Three Things To Do in Tarlac for a Day (Tarlac Recreational Park + Monasterio de Tarlac + Kart City Tarlac)

While thinking of a fun place where my office mates will enjoy, Tarlac came across the picture. It seemed to be the perfect setting where we can bond at low cost.

First, we went to Tarlac Recreational Park to enjoy some thrilling adventures. The brave hearted ones immediately tried the dune buggy drive which costs 300 pesos per 20-minute-ride.

There was adrenaline rush as I competed with the boys in our office. It was like drive a small automatic car driven in a rocky road. We were all dusty yet giddy as we drove around the 78 hectare recreational park.

I totally enjoyed the dune buggy and I attested the fun by riding it for three consecutive times. The last one was with my sister who was celebrating her masteral degree at that time. She was so afraid that she might fall but I assured her that I was already expert by memorizing the track of the dune buggy. At the end, we both made this experience a very notable one.

Another ride we tried was the kayak which costs 50 pesos per 30-minute-ride. Though it was too sunny, my office mate and I toured the whole man-made lake there.

This activity made my office mates curious that they wanted to have unlimited try. All of us were hooked in this classic archery. The personnel were so kind to teach us the basics and share the 30-minute coaching and archery time.

I got so hyped that I got a high score on my second try.

It was around lunch time when we decided to bid goodbye. We felt so accommodated by the people in the recreational park. They let us borrow their giant letters for our photo shoot. Big thanks to them that we enjoyed our half-day-adventure there!

Here is the list of other fun activities available in the park.

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If you want to visit Tarlac Recreational Park, it is located in San Jose, Tarlac and it is open fromTuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You may take the South Luzon Expressway/R-3, R-8 and North Luzon Expressway or Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) then Exit 118 and continue to Luisita Access Road in Tarlac City. You may also contact them for advanced booking thru (045) 493-2471 or 09178579208 or 09998853981. You can also visit then Facebook page or website for other references.

Next stop is the Monasterio de Tarlac which is a few minutes away from Tarlac Recreation Park. It was established by the Servants of the Risen Christ and situate on the mountain top where the 30-foot statue of Risen Christ can be seen. Many pilgrims visit its chapel since it holds a relic of the True Cross where Jesus was crucified.

We also climbed a hill to see this beautiful grotto and pay our prayers to Mama Mary.

We did not miss our chance to take a photo of the view below it.

We were also stunned by the castle-like place for the religious figures found in the monastery.

And as we inquired our way towards the highlight of the place, we rushed and took a selfie with the Risen Christ. The feeling was like we were transported to Rio de Janeiro to capture this blissful moment. We were so thankful and blessed that we saw the Risen Christ in the Philippines.

This is the scenic view that the Risen Christ is embracing everyday.

For those who want to attend the mass in the monastery, here is the schedule.

To reach the monastery from the recreational park, drive for 34 minutes along the Lubigan Barangay Road. The road may be steep but it all worth it.

We called our day by ending it in Kart City Tarlac (KCT). It is an hour away from the monastery. From the Luibigan Barangay Road, you may continue on Romulo Highway or Tarlac-Pangasinan Road then rive to Mac Arthur Highway or Manila N-Road or Maor or R-9 in Tarlac City. KCT is near SM Tarlac.

You may avail the kiddie kart for 120 pesos and new euro/twin seater kart for 250 pesos per 5-minute-ride. It may be a little time but for us who experienced it, the ride was one of the best 5 minutes of our life.

For those who do not want to be a kart driver, they can enjoy the KTV for 1800 pesos or even eat around the area which is filled with different restaurants as well.

KCT is open from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM on weekends.

All in all, our whole-day-trip in Tarlac was super cool and memorable. We saw the different sides of our office mates and relived our youth days there. Now, I can plan well for our next trips or team building activities ahead.