Have you ever wondered what to see in Bataan? I did. I have never thought
before that Bataan has so much to offer to its visitors and shame on me that I have only known this place
because of the historical Death March. In my recent escapade, I decided to
wander around and discover some of the province’s tourist attractions. So here
is the list of the places you can visit in Bataan:
This landmark have served a great reminder of the
thousands of lives sacrificed by both Filipino and American soldiers during the
Japanese occupation. Located at the peak of Mt. Samat National Park (525masl)
in the Municipality of Pilar, this monument is towered by a 90-meter cross.
 |
| Dambana ng Kagitingan, Pilar, Bataan |
The
giant cross has 56 floors but can only be accessed by public up to the 53rd
that serves also as the viewing deck. You need to take the service elevator at
the foot of the cross that shall lift you to the viewing deck for a minimun fee
of Php10 (maintenance fee).
At the viewing deck, you will have a perfect vantage
point to witness Bataan’s panoramic landscape that stretches from the mountain
ranges of Natib up to the coastline of Morong.
Just beneath the commemorative cross you will find the
64-stepped staircase that paves the traditional
arrival honor of all Philippine Presidents visiting the monument annually
commemorate the historic event of the Fall of Bataan during the World War II.
I know anyone who will find their feet around this
facility will have a second thought and would be a paranoid to ask if it is
safe to wander around the controversial government facility . Hear me guys, the
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is a “virgin” power plant and has not been used
since its erection. In visiting this
controversial government facility I can guarantee your safety as long as you abide
with the safety procedures set by the National Power Corporation.
 |
| Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, Morong, Bataan |
Setting foot inside the nuclear power plant was a
learning experience on how electric power is generated using the energy coming
from the heat of radioactive materials. The system is almost the same as with
the coal power plant only that the heat generated is not coming from the
pollutive combustion of coal but from non-gas emitting plutonium.
3. Las Casas Filipinas
This place was a revelation. I have heard of this
controversial “themed park” that showcases some of the ancestral houses of the famous figures in the Philippine
history. The venue captures a bite of history and walking along on the
cobbled-stoned streets feels like resurrecting back the life of Maria Clara and
Simon Ibarra that was perfectly described in the famous Rizal novel, Noli Me
Tangere. The park is a top pick for pre-nup pictorials, garden weddings,
corporate events and the likes.
 |
| Las Casas Filipinas in Bagac, Bataan (Photo credit: Michael Anthony Sagaran) |
4. Pawikan Conservation Center
Bataan should be praised by championing the
initiative to protect the Philippine marine turtles. Pawikan are marine animals
that have been dwindling in numbers and its population have found hope through
the effort of the people of Morong, Bataan.
 |
| Pawikan in Morong, Bataan |
The conservation center have been
able to release thousands of turtle hatchlings every year that would somehow return
to the protected shore to lay their eggs too and to continue their
population. This effort had been commended internationally for its success and
even had it’s own yearly festival, (The Pawikan Festival) to widen the
information dissemination on the
protection of this marine sea creature.
5. Bataan Techno Park
This place served as the sanctuary among the Vietnamese
refugees during the Vietnam War. Struggling for their lives, the refugees escaped
Vietnam and sailed across the South China Sea to the Philippine shores. The
refugee area still bears the memories of their hardships as they tried to live in
a strange land. With the aid of the international community, the refugees were
roofed and were given ample the resources to build their lives again in the arms of a foreign nation.
 |
| Wooden boat used by the Vietnamese refugees in Morong, Bataan |
Today, the trace of culture of the Vietnamese
refugees can still be felt after some communities in Morong adapted some of the
Vietnamese culture and traditions, particularly in food preparation.
This place is a heaven for bird lovers as the Wetland
and Nature Park in Balanga is now a protected area due to the thousands of
migratory birds visiting the place every year. In fact, some of the species
have already settled and have nested in the lush mangrove forest that grow
abundantly in the shore of Brgy. Tortugas.
 |
| Mirgratory birds in Balanga City |
To further widen the dissimenation of the wetland’s
protection, the local government of Balanga established the Ibong Dayo Festival
that is annually celebrated. The wetland is being visited by more
than 25,000 birds with more than 50 species coming from different countries.
