Isdaan Floating Restaurant | Gerona, Tarlac | An oasis at the middle of nowhere



Isdaan means a fishpond in the local language



Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a fine looking place that weary travelers might often overlook as they pass thru MacArthur highway going to the Northern provinces or back to manila coming from the north. Being here is like being in a place warped from several locations in and outside the Philippines.

 
Right outside there are gargantuan clay statues.

Where's Lara Croft? These look like guardians in a tomb

Inside there are even more statues ranging from hooked fishes, monkeys, emperor penguins, Buddhas, a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex and even the incredible hulk.

Mumble, Gloria is mine!

Who wouldn't think this was taken in Thailand?

A more popular tourist attraction in this restaurant is the Tacsiyapo Wall. Where else can you hurl stuff at the wall without being scolded or feeling guilty from breaking them?

Somehow 'Professors/Classmates' looks to be the one with the most hit

There are also challenges that provide freebies to tourists. There’s one where if you cross a narrow bridge you get to have a kilo of fish for free. The catch? Well, if you fall, you’d be swimming with those fishes in water that is between 6-9 feet J

Aptly named. Crossing this bridge give brave souls a kilo of fish

The dining experience is native-themed with an ambiance of huts and even live entertainment. The place according to research is often full and food orders might take some time to prepare. Average budget for a good meal would be from P300-P350/head. Bring cash because they might not yet accept credit cards. When bringing hyperactive kids, make sure to ask for assistance to have them wear life vests as the waters can be deep

Too bad no one had time to dine for this trip because it was already late. Isdaan is definitely one of the places on the stokedtraveler’s list to revisit someday.

A flock of birds flew by just as the travelers were about to leave.
It was postcard perfect!

How to get to Isdaan Floating Restaurant:

Take NLEX, SCTEX, exit at Tarlac, turn left going to Tarlac City proper and Hacienda Luisita then right on MacArthur Highway. Continue until you reach Gerona where the restaurant can be seen on your left. Travel time is about an hour from NLEX Dau exit entering SCTEX.

When commuting, you can probably take your chances by riding Baguio bound buses and ask to drop you at Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac. A little inconvenient for food tripping alone :(