Last February, I celebrated my 35th birthday and wanted to take my mom somewhere a little farther from our home in Quezon City for a quick and relaxing escape. That’s when I decided to try Reca Farm and Resort in Porac, Pampanga—popularly known online as “The Bali of Pampanga.” The photos, the ambiance, and the overall vibe instantly drew me in.
A few months later, just this May, my high school friends and I planned a spontaneous summer weekend getaway. One of them suggested Reca Resort, and since I had already stayed there and thought it was a great spot, we booked one of their private villas for an overnight stay.
This blog post is a combined review of my two separate visits – one with my mother and another with my high school friends. I’ll share Reca Resort prices, the differences between their cabins and villas, my experience at the Reca Restaurant, and exactly how to get to Reca Farm and Resort from Manila.
Reca Resort Price & Accommodation Overview
Reca Farm and Resort offers two main types of stays:
- Accommodations With a Shared Pool – These include the cabin-style rooms, perfect for couples or small groups. Most cabins are designed for two guests, so the shared pool rarely feels crowded.
- Villas With a Private Pool – These are ideal for bigger groups. Some villas are located within Reca Farm and Resort, while others are part of Reca Resort 2, which has slightly different rules—most notably, outside food is allowed.
For clarity:
- Reca Farm and Resort → No outside food allowed
- Reca Resort 2 → Outside food allowed
Please double-check rates and policies directly with Reca, as I am not affiliated with them.
recreational area at day and night
The following cabins share the same swimming pool. Most are designed for just two guests, so you don’t need to worry about the pool getting too crowded.
These cabins share one common swimming pool. They’re also conveniently located near the recreational area, where live bands perform at night, and a badminton court is available in the morning. From this area, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Arayat, a potentially active stratovolcano in the Philippines.
- Pool view 1
- Pool view 2
- Cabin A1
- Cabin A2
- Cabin A5
- Cabin A6
- Cabin B1
- Cabin B2
- Cabin C1
- Cabin C2
Cabin C1 (My Birthday Stay)
We booked Cabin C1 for ₱2,499. It’s located on the opposite side of Pool View 1 and 2, placing it by the deeper end of the shared pool. Guests staying at these cabins also share a common washroom.
Despite the hut-style exterior, the cabin is fully air-conditioned—no need to worry about the Pampanga heat.
As mentioned earlier, the cabins are near the recreational area, shared pool, and the restaurant. They’re also just steps away from the foot spa where tiny fish nibble at your feet (it tickles, be warned 😅). You’ll also see their birds right by the parking lot.
Cabin C1 and Pool View 1 and 2
Villa type (Private Pool)
For larger groups or those wanting a more luxurious stay, Reca Resort 2 offers private villas with their own pools. These villas are ideal for families, friends, or anyone who wants more space and privacy. Unlike the cabins at Reca Farm and Resort, guests here are allowed to bring outside food—perfect for group gatherings.
Some villas are located close to the Reca Restaurant, while others are slightly further away within Reca Resort 2, giving you a more private experience.
Bali Villa Reca 2 – Trip with Friends
For our summer trip, we booked the Bali Villa at Reca Resort 2 for ₱16,999, which comfortably accommodates 8–10 people. We had three extra guests—all five years old—and paid ₱750 per child. Adult extra guests are charged a higher rate.
The villa has a spacious living and dining area. It doesn’t come with a formal dining setup—there’s just a table and a few monoblock chairs. Cooking is possible, but there’s a ₱1,000 fee for gas if you use the kitchen. The villa provides minimal equipment: 1 wok, 1 rice cooker, and 1 knife (request them in advance). Bring your own utensils, plates, and glasses to make mealtime easier.
If you prefer not to cook, you can order via GrabFood or take a short 1–2 kilometer walk to the Reca Restaurant.
