A Guide to Bale Batu, the “Little Cambodia of Pampanga”

In the lush forests of Mount Arayat stands a majestic stone complex. Dubbed the “Little Cambodia of Pampanga,” Bale Batu has been captivating visitors for years.

An avid traveler herself, Maria Manila shared her photos of Bale Batu with TripZilla Philippines. As we were enchanted by Maria’s photos, we couldn’t help but learn more about this place. We discovered that while it resembles the magnificent Angkor Wat, the Little Cambodia of Pampanga has a fascinating story of its own.

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Little Cambodia in Pampanga: 40 years in the making

Unlike the Angkor Wat, which has served as a religious complex since time immemorial, Bale Batu was built for personal use. That said, the construction process took years; and the end result, a labour of love.

 Jesus Padilla, also known as Apung Susing, started building this little Cambodian temple in Pampanga in the ’70s. According to travellers, Apung Susing started constructing this house by hand, employing pulverised mountain rocks and cement. He chose these materials to keep their house fireproof.

Other than a shelter, Bale Batu was its homeowner’s expression of art. One wouldn’t miss Apung Susing’s creative touches to their home. And now that Bale Batu even has plants flourishing around — and even within — it, the home has become a tourist attraction itself.

Also read: 10 Things to Do in Cambodia Aside from Temple Tours!

Visiting Bale Batu

Bale Batu continues to function as a private property in Arayat, Pampanga, but the family has made it accessible to visitors for a small entrance fee, which is still ₱50 per person as of mid-2025. It's a popular destination for tourists, particularly among bikers and cyclists, who often include it as a stop on their routes.

For those planning a visit, a key tip for navigation is to search for "Gintung Pakpak Ecopark" on GPS, as Bale Batu is located nearby. For commuters, the most common route is to take a jeepney bound for Magalang from SM Pampanga, alight at Buensuceso, and then take a tricycle directly to Bale Batu. The destination's unique architecture, reminiscent of structures in Angkor Wat, and its tranquil setting continue to make it a popular side trip for those exploring Pampanga.

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Who would’ve thought that Pampanga held an enchanting structure tucked in an off-the-beaten path? This makes us even more excited to visit the many beautiful and underrated places in the Philippines soon!

All images credited to Maria Manila.