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BATAAN TRAVEL INFORMATION

Where to Stay in Bataan | History | Brief Description | Bataan is Famous for...
Bataan Attractions

Bataan History...

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia out of territories belonging to Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles, which at the time included Maragondon in Cavite across the bay.

The province had had more than its share of significant historical events. In 1647, Dutch Naval Forces attempting to invade the country perpetrated the Abucay massacre in one of its towns. In the late 1700s, the dreaded Chinese private Limahong used Lusong Point on the western sides as the landing place to launch his conquest of Luzon. In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon, which revolted against Spanish rule.

It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained notoriety that would find it a place in the annals of world history. Under heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the historic 'Fall of Bataan'on April 9, 1942.

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Brief Description

Discover the magic of the Philippines’ Third Region with this amazing historical and cultural province, only an hour by ferryboat across the bay from Manila. Until recently not a traditional tourist destination, Bataan is now proving to be a tourist haven boasting a multitude of exciting places to visit, and interesting things to do. The province has much to offer a rich culture and history, the beauty of unspoilt beaches, and a warm hospitality that is truly Filipino.

Geography

Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields the Manila Bay on its south and east from the South China Sea on its west. Zambales and Pampanga form its boundaries on the north.

Political Subdivision

Balanga City, 124 km. from Manila, is the provincial capital. The twelve towns lying in its coast integrade 238 barangays and 11 cultural minorities or sitios.

Climate

The climate consists of two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Population

The population of Bataan for the year 2000 was 552,000 based on the growth rate of 2.12% in Central Luzon.

Language / Dialect

Tagalog is the main language and is widely used, followed by Pampango and Ilocano. English is used mostly as the medium of transaction in business.

Major Industries

Bataan remains basically an agricultural province in spite of the rapid industrialization during the last decade. Mariveles is the site of an export-processing zone that accounts for heavy industry in the province. Cattle and carabao fattening, hog raising, and poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg production, are some of the promising livelihood programs in the province.

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Bataan Is Famous For...

Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat
The famous bell hangs atop the popular Mount Samat located in Pilar town. It was built in loving memory of the soldiers of World War II, including those who perished in Bataan soil during the tragic Fall of Bataan and Death March in 1942.

Fine Beaches
Excellent beach destinations await visitors in the towns of Morong and Bagac.

Tinapa
Among the livelihood products of the coastal towns in the province is the tinapa (processed fish).

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower
The structure situated in Bagac is the symbol of a post-World War II period of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the once warring nations.

Bataan Nuclear Plant

World War II Markers
Bataan was a major historical witness of World War II, especially as the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the tragic Fall of Bataan in April 1942. Among the markers preserving these memories are the First Line of Defense Marker in Layac, General King Marker in Lamao, Surrender Site Marker in Balanga, Death March Markers in Bagac and Mariveles.

Sibul Spring
A potential prime tourist destination in the province, the spring located in Sibucay is blessed with sulfuric swimming pools and a wide area for outdoor recreation. Its main attraction is the natural spring believed able to provide muscle pain relief.

Sto. Domingo Abucay Church
The 414-year-old church was constructed in 1587 after the rich Spanish style of the day. Today it stands as a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch naval invaders on June 16, 1647.

Tomas Pinpin Monument
The prominent figure stands at Calaylayan in Abucay in loving memory of the famous Filipino painter.

Dinalupihan Nature Center
The unspoiled forest area situated in Dinalupihan is ideal for picnics and camping. It offers facilities as well for irrigation and game hunting. The surrounding area is great for day hikes and trekking.

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Bataan Attractions

Historical

First Line of Defense Marker
(Layac). Site of the first strong defense line of the combined forces of the 71st division of the American forces, 31st and 26th Infantry Regiment, in January 1942.

Dambana ng Kagitingan
Atop Mt. Samat in Pilar town, it was built in memory of the soldiers of WWII.

Zero Km. Death March Marker
Site of the start of the Death March in Bagac. A similar Death Marker can be found in Mariveles.

General King Marker
(Lamao). Site of General Edward King, Jr.’s first attempt to surrender Bataan into the hands of the enemy in his effort to save the lives of his men who were starved and sick due to the delay of supplies from the U.S.

Surrender Site Marker
(Balanga City). Found in the compound of Balanga Elementary School, it is the site of the formal surrender of Bataan.

Pilar Flaming Sword
(Panilao, Pilar). A symbol of Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of adversary and external threats to the nation’s democracy and peace.

Sto. Domingo Abucay Church
414-year-old church constructed in 1587 in the rich Spanish style of the day, and a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch invaders on June 16, 1647.

Tomas Pinpin Monument
(Calaylayan, Abucay). Stands in loving memory of the famous Filipino painter.

Maria Canon Statue
(Sibul, Abucay). Tower erected by the Mie-ken Daiichi Shyeeseo of the Japanese Sohyohshnh Sports in 1978 to invoke the repose of dead souls from the WWII period.

Balanga Catholic Church Belfry
(Balanga). Once used as the site for the Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces took their last stand in Bataan.

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower
(Bagac). Symbol of a post-WW II period of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the once warring nations.

Natural

Dunsulan Falls
An enchanting spectacle in the heart of a forested hill behind the famous Mt. Samat in Pilar. Ideal site for picnic and swimming.

Pasukulan Falls
(Abucay). A natural wonder in the valley of Mt. Natib which remains unexplored and unspoiled. Fresh vegetation abound. Ideal for picnics.

Dinalupihan Natural Parks
(Dinalupihan). An unspoiled forest area ideal for picnics and camping activities with facilities for irrigation and game hunting. The surrounding area is great for day hikes and trekking.

Mt. Natib
(Orani). A dormant volcano rising to 1253 meters that provides a commanding view of the surrounding towns. It offers mountain climbers and nature lovers not only the pleasant cool mountain air but also a lush growth including exotic plant species and rare wildlife.

Balon Anito
(Mariveles). Called the “dead volcano,” it is frequented by elderly people who go to soak their feet in the water of the therapeutic hot spring at the mouth of the volcano.

Sibul Spring
(Abucay). A potential prime tourist destination in the province boasting sulfuric swimming pools and a wide area for outdoor recreation. Its main attraction is the natural spring believed able to provide muscle pain relief.

Mt. Silangan
(Morong). Boasts of an 80-foot high waterfall that cascades to a pool of refreshing cool water.

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Where to Stay in Bataan | History | Brief Description | Bataan is Famous for...
Bataan Attractions