINE
Address: Del Pilar St., Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 463-0388
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 15.489398, 120.964183
PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA
CAMP PANGATIAN WAR MEMORIAL SHRINE
Address: Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 15.510518, 121.044193
NFA GRAINS INDUSTRY MUSEUM
Address: Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Open Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Contact Number: (044) 463-1233
Entrance Fee: Donation
GPS Coordinates: 15.479617, 120.960259

DUPINGA RIVER
Address: Brgy. Dupinga, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: Free
Cottage Rental: Starts from Php300.00
GPS Coordinates: 15.505875,121.325111
GABALDON FALLS
Address: Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology Gabaldon Campus, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: Php20.00 | Guide Fee: Php100.00
GPS Coordinates: 15.455224, 121.339745
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM

GAPAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES
Address: Delos Reyes Street, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 15.313777, 120.948814
VIRGEN LA DIVINA PASTORA SHRINE
Address: Delos Reyes Street, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 15.313777, 120.948814

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK
Address: Brgy. Minalungao, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: Php20.00
Guide Fee: Donation
Cottage Rental: Starts at Php200.00
GPS Coordinates: 15.298281, 121.121852
PMP PARADISE FARM & RESORT
Address: Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija
Contact: Facebook
GPS Coordinates: 15.378253, 121.080524

AQUINO-DIOKNO MEMORIAL AT FORT MAGSAYSAY
Address: Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: Donation
Open Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 15.436905, 121.081917
FORT MAGSAYSAY PAHINGAHAN DAM
Address: Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: Donation
Open Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 15.436905, 121.081917

PHILRICE
Address: Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 456-0394
Entrance Fee: Free
Open Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 15.671288, 120.891067

PANTABANGAN DAM
Address: Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 15.814215, 121.107905

CARRON DREAM PARK
Address: Bgy. Sto Cristo, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044)9589952 | (044)9589953
Entrance Fee: Php300.00 Ride All You Can | Open Hours: 4:00PM to 12:00MN
GPS Coordinates: 15.300106, 120.891235
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM

CRYSTAL WAVES RESORT
Address: Maharlika Highway, Dinarayat, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 411-0834
GPS Coordinates: 15.559876, 120.926885

FESTIVALS IN NUEVA ECIJA

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TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL
Location: Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija
Festival Date: June 24 every year (Feast of St. John the Baptist)
Activities: Parades, dressing up with mud and native materials, alms giving
PHOTO BY EMMAN A. FORONDA VIA WIKICOMMONS

WHAT TO BUY IN NUEVA ECIJA

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If you’re looking for the usual city shirts, mugs, key chains, and ref magnets, Nueva Ecija might not be the place for you. Tourist trinkets are virtually unknown in this part of the Philippines. What you can bring home though are delicious packs of local sausage or longganisa, especially those found in Cabanatuan City.

BEEF BATOTAY & CABANATUAN GARLIC LONGGANISA
Where to Buy: Ka Efren Meat Shop
Address: Mayapyap Sur, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (0915) 202-8454 | (0998) 472-3081
Also readily available at Cabanatuan Market
DAERRY’S TILAPIA ICE CREAM
Where to Buy: Central Luzon State University
Address: CLSU, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 456-0107
GPS Coordinates Map: 15.730280, 120.929833
MILKA CREM CARABAO DAIRY PRODUCTS
Where to Buy: Milka Crem
Address: CLSU, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Contact Number: (044) 456-0107
GPS Coordinates Map: 15.741419, 120.941589
PUNO’S ICE CREAM & SHERBET
Where to Buy: Puno’s Ice Cream
Address: Maharlika Hi-way, Bitas, Cabanatuan City
Contact Number: (0932) 881-4249 | (044) 464-8694
GPS Coordinates Map: 15.500274, 120.976994

NUEVA ECIJA TOURIST SPOTS MAP

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NUEVA ECIJA SAMPLE ITINERARY & BUDGET

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Visiting the known tourist spots in Nueva Ecija will, surprisingly, take three full days. The main reason being that most of these are located far from each other. I suggest you base your stay at Cabanatuan City, as it is the easiest town you can reach via public transport and there are a lot of good food places within the area. If you don’t have enough time, you may skip on a few places and limit your stay to two days. And if you have more time to spare, I suggest you add a day or two on your itinerary to visit the many Cabanatuan rice fields and rivers and its neighboring towns. Below is a sample itinerary maxing out the full potential of Nueva Ecija’s identified tourist spots.

