ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY FESTIVALS NEARBY
ABOUT
Designated as Region III, Central Luzon is an administrative region located in the island of Luzon. It comprises seven provinces with seven cities, two of which are independent cities.
Location
Best Time to Visit
For the best combination of agreeable temperatures of around 27° C (80° F) and as little rain as possible, the best time to visit this region is between February and March. The first months of dry season can still be rainy, while the last months are usually pretty hot and humid.
Fast Facts
Area: 22,014.6 km² (8499.88 mi²)
Population: 11,699,300
Density: 472/km2
Regional Center: San Fernando, Pampanga
Languages: Kapampangan; Pangasinan; Sambal; Ilocano; Filipino; English
Provinces:
REGION 3 – Central Luzon
PROVINCE | LAND AREA KM2 | POPULATION |
---|---|---|
Aurora | 3,147.32 | 235,800 |
Bataan | 1,372.98 | 853,400 |
Bulacan | 2,796.10 | 3,708,900 |
Nueva Ecija | 5,751.33 | 2,310,200 |
Pampanga | 2,062.47 | 2,437,800 |
Tarlac | 3,053.60 | 1,503,500 |
Zambales | 3,830.83 | 649,700 |
Total | 22,014.6 | 11,699,300 |
Cities: (14) Angeles; Olongapo; Tarlac; San Fernando; Malolos; Balanga; Palayan; Meycauayan; San Jose del Monte; Cabanatuan; Gapan, Muñoz; San Jose; Mabalacat
Barangays: 3,102
Major Industries:
- Crops (Palay, Corn, Banana, Mango, Tomato, Tobacco, Coconut)
- Food Processing
- Mass Transportation Operation
- Aqua Culture
- Mining
Getting Here
The best way to get to Central Luzon depends on where you’re traveling from and your budget.
The fastest and most convenient method of travel a far distance in the Philippines is most often by plane, however in some cases, traveling by sea or land may be a better option and more cost-effective.
Use the following online service to determine the various transportation options available to you based on your point of departure and your destination.
Getting Around
The following are the modes of transportation available in this region.

Bus

Car for Hire

Car Rental

Jeepneys

Shuttle

Taxi

Tricycles

Motorcycles

Bicycles
Suggested Budget
Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily. Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.
BEST NO-FEE INTERNATIONAL DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS
SEE & DO
- Cemento Beach
- Giant Lantern Festiva
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
- Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival
- Welcome to A Tranquil Day on The Road
EAT & DRINK
- Baler Suman (Aurora)
- Batotay and Cabanatuan longganisa (Nueva Ecija)
- Betute tugak (Pampanga)
- Bignay Wine (Aurora)
- Bignay wine (Bataan)
- Bonete (Tarlac)
- Bringhe (Pampanga)
- Buro (Pampanga)
- Carabao milk (Nueva Ecija)
- Chicharon (Bulacan)
- Duman (Tarlac)
- Ensaymadang Malolos (Bulacan)
- Hu tieu (Bataan)
- Inipit (Bulacan)
- Jam and dried mango (Zambales)
- Kakanin (Pampanga)
- Kamaru (Pampanga)
- Lobsters in Dingalan (Aurora)
- Longganisang Calumpit(Bulacan)
- Longganiza de Baler (Aurora)
- Mango nectar (Zambales)
- Mango pie and cookies (Zambales)
- Mango tart (Zambales)
- Mango wine (Zambales)
- Minasa (Bulacan)
- Nilupak (Nueva Ecija)
- Pako (Aurora)
- Pastillas de Leche (Bulacan)
- Peanut Butter (Aurora)
- Polvoron from Casa San Miguel (Zambales)
- San Nicolas cookies (Pampanga)
- Sisig (Pampanga)
- Sukang Bulacan (Bulacan)
- Tibok-tibok (Pampanga & Tarlac)
- Tilapia ice cream (Nueva Ecija)
- Zambales mangoes (Zambales)
WHERE TO STAY
Where to Stay in Central Luzon Region
Use the following online resources to determine the best place for YOU to stay when visiting the Central Luzon region.
Book Online & Save Money
Book your room with these trusted online booking sites. Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive. We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
- Obando Fertility Rites
- Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival
- San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival
WHAT’S NEARBY
READ MORE: 17 Regions of the Philippines (with map)
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