Looking for Bataan tourist spots? Well, we have you all covered here!
Bataan is so much blessed, not just with culture and history, but with nature as well. You can do beaches and falls hopping here, climb different Bataan mountains and ridges, visit parks, eat local delicacies, and many more!
From beaches to mountains, everything you love is all here in Bataan — may you be someone who’s so much interested in Philippine history, a beach bum or an adventure seeker. Yes, there are lots of tourist spots in Bataan!
But where is Bataan located?
Bataanis a province situated in the Central Luzon Region of the Philippines. Bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga, Bataan faces the South China Sea to the west and Subic Bay to the north-west and encloses Manila to the east.
The Province of Bataan is blessed with different tourist spots that you shouldn’t miss.
Yes, not just the infamous Death March, Bataan offers so much more.
TOURIST SPOTS IN BATAAN
If you are looking for Bataan tourist spots, we placed everything for you in this travel guide! Check this out!
There are a number of tourist spots in Bataan that you can explore — from historical places to parks, nature, and adventurous activities, Bataan has everything in store for you.
1. BATAAN TOURISM CENTER
Location: Balanga, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Bataan is just so blessed to have loyal, bubbly, and hospitable people who ensure Bataan Province is always out there, available to the tourists and locals to explore.
Inside Bataan Tourism Center. Love their lobby!
We highly encourage you to drop by the Bataan Tourism Center, the first and only one-stop-shop tourism center in the Philippines, before roaming around Bataan. They can definitely assist you more in maximizing your stay in the peninsula.
You can also buy your pasalubong here as they have a souvenir shop inside the center.
2. DAMBANA NG KAGITINGAN (Shrine of Valor) – MT. SAMAT
Location: Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan
Entrance Fee: PHP 20.00
The Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) was built in memory of the heroic deeds of the Filipinos and Americans who fought hard and died for our country.
Dambana ng Kagitingan was built by the late President Marcos in April 1966.
Four years after, in 1970, Marcos opened the shrine to the public for them to also pay tribute to our fellow Filipinos and Americans.
From here, we saw the whole Bataan peninsula.
3. BATAAN WORLD WAR II MUSEUM
Location: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan
Rate: PHP 30.00
If you wanna know more about the World War II, Bataan is definitely a good start to know more about the past war.
Did you know that the area that used to be the place of horrendous killings is now actually an elementary school?
This place used to be the place of when the Japanese people would kill Filipinos and Americans for even just a petty crime. Even babies were killed! They would usually throw the baby up in the air and stab them using their sword. I can’t bear to think about it!
Located at the Balanga Elementary School in Balanga City, the museum is a private initiative of HAS Club of Balanga Foundation.
We then registered and watched a video of what happened during World War II in Bataan, the Death March and how the Bataan peninsula was surrendered to the Japanese invaders.
The first floor of the museum is full of dog tags, helmets, plates, their , and many other things that symbolizes of our ancestors.
I can still picture in my mind the photo of the dead baby after it was killed by a Japanese using a sword. Remember the one I mentioned above about the Japanese throwing the baby up in the air? Yes, this was one of the many babies who died in the war and was not given the chance to see the world in bright colors.
4. SURRENDER SITE MONUMENT
Location: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Still inside the Balanga Elementary School, the Surrender Site Monument is just a few steps away from the Bataan World War II Museum.
In this area, this life-sized monument was built as a reminder of where Major General Edward P. King signed the instrument of surrender on April 9, 1942.
5. ZERO KM DEATH MARCH MARKERS
Location: Mariveles, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Wondering where the Death March started? In the shores of Mariveles, Bataan.
The reason why it was in Mariveles is that, during that time, they are waiting for the command of General Douglas McArthur who was in Corregidor. And because Mariveles was just a 15-minute ride going to and fro, the soldiers decided to wait in the shores of Mariveles.
However, because of the fall of Bataan, this marked the start of the infamous Death March of the American and Filipino soliders in 1942.
Other similar markers can also be found along the route to their final destination, Camp in Capas, Tarlac.
