FIVE FINGERS COVE Adventure in Bataan (Trip and Itinerary)

This is getting a lot of attention in social media right now, and I know you’re also curious as to what this destination has to offer. Five Fingers Cove to Cove hopping (not island hopping) is packed with adventure and nature-tripping that you can enjoy in one full day. Most of all, this is just near Manila, about 4 hours of land travel.

This is located in Mariveles, Bataan, a province known for its history like the Bataan Death March, but Mariveles has definitely a lot more to offer aside from history and culture. Its rock formation and beaches will surely excite you for adventure and beach bumming.

Wondering why this was called Five Fingers? Our tour guide said this looks like five fingers when you check out its map. When I had a chance to get a decent internet connection after, I checked Google Maps and searched for five fingers in Mariveles, Bataan. I zoomed it out and there it is, the place with its series of coves really looked like five fingers! And it is just amazing that we were able to explore all coves in one day.

Also, in addition to the cove-to-cove hopping itself, our tour has some more side trips like visiting the Sisiman Lighthouse located at Sisiman Cove, hiking the Sisiman grotto (San Miguel grotto), enjoying the beauty of Laki Beach, and even having some photographs with what they call “Batanes of the west,” it’s a series of hills and mountains with a spectacular view of nature and sea.

Well, so let’s start this tour. We availed the service of a tour/event organizer for hassle-free travel since I was with Eloi, my girlfriend. You can actually do this DIY by traveling to Mariveles and renting a boat there. Below this article is a Travel guide, but for now, I’m going to show you our tour of this awesome place in Mariveles.

The side trips before the cove to cove hopping

It was 2:30 in the morning when we left Manila going to Mariveles. At about 6 AM, we arrived in Mariveles and off to our first stop.

Before the main adventure itself, we toured the town first and explored some of its spots. First, we visited Sisiman Cove with its picturesque Sisiman Lighthouse. Just before sunrise we took some pictures overlooking the vast sea first and went straight to the lighthouse. It was a good exercise for all of us that morning.

Sisiman Lighthouse seemed melodramatic in the morning. According to our guide, the place is now owned by a multinational company. By the look of its surroundings with its boulders and some machinery nearby, it is imminent that more infrastructures will soon be built.

After that, we were off to another adventure as we hiked a hill near the lighthouse. There is a grotto on top of it and a cross. Plus, it has a spectacular view of the sea and mountains. Hiking was not easy for Eloi and me but we loved what we witnessed at the top.

We had our breakfast at the Mariveles town proper, bought some food for our lunch, and off to the main event. That’s what I also expected, but before the exciting Mariveles Five Fingers Adventure, we made a quick stop at this series of hills, with a good spot for picture-taking, this is what they call “Batanes of the west,” The view was just stunning and we enjoyed taking photos.

Five Fingers Cove to Cove Hopping

We then traveled to what they call Porto at Barangay Balon, the jump-off point of the cove to cove hopping. I realized that island hopping is not a good term for this because we are just transferring from one cove to another. We’re not exploring islands.

We spent a few minutes there, putting on our life jackets or life vests, and then the adventure began.

Talain Cave / Cove

Just a few minutes from the port, we arrived at our first stop. It’s located at the tip of a cove and has some interesting rock formations. In the middle of it is a cave and a cliff.

Getting off the boat was a challenge because of the waves. You literally should be brave enough to face those waves that caused the boat to sway. Intense. Hahaha! After numerous attempts, we made it and got off the boat, and enjoyed the place. Looking at those rocks, well, the effort was worth it.

Just imagine what we’ve gone through to go back to the boat. Hahaha!

Apatot Beach / Cove

We got all excited when we were approaching a beach. Yes, it was time to swim and enjoy. Our guide said that it is called Apatot Beach, of course, located in Apatot Cove.

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It has an interesting gray sand, and the water was refreshing, but the bad side of this place is it doesn’t have any good trees or shade to rest. There’s only one tree there but it wasn’t enough. Our guide was pretty much aware of this so she said that we’ll just spend a few minutes there. So you know what to do when you have little time to explore a place. Take a lot of pictures! Hahaha!

Pulong Kwayan Cave or Bat Cave

It was just a cave surrounded by boulders and rock formations. I asked our guide, she said this is called the bat cave. Are there bats inside? She just shrugged. Maybe if you dare to swim further. But the best thing to enjoy this is swimming and snorkeling. Just don’t swim further inside the cave, in case you’re afraid of bats.

Tinanlakan Cliff Diving

This is the famous cliff diving spot in the entire Five Fingers adventure! The highest part is a 40 feet cliff which some of our brave travel companions tried. If you’re asking about me? I think we should just talk about the place. Hahaha!