7. The Surrender Site and Bataan World War II Museum
It would be a shameful jaunt without giving your
respect to the root of the infamous Death March of the World War II. The
grounds of the Balanga Elementary School under a mango tree was the witness
when American Major Gen. King had signed
the surrender of the USAFFE forces in April 9, 1942 in front of Lt. Gen.
Masaharu Homma of Japan. This historical event was coined as The Fall of Bataan.
 |
| The surrender site and the WWII Museum in Balanga, City |
8. The Ground Zero
Death March is a much heard event in the Philippine
history, but very few have asked where exactly the more than 100km hell-like parade started. Technically there are two Kilometer Zero in Bataan, one is in
Mariveles and the other is in Bagac. The one I have visited was in Mariveles and
the stone marker for the Ground Zero was somehow hides in plain sight.
 |
| Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan |
The
historical site was supposedly easy to find as it was just located beside the famous local fast food, Jollibee. But I am saddened that there are a lot of
vendors selling their crops just outside the perimeter of the “park”, making
the historical landmark’s great importance looked like being tarnished or less valued.
9. San Miguel Rock
Sitting quietly in Brgy. Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan,
this landmark was just simply astonishing from afar. But taking a closer look
to where it stands was way much better. The locals call this as “susong dalaga” or
breast of a virgin for the reason I don’t know why. Maybe the picture will give
you the detailed explanation. But the rock sits there and there are no other
activities in the area aside from the quarry on the foot of the hill. In my
opinion, this place could be developed as a rock climbing destination or any
hardcore sports that deals with height and so on…just a suggestion.
 |
| The San Miguel Rock in Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan |
10. Orani Fish Port
Honestly speaking it was my first time to have my
eyes feasted on the tons and tons of sea foods litter on the floor of a fish port that were freshly caught and sold in whole sale in the traditional practice known as
“bulungan” or whisper bidding.
Giant crabs, shrimps, lobsters and different
colored fishes are just some of the goods that you will find in this fish port.
The abundant seafood harvest is said to be correlated with the improving
mangrove forest that the locals are now starting to maintain and to protect.
11. Plaza de Mayor
I have seen a lot of plazas in the Philippines but
the city plaza in Balanga is one of a kind. The structure of the surrounding
buildings that include the city hall, the mall, and the Balanga Plaza Hotel are
in congruent with their architectural design.
Looking at it from a far, you would think that you are some place in Europe. This plaza even becomes alive at night with the light show staging starting from 7pm until 9pm. This place is a crowd magnet as most of the province’s events are staged here.
Looking at it from a far, you would think that you are some place in Europe. This plaza even becomes alive at night with the light show staging starting from 7pm until 9pm. This place is a crowd magnet as most of the province’s events are staged here.
 |
| Plaza de Mayor in Balanga City, Bataan |
12. Mt. Binutas and Sinagtala
There is another place in Bataan that is a little aloof to our eyes and this is the pilot view site for the Bataan National Park. Located deep in the heart of Orani, one must find himself passing the famous landmark of Sinagtala. Upon reaching the view deck, you'll have a perfect view of the forested Mt. Natib and its ranges. This place is surely a breather for those who wish to have a quiet moment and be in commune with nature.
13. Ambon Ambon and Limutan Waterfalls in Bagac, Bataan
One that you shouldn't miss is the extreme adventure in Bagac, Bataan. Here you will find the killer trail to Ambon Ambon waterfalls. Unlike the Ambon Ambon in Pangil, Laguna, this waterfall is 60 feet high and hidden deep in the forested part of the Bataan National Park. Your endurance and spirit will be tested once you accepted the challenge to visit these waterfalls in Bataan. |
| Limutan Waterfalls in Bagac, Bataan |
 |
| Ambon Ambon Waterfalls in Bagac, Bataan |
If you think we missed something, please don't hesitate to leave your suggestion in the comment box below.
Have you ever wondered how I have known these places? The BataanTourism Center helped me to get there. For more information and assistance visit their office at:
Bataan Tourism Center
Roman Super HighwayCity of Balanga, Bataan
2100 Philippines
Contact Numbers:
(047) 237-4785
(047) 237-4476
(+63) 927 960-1729
(+63) 949 680-2695
(047) 237-4785
(047) 237-4476
(+63) 927 960-1729
(+63) 949 680-2695
Email:bataan_tourism@yahoo.com
No comments :
Post a Comment