Planning a trip to Bataan? Here's my list of top things to do in Bataan, best places to visit, Bataan tourist spots and attractions that you should include in your Bataan Itinerary this 2024!
The Province of Bataan is a popular road trip destination near Metro Manila. A favorite among local and foreign tourists because of its share of many natural attractions, historical sites, lovely resorts and beach resorts, and so much more, it is definitely a must-visit for a quick trip from Metro Manila. Just 2-3 hours away from the metro, you can easily get to Bataan either by public or private transportation.
Why visit Bataan? Its unbeatable contribution to Philippine history makes it an awesome destination for educational tours and family getaways. But more to that, its lovely beaches, many waterfalls, amazing hotels and beach resorts, delectable local delicacies, and the numerous natural attractions in Bataan are just enough reasons to pack your bags and schedule a visit to this historic province.
Where to go in Bataan? Let me share to you my Bataan Travel Guide Blog 2024, with list of top tourist spots in Bataan and best things to do, amazing places to visit, sample itinerary that you could follow, and many more!
BATAAN TOURIST SPOTS, Things to Do & Best Places to Visit 2024
THINGS TO DO IN BATAAN, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT
Are you ready to explore Bataan? Tara, let's go!
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1. Visit Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mt. Samat
Location: Mt. Samat, Pilar, BataanA must-visit Bataan tourist spot, Dambana ng Kagitingan, also called "Shrine of Valor", is located on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan. Completed and inaugurated in 1970, the "Dambana ng Kagitingan" or the Shrine of Valor lies in a complex with an area of approximately 73,665 hectares. The main features of the shrine are the Colonnade and the Memorial Cross. Standing high on the summit, the huge cross measures 92 meters high. It is made of marble, steel and reinforced concrete with an elevator and viewing gallery at the arms of the cross. A must-visit is the viewing gallery where you could enjoy stunning views of Bataan peninsula, the nearby historic Corregidor Island and the Manila bay.
The Shrine is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fee at Mount Samat is P20.00 pesos per person with discount for students and senior citizens. For more information and travel tips on visiting the Dambana ng Kagitingan, please check out my post here.
2. Experience Camaya Coast Beach Resort
Location: Sitio Wain, Mariveles, BataanLocated in Mariveles, Bataan, Camaya Coast Beach Resort is one of the nicest beach resorts in Bataan offering a wide array of facilities and amenities that the whole family, group of friends, and even couples will surely enjoy. The resort can be reached either by land travel for about 4-5 hours, or by ferry for about 2 hours from Manila.
Camaya Coast is an eco-resort community where guests will be welcomed by breathtaking mountain views, endless sunsets, nice long stretch of fine sand beach and pristine clear blue waters. This 450-hectare project that includes commercial and residential developments has a coastal length of 3.2 kilometers and is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting quick break away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. Just a few hours drive or ferry ride, it's definitely one of the must-visit Bataan tourist spots that you should include in your Bataan itinerary.
For more information and travel tips on visiting the Camaya Coast Beach Resort, please check out my post here.
3. Enjoy Aqua Fun Water Park
Location: Sitio Wain, Mariveles, BataanAqua Fun Water Park is the latest addition to the amazing facilities at Camaya Coast. It is a water park that showcases a giant slide, numerous kiddie slides, a water playground, and a lovely infinity pool with breathtaking views of the mountains, the west Philippine sea and the beach. Aqua Fun Water Park also has a hotel offering several themed rooms available for guests who want to stay overnight.
For more information and travel tips on visiting the Aqua Fun Water Park, please check out my post here.
4. Stay at The Plaza Hotel Balanga
Location: Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, Balanga City, BataanLocated in Balanga City, The Plaza Hotel Balanga features an impressive Spanish colonial architecture offering a distinct experience with its rustic, old-world charm and modern undertones. It has several stylishly-furnished rooms with elegant and contemporary design that will surely bring any guest to a hotel experience like no other. It offers 34 well-appointed guest rooms, all designed with guests' comfort in mind. It is perfectly located at the City Plaza of Balanga and just across the Balanga Cathedral. If you're looking for a place to stay in Balanga, The Plaza Hotel is the perfect hotel for you. For my full hotel review, please click here.