Seriously, come on, I didn’t try it. I’m some kinda afraid of heights you know, besides you have to be a good swimmer if you dared to jump.

Nagbintana Arc

This is probably one of the most interesting parts of the adventure. There’s this huge rock formation, that looks like a façade of a church. It was so nice to look at while we were on the boat, but it was better if you finally had a chance to be with it up close.

It was another challenge getting off the boat but we were prepared for it. The place is surrounded by unbelievable rock formations. Aside from the huge main rock, we still discovered some sweet spots for you know, pictures. Hahaha!

Laki Beach

We ended our tour at the beautiful Laki Beach. It was another 30 minutes of boat ride going there and we were in awe when we were just approaching the beach. It’s white sand and the bluish color of the beach was irresistible.

We didn’t mind the scorching heat of the sun. We enjoyed the beach and took a lot of photos. For a detailed story about Laki Beach, check out this post, Laki Beach: New Getaway in Bataan.

After reading this post, I hope you’ll find Bataan an interesting tourist destination. This province has so much to offer from history, culture, and even nature tripping and awesome beaches!

Five Fingers DIY Itinerary, Budget, and Expenses

How to get to Five Fingers Cove?

I’ve you plan to experience Five Fingers Adventure DIY style, just ride a bus from Manila going to Mariveles. Bus companies like Genesis and Bataan Transit offer daily trips to Mariveles at their terminals in Cubao and Pasay. Fare is about 280 pesos.

The drop-off point is the bus terminal in Mariveles. From there, ride a tricycle going to Barangay Balon or what locals call Porto, the jump-off point of the cove to cove hopping. Tricycle fare is 75 pesos maximum of 4 persons.

Expect that some tour operators will approach you and offer their services. If you already have a contact, just ask them and you’ll be assisted. Boat rental costs PHP 2500 for a day tour and PHP 3500 for overnight.

NEW! Via Ferry from MOA Pasay to Mariveles

You can take a one-hour ferry trip from the MOA (Mall of Asia) sea terminal going to Mariveles, Bataan. The fare is PHP 499 and the schedule is at 11:30 AM. Once you arrive in Mariveles, take a tricycle going to the jump-off of the Five Fingers Cove Adventure.

You also have the option for an earlier ferry trip but it is not direct to Mariveles. This is via Orion at PHP450. Then you can ride a 45-minute free shuttle to Mariveles.  Then take a tricycle going to the jump-off. Book ferry here – 1Bataan

Five Fingers Cove, Bataan: A Quick Travel Guide 2026

Looking for a beach adventure that offers more than just swimming and relaxing on the sand? Five Fingers Cove in Mariveles, Bataan might be the trip you’re looking for.

This coastal attraction features dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, clear blue-green water, caves, beaches, and unusual rock formations. From above, its five land formations resemble the fingers of a hand, which is how the destination got its name.

Five Fingers is especially popular with barkadas and adventurous travelers because a typical tour may include island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, short hikes, cave exploration, and cliff jumping. It is definitely not your usual laid-back beach trip—you should expect to move around, climb rocky areas, and get wet throughout the day.

Where Is Five Fingers Cove?

Five Fingers Cove is located along the coast of Mariveles, at the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Mariveles is approximately 173 kilometers from Manila by road, although actual travel time depends heavily on traffic.

Most trips begin at the Porto or Porto del Sol area in Barangay Balon, which serves as one of the common jump-off points for boat tours. From the port, the first coves can be reached in approximately 20 minutes when the sea is calm.

How to Get to Five Fingers Cove

From Manila by public transportation

Take a bus bound for Mariveles, Bataan. Buses going to Mariveles commonly depart from terminals in Cubao and Pasay, but schedules and fares can change, so check directly with the bus company before traveling.

After arriving at the Mariveles bus terminal, take a tricycle to the tour registration or jump-off area in Barangay Balon. Tell the driver that you are going to the Porto or Five Fingers boat-tour jump-off point.

Once you arrive, register and arrange your boat. Walk-in boat rentals may be available, but booking with a local tour operator in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and the summer season. Some operators accept guests by reservation only.

By private vehicle

From Metro Manila, take NLEX and continue toward SCTEX before following the route to Bataan and Mariveles. Navigation apps can guide you to Barangay Balon or your tour operator’s designated meeting point.

Leave early because the drive can take around four hours or longer depending on your starting point and traffic. Confirm the exact parking and registration location with your tour provider before your trip.

