Three hours is all it takes to reach the beautiful town of Pilar, Bataan. Bataan offers a lot of fun activities for everyone. There’s something for everyone, from the sporty to the sentimental to the religious to the hungry and even to those who just want to put their feet up and relax.
1. Learn about Bataan’s history and culture at Museo ng Kagitingan
The Museum of Valor is Bataan’s first cultural museum that displays its people, culture, and history. Here you’ll find old antiques, photographs, manuscripts, sculptures, and art. They also exhibit the original copy of former president Marcos’s speech.
Open 8 AM-5 PM
Entrance fee: P30
Location: Mt Samat, Pilar, Bataan
2. Remember the fallen heroes at Dambana ng Kagitingan
A large Memorial Cross stands atop Mount Samat, to commemorate the fallen Filipino and American soldiers who fought bravely for our country during World War 2. It’s truly one of the must-visit places in Bataan, if only for its significant part in its history. You may climb up the cross via an elevator to get a breathtaking 360 view of Bataan, Manila Bay, and the West Philippine Sea.
Open daily 8 AM-5 PM
Entrance fee: Free
Location: Mt Samat, Pilar, Bataan
3. Take a photo at the Flaming Sword
Before reaching Balanga City from Mt Samat, you’ll witness a huge stone sword monument. It’s just in front of Municipal Hall of Pilar, Bataan. According to some, it’s where the POW soldiers of the Bataan Death March started for their long passage across Luzon.
Entrance fee: Free
Location: Pilar Gov Lina Road, Balanga City, Luzon, Philippines
4. Zipline down Mount Samat
Why not enjoy nature the fun way by ziplining down Mount Samat? It’s 43 meters above sea level, and you get a 540-m adrenaline-pumping adventure with amazing views of the treetops and fields. The zip line ends at the Landing Pad at Dunsulan Park, just near the foot of Mount Samat.
Open daily 9 AM – 6 PM
Zipline fee: P350
Location: Mt. Samat Road, Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
5. Picnic at Dunsulan Park
Have a quick picnic, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest of Dunsulan Park. Also basking in the calming Dunsulan Falls, a 20 ft high natural waterfall.
Open daily 9 AM – 6 PM
Entrance fee: P50 (if not ziplining or tree-hopping)
Location: Mt. Samat Road, Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
6. Go on a Tree Hopping Adventure
Face your fear of heights and “hop” from tree to tree up above through a series of ropes and bridges. A breathtaking adventure that will make you feel one with nature.
Open daily 9 AM – 6 PM
Adventure fee: P300
Location: Mt. Samat Road, Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
7. Visita Iglesia
Bataan has several beautiful Spanish-style churches and is the perfect place to meditate on the Catholic faith during Visita Iglesia. For example, Nuestra Senora Del Pillar Parish Church is just near the Museo ng Kagitingan, so you can easily visit the museum after your Visita Iglesia
8. Food tripping
Aside from the nature and historical sites in Pilar, Bataan, tourists can also enjoy a food trip around Bataan There are several local eateries to choose from—most notable are Marres Kitchen, Ima Flora’s Pamangan, and Choco-Laté de Batirol Bataan.
These are just a few activities you can do in Bataan. Sure, there are a whole lot more. But I think these capture and highlight Bataan’s best features that will give anyone visiting the province a meaningful and worthwhile experience.