6. PHILIPPINE-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP TOWER
Location: Bagac, Bataan
Rate: FREE
After what happened during the World War II, Rissho Kosei Kai (RKK) of Japan in 1975, initiated the building of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower. This was established together with the Bataan Christian Youth Civic Circle (BCYCC) which symbolizes forgiveness, hope and restoration of relationships of both countries and brotherhood.
7. BATAAN TECHNOLOGY PARK
Location: Morong, Bataan
Rate: FREE
This 365 hectare area was the was the former site of the United Nations Philippines Refugee Processing Center.
After the fall of Saigon, this park became the home to the refugees from the neighboring countries (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) before they migrate to the United States, Australia, and Europe.
Bataan Technology Park houses the monuments that depicts friendship and culture of the three nations such as Angkor Wat, Khmer, Vietnamese Temple and the likes.
8. PLAZA MAYOR DE CIUDAD DE BALANGA
Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga is located in the heart of Balanga, Bataan. You will see the Plaza Hotel here, Balanga’s City Hall, and the Balanga Cathedral across the plaza.
The Plaza Hotel in Balanga City is an old architectural icon in the heart of Balanga, Bataan. The hotel’s facade will surely take you to the Spanish era with it’s unique and stunning features.
9. LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR
Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a home to 17 restored old houses in this Spanish-inspired village.
Although the ambiance of the resort is a bit reserved and old, each villa is still equipped with modern amenities for their guests’ comfort. Located near the beach, their guests can enjoy swimming at the beach or watch the sunset by the shore with their family and friends.
Considered one of the best hotel and resorts in Bataan, Las Casa will surely give you an unforgettable experience that you will always want to go back to.
Photo credits: Agoda
10. PAWIKAN CONSERVATION CENTER – MORONG
11. BALANGA CITY WETLAND AND NATURE PARK – TORTUGAS, BALANGA
12. LUMUTAN FALLS –
BAGAC, BATAAN
13. DUNSULAN FALLS –
PILAR, BATAAN
14. TARAK RIDGE – MARIVELES
15. MT. NATIB – ORANI
16. MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Last March 31, 2019, we covered the Padyakan Festival in Pilar, Bataan. It was the 14th year of the festival and is held in line with the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration.
Padyakan Festival, in particular, was a fun and exciting event to behold. From kids to , everyone is welcomed here.
17. MT. SAMAT ZIPLINE
Surprisingly, Mt. Samat has indeed a zipline! But when we visited the last time, it is under maintenance. Sayang! But will definitely go back Mt. Samat and try their zipline since I learned that this is actually the longest in Central Luzon that offers a length of breathtaking experience.
Ugh. I miss ziplines!
18. TREE HOPPING ADVENTURE
Located at Dunsulan Park, Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, this Tree Hopping Adventure will thrill your bones to the max! Imagine going from one tree to another with just ropes to hold on to and pieces of small slabs to step in! But if you are a thrill-seeker like me, this should definitely be on your bucket list!
Part of our Bataan trip was to cover the Padyakan Bataan 2019 event wherein cycling enthusiasts gather together for a day of fun in Mariveles, Bataan. It is an early celebration of the commemoration of the 77th year of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan.
It has been a long day covering the Padyakan Bataan 2019 event. And my highlight was the cute kids ! You’ve got to read my blog about it! Hehe!
Sir Alan Balmaceda, our Tour Guide from the Bataan Tourism also tried his best for us to visit the Sisiman Lighthouse but because we were not allowed to take the shortcut, plus it was so hot that afternoon, we opted to just go to the viewing spot before Sisiman Lighthouse and went directly to the Zero KM Marker.
Anyway, it was indeed a very long and hot day and our tired bodies were looking for a comfortable place to stay. And while there are many hotels and resorts in Bataan, I love that we had our stay at the comfyCasa Veles Hotel Bataan.
Welcome to Casa Veles Hotel!
CASA VELES HOTEL BATAAN
Casa Veles Hotel is strategically located in the heart of Mariveles, Bataan. Inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FBA), Casa Veles is a smart option for travelers may it be for leisure or business purposes.
