GETTING THERE

From Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija can be reached through Maharlika Highway via Bulacan towns or the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), or Tarlac-Pangasinan Expressway (TPLEx). Gapan City is the gateway to Nueva Ecija, from Manila via Maharlika Highway (passing through Baliuag and San Miguel towns in Bulacan). Bus fare is P150. Another route to Gapan is through NLEx either by way of San Simon exit or San Fernando exit in Pampanga, passing through Mexico town, and Cabiao and San Isidro towns in Nueva Ecija. Cabanatuan City is the business center about 115 kilometers from Manila. Bus fare is P185. It can be reached through Maharlika Highway or NLEx-SCTEx-TPLEx exits. From Cabanatuan, the five cities and 27 towns in Nueva Ecija can be reached by bus or jeepneys. The Science City of Muñoz is 146 km from Manila. Bus fare from Cabanatuan is P50. The shortest route to Minalungao National Park is from Gapan City, which can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes. Travelers taking public transport can go first to General Tinio town (jeepney fare: P30) and then hire a tricycle for a P300 to P400 roundtrip to the park. Palayan City, the provincial capital, is 14 km from Cabanatuan. A portion of Fort Magsaysay, the biggest Army camp in the country, is within Palayan City. Pantabangan Dam, the second biggest dam in the country next to Magat Dam in Isabela province, is in Pantabangan town, 176 km north of Manila.