Discover the rich historical background of Bataan tourist spots while appreciating some of their Spanish influence and favorite local destinations.
You might have come across the question, why is Bataan famous in history?
The battle in Bataan became the last standing force of Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese Army during World War II. When the former troops surrendered, the soldiers were forced to march for about 100 kilometers, known as Bataan Death March.
More than its historical setting, Bataan is also one of the nearby tourist destinations from Manila. Bataan’s geographical advantage includes coasts and bays perfect for summer escapades.
Before the Battle of Bataan of the second World War, Spanish colonialism has also brought massive influence to Bataan province. From huge Catholic churches to preserved olden houses, the classic vibes of Bataan are still a sight not to miss.
Let’s find out some interesting Bataan tourist spots below.
Table of Contents
1. Shrine of Valor in Mount Samat
The Shrine of Valor in Mount Samat is one of the most notable Bataan tourist spots featuring a tall memorial cross and a Colonnade. This place serves as a homage to the bravery of the fallen Filipino and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation.
The memorial cross stands at 95 meters, with both arms spanning 30 meters. At its base is a relief sculpture made by National Artist Napoleon Abueva entitled “Nabiag a Bato,” or Living Stone. More importantly, its sculpture highlights the fall of national heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal, Lapu-Lapu, and Emilio Aguinaldo.
Interestingly, the memorial cross has its lift, allowing tourists to go up on its viewing platform. From there, you’ll get to experience overlooking the Bataan province and nearby sea from a different perspective.
On the other hand, its Colonnade is a box-like structure with marble cladding. It does also has relief sculptures surrounding the Colonnade. Here, you can read the “Battle of Bataan” history inscribed on its marble walls. At the same time, the eye-catching religious stained glass mural and an altar face the promenade.
Visiting the Shrine of Valor is a family-friendly activity that is also educational for the young. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees, Mount Samat is also a great place to reconnect with nature.
Lastly, you can support the local tourism in Mount Samat by purchasing souvenir items like shirts in its small shop.
2. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Take a whole new heritage tour in one of the Philippines’ most refined and extensive Bataan tourist spots and resorts, the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan.
This resort houses several restored Spanish-Filipino houses with a rolling 400 hectares of property. In addition, the well-maintained waterways and landscapes, including classical bridges, all perfectly blend for a classic touch. Altogether, Las Casas reflects what it is like during the glorious days of old Manila.
Most of its classical collection of casas (houses) are from different parts of the Philippines. These houses were restored pieces by piece and reconstructed close to their original form.
Getting around Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
It’s a whole day of exploring when you’re in Las Casas with its openly living museum. Anyhow, you have plenty of options to travel from one spot to the other. They have a shuttle and jeep, but you can try their kalesa and London cab for an exquisite timeless elegance.
There are many things to enjoy in Las Casas, whether on a day tour or an overnight stay.
Exploring around Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Walk along the cobblestone roads as you pass from one Casa to the other. Your tour guide wearing a traditional costume will brief you on most architectural pieces or historical significance.
They also have cultural shows to give you a glimpse of the old Filipino way of living. In addition, their Escolta Shop has kundiman songs to listen to that are sure to provide nostalgia to every visitor.
River cruise tours for the romantic ones
They also have river cruise tours that are perfect for some romantic dates with your significant others. You will be riding a balsa which gives you a unique way to appreciate the casas from different viewing points. While passing onto brick walls and bridges bears a resemblance to Venice as well.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar paints a different view from the same canvas during the night. The lights of every corner exude a sentimental vibe, perfect for just sitting, gazing at the endless skyline, breathing the ocean breeze, or meditating.
Spending a night at Las Casas
Their hotel rooms are ideal for budget-conscious travelers when staying for the night. On the other hand, their private casas are perfect for groups to maximize your experience in Las Casas. Both accommodations offer elegant interiors crafted with mostly wooden elements and modern-day amenities.
Visiting Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is genuinely a ticket to one of the many historical yet fun adventures to discovering tourist spots in Bataan.
3. Corregidor Island
Although Corregidor Island is part of Cavite province, this former military base is often associated with historical Bataan tourist spots.
Located south of Bataan, Corregidor Island was once a strategic and isolated military base. Here, barracks of soldiers and the enlisted workforce are kept safe, including their artilleries.
There are many things to visit on Corregidor Island. The ruins of the Mile-long Barracks, Battery Crochet, a Lighthouse, and the Malinta Tunnel, to name a few.
A day tour of Corregidor Island is ideal for exploring the historic sightings on the island.
4. Pawikan Conservation Center
One of the educational tourist spots in Bataan is the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan.
It all started as a community-based organization. Now, the Pawikan Conservation Center teams up with volunteers to conserve marine turtles.
August and February make the organization’s busiest months. During these seasons, turtles go back to shore to lay eggs. Volunteers then patrol the beaches of Morong to protect them from poachers and predators.
Once collected, they transfer the eggs to the conservation center until incubation, which takes up to 51 days.
Their month-long Pawikan Festival every November allows tourists to witness the release of baby turtles into the shore. You can even join their Adopt a Turtle Program. With a minimal fee of 50 pesos per turtle, you can adopt and release the hatchlings yourselves.
