Nueva Ecija Tourist Spots + Hotel and Food Options
When someone mentions top travel spots in Luzon, Nueva Ecija might not be the first to pop into your head for a weekend getaway near Manila. But don’t underestimate this underrated gem. This landlocked province is packed with charm, nature, and rich local culture. Even without beaches, Nueva Ecija knows how to give you a memorable trip.
Known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” Nueva Ecija offers more than just rice paddies and carabaos. Think waterfalls, scenic farms, lush mountains, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored. With so many Nueva Ecija tourist spots, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip before the current one ends.
About Nueva Ecija Province
Nueva Ecija is located in the northeastern part of Region 3, Central Luzon. It’s a landlocked province bordered by Pangasinan to the north, Tarlac and Pampanga to the west, Bulacan to the south, and Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya to the east.
Endless rice fields stretch across its plains, and you’ll often see farmers at work, water buffaloes strolling along, and harvest festivals in full swing depending on the season.
Nueva Ecija is composed of five cities and twenty-seven municipalities, making it one of the largest provinces in Central Luzon both in land area and political subdivisions.
The cities are Cabanatuan City, the commercial and economic hub; San Jose City, known for its agriculture and highland climate; Science City of Muñoz, home to premier research institutions; Gapan City, famous for its slippers and heritage sites; and Palayan City, which is the provincial capital.
Nueva Ecija Map
Municipalities include Aliaga, Bongabon, Cabiao, Carranglan, Cuyapo, Gabaldon, Gen. Mamerto Natividad, Gen. Tinio, Guimba, Jaen, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Lupao, Nampicuan, Pantabangan, Peñaranda, Quezon, Rizal, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Leonardo, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Talavera, Zaragoza, and Talugtug.
Top Nueva Ecija Tourist Spots to Visit
You’re here for the travel ideas, right? Here are the best tourist spots in Nueva Ecija that should be on your itinerary.
Minalungao National Park
This is probably the most well-known among all Nueva Ecija tourist spots—and for good reason. Picture emerald-green rivers, limestone cliffs, and floating bamboo rafts. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take a hundred selfies.
Don’t forget to bring your IslaDry travel bath towel. It dries super fast, rolls up small, and saves you from walking around soaking wet.
Pantabangan Dam and Lake
This scenic spot is ideal for boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. It’s quiet and peaceful, perfect for a weekend getaway. Families and friend groups love the open space and breezy vibe.
PhilRice Research Institute
Into educational trips or Instagram-worthy exhibits? Visit the PhilRice Research Institute. It’s more interesting than it sounds—you’ll learn about rice, farming, and Filipino agricultural innovation. The place even has large rice-themed installations that make great photo backgrounds.
Farm Villaronte
Photo from Farm Villaronte’s Facebook Page
Farm Villaronte, also known as Villaronte Agri-Tourism Park, is a picturesque flower farm located in Barangay San Francisco, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija. This vibrant destination features expansive fields adorned with sunflowers, marigolds, celosias, and zinnias, creating a colorful backdrop ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Dupinga River
Love gentle river currents and scenic nature views? Head to Dupinga River. If you want to go tubing or just sit by the rocks, this spot offers calm, relaxing energy. It’s a local favorite for good reason. Pack some snacks, bring your speaker, and prepare for a chill day. Don’t forget your portable bath towel.
Gabaldon Falls
If you’re into nature with a bit of a hike, this one’s for you. Gabaldon Falls offers a short trek and a refreshing reward at the end—a cool, cascading waterfall surrounded by greenery. The trail isn’t too challenging, so it’s perfect even for beginners. Again, pack your IslaDry towel because you’ll definitely want to take a dip.
Other Tourist Destinations in Nueva Ecija
Can’t get enough of Nueva Ecija? Here are more must-visit places in Nueva Ecija:
■ Lumang Gapan (Old Gapan or “Little Vigan”) – Gapan City
■ Sierra Madre Mountain Range Viewpoints – Gabaldon
■ Mt. Sawi – Gabaldon
■ General Tinio Hanging Bridge – General Tinio
■ Aulo Dam – Palayan City
■ Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation – Palayan City
■ Camp Pangatian Memorial Shrine – Cabanatuan City
Where to Stay in Nueva Ecija
After a day of visiting Nueva Ecija tourist spots, you’ll need a good place to rest. Luckily, Nueva Ecija offers a lot of places to stay, especially in Cabanatuan City. Here are the best hotels in Nueva Ecija:
■ Harvest Hotel – Cabanatuan City
■ Microtel by Wyndham – Cabanatuan City
■ Top Star Hotel – Cabanatuan City
■ Acropolis North Water Camp & Resort – Cabanatuan City
■ Villa Esmeralda Bryan’s Resort – Talavera
■ Armando's Garden Resort and Hotel – San Leonardo
■ The Mansion Hotel – Gapan City
■ Batis Asul Resort – Palayan City
■ La Parilla Hotel – Cabanatuan City
■ Villa Liza Resort – San Jose City
■ Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm – Pantabangan
■ Rio Verde Floating Cottage and Resort – Pantabangan
■ Midland Plaza Hotel – Cabanatuan City
■ Grand Touring Hotel – Cabanatuan City
If you prefer a homier vibe, check out Airbnb Cabanatuan listings, homestays, and transients nearby. These give you more flexibility—cook your own meals, chill on a veranda, or just enjoy the comforts of a temporary home.
