Tarlac City is the provincial capital of Tarlac.
Understand
Used to be a part of a larger municipality of Porac in Pampanga during the Spanish times, Tarlac City's residents are mostly Kapampangan speakers, but ethnically, a mix of Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Tagalog. While it is the economic and educational center of Tarlac, it is a rather small provincial city, with little in the way of sights, and is more of a stopover for long-distance buses.
Get in
The city's nearest airport is Clark International Airport in Angeles, but it takes time to transfer to a bus to Tarlac City.
By bus
Most buses to Ilocos Region stop at Tarlac City, except some services (usually Baguio-bound buses) which bypass the city via the new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.
- Victory Liner buses between Manila and Dagupan or Alaminos and vice versa regularly stop at Tarlac City. Northbound services stop at a sheltered bus station behind the Motorway diner restaurant, while southbound buses stop at the Siesta Travel Break bus station, shared with other bus operators.
By car
The Subic-Clark-Tarlac and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressways (or SCTEX and TPLEX, respectively) serves the city through one exit found at both expressways' termini at barangay Balingcanaway. The northbound exit from SCTEX is undergoing reconstruction due to the ongoing Central Luzon Link Expressway interchange.
Get around
See
- Hacienda Luisita. 11AM-9PM. A sugarcane plantation that is the center of landmark decisions on land reform in the Philippines. Straddling the boundaries of the nearby municipalities of La Paz and Concepcion, It used to be a Spanish-owned tobacco plantation until it was turned over to the Filipino-Chinese Cojuangco family (the family of Corazon "Cory" Aquino). An operational azucarera (sugar factory) inside the hacienda, the Central Azucarera de Tarlac is declared a National Historical Landmark. At the entrance to the estate is a preserved steam locomotive used to haul cars of sugarcane into the factories. 2020-04-02
- Aquino Presidential Center and Library. 2020-04-02
- Tarlac Cathedral (San Sebastian Cathedral), Tanedo Street. A Neo-Gothic style Catholic church, rebuilt from one destroyed during World War II. It was built in the late 17th century by the Augustinians, while the present buildings date from late 1940s onwards. 2020-04-02
Do
- Kart City, MacArthur Highway (A few meters from the Victory Liner station and SM City Tarlac), 15.47799°, 120.59667°. 10AM-1:30AM. Two outdoor karting tracks, with an attached eatery and bar. 2020-04-02
- Luisita Golf and Country Club, 15.432471°, 120.618280°. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., this 18-hole championship course has been renovated so you can enjoy it in any weather, all year round. There are water areas all around coupled with great landscaping which is breathtaking. It's quite an easy course although wind is sometimes a factor. It is listed in Golf Magazine's Top 100 Golf Courses in the World. There are no crowds, no waiting, and best of all very private. The golf course is open to registered guests of Central Park Hotel. 2020-04-03
Buy
- SM City Tarlac, MacArthur Highway, San Rafael (Near the provincial bus stops). 2020-04-03
Eat
Drink
Sleep
There are many accommodations in Tarlac City:
- La Maja Rica Hotel, Brgy. Ligtasan
- Hotel Sogo, Brgy. San Sebastian
- Asiaten Hotel, Brgy. San Sebastian
- Gran Prix Express Inn Tarlac, VLI Compound San Roque Junction, +63 45 982 4576. Gran Prix gives you the privilege to travel around Tarlac province and its capital, Tarlac City. The friendly staff will welcome your friends and family with the best excellence of service. From
- Microtel Inn and Suites, Luisita Estate, +63 45-985-1770. 50 rooms equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, and radio clock. Some of its facilities and services are meeting room, Wi-Fi access in the lobby, and complimentary free-flowing coffee. From US$31.62
- Luisita Central Park Hotel, Luisita Business Park, Hacienda Luisita, San Miguel, +63 459851924. This hotel is known for its stylish rooms and its strategic location inside the Luisita Business Park within Hacienda Luisita. The hotel is near the Luisita Industrial Park and the Luisita Golf and Country Club. From 2021-10-24
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