What to Expect During the Tour

The Five Fingers experience is primarily a boat-based cove-hopping tour. The exact itinerary depends on your operator, the weather, water conditions, and the physical ability of your group.

Commonly visited attractions include:

• Nagbintana Arch, a photogenic natural rock formation
• Tinanlakan Cove, known for swimming and cliff-jumping areas
• Pulong Kawayan Cave, which may be explored when conditions permit
• Rocky viewpoints offering panoramic views of the coastline
• Quiet coves where you can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the scenery

Some tours combine Five Fingers with Laki Beach, where guests can have lunch, swim, rest, or stay overnight. A full Five Fingers circuit followed by beach time can take several hours.

Cliff jumping is one of the destination’s most exciting activities, but it is completely optional. Only jump from an area approved by your guide, wear a life jacket when instructed, and never attempt it when the sea is rough.

How Much Should You Budget?

The total cost depends on whether you book a joiner package or organize a private trip. Private boat rentals are usually more affordable when the cost is divided among several travelers.

Recent guides estimate boat charters for a Five Fingers and Laki Beach day trip at around ₱2,000 to ₱2,500 per boat, while tour operators may instead charge a per-person rate based on the size of the group. Entrance fees, meals, environmental charges, guides, life jackets, and transportation may or may not be included. Rates frequently change, so ask for a complete list of inclusions before paying.

Bring enough cash because ATMs and digital-payment options may not be available at the jump-off point or on the islands.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is generally during the drier months, when the sea is more likely to be calm. Summer offers sunnier beach weather, but weekends can become crowded.

Boat departures remain subject to weather, sea conditions, and Philippine Coast Guard clearance. Trips can be delayed or cancelled during strong winds, rough seas, typhoons, or gale warnings.

Starting the tour early in the morning is ideal. You get more time to explore the coves, avoid some of the midday heat, and return before late-afternoon sea conditions become unpredictable.

What to Bring

Bring light and quick-drying clothes, a rash guard, sun protection, drinking water, snacks, a waterproof phone pouch, a dry bag, and a power bank. Aqua shoes or sturdy hiking sandals are strongly recommended because several stops have sharp and slippery rocks.

You should also carry personal medicine, a small first-aid kit, insect repellent, extra clothes, and a trash bag. Food and supplies are limited once you leave the mainland, so do not depend on finding stores during the tour.

Sample Day-Trip Itinerary

1:00–2:00 AM: Leave Metro Manila
5:00–6:00 AM: Arrive in Mariveles and have breakfast
6:30 AM: Travel to the jump-off point
7:00 AM: Registration, orientation, and boat preparation
7:30 AM–12:00 PM: Five Fingers cove-hopping tour
12:00–2:30 PM: Lunch, swimming, and relaxation at Laki Beach, when included
3:00 PM: Boat ride back to the mainland
4:00 PM onward: Freshen up and travel back to Manila

Treat this as a sample only. Your schedule may change depending on the operator, group size, tide, and weather conditions.

Important Travel Tips

Book with a registered local operator and confirm the meeting point, boat capacity, inclusions, cancellation policy, and weather arrangements before leaving Manila. Wear your life jacket during boat transfers and listen carefully during the safety orientation.

Five Fingers is a rugged outdoor destination rather than a developed resort. Expect basic facilities, intense sun exposure, rocky terrain, and limited access to stores and restrooms. Travelers with mobility concerns, very young children, or medical conditions should discuss the itinerary with the tour operator beforehand.

Most importantly, follow Leave No Trace principles. Take all your trash back to the mainland, avoid damaging rock formations, and do not disturb marine animals or corals.

Final Thoughts

Five Fingers Cove is perfect for travelers who want a little adventure with their beach trip. Its cliffs, caves, turquoise lagoons, and hidden coves make it one of the most exciting coastal destinations within road-trip distance of Metro Manila.

The journey may require an early departure, a long bus ride, and plenty of climbing and swimming, but the scenery makes the effort worthwhile. Come prepared, choose a reliable operator, respect the weather, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the experience without rushing. Five Fingers is not just another beach—it is a full-day Bataan adventure.

Five Fingers Cove Map

Note: Blog post updated for 2018 and 2019
Updated for 2023

More Bataan Blog Posts:

• Beach Resorts in Bataan
• Casa Veles Resort in Bataan 

More Beaches and Resorts in PH

• La Union Tourist Spots and Beaches (Travel Guide)
• Cagbalete Island: The Jewel of Mauban Quezon
• Masasa Beach Budget DIY Expenses and Itinerary
• Batangas Beach Resorts 
• Potipot Island Travel Guide and Story
• Jomalig  Island in Quezon

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