The Plaza Hotel Balanga (Overnight Stay) with Breakfast
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5. Stroll along Plaza Mayor de Balanga
Location: Balanga City, BataanLocated at the heart of Balanga City, Plaza Mayor de Balanga will make you feel you were transported in Europe with visiting its intricately-designed architecture and well-planned layout. A popular tourist spot in Balanga, it is a favorite hangout place among tourists and locals.
6. Visit Balanga Cathedral
Location: Calero Street, City of Balanga, BataanLocated in front of Plaza Mayor de Balanga, the Balanga Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Balanga which oversees all the churches in Bataan. Founded in 1793, it is formally known as the Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph. The City of Balanga celebrates the feast day of St. Joseph twice every year, on March 19 and the "pistang bayan" every April 28. You might want to schedule your visit during these times to enjoy and join the festivities during the town fiesta.
7. See migratory birds at Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
Location: Brgy. Tortugas, City of Balanga, BataanDeclared as a community-based ecotourism zone, the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Bataan. Located in Barangay Tortugas, you can see migratory birds flock the area during the "-ber" months. This 11-hectare coastal area features an eco-trail and a viewing deck that tourists and visitors could enjoy. The Balanga Nature and Wetland Park is open daily from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm. A minimal fee for the ticket and environmental fee are collected to enter the complex.
Balanga City is an ideal base if you want to explore the many tourist spots in Bataan. Aside from The Plaza Hotel de Balanga, here are the other hotels and resorts in Balanga City that you may consider.
HOTELS & RESORTS IN BALANGA
- La Vista Inland Resort - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- GAP Plaza Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Crown Royale Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Grand Peninsula Suites - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- D'Samat Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
8. Island Hopping Adventure to Laki Beach and Five Fingers Cove
Location: Mariveles, BataanIsland hopping and beach bumming are just some of the best things to do in Bataan!
Are you ready for a thrilling adventure? Enjoy a day tour to Laki Beach and Five Fingers Cove in Mariveles, Bataan. One of the best beaches and most popular Bataan tourist spot, enjoy the beautiful beaches, pristine islands, and amazing rock formation of Mariveles in Bataan, just a few hours from Manila! Capture the picturesque sceneries, have fun at the sunny beach or climb the rocky mountains. Its definitely a day not to be missed!
For ease and convenience, you may avail a Laki Beach and Five Fingers Cove Day Tour for a quick and fun getaway!
9. Experience a unique stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Location: Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac BataanA popular tourist destination in Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a beach resort, hotel, convention center and heritage destination rolled into one. Located in the town of Bagac, it offers educational guided tours of the old houses, heritage-themed activities, cultural shows, and many more. You may also stroll along the beach, swim at the swimming pools, and have a relaxing stay in one of their several hotel rooms. Although you could visit it on a day tour, it's better to stay overnight to fully enjoy all the resort's amazing amenities and facilities.
10. Visit the historic Abucay Church
Location: Brgy. Laon, Abucay, BataanFounded in 1588 by the Dominican Missionaries, Abucay Church is considered as the oldest church in Bataan. Located at Brgy. Laon, Abucay, Bataan, this chuch is dedicated to Saint Dominic of Guzman and is known as Saint Dominic Parish Church. This church is witness to some significant historical events in the country such as the the Dutch Invasion of 1647. It is also home to one of the earliest printing presses in the Philippines, by none other than Tomas Pinpin, the father of Philippine printing.
11. Pawikan Conservation Center
Location: Nagbalayong, Morong BataanEstablished in 1999, the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan is a community-based sanctuary for the conservation of pawikan or sea turles. The main activity here is the releasing to the sea of newly-hatched pawikan. The center helps in raising awareness on the importantance of the sea turles and how critical their numbers are.
