Bataan is historically rich, always linked to World War II, a witness to many bloody encounters between Filipino and Japanese soldiers.
Every April 9, the province takes center stage as the country commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan.
This peninsula is an exciting destination for culture, adventure and nature. The perspective becomes unique when it comes from a biker.
Bataan is an ideal getaway because of its isolation from Luzon’s main arteries.
Surrounded by mountains and seas and punctuated by tourist spots, riding around the province is a visual treat.
One spot is the First Line of Defense monument, a larger than life tableau of the 38th Infantry Division which bore the brunt of the initial wave of Japanese attacks in 1941 and liberated the same area in 1945. Sculpted by renowned artist Nemi Miranda, it is situated at the Layac Junction in Dinalupihan, which leads to the Subic Freeport and Zambales province.
Inside Balanga City is the Balanga Elementary School where Fil-American troops surrendered to the Japanese in 1942. This is depicted through life-size bronze tableau beside the World War II Museum. A few minutes away is The Bunker, the provincial capitol building which was renovated to bear war motifs.
At sunset, be at the Balanga Wetlands and Nature Park, a 34-hectare mangrove forest, a favorite hang-out of some 9,500 endemic and migratory birds that fly across the Manila Bay and the swamps.
A must-see is the Dambana ng Kagitingan, on top of Mout Samat in Pilar, a memorial complex whose centerpiece is a 92-meter tall cross punctuated by relief sculptures of the late National Artist Napoleon Abueva and a museum of war memorabilia. The Shrine’s colonnade provides a breathtaking view of Corregidor Island across the bay.
The war memorial is also an adventure tourism and enterprise zone with recreational facilities, forest trails, waterfall and natural pool.
The most exciting adventure is Mariveles, situated at the province’s southern tip and can be reached through a scenic zigzag.
At the foothills of Mt. Mariveles is The Oriental Hotel Bataan, a chic lodging tucked in a lush tropical forest. The hotel, designed by national artist Leandro Locsin, combines Old World charm, Asian touch, contemporary vibe and lots of greeneries, open spaces and a locally-grown vegetable garden. It also has a pool and Asian-themed spa.
About a mile away is Death March Km. 0, a memorial plaza where some 70,000 Filipino and US soldier prisoners of war were gathered by the Japanese for a grueling 100-kilometer walk to their prison camp.
A brief ride away is the Five Fingers Cove, an Instagrammable configuration of beaches which can be accessed at a local station of outrigger boars. The nearby Panoypoy village provides a soothing top view of the coves and the bay’s vast expanse.
The neighboring town of Morong has an infinity of powdery coastline dotted with resorts, beachfront facilities and a sanctuary for sea turtles.
Bataan is an ideal adventure site for two-wheelers for culture, nature and everything in between.