The center is also a haven for injured or surrendered turtles and is taken care of until complete recovery.
The Pawikan Conservation Center is one of the organizations where youngsters can participate and help promote public awareness of the global environment.
5. Bataan World War II Museum
Complete your historical tour in Bataan by visiting the Bataan World War II Museum, right behind the Balanga Elementary School.
Surprisingly, some volunteers here are retired professionals who have survived the last world war.
This dedicated two-story museum houses memorabilia like dioramas and photographs of the death march from Bataan to Tarlac. You can also spot some olden items like helmets, dog tags, and plates.
On its second floor, you can see the gripping images of sufferings back in the day. In addition, there is also a dedicated space to some memorabilia of the late former first lady, Luz Banzon Magsaysay. She is the wife of the late former President Ramon Magsaysay.
Before your tour, a local guide plays a short clip detailing the involvement of Bataan during the second world war.
Not far from the museum, you can easily spot Major General Edward P. King Jr.’s life-size statue depicting the momentous decision of signing the agreement to surrender to Japanese forces during those times.
Today, this marker identifies as one of the critical Bataan tourist spots holding a relative significance to the bravery and solidarity of our fallen and veteran soldiers in Bataan.
6. Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga
Right at the heart of Balanga City is a central plaza that captures the senses of classic Architecture fanatics.
The Plaza Hotel, two shopping centers, and the Balanga City hall square an open plaza with Spanish-inspired facades. Across the street, the Cathedral Shrine Parish of Saint Joseph encloses the Plaza Mayor.
With its strategic location, tourists can try experiencing the busy streets of Balanga City either during the day or at night.
Bataan tourist spots like the Plaza mayor are perfect for capturing amazing photos of classic vibes. The city lights uncover a more dramatic ambiance surrounding the plaza at night.
The plaza holds bazaars for night markets during the holiday seasons to promote local products.
7. Balanga Cathedral
The Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph, locally called Balanga Cathedral, is Catholicism.
Like some historical tourist spots in Bataan, the Balanga Cathedral takes part in the history of the Japanese regime. This sanctuary that survived the war used to be an artillery emplacement.
Today, the Balanga Cathedral forms part of the daily lives of locals. The locals celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph every March 19 and April 23 for their town fiesta.
Visiting Balanga Cathedral is an excellent way for more religious travelers to reflect and meditate.
8. Zero Kilometer Markers
When building the whole picture of the Bataan Death March, you can also visit the Zero Kilometer Markers.
The zero-kilometer markers are starting points where the American and Filipino soldiers are forced to march without food, water, and rest to Tarlac.
Today, the Zero kilometer Markers have an obelisk to honor and remember the bravery of the many soldiers.
9. Morong Beach
Talking about the beach, Morong has plenty of beach resorts to choose from that fit all kinds of budgets.
With its access proximity when traveling from Metro Manila, Morong takes advantage of the nearby Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Take your time and enjoy your stay at your choice of beach resorts in Morong. Most of these accommodations are in a beach-front setting, so your access to the shore is just a few steps away.
While some beach resorts in Morong have pools, taking your feet to the sands and ocean waves always beats the former.
Play all day at the shorelines with your favorite beach games like volleyball and frisbee. Other beach resorts in Morong may offer water activities like banana boat rides, snorkeling, diving, and boating. This makes a perfect place for team buildings as well.
In terms of food, some have in-house restaurants and cafes. Other resort, however, offers pantry spaces where you can cook your food.
Note that tourists do flock during the weekends and holidays. Booking otherwise saves your time.
10. Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
Going back to Balanga is a nature park where you can watch migratory birds flock and leave the area.
Located in Barangay Tortugas, the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park are less than 15 minutes away from the city center.
Barangay Tortugas hosts a feeding ground for migratory birds because of their thick mangrove forest, wetlands, and mudflats. This place has progressed from a plain swamp into a viewing place for different birds.
With the local government’s initiative, the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park are now emerging Bataan tourist sp with the local government’s ambitions. It was not until April 2019, when it was declared an eco-tourism zone.
Today, viewing platforms, binoculars, and holding areas where tourists can safely watch these birds passing by the province.
The best time to visit Balanga Wetland and Nature Park is early morning or late afternoon. You can also enjoy the calm winds and summer breeze without the more harmful sun’s rays during these times.
You can observe at least 35 species of birds here, like kingfishers, stilts, doves, and swallows.
11. Five Fingers Cove
Moving down south, one of the interesting Mariveles Bataan tourist spots goes by Five Fingers Cove. As the name implies, these coves look like fingers when seen on the map.
The five fingers cove is ideally best visited on a day tour thru cove hopping. Let us run down the most exciting things to do in Five Fingers Cove.
Cochino’s Point
The farthest of them is in Talaga Beach, but the most visited spot here is Cochinos Point. The viewing hill here is reminiscent of the rocky slopes of Batanes, less the rolling greens. When you’re adventurous enough, Cochino’s point is an excellent spot to get those legs moving.
