BEHOLD BATAAN : Tourist Attractions in Bataan!

Spread the love

After witnessing the grandeur of the PAWIKAN FESTIVAL 2016, it was time to head back to Manila. But since none of us were really on a rush, we decided to check on some interesting places that are en route to Manila. I must admit in the end, we had such an amazing time!

While in the van, we couldn’t not forget the the beats, the smiles and the vibe during the street dance competition in the Pawikan Festival 2016.

Right outside the Pawikan Conservation Center, Guhit Pinas – Bataan Chapter offered free face painting to guests. Just like this one of Kuya Roberto who was our guide during the entire trip to Bataan.

When in Bataan, you cannot miss buying Cashew Nuts which are so famous in the province. You will find a lot along the road and at a very good price. Do not forget to bring some home as pasalubong!

Located in the Municipality of Pilar, a very popular destination for bikers, Mt. Samat is one famous place you can’t ignore.

The drive up to the Memorial Cross was very scenic, looking over Bataan Province. The drive includes some steep inclines, so make sure to regularly check your brakes for your own safety. With its elevation, you see some tourists who just come here with their food to just enjoy the cool breeze with family and friends.

As you walk around the Memorial Cross, the bravery of the Filipino shows in every corner of the Memorial Cross.

Standing over 500 meters above sea level, the MEMORIAL CROSS is an enormous structure as high as the Statue of Liberty. Tourists can normally climb up to the wings where you can find the gallery. But at the moment, they are busy renovating it and tourists are not allowed to go inside yet.

HOW TO GET TO MT. SAMAT MEMORIAL CROSS:

1. Ride a bus via Genesis from Cubao to Balanga Terminal Station

2. Take a Jeepney from BAGAC station to DIWA

3. Take a tricycle for Php 100.00 per head up to the Memorial Cross

4. Coming down the Memorial Cross to Diwa via Tricycle is Php 75.00

Entrance to the Mt. Memorial Cross : Php 30.00

Another pasalubong idea you can bring home is smoked or dried fish called TINAPA that is very famous, especially in Balanga, Bataan. The best place to find it is in the Balanga Public Market.

Not far from the Balanga Public Market, you will find a very different attraction and that is the PLAZA DE CUIDAD DE BALANGA which feels as though you have traveled out of the country. We were very amazed to see this as it brought me back to when I was touring Europe earlier this year.

Around the square, you will be very impressed with the beautiful architecture taking you back to the old days. The Municapality of Balanga, The Plaza Hotel, and a shopping mall called Galleria Victoria and the church across are some of the structures that you will find around the square.

Aside from the architecture this square is also very historical as this is where you can find KM 44 of the infamous Bataan Death March. During World War 2, thousands of Americans and Filipinos fell into the hands of the Japanese and were forced to walk miles from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

For our last stop, we looked at this beautiful Bataan Tourism Center. If you have any questions as to where to go and what else to do, make sure to drop by here. Bataan Tourism Center is also a great place to buy pasalubong from different places found all over Bataan.

Bataan is a place that offers so much to tourists. From beautiful coastal beaches, hospitable people, delicious food, rich biodiversity, and a place of great historical value. There are more reason to go back to BATAAN!