Bataan Research

This province is known for its narrow coastline and history. It is located in the southwestern part
of Central Luzon, Philippines. It is also considered as Central Luzon's smallest province. The
spoken dialect in Bataan are Tagalog, Kapampangan, and Mariveleño. The Bataan province is
named after the two important historical event happened in the Philippines. First, is the 3-month-
long Battle of Bataan in 1942, which represented the most intense stage of the Japanese occupation
in the Philippines during the war. Second, is the infamous Bataan Death March, wherein 72,000
American and Filipino war prisoners were forced to march between 60 and 69.6 miles from Bataan
to Tarlac, and as its name implies, thousands of Filipinos and hundreds of American prisoners-of-
war died during the march. Despite its tragic history, the province of Bataan is emerging as a must-
visit ecotourism and historic destination in the Philippines. Wherein tourist can enjoy turtle
sanctuaries, birdwatching sites, majestic waterfalls, adrenaline-pumping hikes and treks, and a
living museum of beautifully restored traditional homes and many more to visit and experiences.
Looking for destination to visit and relax with a vibes of historical, cultural, and natural wonder,
the Bataan is just a roughly 126.47 km or 78.41 miles away from the Philippine capital, Manila,
by car. We can also take any mode of transportation, including train, bus, boat, drive, and fly. The
Bataan has a total land area of 1,373.0 square kilometers or 137,296 hectares, with a current total
of 853,373 populations and has 11 municipalities, 1 city and a total number of 237 barangays. In
addition, several well-known Filipinos live in Bataan, including Miss Philippines-Universe 2012
Janine Tugonon and actresses Elisse Joson, Angela Tungol, and Mika Pajares from PBB or also
known as Pinoy B ig Brother.

List of tourist attraction to visit in Bataan

The Balanga city is the capital city of Bataan and consider as one of the richest towns in Bataan.
1. Bataan provincial tourist center
 Tourist planning to explore or to have a DIY trip in Bataan, we can coordinate
directly to the provincial tourist center of Bataan to hire tour guide or to get
information guide for the tourist attraction and activities to explore in Bataan. It
also has the souvenir and pasalubong center showcasing the finest products made
by the locals, like impressive handicrafts, and delightful delicacies that will surely
be a memorable souvenir for every tourist visiting Bataan. Inside we can also see
the life size dioramic figure of the death march 1942.

2. Plaza Mayor de ciudad

 The Balanga municipal hall, church, shopping mall, and hotel are all seen within
the plaza's four corners. And because of the old architecture structure of the Balanga
municipal hall, cathedral, Galleria Victoria shopping mall, and hotel creates the
feeling of travelling back in time to the Spanish colonization. The dancing fountain
 in front of the Galeria Victoria shopping center is the most thrilling sight to see
inside the plaza.

3. The Bataan World War II Museum

 located at the back of the Balanga Elementary School, the Bataan World War II
Museum is the go-to place to learn about the province’s participation in the world
event. The museum houses war memorabilia and dioramas, particularly those from
the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942, wherein thousands of Filipino and
American soldiers marched from Bataan to Tarlac. And Take a short walk inside
the Balanga Elementary School grounds and you’ll find the Surrender Site Marker.

4. The Balanga Wetland and Nature Park

 The park is one of the notable Balanga, Bataan tourist spots and has recorded about
35 species and 15 bird families, thanks to the city’s wetlands, mudflats, and
mangrove forests. The best time to catch these birds in action is early in the
morning.

The Municipality of Abucay is located at the south border of Bataan capital, the Balanga city. The
Abucay Municipality is Known as the site of the infamous massacre of 400 Pampangos who
fought against the Dutch invaders.

5. The Santo Domingo Church

 According to history, the Santo Domingo church in Abucay, Bataan, commonly
known as the Abucay church, is one of the most important churches in the
Philippines. The other side of the church was damaged in the late 16th century due
to the 1852 earthquake. Fortunately, it was managed to be restored after World war.
Additionally, the oldest painting that was led by Father Fransico Blanca de San Jose
and Tomas Pinpin, and the grave Saint. Domingo de Guzman's could be seen inside
the church.
The Pilar Municipality is located in the eastern part of the Bataan Peninsula, bordering the capital
city of Bataan, Balanga. The name Pilar came from the Spaniards' galleon, which was named after
a lady to honor the image they had with them, which was the "Lady of the Pillar."

