Bataan is a province in Philippines located in Central Luzon Region holding many interesting tourist spots. The province has plenty of historical landmarks to visit including monuments, markers, old houses, shrines and old churches since it played an important role in the history of the country (Battle of Bataan). For relaxation, outdoor activities and sightseeing destinations, it has a lot to offer such as nature parks, vast beaches and mountains.
The province of Bataan occupies the entire Bataan Peninsula and bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north. There are around 760,000+ residents in the province and they speak in mostly Tagalog, Kapampangan and English languages. The capital city of Bataan is Balanga City.
If you are planning to experience the beautiful places to visit in the province, below are the most-visited tourist spots in Bataan you may want to include (if not yet) in your travel list.
10 Best Tourist Spots in Bataan
1. La Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Photo courtesy of Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
La Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is one of the best tourist spots in Bataan, an outstanding heritage resort perched by the sea. The resort features a very impressive collection of 27 heritage houses all over the Philippines from the Spanish-colonial period. These heritage houses (casas in Spanish) were dismantled, transported and reconstructed brick by brick, plank by plank in this 400-hectare property. Living in one of these noble-class heritage houses over the night comes with a golden price tag. Day tours are also available led by expert tour guides.
La Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located in Barangay Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan. Take few steps back in the 18-century Philippines and experience the grandeur showcase of history and craftsmanship through this living museum of Philippine heritage. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
2. Mount Samat National Shrine
Mount Samat National Shrine by Jonine Garcia
Mount Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan (Tagalog term for Shrine of Valor) is one of the historical landmarks in Bataan, a tribute to the fallen Filipino and American soldiers who fought gallantly in the World War II known as the Battle of Bataan. It is a 73,665-hectare National Shrine built on 1970 located near the summit of Mount Samat. The shrine consists of a marble-clad Colonnade and a huge Memorial Cross. Inside the Colonnade are an altar, glass murals, inscribed narratives of the battle and collection of items from WWII. An open area in the Colonnade provides a panoramic view of Bataan but the viewing deck at the top of the cross gives even more interesting sights. The viewing deck that stretches in both arms of the cross can be reached through an elevator at its base.
Mount Samat National Shrine is located in Pilár, Bataan.
3. Bataan WWII Museum
Bataan WWII Museum by Millen
Bataan WWII Museum is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bataan, built as a tribute to the fallen heroes of Bataan during WWII that aims to show the present generation on how the 1941 youths accepted the call of duty. It is a small place but packed with so much history where one can find the diorama depicting the Bataan Death March, old weapons, pictures and items. The first floor of the building can be summarized as showing the Surrender of Bataan to Japanese Forces and the second floor shows the effects of war. Outside the museum is the Surrender Site Monument where the larger than life Americans and Japanese statues are discussing and signing the surrender of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East.
Bataan WWII Museum is found behind the Balanga Elementary School in Barangay Talisay, Balanga City, Bataan.
4. Zero Kilometer Death March Marker
Zero Kilometer Death March Marker by Pacific Kilroy on Flickr
Zero Kilometer Death March Marker serves as the starting point of the darkest times in Philippine History known as the Bataan Death March. To summarize simply, this is what happened in the Battle of Bataan. During the WWII, the Japanese thoroughly studied the invasion of the country and perfectly executed their plan and was successful. This time, almost all of the Southeast Asia were under the control of the Japanese. To prevent the immediate victory across the Pacific, the Filipino and American soldiers led by General Douglas MacArthur pulled in Bataan and fought for 3 months which delayed the valuable time of the Japanese. When they finally surrendered, General Douglas MacArthur was already out of the country and promised to return which later he did. After the surrender, one of the most horrible events in the history happened known as the Bataan Death March.
An estimate of 60,000 – 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war suffered a forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army. The Zero Kilometer Death March Marker in Bataan marked the start of the death march going to San Fernando, Pampanga to ride a train bound to Capaz, Tarlac. It’s around 100-kilometer march for around 7 days and nights. An estimate of 5,000 – 18,000 deaths during the march.
There are 2 Zero Kilometer Death March Markers in Bataan, one is located in Bagac and the other is in Mariveles. Bataan one of the best destinations for history geeks. If you want to know more about history, visit Bataan.
