I was back in Bataan, through an invite from the Tourism Office to cover Padyakan sa Bataan as well as to explore tourist spots and historical sites in the province.
It was a year ago when I also traveled within the province through a Press trip invitation from the Tourism Regional Office. At that time, we explored the provinces of Pampanga and Bataan. Since I came back to the province, I decided to update this blog post to include the sites that we’ve explored during our recent trip.
Here are the tourist spots and attractions you shouldn’t miss in Bataan.
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1. Bataan Tourism Center
This should be your first stop in exploring the province. Bataan Tourism Center will provide you all the necessary information about attractions to visit, activities, and also food to enjoy. This tourism information hub is open every day to cater to the needs and answer the questions of every tourist.
The awesome Bataan Tourism Team with fellow travel bloggers
This was also the first stop that we visited during our trip. We met there the staff of Bataan Tourism led by Ms. Paula Erika Gayeta and her team. We also witnessed the impressive showcase of the very best of what the province can offer. One thing that we truly enjoyed was their souvenir shop or the Pasalubong Center, showcasing the province’s best delicacies, products, and handicrafts.
Bataan Tourism Center also houses an Audio-Visual Room, Exhibit Hall, and the Provincial Tourism Office. This is the first stop to get all the necessary information needed for the trip, and also the last to buy your pasalubong.
Bataan Tourism Center
Address: Roman Superhighway, City of Balanga, 2100 Bataan
Phone: (047) 237 4785
Here’s a sneak peek of Bataan Tourism Center.
Bataan Tourism Center Map
2. Bataan World War II Museum
After having our lunch at Trihouse Restaurant, we traveled to our first historical site for the day – Bataan World War II Museum.
The place is located within the vicinity of Balanga Elementary School. So we passed through the school grounds until we reached the two-story structure. The museum serves as a tribute to all Filipino and American soldiers who sacrificed their lives last World War II during the Fall of Bataan, followed by the historic Bataan Death March.
Before we even entered the museum, Sir Alan Valbuena of Bataan Tourism showed us the “Surrender site marker,” a life-size statue of Major General Edward King when he signed the document stating that they were surrendering the Philippines to Japan on April 9, 1942.
In the museum, we were greeted by the staff. Before we could even explore the memorabilia of the war inside, they let us watch a video first detailing the story of how Bataan has fallen to the hands of the Japanese invaders.
It was an interesting video showing the timeline of the history and explaining the details in the simplest way possible.
On the first floor, we’ve witnessed a diorama of the Bataan Death March as well as some old arms and clothes used by soldiers during the war. I was amazed at how they were able to preserve these artifacts. To support the learning of the visitors, the walls are also filled with some paintings and writings about the important happenings during the war. Please be reminded that it is not allowed to take pictures in this place of the museum.
On the second floor, we’ve witnessed the riveting images of the people and children who suffered during the war. Beside this is a room dedicated to the memorabilia of the former first lady- Luz Banzon Magsaysay, wife of former President Ramon Magsaysay. It is filled with photos, clothes, furniture, and personal belongings of the former first lady.
Location: Jose Basa St, City of Balanga, Bataan
Map
3. Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor
I remember we were about to visit the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor during my press trip in Bataan last year with the Regional Tourism Office, but that didn’t push through. During that time, there was a huge event, and people were all walking going to Mt. Samat, and they didn’t allow vehicles.
This time, finally, I was able to visit this famous site in the province. It took us about 20 minutes of land travel before we arrived at the site. It was then that I realized that the cross was huge! And there are a lot of visitors at that time.
Masyadong maliwanag hahaha
Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor was built in 1970 as a memorial cross for the sacrifices and bravery of Filipinos who fought and perished during World War II.
There is an elevator inside this huge cross that would take you up for you to enjoy the 360-degree view of the Bataan Peninsula. It was a good way to enjoy the beauty of the province as well as to reflect and pay respect to the heroes of the past war.
Location: Pilar, Bataan
Map
4. Zero Kilometer Marker of Bataan Death March
If you’re looking for it, this is just located beside the Jollibee.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized this site as a historical shrine to commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of our heroes during World War II. The marker is located under a tree on the lush Bermuda grass. Then at the back, there are the flags of the Philippines and the US.
In this same spot was the start of the Bataan Death March on April 10, 1942, where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers perished. This shrine is a way to pay respect to all of our heroes who sacrificed for our freedom against the Japanese invaders.
Location: Ave of the Philippines, Mariveles, 2105 Bataan
To understand more about the Bataan Death March, here’s an explainer video from Simple History.
5. Sisiman Lighthouse
We weren’t able to visit the picturesque Sisiman Lighthouse, but I’ve already visited the place during my travel to Five Fingers Cove a couple of years ago.
Sisiman lighthouse is lightless after typhoon Pedring destroyed it in 2011, but it’s still a sight to behold, especially during sunset.
