Chasing waterfalls, beaches, hidden coves, and trekking destinations in one setting? Explore Bataan’s tourist spots, including the remote places to visit.
Bataan province is recorded in Philippine history as the site of major battles fought during World War II. It was one of the major strongholds of the American and Filipino forces against the invading Japanese.
Thousands of troops perished before the former surrendered, commencing the infamous Bataan Death March. It is considered one of the major atrocities of the war.
Unknown to many; however, Bataan offers more than its historical significance and the heroism and resilience of its people. It is also one of the best ecotourism sites in the Philippines, owing to its dense forests, towering waterfalls, pristine hiking trails, stunning beaches, and off-beaten coves.
Here are the must-see attractions to consider when planning your itinerary to Bataan.
1. Pawikan Conservation Center
The Pawikan Conservation Center aims to promote the conservation of the endangered Philippine pawikan (sea turtle). It has facilities for the hatching and healing of turtles, including programs and projects to protect these from illegal activities.
Visiting the center during the months of August until February will give you the chance to witness female turtles returning to the shore to lay eggs. You can also volunteer to patrol the shores to help protect the eggs.
The locals celebrate the week-long Pawikan Festival in November. During this time, you can take part in the release of turtle hatchlings back to the sea.
The center is one of the most visited tourist spots in Morong, Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Morong
2. Mount Samat Shrine of Valor
Standing on the peak of Mt. Samat, the Shrine of Valor is one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Bataan.
Otherwise known as the “Dambana ng Kagitingan,” the Shrine of Valor commemorates the heroism of both Filipino and American forces during the Japanese invasion of World War II.
A memorial cross that is 301-feet tall dominates the shrine, along with stunning sculptures of historical events in the Philippines.
Aside from its historical significance, the Shrine of Valor offers a spectacular view of Manila Bay and the surrounding mountains of Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Pilar
3. Dunsulan Falls
Dunsulan Falls is one of the most accessible falls in Bataan, cascading beautifully on the foot of Mount Samat.
With a height of about 20 feet, Dunsulan Falls raging waters carved a shallow circular pool surrounded with basalt columns. You can climb on one of the surrounding cliffs and plunge into the deep pool.
Aside from hiking, try maximizing your experience of the falls by riding the zipline from “Dambana ng Kagitingan.”
- Entrance Fee: Php 50
- Location/Jump-off: Dunsulan Junction, Pilar
4. Sisiman Lighthouse and Bay
Sisiman Lighthouse is one of the top tourist spots in Bataan, not only because of its imposing architecture but because of the rewarding views you’ll get from here.
Imagine standing next to the lighthouse as you gaze at the endless ocean with its waves crashing on the jagged shores of the bay. It is also one of the best sites to catch an impressive sunrise and sunset view.
- Location/Jump-off: Mariveles
5. Mount Natib
Mount Natib is one of the best-hiking tourist spots in Bataan, giving you the chance to trail on tropical jungles and chance on a myriad of flora and fauna species. It is a dormant volcano that rises to more than 1,287 meters above sea level.
While atop, catch a breathtaking view of the vast dipterocarp forests of Bataan, including other notable mountains such as Mt. Mariveles, Mt. Balingkilat, and Mt. Arayat.
Grasslands cover the summit of Mt. Natib; thus, you’ll get a clearer view of the surrounding landscapes. After assaulting the mountain, you can have a relaxing bath at the Tala or Orani River.
- Location/Jump-off: Bry Tala, Orani
- Registration fee: Php 70 per person
- Guide Fee: Php 800 for 7 pax
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
6. Bataan World War II Museum
The Bataan World War II Museum is also included in the historical tourist spots in Bataan.
Here, you’ll find war memorabilia and dioramas featuring the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942.
Thousands of Filipino and American soldiers died during the March as they marched from Bataan to Tarlac for nearly 69.6 miles.
- Location/Jump-off: Balanga City
7. Bataan National Park
Bataan National Park is one of the most preserved tourist spots in Bataan. One of Central Luzon’s last ecological frontiers is home to vast dipterocarp forests with rich biodiversity.
Numerous wildlife species, including giant fruit bats, deer, civet cats, eagles, and monkeys, live here. The park covers more than 23 688 hectares.
Hiking at the park will give you the chance to view its hidden waterfalls, giant century-old trees, different orchid species, and crystal-clear streams and rivers.
If you’re lucky, you’ll chance on Rafflesia Flowers, the biggest in the world.
- Location/Jump-off: Orani
8. Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
The Balanga Wetland and Nature Park are one of the protected tourist spots in Bataan. It serves as a sanctuary for various species of migratory birds.
To date, more than 35 species of birds that belong to 15 bird families have been spotted in the park.
Aside from birdwatching, the park gives you a view of wetlands, mudflats, and mangrove forests. It’s best to come here during the early morning to glimpse the birds.
- Location/Jump-off: Balanga City
9. Five Fingers Cove
Aptly named as such because the site resembles the shape of five fingers when viewed from above or even from Google Earth. It is now one of the most visited tourist spots in Mariveles, Bataan.
Visiting the site gives tourists the chance to do cove hopping and experience different features and sceneries.
The coves are called Cochino’s Point, Talaga Point (home to Natsu Lagoon and Apatot Cove), Puntang Mahaba (where Pebble Cave and Nagmandala Rock Formation are located), Naiklec Point, and the Longos Kawayan Point.