The Pawikan Conservation Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entrance fee is P20.00 pesos per person.
HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN MORONG
- CoralView Beach Resort - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Anvaya Cove Condominiums Rental - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Bataan White Corals Beach Resort - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Hana Natsu Resorts Beach & Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Playa La Caleta Beach Resort - See disocunted room rates and photos!
12. Experience Pawikan Festival
Location: Morong BataanThe Pawikan Conservation Center in town of Morong also celebrates the annual Pawikan Festival every last sunday of November during the pawikan nesting season. It is not only a celebration but is also an educational campaign to raise awareness for the protection and conservation of the endangered sea turles or pawikan. Several activities arelined up during the festival, such as Night Patrol, Festival Dance Competition, Sand Sculpture and Body Painting. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bataan that you should include in your itinerary.
If you wish to stay for a night or two near the Pawikan Conservation Center, check out the list of hotels and beach resorts in Morong.
13. Hike Tarak Ridge
Location: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles BataanIf you're into mountaineering and nature trips, be sure to climb Tarak Ridge which is part of Mt. Mariveles - a dormant volcano and considered as the highest point in the province of Bataan. Located in the town of Mariveles you can find Tarak Ridge's jump-off point at Brgy. Alas-asin. It is one the most popular hiking destinations for mountaineers and campers visiting Mariveles, Bataan.
14. Sisiman Bay Adventure
Location: Mariveles Bataan"The Sisiman Bay, located in Mariveles, beautifies the southernmost tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Pebbles and beautiful rock formations surround its clear blue beach. The functional lighthouse is one of the photographers' favorite photo subjects. Furthermore, the San Miguel Peak is a stunning rock mountain with a height of 700 feet. All these make Sisiman Bay a wonderful and scenic place to visit." Source: @BeholdBataan
HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN MORONG
- The Oriental Bataan - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Camaya Sands Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- GICC Techopark Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- Casa Veles Hotel - See disocunted room rates and photos!
- See more hotels and beach resorts in Bataan here!
15. Enjoy Playa La Caleta Beach Resort
Location: Matikis, Morong, BataanLocated in the town of Morong, Playa La Caleta Beach Resort is an eco-tourism resort with 1 kilometer of beach and offers 38 tastefully-furnished guestrooms. The property also offers wonderful recreational facilities such as boats, hiking trails, waterfalls, watersports equipment rentals, and wind surfing to make your stay truly unforgettable. It's an ideal place to stay from which to enjoy your stay in Bataan.
"Playa La Caleta" is a Spanish phrase which means "Beach Cove". It is not just a beach resort, but a historical site. Did you know that it was a battle site during the World War II? Known as the Mauban Defense Line, it is where Filipino and American soldiers defended positions against the invading Japanese soldiers during WWII.
16. Discover Dunsulan Falls
Location: Brgy. Liyang, Pilar, BataanLocated in the foothills of Mt. Samat in Barangay Liyang, Pilar, Bataan, Dunsulan Falls is one of the most accessible of all waterfalls in the province. The falls is 5 meters tall and 40 feet deep, and is surround by lush greens and beautiful rock formations. It's a good place to visit and to commune with nature.
17. Hardin ni Balagtas
Location: Brgy. Wawa, Orion, BataanThis garden and monument was built in memory of the great Filipino poet and orator, Francisco Balagtas. Located in Brgy. Wawa in Orion, Bataan it was built through the efforts of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts. Considered as one of the greatest Filipino literary writers, he is known for his work Florante at Laura. He married Juana Tiambeng in 1842 who is a native of Orion. He lived in Orion and had 11 children. He died in Orion on February 20, 1862 at the age of 74.
18. Relieve History at Bataan World War II Museum
Location: Jose Basa St, City of Balanga, BataanOne of the best things to do in Bataan, visint the Bataan World War II Museum will take you back in time.