Location: Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan
It was lunchtime when we first had a glimpse of the hotel as we had our lunch at their in-house cafe, Cafe Industriya.
After the satisfying lunch, we asked if we can have an early check-in. Glad that the hotel rooms are already vacant that time.
Just beside Cafe Industriya, Casa Veles boasts an up and about industrial interior design with only three floors high which made us feel a sense of exclusivity and privacy. What I love about the industrial designs of a building is that it is so minimalistic, clean, and the bare gray color of the place is pleasing to my eyes.
After a couple of minutes, the Receptionist handed us our respective key cards. Love that they are giving free welcome drinks as well that we can avail during our stay. We availed it before we !
A bit blurred but that’s our key card and my comfy bed!
And off we went to the second floor of the building. Glad that Armela of aroundthemetro.ph is my room buddy! The two gents, Allan of the Filipinorambler.com and Jon of the Jontotheworld.com went up to the third floor of the building. They said that their room smells great!
The Room
I love how our room was neatly designed. For some reason, I actually love hotels that have minimalistic style but still delivers.
Our room is a twin-bedroom with one Smart TV with cable! Yup, with cable. We watched Discovery Channel while chitchatting about life and #adulting stuff. Haha.
Yey! Forgot to bring slippers. Buti nalang meron sila! 🙂
Happy that the rooms are equipped with their very own wifi as well! Imagine a very fast internet connection with a coffee on your table and your laptop with you in your comfy bed. Ahhh, I wanna go back.
The Comfort Room is a good sight to behold as well. The CR is so clean with complete amenities – toothbrush, clean towels, hair dryer, and oh, I love how they put big containers for shampoo and conditioner. No additional plastic wastes!
Before going to bed, we had a coffee session together with Jon and Armela at the nearest coffee shop, Mini Stop! LOL. We talked about blogging and life. Glad that these two are just so inspiring that I actually talked about them on my post. Hope to be with them again soon!
Breakfast at Cafe Industriya
Because we need to leave Bataan at , I made sure to get up at around And boy, it was so hard to leave my comfy bed! Huhu. This is true, I honestly had a hard time getting up because I still wanna enjoy my bed.
But then, we need to eat as fast as we could so we can leave at 8AM.
Good thing that our gents are also Boy Scouts and were up and ready by the time we got to Cafe Industriya.
Since I know I’ll have a very long trip from Bataan to Cavite, I decided to take the Tapsilog. I was surprised that they were serving two eggs! Diba our usual is just one egg but Cafe Industriya makes sure that their guests will leave their cafe full. 🙂
Covering sports events is actually not one of the usual things I do and looking back, I think this is the very first time that I got to experience such. But still, I had so much fun watching the participants enjoying Padyakan Sa Bataan 2019!
Araw ng Kagitingan – A Brief History
Araw ng Kagitingan or The Day of Valor is an annual commemoration of the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. I know some of us may have been taken this for granted already but let me walk you through why this day should be always remembered.
This non-working day is the day when Bataan was surrendered to the Japanese during World War II which started the infamous Death March wherein the Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march from Mariveles, Bataan to Pampanga.
Total of 78,000 Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese but during their march, 5,000 to 10,000 Filipino soldiers and 650 Americans died along the way.
I highly suggest you visit the Bataan World War II Museum so you can also see the rare photos taken during the war and the Death March. Kuya Alan, our Tour Guide from the Bataan Tourism, explained that some Filipinos managed to escape the Death March with the help of our women. One of their strategies was to get them inside their ‘‘ to move them away from the Death March.
Araw ng Kagitingan should always be a bitter-sweet reminder of the courageous men who fought hard for our country.
Padyakan Bataan | 14th Year
In commemoration of the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2019, a mountain bike circuit race was organized by The Provincial Government of Bataan together with the Municipality of Mariveles, Bataan Tourism Council Foundation, Inc, and the Bataan Trailriders and Adventurers Network () last March 31, 2019.