Villa Rooms & Amenities
- 2 rooms, each with 2 king-size beds
- Private washrooms for each room
- Towels, shampoo, and body soap provided
- A 3×8 meter pool (I’m 162 cm tall and the water reached my shoulders/neck)
- A separate kids’ pool
How to got to Reca Farm and Resort from Manila
Reca Farm and Resort is located at Porac, Pampanga. Driving is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group or carrying luggage.
Also read: Los Arcos de Hermano, Bulacan
Via NLEX
- Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) northbound.
- Merge onto the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) via the Clark South Exit.
- Exit at Porac Interchange.
- Follow local roads to Manibaug Paralaya, Sinipit, Porac, where Reca Resort is located.
Alternate Route (No NLEX)
- Start from Manila (e.g., Quezon City, Manila proper, etc.)
- Take A. Bonifacio Ave. heading north until you reach Balintawak.
- Instead of entering NLEX, stay on the service road and follow signs going to Monumento or Valenzuela.
- Proceed on MacArthur Highway: Pass through Valenzuela, Malinta, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos. Continue on to Apalit, San Simon, San Fernando, and Angeles City.
- Once in Angeles City, head toward Porac, Pampanga: Use Fil-Am Friendship Highway or Friendship Circumferential Road. Follow signage to Porac. Continue to Manibaug Paralaya, Sinipit, where Reca Resort is located.
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 to 4 hours (depending on traffic conditions)
Distance: ~90–100 km
Toll Fee: None (since you avoid NLEX and SCTEX)
@9jammovesSpent my birthday peacefully wondering if i’ll ever get the life i want now that im already in my mid 30s 🥲♬ original sound – orianevansygent
Reca Facilities
Reca Resort has plenty of facilities to make your stay fun and relaxing:
- Reca Wellness Spa – massage is from ₱799 to ₱1,199.
- ATV Adventure – without trails is ₱700 for 30 minutes and P1,000 for with trail.
- Daily live acoustic – free, just dine in
- Fish spa – ₱249
- Floating breakfast – Good for 2 is ₱1,999 and ₱2,999 good for 4.
- Boodle fight – Good for 2 is ₱1,999 and ₱2,999 good for 4.
- Bed setup (for ocassions) – ₱2,000 to ₱3,500
- Fireworks on Sun – free, just dine in
- Restaurant
These facilities make Reca Resort suitable for both intimate family trips and group getaways.
Reca Restaurant
One of the first things you’ll notice at Reca Farm and Resort is their cozy restaurant, visible from the parking lot. Its open-air design and swing chairs give off a relaxing countryside vibe—perfect after leaving the city behind.
We loved the ambiance: quiet, inviting, and perfect for lingering over a meal. The food was hearty and delicious. On my birthday, we even had our dinner served right at the cabin by the poolside—such a chill way to end the day.
Tips:
- Reca Farm and Resort typically doesn’t allow outside food, but they kindly allowed us to bring a birthday cake.
- Cabins don’t have refrigerators, so consume perishable items right away or choose cakes that won’t melt easily.
- QR codes at the restaurant provide the full menu for easy ordering.
Why Reca Farm and Resort is Worth Visiting
- Beautiful accommodations: From cozy cabins to luxurious private villas with pools.
- Fun facilities: Spa, ATV rides, fish spa, floating breakfasts, and live music.
- Scenic views: Glimpses of Mount Arayat, well-kept gardens, and a relaxing countryside atmosphere.
- Great food: The Reca Restaurant provides hearty meals, and the staff is accommodating.
- Perfect for all types of trips: Family, friends, couples, or solo travelers.
Verdict
Overall, my visits to Reca Farm and Resort left me with nothing but positive memories. From the cozy cabins to the spacious villas, delicious restaurant offerings, and fun activities, it’s a place that truly combines relaxation and adventure.
If you’re planning your next Pampanga getaway, check Reca Resort prices, decide whether you want a shared cabin or a private villa, and use my guide on how to get there from Manila.
