The eruption in 1991 that has totally wiped out the villages at the foot of Mount Pinatubo is commemorated yearly with a trekking event that was joined by local and foreign visitors. Every 30th of November, participants would board their vehicles and drive for an hour going to the crater of Mount Pinatubo, would donate some of their resources for the rehabilitation of local infrastructures, an attraction that has gained enormous appeal. At the top of the now dormant volcano, where you can see the spectacular view of numerous mountain springs and the gushing waterfalls around the nearby areas. This is really an experience to remember as when you look down at the uninterrupted vista of the mud covered landscapes you will wonder at the havoc that was created by the eruption.

Tarlac is rich in historical landmarks with The Capas National Shrine, the Capas Death March Marker and the Sto. Domingo Death March Marker are all testimonies of the sufferings endured by the thousand of Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the tragic Death March in World War II. The Tarlac Provincial Capitol building that was built in 1906 has captivated the attention of tourist as the old world beauty of the building was further enhanced by the Maria Cristina Park named after 1952 Miss Philippines Maria Cristina Galang, a Tarlac beauty while the San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City is the location of the revolutionary congress.

Aside from Mt. Pinatubo that has been a constant wonder to local and foreign visitors, the Dolores Hot Spring in Tarlac City and the Bueno Hot Springs in Capas are both famous tourist destinations because of the water that is believed to heal a lot of ailments. The Anao Quinabutok Creek is a must to visit for a picnic site that offer travelers enjoyable fishing and swimming opportunities.

Tarlac is the home province of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and the former president Corazon Aquino. Considered to be the Melting Pot of Central Luzon, Tarlac is a combination of four ethnic groups – the Tagalog’s, the Ilocano’s, the Pangalatok’s and the Kapangpangan’s. Because if this, Tarlac is known to have varied cuisines carried by the settlers from their place of origin. The province is also well known for agriculture and farming in rice, sugar cane, fruits and other crops. The Luisita Golf and Country Club is touted to be one of the best in the country with its 18-hole championship course. Designed by the famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the golf course features slopes, lagoons and clear water twisting through well tended lawns.

When you are in the mountain province you will have the unobstructed and serene view of mountains upon mountains, smell the fresh air sweetly scented by the pine trees; take a dip in the ice cold water in one of the lagoons, be captivated by the colorfully woven native costumes and see one of the most sought after tourist attractions…the hanging coffins on the steep, precipitous cliff walls.

Mountain Province is considered to be one of the most interesting places to tour these days, not only because of its spectacular views but also because of the culture and tradition of the people that remained untouched by the Spanish and American influence.
Mountain Province with Bontoc as its capital, is tagged as “Weavers Paradise” as different weaving centers would create unique designs that indicate the province’s cultural heritage. The interesting culture of the Igorots coupled with the creepy and mystic tourist spots have made this province one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. One culture example is the Dap-ay where old men from a tribe sits around and discusses the politics of the whole community. The underground streams of the Sagada Caves with its natural ice cold water pools and shimmering stalactite and stalagmite formations are definitely a must-see. In Sumaging Cave, also known as the big cave, you will be amazed at the sheer magnificence of the larger than life rock formations that are named like the rice granary, the cauliflower, the kings, curtains and the dancing hall. Another weird point of interest is a stone with footprints said to be footprints of Lumauig, the god of the Igorots. Near the footprints is Paikot Aso, a stone that looks like a sleeping dog.

The Alab Petroglyph is a giant rock etched with bows and arrows and human beings. It is believed that the inscriptions portray fertility rites. Others though, believe that the human beings were the warriors buried in the caves. The Cagubatan enchanted eels that thrive in the spring can not be eaten as they are considered sacred by the people. Centuries old hanging coffins on sheer limestone karts cliffs in Sagada is a mute testimony of the people’s mystic past. It would be interesting to note that only married people with children can be buried this way.
Nature loving tourists will surely be awed by the Rice Terraces that were reputed to be hand made by the Igorots centuries ago from rocks and mud that were carted from river beds. This man made mini stairways to the sky is a favorite tourist destination as it is considered as one of the 8 wonders of the world.
Mountain Province is a world famous tourist destination. Accommodations will not be a problem as bed and breakfast guest houses abounds. Also, hotels have very competitive prices. A tourist though would need to have reservations especially during the summer months when tourism is at its peak.

Mountain Province, just like any province in the Philippines has their own share of festivals. The most celebrated though is the week long Lang-ay Festival that features street dancing competitions, agro-industrial fairs, sports competitions and indigenous games like pounding rice competition.