Padyakan sa Bataan, now on its 14th year, is a yearly effort of the abovementioned organizations and government agencies to call on all cycling enthusiasts in the Philippines.
Held at the Karagatan Bay View Peaks, Bataan Freeport Area, Mariveles, Bataan, Padyakan Bataan was attended by over 600 men and women from the different parts of the country.
I was also stunned when I saw kids aged 2-3 years old! They actually have their own category as well.
The Loop
With over three-kilometer course loop that features single and double tracks, climbs, and descents, participants enjoyed the amazing view of Corregidor, West Philippine Sea, and the Bataan mountain ranges.
Depending on the category that the participants will be joining, each of them differs in terms of laps.
Thinking about it, I love how the Bataan Tourism continues to make and preserve events like this as it only not promotes Bataan, but also, hones the camaraderie, patience, and courage of the participants.
It’s such a joy as well seeing super cute kids riding (and really enjoying) their bikes! Similarly, looking at in their bicycles make me wanna scream, ‘I am proud of you, ‘Lo!’ Like really seeing them happy and enjoying Such a happy and inspiring scene.
It reminds me that whatever age you are, if you want to do something that will inspire you and will make you feel alive (but be safe, of course!) then do it.
Funny because my key takeaway in this event is, life is too short to daydream. If you want it, then go for it. Just like these bikers, they want it, they go for it, and they showed up.
Kudos to all the staff of Bataan Tourism Council and Bataan Government for the successful event. Congrats to all the winners and participants of the 14th Padyakan Bataan! ‘Til next year!
Traveling to Bataan was one of my best breathers after so many things on my plate for the past months.
It was actually just my second time to set foot in Bataan. First was a company outing which was like seven years ago and we just took a day out to Camayan Sands Hotel! So, when I got an invitation to explore the beauty of Bataan, I immediately said yes!
Of course, who wouldn’t want to explore the place known for the infamous Death March? After all, I feel like I have been so connected to the past after my Corregidor trip last March 2019.
Looking back and actually knowing more about the history, of what really happened, made me feel so connected and proud to be a Filipino.
Dalagang Pilipina, yeah! Hihi.
Hey, our ancestors fought so hard for this country to have what we have right now – freedom from the oppressors!
So despite all other things to be done during the weekend, I stand firm to my decision of saying yes to Bataan.
Lovely people, rich history, and delicious food – all these here in BATAAN. Shall we now travel to Bataan? 🙂
HOW TO GET TO BATAAN
Before we get to the tourist spots to explore in Bataan, let me walk you through how to get to Bataan if you are coming from Manila.
By public transportation
From Manila, there are several bus companies that you can hop in going to Bataan. You may take Genesis, Bataan Transit, Sinulog and Victory Liner.
If you are taking a bus from Cubao or Avenida, the fare is around 200 pesos and the travel time is around 3 hours.
If you are going to Pilar, Orion, Limay, Cabcaben, and Mariveles, and not Balanga, take the Mariveles bus and not the Balanga so you can avoid long travel time.
See below table for the destinations and what bus’ signboard to hop in.
Signboard
Destination
Mariveles
Pilar Orion Limay Mariveles
Balanga Highway
Alongside the highway Dinalupihan Hermosa Orani Samal City of Balanga
Orani – Balanga
Town Proper via National Road Dinalupihan Hermosa Orani Samal City of Balanga
Notes: Table above is from the Bataan Tourism Website
By private transportation
You can take either the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) or Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). If you are coming from Manila, the toll fee is P157.00. The exit of NLEX is in San Fernando and straight ahead going to the peninsula of Bataan.
By sea
Yes! You read that right. You can go to Bataan via 1Bataan Integrated Transport System’s ferry boat!
Fare: P450 per way per head if booked online. P799 per way per head if walk-in.
If you are looking for Bataan tourist spots, we placed everything for you in this travel guide! Check this out!
A. Visit Bataan’s Historical Places
There are a number of historical places in Bataan that you can explore. If you wanna know more about the World War II, Bataan is definitely a good start to know more about the past war.