Please remember to bring your own toiletries, travel essentials, and travel bath towels, as budget accommodations in Nueva Ecija typically don’t provide these amenities.
Best Places to Eat in Nueva Ecija
Food is half the reason we travel, right? Fortunately, Nueva Ecija serves up some amazing dishes you won’t want to miss.
Nueva Ecija’s cuisine blends Ilocano and Kapampangan flavors, creating a unique food experience. Their longganisa and batutay (a sweet, garlicky beef sausage) are legendary. Add native delicacies and rice-based snacks to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a full-blown food trip.
Here are the top restaurants in Nueva Ecija:
■ Hapag Vicentico’s – Cabanatuan City
■ Bistro 360 – Cabanatuan City
■ Liquid Bar and Resto – Cabanatuan City
■ Kamayan Food Park – Cabanatuan City
■ N.Y.O.R.K. Café – Cabanatuan City
■ Luz Kitchenette – Gapan City
■ Rustica Restaurant – Gapan City
■ Isdaan Floating Restaurant – Talavera
■ Hillocks Coffee Shop and Restaurant – Pantabangan
■ Casa Poblador Restaurant – Pantabangan
■ CLT Café – San Leonardo
■ Irma's Grill & Restaurant – San Leonardo
■ Blessy's Cuisine and Garden Café – Cabiao
■ Curvada Filipino Restaurant – Santa Rosa
■ Lechonero's Grill – Science City of Muñoz
■ Nikki's Restobar – San Jose City
■ Cheska's Refreshment – Guimba
Don’t forget the tilapia ice cream, an unusual yet surprisingly delicious treat that originated in Central Luzon State University in Muñoz.
Delicacies and Pasalubong in Nueva Ecija
No Filipino trip is complete without pasalubong. Luckily, Nueva Ecija delivers on that front, too. Here’s where to buy pasalubong in Nueva Ecija:
■ Edna's Cakeland – Cabanatuan City
■ Aling Beth Baliwag Special Pasalubong – Cabanatuan City
■ One Town One Product (OTOP) Pasalubong Center – San Jose City
■ Negosyo at Pasalubong Center – San Jose City
■ Gabaldon Pasalubong Center – Gabaldon
■ NEUST Pasalubong Center and Coffee Shop – Gabaldon
■ Aying’s Homemade Pastillas – Cabiao
■ Milka Krem – Science City of Muñoz
How to Get to Nueva Ecija
Planning a trip to see all the awesome Nueva Ecija tourist spots? Good news. Getting there is super easy, even if you're not the most seasoned traveler.
By Bus from Manila
From Manila, you can ride a bus to Cabanatuan. Bus companies like Genesis, Five Star, and Baliwag Transit offer daily trips.
Travel time is usually 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and what time you leave. If you want to avoid the rush, leave early in the morning or late at night. You’ll arrive in Cabanatuan refreshed and ready to explore.
Via Private Vehicle from Manila
From Manila, take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and connect to SCTEX (Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway). After that, take the exit toward Aliaga or Cabanatuan. The roads are generally smooth, and there are plenty of stops along the way if you want to grab coffee or snacks.
Using a navigation app like Waze or Google Maps is a smart move. Just type in your destination—whether it's a hotel in Cabanatuan, a Nueva Ecija resort, or a specific tourist spot—and follow the turn-by-turn directions.
Check out our road trip essentials checklist here so you won’t forget to bring the things you need for your vacation.
From Northern or Central Luzon
If you're from Northern or Central Luzon, you can also travel via Tarlac or Pangasinan and connect to Nueva Ecija through local roads. Public vans and jeepneys are available in neighboring towns, though they might not be the most comfortable for long rides.
Explore Nueva Ecija Today
There’s so much more to Nueva Ecija than rice fields. From waterfalls to historical parks, hotels in Cabanatuan to the best restaurant in Cabanatuan City, and unforgettable local delicacies—this province deserves a top spot on your travel list.
So pack your bags and plan your route. Happy travels!
Click here for more road trip destinations near Manila.