Natsu Lagoon
Next to your cove hopping destination is the Natsu Lagoon. This spot has a 15-foot cliff that is ideal for cliff diving activities. The cold waters at Natsu Lagoon are also perfect for catching up with your swimming itinerary.
Pulang Kawayan Cave
Moving mid of the five fingers, the Pulang Kawayan Cave is the most notable spot here. As lovely as Natsu Lagoon, you can swim around the cold waters near the cave while appreciating the solid rock facades. A 50-foot cliff allows for the highest diving spot, though.
Mawakis Cove
The fourth finger is where you can visit Mawakis Cove.
Nagbintana Arch
The last finger cove to visit leads you to more engaging outdoors. From here, you can see the Nagbintana Arch, one with the likelihood of a window-like rock passage. The Tinanlakan Lagoon, on the other hand, has a 40-foot cliff for adventurous tourists.
12. Laki Beach
One of the near-perfection white sand beaches to visit in Mariveles, Bataan, is Laki Beach. Laki Beach is a privately owned property, and camping is allowed at affordable rates. Reaching Laki Beach is thru a boat ride, though.
With the fine white sands covering the shorelines, beach lovers are sure to appreciate Laki Beach. Adding to its charm is its peaceful setting so that you only worry about is when it is time to leave Laki Beach.
Like the other Bataan tourist spots, there are many things to do here besides lingering your feet to the white sands. The other side of this outdoor attraction lets you wander around the hills for short trekking.
When you’re a fan of cliff diving, worry not because you also have many options to try.
If you’re planning to visit Laki beach soon, remember to bring all your necessary provisions. Getting extra drinking water is a pro tip.
Laki Beach is an affordable beach destination in Bataan, thanks to its peaceful and unspoiled location.
13. Sisiman Beach
Among the nearest Bataan tourist spots to visit when staying in Mariveles is Sisiman Beach.
Although swimming is not promising, the rocky beach makes a great stop when exploring nearby attractions in Mariveles, Bataan.
Perfect for early morning sightseeing, you can admire the sightings of a rock formation called San Miguel peak and the Sisiman Bay. You can also spot the nearby Corregidor Island on the southern view, and the western coast of Cavite is visible.
Sisiman beach, together with the rugged cliffs, makes an ideal spot for creative outdoor photoshoots. The sunset views paint an excellent backdrop for the mandatory selfies too.
14. Bataan Technology Park
The Bataan Technology Park is one of the emerging business parks, planned for industrial and eco-tourism in mind.
Before its inclusive plans for development, this historical place in Morong, Bataan, is a former site of the Philippine Refugee Processing Center.
This humanitarian organization, funded by the United Nations, caters to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the Vietnam War.
Now, Bataan Technology Park has a museum that is open for tourists to visit. Among the things you can read and appreciate are the old pictures of refugees, a wooden refugee boat, and the monuments and temples.
With its plans, Bataan Technology Park aims to be a pilgrimage destination for the international community.
15. Sinagtala Farm Resort
Spend the long weekends right within the vicinity of Bataan National Park, where guests can commune with nature. The Sinagtala Farm Resort offers a place where you enjoy the outdoors while relaxing and detoxing from the hustles and bustles of city life.
After your historical tours to Bataan tourist spots, you can visit this resort to experience the solitude from the brimming lights of the city.
Speaking of the outdoors, their Singatala Adventure Park offers exciting activities to keep you moving. Some of these are giant swings, zip lines, and suspended bridge lines, all within the rich foliage of the mountains.
Sinagtala Farm Resort is an ideal place for group travels and special occasions.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Zambales | Tarlac |
Related Questions to tourist spots in Bataan
How to get to Bataan?
Tourists from Metro Manila can reach the city of Balanga by private cars in two hours from NLEX Balintawak. First, you will be exiting from the NLEX at the San Fernando exit toll, after which you will be traversing Jose Abad Santos Avenue. From there, you will be passing Lubao, Pampanga as well. After reaching Dinalupihan, drive along the Roman Super Highway until you reach the city of Balanga.
How to commute to Bataan?
There are bus companies that offer daily trips from Metro Manila to Bataan. These bus companies are Genesis, Victory Liner, and Bataan Transit, which have terminals in Manila (Avenida or Sampaloc), Quezon City (Cubao), and Pasay City.
What is Bataan known for?
Bataan is known for historical avenues during the second world war. The most notable is the Bataan Death March, where surrendered Filipino and American soldiers march from Bataan to Tarlac.
Rediscover the historic and best Bataan tourist spots
Have a glimpse of the bravery of our fallen and veteran heroes as you visit some historic Bataan tourist spots.
After your historical tours, many exciting outdoor attractions, beach resorts, nature parks, and cities await you to visit.
The best time to visit Bataan is during the summer season of April to May. During these months, expect to have the influx of tourists at peak, especially to their beach resorts. Balanga City also celebrates its Banga Festival every April with the feast of Saint Joseph at the same time. When wanting to join their Pawikan Festival, you should schedule your visit for November.
Book your tour and accommodations in advance to avail of deals. This way, you can carefully identify your priority visits to some Bataan tourist attractions, less the hassle of unwanted decisions.
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Safe travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism. Stay safe.