6. The Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor

 Located at the peak of Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan, the Shrine of Valor is probably
the most important and recognizable World War II site in the Bataan map. Also
called the Dambana ng Kagitingan, the Shrine of Valor is a memorial cross that
pays tribute to the heroism of the Filipino and American troops when the Japanese
army attacked the Philippines during the said war. The memorial cross is 301-feet
tall and features the bas reliefs of the country’s national heroes including Dr. Jose
 Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna, Lapu Lapu, and
Gabriela Silang.

7. The Flaming Sword in Pilar, Bataan

 This historical landmark in Pilar, Bataan is called such because it symbolizes the
bravery of the Filipino people during the time when peace and democracy were
threatened by external forces. The landmark is actually a giant hand holding a 30-
foot long sword. Made of concrete and steel, the Flaming Sword stands proudly in
front of the Municipal Hall of Pilar.

The Municipality Orani is known for as the agriculture-based such as rice and coffee production,
food processing, cut flower production, and aquaculture of milkfish, tilapia, crab and prawns. And
the Prawn processing has become a major dollar earner for the municipality.

8. The Bataan National Park

 Located in Orani, about 40 minutes from the Bataan Highway, the Bataan National
Park is the last remaining closed-canopy dipterocarp forest in the whole Central
Luzon. It’s the home of several wildlife species including giant fruit bats, wild
monkeys, wild boars, civet cats, eagles, and pygmy woodpeckers. Also, we can see
thousands of fruit-bearing trees, including coffee, jackfruit, guyabano, and
lanzones. The Bataan National Park is also the home of two majestic falls, the
Pasukulan, and the Dunsulan Falls. The park is located 101 kilometres or 63 miles
away from Manila, its mountains can be seen across Manila Bay from the city.
 Activities in the park include nature viewing, bird watching, and trekking
to its several peaks and waterfalls.

The Municipality of Bagac is known as the largest municipality in Bataan. Also, it is the home
to world-renowned historical hotels, resorts, and restaurants including the world-famous Las Casas
Filipinas De Acuzar.

9. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

 is the Philippines’ first-ever heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan. It is also one
of the most unique hotels in the Philippines. This 400-hectare romantic luxury
resort in the Philippines showcases over 30 heritage homes from different parts of
the Philippines and fully-restored brick-by-brick to their glory days, making it one
of the popular Bataan tourist destinations. Also, Pet parents will be happy to note
that it is also one of the pet friendly resorts near Manila.
 Activities are Make clay bricks the old-fashioned way, Ride a calesa, Splash
in the water from a zip line, and many more to experience.
 10. The Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower
 This is located 10 minutes away from the Zero KM Marker in Bagac, Bataan. This
towering symbol of reconciliation and peace between Filipinos and Japanese
The Municipality of Mariveles is located in a cove at the southernmost tip of the Bataan peninsula
and its known as the home to the fastest-growing Freeport in the country
11. the Hidden Coves at Five Fingers
 Located in Mariveles, Bataan. This destination is getting a lot of social media
attention because of its cove-to-cove hopping. Catchy name Five Fingers, these
hidden coves and points look like five fingers on the Bataan map. The five finger
is consisting of Cochino's (thumb), Talaga (index finger), Horno's (middle finger),
Naicklec (ring finger) and the last finger which is called Longos Kawayan (pinky
finger). Also, the one-day tours allow you to explore the hidden wonders of Five
Fingers in Mariveles, Bataan, as well as neighboring sites like the Sisiman
Lighthouse, the Sisiman grotto, and the Laki Beach.
 Activities tourist can do are, trekking, cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking,
boat ride, swimming and sunset by the beach.

12. The Zero Kilometer Marker

 A zero kilometer (km) or mile marker is located in Mariveles Bataan. This place
known as the death march because of the because the bloody Bataan Death March
in 1942, wherein 72,000 American and Filipino war prisoners were forced to march
between 60 and 69.6 miles from Bataan to Tarlac.

