One among the first towns established in Pampanga with a rich and interesting history, Arayat might be the next top tourist destination to be considered as it can be deliberately described as a “vacation paradise.”
Arayat which existed between the 14th and 16th century was considered to be one of the most progressive settlements in Pampanga during the year 1571 and became a Spanish military fort in 1600.
Former President Manuel L. Quezon used to visit and celebrate his birthdays in the town in the mid-1930s, he even built a “Little Malacañang” and made several improvements in Arayat, particularly in Mt. Arayat, during his time.
The construction of Mount Arayat National Park, one of the oldest parks in the Philippines, began in 1933 which was initiated by former President Quezon.
Mount Arayat National Park, considered as one of the tourist spots in the country, is located at the foothills of Mt. Arayat at Barangay San Juan Baño, it is a nature and water park that has four swimming pools and several villas for tourist accommodations.
The entrance fees include P75 per pax for adults, P60 per pax for children and senior citizens, P100 per pax for foreigners. For cottages include P250 for small nipa hut, P1, 000 for family-size nipa hut, P250 for the small concrete hut and P300 for a big concrete hut.
A pavilion that is used for events is also available for P6, 000 with tables and chairs that can accommodate 200 persons and a viewing deck with tables and chairs as well that is good for 30 persons is also available for P3, 500.
The guesthouse that accommodates 20 persons is available for P5, 000 and villas also range from P1, 200 to P1, 700.
Tourists can also enjoy various activities here like a playground for children, campsite, and Boys Scout training grounds. It also has a pavilion that serves for events venue and cottages that surround the swimming pools.
The tourist spot is also proud of the water of its swimming pools that are replenished by a natural cold spring that comes directly from the mountain wherein one swimming pool was built directly below a waterfall.
Image Credit: Wikipedia.com
Aside from Arayat National Park, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church built in 1753 and Bahay Antigo or also known as Samia House which was constructed in 1895, considered historical and was the residence of the wealthy Santos family in Arayat during the Spanish colonial period, are also recognized as the landmarks of the town. Both located at Barangay Poblacion.
The monument of Gen. Jose Alejandrino, town hero and former Senator and Pampanga Governor, one of the contributors in La Solidaridad and member of the propagandist movement of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, can also be seen in front of the town municipal hall as an attraction and was built in honor of his bravery.
Multiple resorts, hotels, and lodging houses are also available at the humble and relaxing town of Arayat.
Located at Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, the town of Arayat is also rich with delectable dishes and tasty native delicacies with various local restaurants that can be found.
Some of its famous restaurants and eateries are Kabigting’s Halo-Halo, Erwin’s Sisigan, Balagtas Bread & Cake House, Fhinas Panciteria, Jurado’s 5, Agnes Pantig Puto Seko, Mercy Dizon Homemade Pastillas and Mommy Luvie’s Special Kakanin.
Arayat is also proud of its good governance by the local executives that attract more tourists at the vacation paradise.
Come and enjoy a breath of fresh air and tranquility with green nature all around as you visit the Municipality of Arayat, Pampanga!
