Bulacan tourism bounces back on nature, festivals

CITY OF MALOLOS – For travelers seeking a quick escape from the city, Bulacan’s rivers, mountains, resorts and colorful festivals have become an increasingly attractive draw.

Despite a temporary slowdown in tourism caused by rising fuel prices and tensions in the Middle East, the province has seen visitor numbers rebound as tourists flock to its nature destinations, cultural celebrations and expanding food and café scene.

READ: Faith, color and fun draws 30,000 crowd to Kneeling Carabao Festival

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According to Provincial Tourism Officer Limuel Jan Lobederio, tourist arrivals rebounded significantly in April after a sharp decline in March, when travel was affected by soaring fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.

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From a drop of about 1.1 million visitors in March, tourist arrivals climbed to more than 3.19 million in April, signaling renewed interest in Bulacan’s diverse tourism offerings.

From the cool mountain landscapes of Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT) and Norzagaray to the hundreds of resorts scattered across the province, Bulacan has emerged as a preferred destination for travelers seeking nature-based experiences close to Metro Manila.

“Many tourists are now looking for destinations that offer a closer connection with nature,” Lobederio said in a recent interview.

In DRT, popular sites include Teomatenzo, Aranya, Caribbean Resort, EJ Campsite, Mount Brigino Resort and Mt. Lawad Adventure Park.

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Norzagaray continues to attract visitors to destinations such as Bitbit River, Bakas River, Baraka River and Sacred Haven.

The tourism official said Bulacan’s reputation as a resort destination continues to grow, with more than 600 resorts and private pools now operating across the province.

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Beyond nature tourism, Bulacan’s vibrant calendar of cultural and religious festivals has also drawn thousands of visitors.

The Kneeling Carabao Festival in Pulilan, the Obando Fertility and Abundance Festival, the Baliwag Buntal Hat Festival and the traditional Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan celebrations all contributed to increased tourist traffic in May.

“We are still consolidating reports from local governments, but these festivals definitely brought large numbers of visitors to different parts of the province,” Lobederio said.

The tourism boom has also benefited local businesses, particularly native restaurants, specialty food establishments and cafés that have become destinations in themselves.

Patriotism

According to Lobederio, creative spaces are increasingly being integrated into coffee shops, while art cafés and even pickleball courts are emerging as new attractions for younger travelers.

Gov. Daniel Fernando, meanwhile, urged Filipinos to help promote local tourism and attract foreign visitors as a way of expressing patriotism.

Speaking during the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Barasoain Church on June 12, Fernando said encouraging tourists and investors to visit the country is an important contribution to national development.

“Promoting our country and inviting people to visit the Philippines is also an act of love for the nation,” he said.

New airport

Fernando highlighted Bulacan’s unique blend of history and nature, citing Barasoain Church and the mountains, rivers and waterfalls of DRT among the province’s leading attractions.

He also expressed optimism that the New Manila International Airport, being developed by San Miguel Corporation in Bulakan town, would provide a major boost to tourism and economic activity in Bulacan and neighboring provinces once operational.

For Lobederio, Bulacan is well-positioned to benefit from travelers seeking alternative destinations in Asia.

“Since Japan is known for its culture and heritage, and Bulacan also offers rich cultural and historical experiences, there is always a possibility that tourists looking at foreign destinations may also discover what our province has to offer,” he said.

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With its mix of outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, culinary experiences and historical landmarks, Bulacan is steadily strengthening its position as one of Central Luzon’s most accessible and diverse tourism destinations. INQ