Sisiman Lighthouse
Location: Sisiman-Agwawan Beach Rd, Mariveles, 2105 Bataan
6. Five Fingers Cove and Laki Beach
It was a couple of years ago when I traveled to Mariveles to visit the booming summer destination at that time – Five Fingers Cove and Laki Beach.
The experience can not be considered island hopping because there was no island separated from the mainland that we explored. We hopped from one cove to another. Five Fingers Cove’s name was derived from its look on the map. When you try to check Google Maps, the location is similar to your fingers.
Mataas yan. talon ka? hehehe
This is a total adventure and summer getaway. We explored beaches, cliffs, and rock formations that it made me realized that hey, there is such a place like this in Mariveles? I was amazed by the natural charm and beauty.
Our last stop was Laki Beach, where we had our lunch and spent the entire afternoon. The beach was pristine, and we had a relaxing experience. I just hope that tourists will continue to protect this beach as I’ve recently been getting messages from readers that Laki Beach’s waste problem is getting worse. Well, that made me sad. I hope the owners would do some measures to protect the beach, and maybe they should also tap the help of the government to protect the beach.
Read the blog post: Five Fingers and Laki Beach Experience
Get a glimpse of Five Fingers Bataan in this video by Biyahe ni Drew.
7. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
I remember the first time I visited Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, a few years ago.
It was our company’s team building. I was just a regular working dude then, never in my life have I imagined that I would be a travel blogger. Seriously. I remember I was amazed by those old structures, but my appreciation has no depth. I find the structures beautiful, but my mind was not creative enough to appreciate its history. I’m glad that I’ve grown these past years.
The most memorable for me on that first visit was all the good times I had with my workmates until we got drunk. I had those moments when in the middle of the night, I would look out the window and see some “Guardia sibil” walking or women in Filipiniana. Then, I had that split-second confusion, Did we travel back in time? Was that a ghost? Then the logical part of my brain would kick in, “Oh, they’re the staff of Las Casas.
After five years, I’m back at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, as part of the travel writers invited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 for a press trip. And I can say that I am back as a grown person, better and matured, from a usual dude to a travel enthusiast and writer who appreciates and puts more value on culture and heritage.
I noticed there are lots of improvements in Las Casas. There are more structures, and the reception area was transferred from a small house to a vast mansion that can be reached after crossing a scenic bridge.
Las Casas simply brings you back to the past, especially during the Spanish colonial times. The old houses in the complex were acquired by the owner, Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, from various parts of the country, transferred to the complex, then meticulously rebuilt and restored. It took a lot of years before structures were built, and there is still a lot of construction going on.
Wow!
One of the most exciting activities you could try in Las Casas is the River Tour. It’s a cruise around the property on a balsa passing through a narrow canal surrounded by houses. We passed through some brick walls, verandas, and balconies that depict the old Manila. It was like a replica of estero during the old Manila. It’s sad that while I was enjoying the cruise, I couldn’t help but ask. What happened? Why weren’t we able to preserve these? If what I was seeing was accurate, the old Manila looked like the canals of Venice or other European countries.
Another excellent experience there is the Heritage Tour. I remember this was offered to us on my first travel to Las Casas years ago during our team building, but I didn’t participate because I was busy drinking. Hahaha! But now, I will not miss the chance to join the tour.
It all started at Casa Lubao. Then from one old house to another, the tour guide explained the houses’ history. Each house has a distinct story, worthy of being shared. We were already in the third house when I got a message from a fellow blogger that they were looking for me because it was time for lunch.
We traveled through the kalesa and toured the entire place. Then we had our lunch at Hotel De Oriente. This is just a replica of the original hotel, which was the first luxury hotel in Binondo during the Spanish colonial era.
What amazed us are the wooden sculptures with intricate designs surrounding the hotel’s lobby. It’s a perfect setting for any photo sessions.
We left Las Casas after lunch and traveled for a few hours going to Mt. Samat National Shrine. Unfortunately, there was this significant pilgrimage at that time, and they were not allowing vehicles to get in close to the spot. If we would insist on going there, we had to hike for a few kilometers.
Our guides decided not to pursue, so we traveled to Balanga, checked in at The Plaza Hotel explored more of Balanga by chilling at The Beanery Coffee Shop. Then, we had dinner at a local restaurant.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan 2107, Philippines
Direct Lines:+63 8774503 /+63 332 5286/+63 332 5338/
Mobile No.: +63 917 832 9361
Website: lascasasfilipinas.com
Email: reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
Explore Las Casas Filipinas with this video.
8. Balanga City (Christmas Season)
Tiangge
One of the best ways to discover more of a specific destination is to go to the market. At night, we went to the market and experienced the Christmas tiangge there. I bought 2 T-shirts, while my travel buddies bought clothes, slippers and many more. Fantastic, they have a shirt for my size. Hahaha!
We went back to our hotel fully satisfied with what Bataan has to offer – the scenery, history, and food. Thumbs up!
9. Bataan National Park
After our breakfast, we traveled to Orani, Bataan, for some nature trip.
