Bataan Travel Information
History | Brief
Description | Bataan is Famous for...
Bataan Attractions | Where
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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.
Bataan Hotels & Resorts
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