In all these, you’ll have the chance to enjoy powdery beaches, cliff diving, and boat riding in one stop.
- Location/Jump-off: Mariveles
10. Corregidor Island
Corregidor Island is actually a part of Cavite province, but people associate it more with Bataan because of its proximity. It’s just some minutes of a boat ride from Bataan.
Getting on the island gives you the chance to walk among historic ruins, war tunnels, giant cannons, and other war materials. If you have the nerve, you can even go ghost-hunting.
11. Mount Mariveles
Mount Mariveles ranks among the most popular hiking destinations in the Philippines. Rising to more than 1,388 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano is also the highest peak in the entire Bataan province.
Just like Mt. Natib, Mt. Mariveles gives you a breathtaking view of dipterocarp forests and the plains of Bataan including its towns and cities.
- Location/Jump-off: Alas-asin, Mariveles
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
12. Zero Kilometer Marker
The Zero Kilometer Marker is a reminder of the grueling march of Filipino and American troops from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac during the Bataan Death March.
An obelisk and a bayonet with a soldier’s helmet thrust into the ground mark these Zero KM Markers. The marker is also one of the recognized tourist spots in Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Mariveles and Bagac
13. Pasukulan Falls
Pasukulan Falls is one of the remotest tourist spots in Bataan but one that offers a rewarding adventure of a lifetime.
Cascading elegantly for almost 200 feet, Pasukulan falls lies in the heart of the dense forests of Mt. Natib.
It is considered the tallest fall in Bataan. To get to the falls, you’ll trail across wild jungles and may have a personal encounter with wildlife species, including snakes.
But don’t worry. It’s safe to come here and encounter, as that just adds to the thrill.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tala, Orani via Pinagbutasan trail
- Trekking Time: 4 hours
- DENR Contact for Guides: 09988623106
14. Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower
The Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower is a 27-meter tall structure, symbolizing reconciliation and peace between the two nations. A Japanese Buddhist organization called, Kosei Kai Group, built the tower in 1975.
The tower also features a Buddhist bell and three pillars connected by multi-layer rings. Also known as the Bagac Friendship Bell, the tower represents the renewed friendship between the Filipinos and the Japanese.
It is one of the historical tourist spots in Bagac, Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Bagac
15. Fall of Bataan Marker
The Fall of Bataan Marker commemorates April 9, 1942. During this time, Bataan officially succumbed to the Japanese when Major Gen. Edward P. King Jr. of the American forces signed the surrender document.
The marker is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Balanga, Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Balanga City
16. Ambon-Ambon Falls
Ambon-Ambon Falls is one of the grandest falls in Bataan, measuring more than 100 feet high. It cascades like drizzles from the heavens on the face of a scenic cliff.
Its pristine waters come from the forested slopes of Mt. Natib. Enjoy rappelling from the top of the waterfalls down to its base. Expect a challenging trek across wild terrains before finally catching sight of Ambon-Ambon falls.
Ambon-Ambon Falls is one of the iconic tourist spots in Bagac, Bataan.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Binakawan, Bagac
- Trekking Time: 1-2 hours
- Guide Rate: Php 300 per guide
17. Limutan Falls
Limutan Falls is just a few meters upstream from Ambon-Ambon Falls with a height of 30-feet. It may not be as majestic, but the surrounding forests give it an enchanting view.
It also has a naturally-built pool where you can have a rejuvenating swim. Beware. Blood leeches and snakes lurk along the trails leading to the falls. But these are thrills for a real adventurer.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Binakawan, Bagac
- Trekking Time: 1-2 hours
- Guide Rate: Php 300 per guide
18. Bataan Technology Park
The Bataan Technology Park is a techno-economic zone serving as a hub for business and employment for the people of Bataan.
It was the home of the Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC), a training and transition center for refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
These refugees left their countries during the Vietnam War. A museum now sits in the park, commemorating the friendship of the Filipinos and the Indochinese refugees.
The park is one of the best places to visit in Bataan.
19. Kairukan Falls
Kairukan Falls is one of the newly-discovered tourist spots in Morong, Bataan, and is rapidly growing attention from the mainstream market. It is one of the highest falls in the province, measuring more than 150 feet high.
It has a beautiful catch basin with crystal-clear waters where you can have an invigorating bath. The trail to the falls thrives with flora and fauna, including giant trees and different bird species.
The Aetas, who own the mountain, preserve the forest in an indigenous way.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Kanawan, Brgy Binaritan, Morong
- Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
20. Mount Tarak Ridge
Mount Tarak Ridge is one of the most popular hiking tourist spots in Bataan. It boasts trails leading to a pristine wilderness where you’ll get the chance to see mossy forests, a crystal-clear river, and a beautiful campsite including a variety of flora and fauna species.
You’ll also trail on a so-called knife-edge which gives a panoramic view of the remaining dipterocarp forests. It is a premium eco-tourism destination that every nature lover should not miss.
Hopefully, the local authorities will continue to implement measures to sustain the beauty and bounty of Mount Tarak Ridge.
- Location/Jump-off: Mariveles
- Trekking Time: 1-2 days
For Your Information
If you need more information that may help in setting up your itinerary for the tourist spots in Bataan province, do contact the following:
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bataan.tourism/
- Contact: (047) 935 0364
- Email: bataan_tourism@yahoo.com
Photos Courtesy of Behold Bataan FB Page, Ericka Bautista, It’s More Fun in Bataan, Kurt G. Ibañes