1. Bataan Tourism Center
Location: Balanga, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Before I get to what’s inside Bataan Tourism Center, let me talk about the people working under the Tourism of Bataan.
Bataan is just so blessed to have loyal, bubbly, and hospitable people who ensure Bataan Province is always out there, available to the tourists and locals to explore.
Inside Bataan Tourism Center. Love their lobby!
Kudos to Sir , Sir Alan, and Ms. Paula for making sure that we enjoy our Bataan trip!
Anyway, going back, we highly encourage you to drop by the Bataan Tourism Center, the first and only one-stop-shop tourism center in the Philippines, before roaming around Bataan. They can definitely assist you more in maximizing your stay in the peninsula.
You can also buy your pasalubong here as they have a souvenir shop inside the center.
2. Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) – Mt. Samat
Location: Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan
Entrance Fee: PHP 20.00
The Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) was built in memory of the heroic deeds of the Filipinos and Americans who fought hard and died for our country.
Dambana ng Kagitingan was built by the late President Marcos in April 1966.
Four years after, in 1970, Marcos opened the shrine to the public for them to also pay tribute to our fellow Filipinos and Americans.
At first, when I heard that we will be going to Mt. Samat, I thought we will really be climbing up the mountain! Haha! Good thing I realized that we were not informed to bring climbing gears. Turned out that we will go on top of Mt. Samat riding our van!
It was a surprise for me to see that there is actually a cemented going up the mountain! And, when we got to the top, I saw a few buildings and a lot of cars! Apparently, there was a Bisita Iglesia going on.
Learning that the cross atop of Mt. Samat was like 28 high, I thought, ‘How much was this made?’. And when I knew that there is actually an elevator built inside the cross (like really! There is!), I was astonished!
After a couple of minutes, we went up the cross.
I was never really afraid of heights. But when I was on top, I could feel that my feet are trembling. ng !
But after a while, after all picture taking, I talked to my feet to stop shaking. Char! It was cold up there. At first I thought that they also have an aircon or something because it was really cold and windy.
From there, we saw the whole Bataan peninsula.
After a couple of shots, we went down alighting the small elevator. No need to worry if you fear the call of Mother Nature as this cross was built with a protection from lightning and earthquakes!
I have always heard about Bataan when we were roaming around Corregidor.
3. Bataan World War II Museum – Balanga
Location: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan
Rate: PHP 30.00
I was so curious and shocked when I learned that the area that used to be the place of horrendous killings is now actually an elementary school.
Remembering what our tour guide said, this used to be the place of when the Japanese people would kill Filipinos and Americans for even just a petty crime. Even babies were killed! They would usually throw the baby up in the air and stab them using their sword. I can’t bear to think about it!
Like, really?! Why! Haha! Buti hindi ako nag-school doon.Joke lang. Hihi.
Located at the Balanga Elementary School in Balanga City, the museum is a private initiative of HAS Club of Balanga Foundation.
After a short tour of the old buildings inside the school, we went straight to the Bataan World War II Museum and were welcomed by the staff of the center.
Afterward, we registered and watched a video of what happened during World War II in Bataan, the Death March and how the Bataan peninsula was surrendered to the Japanese invaders.
Still, with a heavy heart, we went around the first floor and saw the things that were used during the war. It was just so nice to see the very things that were used during the war. I can still remember the dog tags, helmets, plates, their , and many other things that symbolizes of our ancestors.
While going up the second floor of the building, Sir Alan was explaining that this level was a collection of memorabilia by Mrs. Luz Banzon Magsaysay, the former First Lady from Balanga, donated by various individuals.
I can still picture in my mind the photo of the dead baby after it was killed by a Japanese using a sword. Remember the one I mentioned above about the Japanese throwing the baby up in the air? Yes, this was one of the many babies who died in the war and was not given the chance to see the world in bright colors.
4. Surrender Site Monument
Location: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Still inside the Balanga Elementary School, the Surrender Site Monument is just a few steps away from the Bataan World War II Museum.