Located at the back of Balanga Elementary School in Barangay Talisay, Balanga Bataan, the Bataan World War II Museum was built in honor of the fallen heroes during the World War II. Showcasing many antifacts, dioramas depicting the past, it's a must-visit Bataan tourist spot when traveling to Bataan.
The museum is open daily (except Sundays) from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm. Admission is 50.00 pesos per person.
19. Take home some Amanda's Marine Products
Location: City of Balanga, BataanSatisfy your Pinoy cravings with Amanda's Marine Product's shrimp paste, dried fish, smoked fish and wide variety of processed marine products. They are available at Bataan Tourism Center and Plaza Mayor de Balanga (in front of Mc Donalds).
20. Balanga Food Trip
Location: City of Balanga, BataanFood tripping is definitely one of the best things to do in Bataan and a personal favorite of mine. Unknown to many, Balanga is also home to many restaurants offering a wide array of delectable and sumptuous dishes that will surely tickle every foodie's taste buds. Where to eat in Balanga Bataan? Some of the must-try restaurants in Balanga are The Beanery, Wanam Chinese Restaurant and Joyous Tangway Grill for that ultimate Balanga Bataan food experience.
OTHER TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT IN BATAAN
Here are the other historical sites, natural attractions and interesting places to visit in Bataan that you may include in your Bataan itinerary.
- Bataan Death March Kilometer Zero Marker
- Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower
- Flaming Sword Monument
- Fall of Bataan Marker
- First Line of Defense Marker
- Bataan Techno Park
- Mount Natib
- Pasukulan Falls
- Bataan National Park
- Tala Viewdeck
- Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
- Limutan Falls
- Mariveles View Park (Sisiman Viewpoint)
- Tomas Pinpin Monument
- Camaliw and Kaytibog Falls
- Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
- Ambon-Ambon Falls
- Orani Fish Port
- Mt. Binutas and Sinagtala
SEARCH FOR HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN BATAAN!
After expoloring the many tourist spots in Bataan, a good hotel or nice beach resort in Bataan is what we deserve. Check out the many hotels and beach resorts in Bataan by using the search engine below. Just enter your destination, check-in and check-out dates, number of rooms and guests, and click/tap SEARCH. This will show you the updated room rates, availability, guest reviews and more photos.
If you're looking for a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the many hotels and resorts in Balanga. For beach resorts, I recommend the towns of Mariveles, Bagac and Morong.
SAMPLE BATAAN ITINERARIES
Here are my suggested Bataan itineraries that you could follow in creating your DIY itinerary. You may adjust these itineraries based on the tourist spots and attractions you want to visit and the things to do in Bataan you want to experience.
2D1N Bataan Itinerary (2 Days 1 Night)
For a quick weekend getaway, a 2 days and 1 night trip to Bataan is my recommended itinerary.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + BALANGA CITY TOUR
- Departure
- Arrival in Balanga City
- Lunch at The Beanery in Balanga
- Check-in at The Plaza Hotel Balanga - See room rates and availability
- Visit World War II Museum
- Visit Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
- Enjoy Plaza Mayor de Balanga
- Visit Balanga Cathedral
- Dinner at Wanam Chinese Restaurant
- Enjoy Plaza Mayor de Balanga at night
- Go to The Plaza Hotel de Balanga's Rooftop to see the plaza at night
- Sleep
DAY 2 - MT. SAMAT + DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Travel to Pilar
- Visit the Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mt. Samat
- Visit Dunsulan Falls
- Back at the hotel
- Hotel Check-out
- Lunch at Joyous Tangway Grill
- Pasalubong shopping
- Departure
3D2N Bataan Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights)
If you have more time, you may explore Bataan on a 3 days and 2 nights itinerary. Here is my suggested itinerary.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + LAS CASAS FILIPINAS
- Travel to Bagac, Bataan
- Arrival at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Resort - See room rates and availability
- Check-in
- Lunch
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Tour
- Take photos, watch cultural shows, etc.
