The Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam Reveals a Sunken Old Town

For travellers chasing unique and underrated destinations, Nueva Ecija has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Pantabangan Dam, Asia’s third-largest dam, isn’t just a hub for water activities like jet skiing, kayaking, and rafting, during certain times of the year, it also reveals the sunken remnants of the old Pantabangan town. The sight of partially submerged buildings, roads, and landmarks has made this spot a must-see for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

The sunken old town of Pantabangan

On 26 Jul 2020, Pantabangeño Krystha Recio found the site in a completely different light. Evident in their photos that quickly went viral, Krystha and her sister Kashiee captured a dry . Its low water levels paved the way for the re-emergence of the sunken old town of Pantabangan. 

Also read: Nueva Ecija’s Colosboa Hills Are a Lot Like Those in New Zealand!

Image credit: Kashiee and Krystha Recio Image credit: Janet Marcon Tagle Calapan

During summertime, the water level of the Pantabangan Dam decreases enough to reveal the cross of a sunken Catholic church. “Dati po, yung lumilitaw lang is yung krus,” Kashiee confirms. “Pero ngayon, lumitaw na rin po yung lumang sementeryo, bantayog ni Rizal, gate ng lumang school, at iba pa.”

Best places for viewing the Pantabangan Dam

Image credit: Janet Marcon Tagle Calapan

When the water level of the Pantabangan Dam is normal, the destination can look quite scenic. You can visit a number of Nueva Ecija hotels, like the nature-crafted ​​Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm and the luxurious Highland Bali Villas.

Also read: NLEX Lakbay Norte puts the spotlight on Nueva Ecija

The history of the

In 1973, the government announced the submersion of the old Pantabangan town to create one of the largest dams in Asia. The new has since supplied hydroelectric power and water irrigation to the farmlands of Central Luzon. 

Along with the construction of the , the town centre and seven other barangays were submerged. Submitting to this development, thousands of residents were forced to relocate to higher ground. 

As El Niño hit Nueva Ecija a decade later, some areas of the old town reappeared. But over the past few years, the old Pantabangan has remained sunken.

All photos credited to Kashiee and Krystha Recio.