13. Balon Anito Host Spring

 This hot spring is located in the municipality of Mariveles and it was beliefs
to be part of a dead volcano because it produces a hot natural water. Also,
this is famous in local tourist because of beauty therapist effect in the
humans’ body.

The Municipality of Morong is known for its mountains and coastline where several tourist
attractions are situated such as the Pawikan Conservation Center.

14. The Pawikan Conservation Center

 The Pawikan Conservation Center is one of the Morong, Bataan tourist spots and
is a safe haven for Philippine pawikan (sea turtle). The species face several threats
yearly, including egg gathering, poaching, illegal fishing, and slaughter. It’s best to
visit during the months of August until February when the female turtles make their
way to the shore to lay eggs. In November, during the week-long Pawikan Festival,
you can witness a ritual wherein they release the turtle hatchlings back into the sea.
It’s a unique experience that you can experience during a Bataan tour.
 Activity is Turtle releasing.
 Bataan Food pride / cuisine
Bataan is also known for its abundance of fresh fish, which are then fermented and dried.

1. Amanda’s
 Located in the Bataan Capital City of Balanga
 The Amanda’s is located in Balanga capital of Bataan, they are known for their
smocked fish fix, tuyo (dry fish), bagoong (fish paste), and the tinapa. It also
exciting to watch the process on how they cook the tinapa or in English smocked
fish. However, it is to smoke and hot inside, yet the process is still Instagramble

2. Spagbok / Palabok
 Located at the Municipality of Orani
 One of the reasons tourists visit Bataan is to try the Orani palabok, one of the most
delicious and unique palabok in the Philippines. The ingredients are the same as in
any other palabok. However, the noodles used are spaghetti noodles, which is it’s
called spagbok in Orani Bataan.

3. Kasoy/Cashew nuts Product

 The Mariveles Bataan.is also known for its kasoy/cashew nuts product like the
Roasted cashew nuts, cashew better

Bataan Festival
1. Kuraldal Festival (Dinalupihan)
 As a way to cool off from the late summer heat, the town hosts a weeklong
celebration and series of events known as the town fiesta, which features a civic-
military parade, cultural performances of songs, colorful costumes, and street
dancing from almost every sector of the community. This festival is celebrated on
the 24th day of June every year.
2. Pawikan Festival (Morong and Bagac)
 The Bataan Tourism Council Foundation, Inc and other local provincial
government and tourism officer they are running a series of events over the years
to raise money and public awareness for the conservation center's ongoing coastal
cleanup project for the pawikans along with graffiti painting contest for the locals.
Also, the event presents a long-term benefit to Bataan by uniting people from all
walks of life behind the preservation program and raising awareness about the need
of protecting the island's natural environment.

3. Pagbubunyi Festival (Limay)

 The religious festival reenacts Queen Helena's and her son Constantine's quest for
the cross of Jesus Christ. Locals portray the story by wearing costumes and making
a public performance of the reenactment of the story that can be witnessed by
 everyone for free. This festival is celebrated on the 2nd day of May every year. This
festival is celebrated in the last week of November every year.

4. Bataan Day Celebration (Balanga City)

 Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as Bataan Day, is an annual celebration and a
national holiday in the Philippines to honor the bravery of Filipino and American
troops during World War II. This festival is celebrated from the 14th day to the
15th day of April every year.

5. Galunggong Festival (Morong)

 In honor of Fisherman's Day, or Araw ng Mangingisda, in which participants adorn
and join in a variety of events such as a run, a procession along the river, a coastal
clean-up project, a culinary competition, and even some trade fair and beach
volleyball game. The festival's organizers hope that by drawing attention to the
contributions of fishermen, they may help the public appreciate how crucial their
work is to the community's ability to put food on the table every day. This festival
is celebrated from the 14th day to the 15th day of April every year.

6. Palis Lasa Festival (Abucay)

 his is a yearly agro-religious celebration in Mabatang, Abucay. The festivities begin
off with a thanksgiving mass, followed by street dancing in elaborate tiger lass also
known as "lasa" costumes which are used in making walis tambo. This festival is
celebrated in the month of September every year.