► DAY ONE | ₱1,431.00 PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF FOUR

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Depart Manila to Gapan very early in the morning
   ₱150.00 – BUS FARE MANILA TO GAPAN
Visit Minalungao National Park
   ₱800.00 – TRICYCLE FARE FROM GAPAN TO MINALUNGAO, ROUNDTRIP, GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS
   ₱40.00 – MINALUNGAO PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Explore Minalungao National Park
- Breakfast
   ₱150.00 – PER PERSON AT MINALUNGAO RESTAURANT
- Rafting
   ₱500.00 – ALL DAY RAFT RENTAL FEE, GOOD FOR 8 PERSONS
- Caving
- Wall Climbing
- Grotto Hike
- Swimming
- Zipline
   ₱50.00 – ZIPLINE FEE, ONE WAY
Lunch at Minalungao
   ₱150.00 – PER PERSON AT MINALUNGAO RESTAURANT
Depart Minalungao National Park
   ₱0.00 – ASK YOUR RENTED TRICYCLE TO DROP BY GAPAN CHURCH BEFORE GOING BACK
Visit Gapan Heritage street
- Ancestral Houses
- Virgen La Divina Pastora Shrine Church
Depart to Cabanatuan City
   ₱50.00 – BUS FARE GAPAN TO CABANATUAN CITY
Check in at Cabanatuan City
   ₱800.00 – LOWEST PRICED HOTEL BASED ON AGODA, GOOD FOR TWO PERSONS
Visit NFA Grains Industry Museum
   ₱16.00 – ROUNDTRIP JEEPNEY FARE
   ₱0.00 – FREE ENTRANCE
Dinner
   ₱100.00 – DINNER AT EATERY

► DAY TWO | ₱1,036.00 PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF FOUR

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Breakfast
   ₱100.00 – BREAKFAST AT EATERY
Visit Fort Magsaysay and the Aquino-Diokno Memorial
   ₱8.00 – JEEP FARE TO CABANATUAN BUS TERMINAL
   ₱20.00 – JEEP FARE TO FORT MAGSAYSAY (APPROXIMATE)
   ₱0.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
Visit Camp Pangatian Shrine
  ₱100.00 – TRICYCLE FARE FROM FORT MAGSAYSAY (APPROXIMATE)
Lunch at Hapag Vicenticos
  ₱100.00 – TRICYCLE FARE FROM FORT MAGSAYSAY (APPROXIMATE)
  ₱200.00 – LUNCH PER PERSON
Drop by Cabanatuan Cathedral and Antonio Luna Shrine
Visit Pantabangan Dam
  ₱8.00 – JEEP TO CABANATUAN BUS TERMINAL
   ₱75.00 – JEEP TO PANTABANGAN DAM
- Boat Ride Bass Fishing (optional, check rates with boatmen)
- Sunset
- Dinner   
   ₱100.00 – DINNER AT EATERY
Go back to Cabanatuan City
   ₱75.00 – JEEP TO CABANATUAN CITY
Day two at Cabanatuan City hotel
   ₱800.00 – LOWEST PRICED HOTEL BASED ON AGODA, GOOD FOR TWO PERSONS

► DAY THREE | ₱811.00 PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF FOUR

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Breakfast then check out from hotel (option of leaving your bags at the hotel)
   ₱100.00 – BREAKFAST AT EATERY
Depart for Gabaldon
   ₱8.00 – JEEP TO CABANATUAN BUS TERMINAL
   ₱80.00 – JEEP TO DUPINGA RIVER
Explore Dupinga River
Picnic Lunch at Dupinga River   
   ₱300.00 – HUT RENTAL FEE
   ₱100.00 – PICNIC FOOD PER PERSON
   ₱8.00 – JEEP TO NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN GABALDON
Trek Gabaldon Falls
   ₱20.00 – ENVIRONMENTAL FEE
   ₱100.00 – LOCAL GUIDE
Travel back to Cabanatuan, then Manila
   ₱100.00 – DINNER AT EATERY
   ₱80.00 – JEEP TO CABANATUAN BUS TERMINAL
   ₱190.00 – BUS FROM CABANATUAN TO MANILA

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 ► ₱3,278.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF FOUR

EXTEND YOUR NUEVA ECIJA TRIP

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BAGUIO CITY
Baguio Travel Blog
Hours Away: Five to six hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
BALER
Baler Travel Blog
Hours Away: Three to four hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Two to four days

TARLAC
Tarlac Travel Blog
Hours Away: Three hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Two to three days
TUGUEGARAO
Tuguegarao Travel Blog
Hours Away: About six hours away by bus
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Two to three days

QUIRINO PROVINCE
Quirino Travel Blog
Hours Away: About five hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
VIGAN CITY
Vigan Travel Blog
Hours Away: About six hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Cabanatuan Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days

NUEVA ECIJA TRAVEL BLOG, GUIDE, EXPENSES, MAP, & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF MAY 25, 2022