Best Eight Wonders of Bataan to Visit and Explore
The province of Bataan is in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. It is known for its narrow coastline that characterizes the eastern portion of the province.
At the same time, the western coast features many ridges, cliffs, and headlands.
Suggested Read: Top 9 Safe Places To Explore In North Luzon
The province is also known for its history. The Battle of Bataan that gave birth to the Bataan Death March is famous as one of the last stands of American and Filipino soldiers before they were overwhelmed by the Japanese soldiers.
While the Battle of Bataan, a pivotal moment in World War II, left its mark on the province, Bataan has emerged as a vibrant tourist destination, boasting historical sites, stunning landscapes, and even beach resorts.
If you are looking for a place to travel for relaxation, outdoor activities, and sightseeing destinations, Bataan has much to offer, from nature parks to vast beaches and mountains.
If you plan to visit the province, here are my top tourist spots in Bataan you may want to consider including in your travel list.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Preserved architecture and breathtaking landscapes
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the most renowned tourist spot in Bataan, alongside Mt. Samat. It is a beach resort, hotel, convention center, and heritage destination in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines.
Visiting Las Casas feels like being transported back in time with its preserved architecture and breathtaking landscapes.
It features 22 colonial mansions dating back to the 17th century. This attraction has immortalized a nearly forgotten past steeped in fascinating traditions and cultures contributing to the country’s independence.
They also have activities you may want to try, like the Balsa River cruise, heritage walking tour, and many more.
Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga and Balanga Cathedral
Stunning heritage sites in Bataan
Second on the list would be Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga and Balanga Cathedral.
This tourist spot in Balanga City has Spanish architectural facades like the Plaza Hotel Balanga and Galeria Victoria Mall. Also, Balanga Cathedral is just right across Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga.
Like other heritage sites in Bataan, it is stunning. It has a significant historical background as an artillery emplacement during the Japanese occupation. Visiting these two during December is recommended because of its magical decoration.
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Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
Connect with nature
The third is the Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park. You can find it in the isolated mountainous parts of Barangay Tala in Orani, Bataan.
Vista Tala is a perfect place to connect with nature and indulge in the stunning views of the mountains. You may enjoy their infinity pool, eat breakfast or dinner in their relaxing view deck, and dip in your private jacuzzi while enjoying the mountain view.
Bataan National Park
One of Luzon’s most popular tourist destination
Amidst the rugged mountains of Bataan Province is our fourth destination. Bataan National Park is considered one of Luzon’s most popular tourist spots.
Spanning over 20,000 hectares, this haven of natural beauty is a refuge for unique and endangered flora and fauna.
Lush tropical jungles carpet the terrain while majestic mountains rise, and babbling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing springs add to the park’s charm.
Over the years, the park has seen the development of various tourism facilities, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Whether you are looking for a scenic hike in a nature park, a refreshing dip in a waterfall, or simply a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s embrace, Bataan National Park has something to offer everyone.
Tala View Deck
Fifth is the Tala View Deck. Enjoy the majestic view of the mountains and fresh air. The best time to go here is before the sun rises.
There are also pavilions where you can eat and hang out. You should visit Nanay Susan’s Lomi House near the view deck, where you can enjoy eating a flavorful bowl of lomi in the chilly weather of Tala, Orani. If you are a cycling fan, this is one of their destinations after an uphill ride.
Tarak Ridge
Tarak Ridge in Bataan
Offers majestic mountain views
Sixth is Tarak Ridge. If you fancy the outdoors and nature, consider visiting Tarak Ridge in Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines. You must go on a challenging hike first to see its raw and stunning views.
This Mariveles Bataan tourist spot offers a majestic view of the mountains and lets you connect with nature.
You’ll see Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, and Cavite from its summit. Mountaineers climb the ridge because of its scenic landscape, rugged cliff, and strong winds.
Mount Samat National Shrine
Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), one of Bataan’s historical landmarks
The seventh destination on the list is Mount Samat National Shrine. Mount Samat National Shrine, also known as Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), is one of the historical landmarks in Bataan.
It is a tribute to the fallen Filipino and American soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bataan in World War II. It is a 73,665-hectare National Shrine built in the 1970s near Mount Samat’s summit.
The Mt. Samat shrine has a marble-clad Colonnade and a huge Memorial Cross. Inside the Colonnade are the altar, glass murals, inscribed narratives of the battle, and a collection of items from World War II.
The open area in the Colonnade provides a panoramic view of the Bataan Peninsula. Still, the viewing deck at the top of the cross gives even more exciting sights.
Pawikan Conservation Center
A protected sanctuary
Eighth on the list is the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan. This sanctuary, protected by Bataan Tourism Center, aims to help save and protect endangered species, specifically sea turtles.
The conservation center has a hatchery where the eggs are carefully transferred to protect them from predators. A beach near the site is open to the public to watch the release of pawikan.
Five Fingers Cove
Last is the Five Fingers Cove, located in Mariveles, Bataan.
True to its name, this stunning location boasts five rocky coves that resemble outstretched fingers when seen from above. Laki Beach, the area’s crown jewel, stands out with its cream sands, pristine shores, and crystal-clear waters.
It is a perfect destination for local and foreign tourists who are into outdoor activities such as trekking, cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or just enjoying breathtaking views.
Bataan is undeniably a great place to visit, not just because of the beautiful tourist spots but also because of the welcoming and humble Bataeños. They also offer food delicacies that the tourists will surely enjoy.
Suggested Read: Why Live in Bataan?
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