In this area, this life-sized monument was built as a reminder of where Major General Edward P. King signed the instrument of surrender on April 9, 1942.
5. Zero KM Death March Markers
Location: Mariveles, Bataan
Rate: FREE
Wondering where the Death March started? In the shores of Mariveles, Bataan.
The reason why it was in Mariveles is that, during that time, they are waiting for the command of General Douglas McArthur who was in Corregidor. And because Mariveles was just a 15-minute ride going to and fro, the soldiers decided to wait in the shores of Mariveles.
However, because of the fall of Bataan, this marked the start of the infamous Death March of the American and Filipino soliders in 1942.
Other similar markers can also be found along the route to their final destination, Camp in Capas, Tarlac.
6. Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower
Location: Bagac, Bataan
Rate: FREE
After what happened during the World War II, Rissho Kosei Kai (RKK) of Japan in 1975, initiated the building of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower. This was established together with the Bataan Christian Youth Civic Circle (BCYCC) which symbolizes forgiveness, hope and restoration of relationships of both countries and brotherhood.
7. Bataan Technology Park
Location: Morong, Bataan
Rate: FREE
This 365 hectare area was the was the former site of the United Nations Philippines Refugee Processing Center.
After the fall of Saigon, this park became the home to the refugees from the neighboring countries (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) before they migrate to the United States, Australia, and Europe.
Bataan Technology Park houses the monuments that depicts friendship and culture of the three nations such as Angkor Wat, Khmer, Vietnamese Temple and the likes.
8. Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga
Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga is located in the heart of Balanga, Bataan. You will see the Plaza Hotel here, Balanga’s City Hall, and the Balanga Cathedral across the plaza.
The Plaza Hotel in Balanga City is an old architectural icon in the heart of Balanga, Bataan. The hotel’s facade will surely take you to the Spanish era with it’s unique and stunning features.
9. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a home to 17 restored old houses in this Spanish-inspired village.
Although the ambiance of the resort is a bit reserved and old, each villa is still equipped with modern amenities for their guests’ comfort. Located near the beach, their guests can enjoy swimming at the beach or watch the sunset by the shore with their family and friends.
Considered one of the best hotel and resorts in Bataan, Las Casa will surely give you an unforgettable experience that you will always want to go back to.
Photo credits: Agoda
B. Enjoy Nature in Bataan
Bataan is so much blessed, not just with culture and history, but with nature as well. You can do beaches and falls hopping here, climb different mountains and ridges, and many more! From beaches to mountains, everything you love are all here may you be a beach bum, or an adventure seeker mountaineer.
Below are just some of the eco-tourism spots that you can visit on your next gala in Bataan.
1. Pawikan Conservation Center – Morong
2. Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park – Tortugas, Balanga
3. Lumutan Falls – Bagac
4. Dunsulan Falls – Pilar
5. Tarak Ridge – Mariveles
6. Mt. Natib – Orani
C. Unleash the adventurous you with Bataan’s Sports and Adventure Activities
1. Mountain Bike Trails
Last March 31, 2019, we covered the Padyakan Festival in Pilar, Bataan. It was the 14th year of the festival and is held in line with the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration.
Padyakan Festival, in particular, was a fun and exciting event to behold. From kids to , everyone is welcomed here.
2. Mt. Samat Zipline
Surprisingly, Mt. Samat has indeed a zipline! But when we visited the last time, it is under maintenance. Sayang! But will definitely go back Mt. Samat and try their zipline since I learned that this is actually the longest in Central Luzon that offers a length of breathtaking experience.
Ugh. I miss ziplines!
3. Tree Hopping Adventure
Located at Dunsulan Park, Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, this Tree Hopping Adventure will thrill your bones to the max! Imagine going from one tree to another with just ropes to hold on to and pieces of small slabs to step in! But if you are a thrill-seeker like me, this should definitely be on your bucket list!
