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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