Bataan is among the provinces I recommend you visit when you travel to the Philippines. Not only you’d get high on its flavorful food or the sweeping views of its beach and mountains, you could embark on a historical journey that can have a positive impact on your life.
There are online travel companies offering Bataan tours, you can opt to book from them or plan a DIY trip or book directly from the Provincial Tourism Center. Here are the available tour packages you can choose from the Tourism Center.
Historical Tour (Php1,250)
1. Bataan Tourism Center
Located along Roman Superhighway in the city of Balanga, Bataan Tourism Center is the ideal place to start your tour. Get acquainted with the province’s World War II landmarks, world-class products as well as ecological tourist destinations at the tourism center.
2. Plaza mayor de Ciudad de Balanga
At Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, you can find architectural icons such as the Plaza Hotel, city hall, Balanga cathedral, etc. These buildings feature an impressive façade inspired by Spanish colonial architecture.
3. Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph
Founded in 1793, the Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph is also known as the Balanga Cathedral.
4. Surrender Site Memorial
The surrender site is located inside the Balanga Elementary School at Basa St., Talisay, Balanga City. The monument, just in front of the Bataan WWII Museum, commemorates the surrender of the USAFE forces (Filipino and American soldiers) to the Japanese during WWII.
5. Bataan World War II Museum
Dedicated to the heroes of the World War II, this museum is quite informative and experiential.
6. Rolling tour at Flaming Sword
At a junction near the municipal hall of Pilar, Bataan is a gigantic sword known to symbolize the bravery of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during the second world war. It was at this intersection where USAFFE soldiers on the death march from Bagac and from Mariveles merged on their way to Capas, Tarlac.
7. Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor
In this historic mountain lies the Mount Samat National Shrine dedicated to the Filipino and American heroes of WWII. A 302-ft memorial cross towers above its summit to remind everyone the heroic struggles and sacrifices of those who lived and fought during the wartime as well as those who’ve fortunately survived.
8. Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower
This tower in the town of Bagac is a clear symbol of “positive transformation”. As the name suggests, the relationship of Philippines with Japan has bettered in time.
9. 0 km Death March Marker (Bagac)
An effective way to remember and talk about the death march is to be next to its markers.
10. Bataan Technology Park
Historical + Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Day Tour (Php 2,710)
1. Bataan Tourism Center
2. Plaza mayor de Ciudad de Balanga
3. Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph
4. Surrender Site Memorial
5. Bataan World War II Museum
6. Rolling tour at Flaming Sword
7. Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor
8. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
9. Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower
10. 0 km Death March Marker (Bagac)
Eco Tour (Php 1,405)
1. Bataan Tourism Center
2. Lumutan Falls
3. Ambon-ambon Falls
4. Pawikan Conservation Center or City of Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
Tour Inclusions:
- Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited tour guide
- All entrance fees
- AM, PM Snacks and Lunch with bottled water
- cold towel
- Transfers during the whole tour via air-conditioned van
Important notes:
- Rate applies to a group of 10 or shared tour
- Private tours will have different rates and will depend on the number of guests due to the van rental and tour guide fee
- Additional rate applies on Holy Week, Christmas, New Year and other holidays
- Pick-up areas will be within Balanga City or nearby towns. Long distance travel will have additional charges
- Prices may change without prior notice
For inquiries and bookings, please contact the following DOT accredited agencies:
Aura Mosca Travel Co.
Manelle Sison
+63917 – 535 – 3198 / +63998 – 588 – 7715
sales@auramosca.com
Punto Travel and Tours
Esmie Punto
+63916 – 761 – 6716 / +63995 – 203 – 0680
puntotravelandtour@gmail.com
Zseanne Travel and Tours
Anetthe Montefalco
+63920 – 967 – 6676 / +63917 – 583 – 2484
zseannetravelandtours@gmail.com
Parting Words
Visit Bataan. Get swept by its rich nature reserve. When its time to take a break from the usual sightseeing, immerse yourself in a history-filled tour. Remember the epic struggles of the Filipino and American soldiers as well as all the civilians who’ve lived and survived the second world war. An important takeaway: in any war, there are no real victors, only accounts to draw lessons, strength, and inspirations from.