Location: Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan
Room Rate Range: PHP 2,800 to PHP 3,000
Inclusions: Breakfast for two and (strong) WIFI
Casa Veles Hotel is a 21-room hotel in the heart of Bataan and is one of the first hotels inside the Freeport Area of Bataan’s commercial area.
So if you are looking for a place to stay after a very long day, I suggest you check-in at Casa Veles Hotel. Not only that it will give you a fresh welcome upon entrance to your room, but also, every corner of the hotel will give you that relaxing ambiance. Like asking you to just stay inside the room and tuck yourself inside the bed’s soft mattress.
With a very quiet ambiance, clean limited hotel rooms will surely make you feel home away from home. The industrial interior design will always be pleasing to the eyes.
If you are looking for a place to stay for the night, or to just put your bags for a very long day in Bataan, I recommend Romalaine Inn in Mariveles, Bataan.
What I noticed during our stay in Romalaine was they are more focused on events. They have a number of places catering to events. Even their pool has two stages for pool parties.
Juness Beach Resort is located at Cabildo, Nagbalayong, Bataan, Bataan. This resort should be on top of your list if you’ll go swimming in Bataan. With its convenient location, you can go to many different tourist spots in Bataan.
Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is aome to 17 restored old houses in this Spanish-inspired village.
Although the ambiance of the resort is a bit reserved and old, each villa is still equipped with modern amenities for their guests’ comfort. Located near the beach, their guests can enjoy swimming at the beach or watch the sunset by the shore with their family and friends.
Listed here are just some of the many restaurants and cafes good for family and friends!
1. Cafe Industriya
Location: Lot A Commercial Area 8th Avenue AFABMariveles, Bataan
Price Range: P150 to P225
Cafe Industriya is the in-house coffee shop slash restaurant of Casa Veles Hotel Bataan. If you want to chill after a long day of exploring Bataan or if you are looking for a place to work, Cafe Industriya should be on your list!
The cafe has a very strong wifi connection, clean and green interior, with a very soothing acoustic music. I was actually saying to my blogger friends that if this cafe is near my place, it would probably be my new fave coffee shop.
2. Romalaine Cafe
Location: Mariveles, Bataan
If you want a budget-friendly restaurant, I would suggest Romalaine Cafe. Above all that we have eaten at , what I loved the most was their Pancit Bihon Guisado. Being so tired and hungry from a long day, the is a life saver.
3. TriHouse Restaurant
Location: Balanga, Bataan
Restaurant is a fairly new restaurant in the town of Balanga. Upon entrance, you will already see their staff, welcoming you with their warmest smiles.
Glad that we had our lunch at this restaurant before our full afternoon itinerary to pump us throughout the day. After settling in, we were served a big of seafood!
Was happy as well that their Owner/Manager was very hands-on to their customers. I can see her smiling to their customers and even asking them how was their food.
BATAAN SAMPLE ITINERARY
If you wanna explore the historical Bataan, here’s a sample Bataan chill itinerary for two days. Let us know in the comment sections if you have questions!
Day 1
Description
Notes
Travel from Trinoma to Balanga, Bataan
Travel Time 2 to 3 hours
Visit Bataan Tourism Center
Travel to Brgy. Diwa, Pilar for Mt. Samat
Explore Mt. Samat
Go back to Balanga
Lunch at TriHouse Restaurant Balanga Bataan
Visit Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga and Balanga Church
Explore the past at Bataan World War II and Surrender Site Monument
Merienda at Romalaine in Mariveles, Bataan
Check-in at Casa Veles Hotel Bataan
Day 2
Breakfast at Casa Veles Hotel’s cafe, Cafe Industriya
Visit Sisiman Lighthouse
Check the Zero KM Death March Markers
Lunch at Cafe Industriya
Travel to Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
Explore Las Casas
Travel back to Manila
Overall, I had so much fun exploring Bataan. Knowing more about our past, how the Death March started.. I like that I can connect what I learned in my Corregidor trip to my visit to Bataan.
If there is an opportunity to go back and explore more about what Bataan has to offer, I would definitely be back.
Notes:
Some of the information is taken directly from bataan.gov.ph/. You may check their site as well for more information.