Bataan National Park is a protected area in the mountainous part of the province. It has a total of 23.6 hectares of thick forest and mountains encompassing Orani, Hermosa, Samal, Abucay, Balanga, Bagac, and Morong.
But during that time, we explored the part of Orani in which the viewing deck of the Bataan National Park is located. This is situated on top of the mountain! Some hikers just trek going there, but for us, we went there through a 4 x 4, and it was a lot of adventure! It was a bumpy ride going there, but it was fun, and once we arrived, we were welcomed by this magnificent beauty of nature.
The structures of the viewing deck looked old but can still be renovated and used. There are some plans by the local Tourism office to renovate the place for the upcoming promotion of Orani as the next destination for nature lovers.
10. Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
We planned to have our lunch at the Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park located at the jump-off point for hikers and mountain climbers going to the view deck, Pasukulan Falls and Mt. Natib. This is a mountain resort with lots of spots overlooking the mountainous parts of Orani. But before that, the staff let us experience their amenities, some adventure activities like wall climbing, rappelling, and zip line!
I wasn’t able to try wall climbing because obviously, I am overweight. I know that if I tried wall climbing, I’d just be embarrassing myself. Hahaha! I need more time to get fit, and when that time comes, I’m going back.
Ang strong. LOL!
By the end of the activities, we all tried the zipline! Of course, having fear of heights, I still got scared a bit. I was able to do the zipline in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, so this will just be a piece of cake. Hahaha!
Our tour ended with a sumptuous lunch at the resort.
Bataan Travel Guide 2024
How to get to Bataan?
Bataan is easily accessible from Manila, especially in bus terminals in Cubao through Bataan Transit, Victory Liner, and more. You can take a bus or drive for approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Where to Stay
Bataan offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From cozy beach resorts to boutique hotels and homestays, you’ll find a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration. Check the list of Bataan Beach Resorts.
Things to Do
- Explore History at Mount Samat – Visit the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) atop Mount Samat to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II. The panoramic view from the memorial is breathtaking, offering a glimpse into the province’s tumultuous past.
- Visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar – Step back in time at this heritage resort, which showcases meticulously restored Spanish colonial-era houses. Take a guided tour to learn about Filipino craftsmanship and architecture while strolling through cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings.
- Relax on the Beaches – Bataan boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or indulging in water sports at popular beach destinations like Morong and Bagac.
- Trek to Five Fingers – Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Five Fingers Cove in Mariveles. This series of cliffs and coves offers spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding islands. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes along the way.
- Savor Local Cuisine – Indulge in Bataan’s culinary delights, featuring fresh seafood, flavorful stews, and native delicacies.
- Discover Nature at Pawikan Conservation Center – Get up close and personal with endangered sea turtles at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong. Learn about conservation efforts and witness the release of hatchlings back into the wild during nesting season.
Tips for Travelers
- Stay Hydrated: Bataan’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, so remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen to stay protected from the sun.
- Plan Ahead: Some attractions may require advance booking or have limited operating hours, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance.
FAQ: Tourist Spots in Bataan
1. What is Bataan best known for?
Bataan is renowned for its historical significance during World War II, particularly the Bataan Death March. Moreover, it boasts of scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, mountainous terrains, and heritage sites that draw both local and international visitors.
2. Can you recommend top places to visit in Bataan?
Certainly! Some must-visit spots include:
- Mount Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan): A historical shrine that commemorates Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II.
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: A heritage park that offers a glimpse of old Filipino houses and showcases the country’s architectural past.
- Five Fingers Cove: A series of coves perfect for cliff jumping, trekking, and enjoying nature.
- Pawikan Conservation Center: A sanctuary dedicated to the protection of sea turtles.
3. Are there any beaches I shouldn’t miss?
Absolutely. Bataan has a rich coastline, and some standout beaches include Morong Beach, Camaya Coast, and Sisiman Bay. Each has its unique charm, with clear waters and scenic views.
4. What’s the best time of year to visit Bataan?
The best time to visit Bataan is during the dry season, from November to April. This period offers favorable weather conditions for touring and outdoor activities.
5. Is Bataan suitable for history buffs?
Definitely! Beyond Mount Samat, history enthusiasts can explore sites like Bataan World War II Museum, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker, and the heritage houses in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
6. How do I get around Bataan?
Public transport options include jeeps, tricycles, and buses. For convenience, you might also consider hiring a private car or van, especially if you plan to explore multiple spots in a day.
7. Where can I shop for souvenirs?
The Balanga Public Market and the areas around popular tourist spots have local stalls where you can purchase souvenirs like handcrafted items, local delicacies, and other keepsakes. You can also check out the Pasalubong Center at Bataan Tourism Center.
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One Comment
Nadine C.
November 13, 2019 at 9:31 amI found this very informative. Ang dami palang tourist spots na pwedeng puntahan sa Bataan. Will go there next weekend.