Bataan.

Bataan Beach

A province in the Philippines with rich culture and history. Located in central Luzon and bordered by Zambales and Pampanga with the South China Sea and Manila Bay respectively. Bataan is a peninsula with a long coastline of sparkling waters and pristine sandy glazing beaches. While these immaculate beaches, secret coves and natural wonders are the Province of Bataan’s pride, don’t neglect its historical landmarks of World War II such as the zero point of the Death March and the memoirs of the soldiers who fought gallantly. It is also the place where Limahong launched his unsuccessful battle to conquer Luzon and the Dutch Navy also tried to seize the island from Spain. But Bataan is remembered and featured globally as the place where both American and Filipino forces made their last stand to defend the Philippines from occupying Japanese Imperial Forces in World War II in which 70,000 soldiers were captured or surrendered to the Japanese thus were made prisoners of war and made to march of about a 100 kilometers from Bataan to Tarlac. There is a street in the US Capital of Washington DC that is dedicated and named after Bataan remembering the gallantry of the combined US and Filipino forces who defended it. I know as I passed there many times which is nearby the Philippine Embassy. Also many of the US Veterans has re-visited the place in the past years.

Bataan Beach Resort

Attractions are fascinating too in the Province of Bataan with its glorious beaches, trekking, mountain biking, its economy, the people, accommodation and resorts. The trip from Manila to Bataan is just a few hours away with a few resorts that are very recommendable such as the Montemar Resort which is the only AAA Rated resort by the Department of Tourism in Bataan. Also The Waterfront Beach situated in Morong is a fully functional, well maintained and fully equipped resort that is very comfortable for a weekend stay for both locals and visitors alike. For eco friendly visitors or nature lovers, bird watching, where some of the migratory birds of the country frequent the place in which is recorded and stated by the Asian Waterbird Census as one of the few places where the highest existence in Asia. The Dinalupihan Nature Center is a favorite camping ground where cool stream waters exist for a cool dip with designated shanty accommodations at the camp grounds for a perfect overnight stay. While the entire Bagac and Morong coastal lines are considered nesting grounds to the 3 out 5 known turtles in the country such as the Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle are all endangered species. The Pawikan Conservation Center or Bantay Pawikan, Inc. started the first community-based conservation program of Marine Turtles with the help of UNDP-GEF-SGP-PRRM and the Provincial Government in 1999. Soon other communities and groups in neighboring towns replicated the conservation work and is going on up to present. The efforts now collectively contribute in the protection of nesting turtles, collection and hatching of eggs and releasing of hatchlings to the sea and with the involvement of its local citizens, soon soon all turtles coming to Bataan beaches will be assured of protected nesting…and hopefully this species will once again flourish to continue their function to maintain the balance and health of the international waters.

Pawikan Conservation

The Senakulo in Bataan is one of the most watched and awaited festivities in the Philippines. Celebrated during the lenten season, it depicts the passion of Christ and visitors of both local and international, come to the province to watch this event. Other places of interest and reference can be viewed at the Bataan Provincial Homepage.

Bataan Senakulo