Bataan is so much blessed with nature, filled with history, and lovely people that is worth the 2 to 3-hour drive.
So, if you would like to know more about what happened in World War II, the infamous Death March, and the life in the past, plus check out some eco-tourism sites, we suggest you secure two whole days to explore the beauty of Bataan.
To help you prepare for your escape, we listed here some of the best hotels and resorts in Bataan that you may want to consider!
1. Casa Veles Hotel Bataan
Location: Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan
If you are looking for a place to stay after a very long day, I suggest you check-in at Casa Veles Hotel. Not only that it will give you a fresh welcome upon entrance, but also, every corner of the hotel will give you that relaxing ambiance asking you to just stay inside the room and tuck yourself inside the bed’s soft mattress.
Also, you will love this hotel more if you are looking for a strong internet connection as each room is equipped with its own free and fast wifi! Yey!
After a good night sleep, Casa Veles hearty breakfast from Cafe Industriya will surely pump your day up!
Just like Casa Veles Hotel, The Oriental is also located in Mariveles, Bataan.
With its close proximity to different highly recommended places to visit when in Bataan, this will surely be a good base for your adventure! The Oriental Bataan’s comfort will make you wanna stay a bit longer in the hotel though!
The hotel offers a number of facilities for leisure to make your stay a memorable and relaxing one. Dip into The Oriental’s most photographed indoor swimming pool while watching the sunset; clear your mind and relax your body by availing their signature outdoor spa; lose pounds at their Fit and Tone gym; or simply chill at their relaxing cliff lounge where you can just relax with your family and friends.
With The Plaza Hotel’s convenient location inside Plaza Mayor de Ciudad in Balanga, Bataan, this hotel surely is the best hotel option for you with it’s close access to different must-see destinations in Bataan, whether for business or leisure purposes and will make your stay and gala a hassle-free one!
Moreover, imagine staying in this hotel with its old-charm, quaint rooms? Definitely a must-try in Bataan!
Just for a three-hour drive to this posh resort, you will get to experience a kilometer stretch of beach, endless sunsets, and a relaxing feeling of being close to the mountains and sea — which the metropolis cannot give you.
If you want to get away to the hustle and bustle of the city life and just wanna be close to nature, we highly suggest Camaya Coast – one of the best resorts in Bataan!
What’s great is that they also offer another mode of transportation as you can just book a ferry ride to the resort with just a breeze.
Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is to 17 restored old houses in this Spanish-inspired village.
Although the ambiance of the resort is a bit reserved and old, each villa is still equipped with modern amenities for their guests’ comfort. Located near the beach, their guests can enjoy swimming at the beach or watch the sunset by the shore with their family and friends.
Considered one of the best hotel and resorts in Bataan, Las Casa will surely give you an unforgettable experience that you will always want to go back to.
Step into one of the 10 relaxing rooms of Sage Leaf Hotel after a long day exploring Bataan! Located inside Camp Kanawan in Morong, Bataan, prepare to have a relaxing stay with its numerous amenities that will surely make your stay a pleasurable one.
So, whether your with family or barkada, Sage Leaf Hotel is one of the best place to stay in Bataan.
Beach Resort is located at Cabildo, Nagbalayong, Bataan, Bataan.
If you are looking for a cheap resort in Bataan but still with excellent service and amenities, go with Beach Resort. Plus, with its convenient location, you can go to many different tourist spots as well in Bataan.
Playa La Caleta is a home to 38 guest rooms. Conveniently located in near the beach, guests can enjoy beach bumming and swimming for a very affordable price.
This budget-friendly/cheap resort in Bataan is equipped with different amenities as well that will complete your Bataan escapade!
If you are looking for a place to stay for the night, or to just put your bags for a very long day in Bataan, I recommend Inn in Mariveles, Bataan.
What I noticed during our stay in was they are more focused on events. They have a number of places catering to events. Even their pool has two stages for pool parties.
For more cheap Bataan hotels and resorts. Check the link HERE or search for your preferred hotel below.