5. Ocean Adventure
Dolphin Friends Show on Ocean Adventure by ceodrielts on Flickr
Ocean Adventure is one of the famous tourist spots in Bataan, claimed to be the first open water marine theme park in Southeast Asia. The marine park is known for its animal shows and encounters. Dolphin Friends Show is one of the animal shows where well-trained dophins along with its trainers performs amusing tricks among the crowd. The most recommended activity here is the Dophin Encounter where one can touch, kiss, hug and swim with a very friendly dophin while a trainer also shows the different parts of it and provides more information. Sea lions, fishes and wild animals can also be found in the marine park.
Ocean Adventure is located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Morong, Bataan. This is the perfect place for family especially with kids for them to encounter the friendly animals. If you want to stay overnight, Camayan Beach Resort is just few steps away. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
6. Mount Natib
View from the summit of Mount Natib by Stephen Jou
Mount Natib is becoming more popular mountain climbing destination in Bataan, a protected area included in Bataan National Park standing 1,253+ meters above sea level. The summit can be reached through a day hike or overnight hike which the trails are from unpaved mountain roads and grasslands to challenging rocky, steep and slippery trails. Some rappelling maybe needed. The summit gives a jaw-dropping view of the West Philippine Sea, Mount Samat, Mount Arayat and most of Bataan. Near the campsite lies a refreshing waterfalls called Pasukan Falls which most of the travelers visit the day after the long climb.
Mount Natib is located in Orani, Bataan.
7. Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
Birds at Balanga Wetland and Nature Park | Photo courtesy of Sir Tonji Ramos on Philippine Bird Photography Forum
Balanga Wetland and Nature Park is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bataan. If you love bird-watching, this is the ideal place for you in the province. It is a protected area by the local government and a sanctuary for thousands of migratory birds that feeds on mudflats, wetlands and mangrove forest. It is a safe haven for birds protecting them for being hunted or killed. The park has been developed where viewing decks and picnic huts are installed in the area. The best times to visit here in the early morning or late afternoon where birds fly around in hordes.
Balanga Wetland and Nature Park is located in Balanga City, Bataan.
8. Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park by Al-Jerr Had Hijara Nadonza
Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park is an outstanding resort tucked in the mountainous side of Bataan, a perfect getaway destination for families, couples or barkadas. One of the major draws of this resort is its infinity pools perched on a cliff-side offering a fantastic view of the mountains (sometimes foggy) and a scenic view of the woodlands. Since it is a mountain resort, it has a cool and refreshing wind breeze and soothing ambiance. The resort is open for day tours but staying overnight is highly recommended. They have different types of accommodations like nipa hut, row house, barkada room, standard villa or villa with Jacuzzi.
Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park is located in Orani, Bataan.
9. Playa La Caleta
Photo courtesy of Playa La Caleta
Playa La Caleta is one of the best tourist spots in Bataan, a hidden cove with pristine grey sand beach and alluring crystal clear waters. People dubbed this as an “Isolated Paradise” since it can only be reach via boat ride from the port. Throughout the day and night, the sea water is mostly calm and shallow which is a good thing for kids to safely swim in the beach. Cottages, beach gazebos, tents and hammocks are available for visitors and pitching your own tent is also allowed. Some of the best things to do here aside from swimming and snorkeling are: paddle boarding, skim boarding, cliff jumping, trekking or going to nearby Miguelito Island.
Playa La Caleta is located in Morong, Bataan. For bookings and inquiries, contact them via email: playacaletabataan@gmail.com or via social media accounts: Facebook | Instagram
10. Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club
Anvaya Cove by Hermes kao on Flickr
Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club is a 430-hectare property of Ayala Land Premier, a top notch residential community that features both of a mountain retreat and a beach resort. It has well-maintained landscapes and a very long stretch of fine sand beach. Their casitas comes with very elegant designs that blends with the environment with complete amenities inside giving an equal care for your home settings and for the environment. The club amenities includes Avaya Cove Beach, Swimming & Infinity Pools, Nature Trail and Camp, Veda Spa and more. There are so much things to do here like beach sports (beach football, volleyball, etc.), water sports activities (kayaking, banana boat riding) and ziplining, rappelling, bird-watching and more. Unfortunately, the club is exclusive only for its members but check out Airbnb for rentals in the community. This is not open for everybody that’s why when you got one shot at Anvaya Cove, make the most out of it. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Anvaya Cove is located in Morong, Bataan.