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 2 - MT. SAMAT + BALANGA CITY TOUR
- Breakfast
- Enjoy the resorts amenities and facilities
- Check-out
- Lunch
- Travel to Pilar
- Visit the Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mt. Samat
- Travel to Balanga City
- Check-in at The Plaza Hotel Balanga - See room rates and availability
- Enjoy Plaza Mayor de Balanga
- Visit Balanga Cathedral
- Dinner
- Go to The Plaza Hotel de Balanga's Rooftop to see the plaza at night
- Sleep
DAY 3 - BALANGA CITY TOUR + DEPARTURE
- Breakfast
- Visit Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
- Visit World War II Museum
- Back at the hotel
- Hotel check-out
- Lunch
- Pasalubong shopping
- Departure
3D2N Bataan Itinerary (Beaches, Coves and Beach Resorts)
If you want to experience and enjoy the beaches, coves and beach resorts in Bataan, here is my suggested 3 days and 2 nights Bataan itinerary.
DAY 1 - CAMAYA COAST AND AQUA FUN WATER PARK
- Travel to Mariveles, Bataan
- Arrive at Camaya Coast Beach Resort
- Have lunch
- Check-in at Aqua Fun Hotel - See room rates and availability
- Enjoy Aqua Fun Water Park
- Enjoy Camaya Coast Beach Resort's facilities and amenities
- Watch the sunset
- Dinner
- Back at the Aqua Fun Hotel
- Sleep
DAY 2 - LAKI BEACH & FIVE FINGERS COVE
- Breakfast
- Hotel check-out
- Laki Beach and Five Fingers Cove - for ease and convenience, you may avail a day tour package here.
- Travel to Morong
- Check-in at Playa La Caleta - See room rates and availability
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 3 - PLAYA LA CALETA, MT. SAMAT + DEPARTURE
- Breakfast
- Enjoy Playa La Caleta Beach Resort's amenities and facilities
- Hotel check-out
- Lunch
- Travel to Pilar
- Visit Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mt. Samat
- Travel to Balanga
- Visit Plaza Mayor de Balanga
- Visit Balanga Cathedral
- Shop for pasalubong
- Dinner
- Departure
Indeed, Bataan is a must-visit ecotourism and historic destination that you should visit in the Philippines. Don't miss visiting these top things to do and tourist spots in Bataan that you should include in your itinerary! Plan your trip to Bataan now!
BATAAN TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- To save on travel expenses and to get discounts on room rates, be sure to book in advance your hotel or resort in Bataan. Also, booking in advance and reserving your accommodation, assure you that you have a place to stay when you get arrive in Bataan. Click here to see available hotels and resorts in Bataan.
- After booking your hotel or resort in Bataan, make sure to call or send a message to your hotel/resort to inquire and confirm any health documents or requirements you need to bring or submit before checking-in and when traveling to Bataan.
- Always check the latest and updated Bataan travel requirements and entry protocols. You may refer to the latest IATF Guidelines, or visit Bataan's local government's website and social media accounts to know the latest and updated travel requirements and entry protocols that you need to follow. You may also call the office of local government to inquire about the travel requirements.
- Have your confirmed hotel booking ready and other documents such as vaccination certificate, travel pass and negative test result (if needed) before traveling to Bataan. Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR and Rapid Antigent Tests.
- For your peace of mind, ask the hotel/resort where you will be staying in Bataan about the safety protocols and measures they implement in the resort.
- Don't be too complacent, even when you're having fun and enjoying your vacation. Always wear your face mask, face shield, and practice the minimum health protocols at all times.
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
BATAAN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISTS
For the latest updates and information on Bataan Travel Requirements for vaccinated & unvaccinated tourists and visitors, please check out my post HERE.
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This post is very helpful. Any idea of a tour company that can accommodate following your 2D1N itinerary to Bataan? Salamat.
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