MORE FUN IN PHILIPPINES CITIES

Reason No. 11 - Balanga City
LCP Secretariat



How to Get To Balanga City

Balanga City is 124 kilometers from Manila and can be reached by land within two to three hours. It can also be reached via a ferry boat service from Pasay City to Limay port with 45 minutes travel time and a 20-minute ride by jeep or bus going to the City proper.

Best time of the year to go and why:

1. April – For the month-long celebration of the city fiesta.
2. December – For the month-long celebration of Paskong Balangueno.

1. Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park - The newest tourism destination in the City is the first park in the Philippines that uses nature as an outdoor recreational museum and teaching aid for the residents and visitors. Located in Barangay Tortugas, it serves as a haven for wildlife creatures
2. World Class City Public Market - A modern facility that provides a memorable marketing experience to local consumers and tourists alike which is located in Barangay San Jose.
3. Saint Joseph Cathedral l - During the Japanese invasion, the Cathedral was used as an artillery emplacement to bombard Mt. Samat where the Filipino-American troops gave their last stand. It was later renovated by the first bishop of the diocese, Bishop Celso Guevarra DD, and made Saint Joseph, its patron saint
4. Surrender Site - Located in Balanga Elementary School ground, this site was used as a command post by Lt. Gen. Homma at the time of Bataan's Surrender wherein Major Gen. King and his party signed the documents for the surrender of the USAFFE forces in the Philippines under a mango tree on April 9, 1942
5. During April, the City is celebrating the Tuyo Laying / Drying Festival which highlights and showcases the world-famous tuyo or processed dried fish product. This has won numerous awards for Balanga City under the Department of Trade and Industry’s "One-Town, One Product" or OTOP. The annual festival is participated by all the coastal barangays in the City

1. Visit the City Wetland & Nature Park for a migratory bird-watching experience. This is the newest addition to bird-watching or birding sites being promoted by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP).
2. Experience the culinary treats with homegrown restaurants like J2 Fastfood Nook, Joyous Fishpond Resort, Lou-is Resort & Restaurant, Tangway Grill, etc. Try also the best palabok and kalamay at Aling Edios and Estrella's’ Eateries, both located in Barangay Cupang North, Balanga City.
3. Attend the month-long Pista Balangueno (April) and Paskong Balangueno (December) celebrations and feel the warmth hospitality of Balanguenos.
4. Buy pasalubong at the New City of Balanga Public Market and bring home a piece of Balanga through export-quality products like boneless tinapa (smoked processed fish), bagoong (shrimp paste), tuyo (dried fish) and araro cookies; and
5. Spend the night at local hotels such as Crown Royale Hotel, GAP Plaza Hotel and Hillside Garden Mansions or try an adrenaline-rushed adventure at La Vista Resort Inland Resort.

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122 REASONS WHY IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES