We've been traveling to the north every summer ever since I could remember. My family's province is in Bangued, Abra, then we later transfered to San Fernando La Union. And before all the EXes were built (SCTEX, TPLEX), I remember always passing by this restaurant in Tarlac with huge statues out front and have always wanted to try it. But we always used to ride the public bus so we couldn't really stop over. But as soon as we were already using our own car, we did finally get to go and I remember being in awe at how fun the whole place was. Filled with lagoons and huge amazing statues. it kinda made you feel like you were in a theme park!
Years later, we came back. This time, in their Nueva Ecija branch. And it was as fun as I remembered. In fact it was even more fun this time because Rain is already with us! Check out my quick video of our fun trip to Isdaan!
Tamad to read? Watch my quick short video!
The Place:
Isdaan Nueva Ecija is huge. It's got lot of eating areas and floating huts to accommodate lots of guests. Kids are in awe of the amazing huge structures as well as the swimming koi fishes everywhere!
Safety first!
Isdaan is famous for their floating villas. This make the experience even more unique! You can choose to eat in villas (for small groups) but they also have halls for bigger groups. (Note: This shot is actually from Isdaan Tarlac as I can be an airhead sometimes and forgot to take photos of the villas in Nueva Ecija branch haha)
I feel like I'm in Malaysia or Bangkok or something
Look! Up in the sky!
Walk wherever your feet takes you and you will see more egg-citing surprises!
Lots of chicken everywhere!
In Tarlac branch, there's even a kids hall called Bata Batuta where kids can be entertained with magic shows, and win free toys! (Every kid goes home a winner!)
But in Nueva Ecija, they have an undergroud bridge! It's a bridge submerged in their koi pond so that you and your kids can walk on it, feed the fishies, and feel the fishes swim by your feet! Since I was wearing jeans at that time, Rain's Tito Spanky was gracious enough to go with her and later on, her Tito Luke! Thanks Spanky and Luke!!! <3 Funny how Rain was scared at first and didn't like the feeling of the fishes touching her legs haha!
Back to Nueva Ecija branch, this train pulley thing is a fun activity for your kids! Not so much for the parent pulling this whole thing. Haha!
But don't worry! They got the adults covered! You can let yourself loose by the Taksiyapo corner. Here you can buy a mug or a plate, and smash it agains the wall to release that anger you've been trying to hide, or just for fun! If you want to feel like the Hulk, there's an old TV you can buy that you can carry and smash on the wall. I know I said "adult" but in the video, we let Rain try it! So cute!
The Food:
The food is good old fashioned Filipino cuisine, and really super delicious! That's why I think this is one of your best bet to take balik-bayans / foreigners for a good Pinoy feast.
Rice are served in mini kalderos! I love it! As a rice lover, I must have this multi-burner stove hehehe
This sizzling sisig us served in a long boat sizzling plate thingy.
Can't decide what to order? Get the platter!
This Patang Tinupig is one of the their original recipes. Super duper soft and tender and very tasty! How could it not be when it's slow-cooked and then simmered in coconut cream before being wrapped in banana leaves and then grilled? Oh my, my mouth's just filled with saliva.
The Patang Tinupig also has a chicken counterpart. The Lechon Tinupig Manok, which also turned out amazing!
It was a rainy night so this Bulalo was perfect!
I don't think we ordered enough...
Another reason why I believe this is a perfect place to take foreigners is because not only will you have a delicious Filipino feast, but you will also get serenaded by The Singing Cooks and Waiters. They're trained by a real singing coach and they really do have great singing voices! Performance level is way high too! They sing old tagalog favorites but can also sing updated international songs like ... wait for it.... Versace On The Floor! (ooooh take it off for me for me for me for me now giiiirl)
Plus you can dance and sing along with them! Fun!!! Go KTG Boys! I mean MEN!
If you're ever going on a roadtrip up north with the family, you need to plan a stopover at Isdaan. It's definitely a place where everyone will enjoy because of the very good food, and the fun entertainment.
Isdaan Floating Restaurant
Tarlac Branch:
National Hwy | Near Calamba, Calauan, Luzon 4001, Philippines
Nueva Ecija Branch:
Talavera, Nueva Ecija
Isdaan Floating Restaurant
Tarlac Branch:
National Hwy | Near Calamba, Calauan, Luzon 4001, Philippines
Nueva Ecija Branch:
Talavera, Nueva Ecija