Bata’an Province follows the northern and western shorelines of Manila Bay and hosts some of the most historic and scenic sites in the Philippines. Go there for a day or a whole weekend there is plenty to see and do.

Among the attractions of Bata’an are:

The provincial capital of Balanga
Mount Samat, War Memorial and view;
Golf driving range (Balanga);
Port Orion and foreshore drive;
Golf Course (Lemay);
Mariveles (Bata’an Economic Zone);
Mariveles Wet and Dry markets; Ihaw Ihaw restaurant, Hilltop hotel and tennis courts; Talaga Beach.

There are a number of ways you can get to Bata’an – by private car or bus around Manila Bay (about three hours), or by fast ferry (one hour) across the bay.

The Driving Option

Exit Manila by driving along the northern freeway to San Fernando (45 minutes). Stop for a breather at one of the roadside restaurants after turning right off the expressway and towards Bataan and Subic Bay for 45 minutes (drive carefully). Make a note of the live crab and fruit stalls at Hermosa as you will most likely want to buy some on your way home.

After entering Bataan Province you turn left at the Monument, cross the bridge and onto the concrete all weather highway towards Balanga (provincial capital (30 minutes). If you are after western fast food, stop now. This is your last chance for a Big Mac, Chickenjoy or whatever is your particular thing. Points further south offer a much more limited range of fast food options. (Though you will hardly go hungry.)

Next stop is a further 5 minutes drive at which point you can turn right to the spectacular and historic Mt. Samat. Allow 2 hours for this side trip and then back on the road to Mariveles, a further 45 minutes.

After driving for 10 minutes you will pass Port Orion on your left, later the market town of Lemay and then the golf course and local petrochemical industries (again drive carefully, there are some heavy trucks on this stretch of road). There are some good restaurants on this highway and the views of the mountains and of Manila Bay are picture post card quality.

You enter the Bataan Economic Zone, through a road check for trucks etc., and then come to a stretch of road known as the Zig Zag - a steep decent into Mariveles, the end of the road. There is an alternative coast road you can take – watch for it on your left after the checkpoint.

Mariveles is an interesting market town that lies on the southern tip pf the peninsula and adjacent to the island of Corregidor. Mariveles is historically famous for its stand against the invaders of WW2 and the notorious “Death March”, which followed. It is all here to see and the death march trail has been restored. BUT before you being your sight seeing, stop for a meal, beer or whatever at the Ihaw Ihaw restaurant on the foreshore. The ambience and food is excellent here and does not cost the earth. May we suggest you try the crab soup, a light meal for four people.

After eating, you can go through to the Marcos hideaway at Talaga Beach, ask for directions, and/or stop at the Mariveles wet and dry market, the seafood there is fresh and inexpensive. The garments made locally are excellent value and you can have a pair of designer jeans made to measure in one day for P450 if you have the time or of the rack for P300. Don’t be frightened to talk about the first price, they are not fixed. Stay overnight at the Hilltop Hotel and drive home next day or have a game of tennis at the Hilltop which offers excellent indoor clay courts. On the way home, drive carefully, stop regularly for a spell and do not forget the crabs at Hermosa.

Taking the Ferry

You can catch a ferry to Bataan from the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) Ferry Terminal to Port Orion. Mt Samat Ferries offers a regular service, or Mariveles direct, irregular. Check the weather before going, if a cyclone is in the area try another day. Allow between P180 to P230 per person each way respectively.

From Port Orion either hire a car and driver at the Port (remember, haggle about the price) or a motor trike to the highway (p20) where you can catch a Jeepney or bus to Balanga/ Mt Samat, as above, then to Mariveles and back to Port Orion or Mariveles for the return trip. You miss out on the Hermosa crabs but there are plenty of alternatives at the Mariveles wet market.

Go by Bus

Destiny or Rabbit Lines offer services all the way to Mariveles from Edsa at Pasay. Ask your hotel concierge or taxi driver. The buses are air conditioned and comfortable for a smaller person. Say, P150 each way.