Philippine Tourist Spots: Morong, Bataan Travel Guide

Situated at the mouth of Subic Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, the municipality of Morong in Bataan is gifted with a long shoreline that makes it as one of the ideal beach destinations near Metro Manila. The beach scene though isn’t the only attraction of Morong. Because scattered all over are wonderful discoveries. Ones teeming with nature wonders, historical relevance, cultural gems, savory cuisines and even loveable wildlife creatures. For a municipality of modest size and a small population of not over 30,000 people—the municipality of Morong offers a lot to travelers. And if you are planning to go soon, check out this handy Morong Bataan Travel Guide. 

 

Tourist Spots in Morong Bataan

Bataan Tourism Center

You might be wondering “Why visit a Provincial Tourism Office?”

Well, aside from getting much-needed information about the different places of attraction in the province, the Bataan Tourism Center is one of the best in the country. In terms of aesthetics and available tourism-related materials. It is a modern facility complete with an exhibit hall, an audio-visual room, and an impressive World War II diorama.

It even has a souvenir shop and a spacious lounge. Where you can converse with tourism officers of Bataan about what places they can recommend for you to visit. And if you must, do try their new Tourism Kiosk. An interactive kiosk that lets you discover more about Bataan’s spots and history.

Bataan Tourism Center is also located in Balanga at Roman Superhighway and on the way to Morong.

Pawikan Conservation Center

The Pawikan Conservation Center was created by the DENR as an NGO establishment in 1999. It’s primary purpose is to help increase the chances of the sea turtles—particularly, the Olive Ridley turtles—to survive. As well as to put a stop to illegal poaching and trading of sea turtle eggs.

Today, the Pawikan Conservation Center (PCC) successfully releases hundreds of newly-hatched sea turtles to the sea every year. Former poachers are now trained as “night patrols” during the hatching season. To collect eggs and bring it to the conservation center for proper incubation.

And every November, the province of Bataan celebrates the Pawikan Festival. Where visitors can witness the release of sea turtles to the sea. Check out what happened in last year’s Pawikan Festival 2019. 

Philippine Refugee Processing Centre (currently the Bataan Technology Park)

Now developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) into an economic and technology hub, this former site of the Philippine Refugee Processing Center symbolizes the Philippines’ brotherhood gesture to our Southeast Asian neighbors.

When our country opened our doors to refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In fact, more than 400,000 refugees temporarily lived in this camp in the 1980’s. Before they were resettled to other countries like Canada, Australia, France and the United States.

A highlight of this camp is the chapel built in honor of Pope John Paul II. On February 21, 1981, Pope John Paul II visited the camp. A special (secret) mass was even held for the refugees from different religions during his visit. A museum honoring the refugees is also located inside the park. 

Our Lady of the Pillar Church

Another highlight of this Morong Bataan Travel Guide is the Our Lady of Pillar Church. Built in 1607, it is considered as one of the oldest churches in Bataan. It is heavily structured from coral stones, the solid facade appears spectacular even after all these years.

And while the interior is now cemented and painted with modern design touches, the church still evokes a fascinating architecture prevalent during the Spanish colonial period. Nearby attractions include the Morong Town Proper and Plaza where you can see other heritage houses and establishments.

Our Lady of the Pillar Church is located at Brgy. Poblacion, Morong, Bataan

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

Next on our must see tourist spots in this Morong Bataan Travel Guide is the infamous Bataan Nuclear Plant. Mothballed in the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and hounded by issue of corruption, the completed but never operated Bataan Nuclear Power Plant still remains in good condition. Apparently, good enough to become a tourist destination in the province.

Visitors can tour the facility and even enter various control rooms to get a feel of what it’s like being inside a nuclear power plant. This is a very fascinating tour especially for people who have seen the HBO series “Chernobyl”. And understand the dangers a Nuclear Power Plant can cause to the environment. Some lawmakers are now recommending for the revival of the Nuclear Plant. But tourists who have been inside the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant would disagree and say “Nope“.

Oyster Island

Depending on what beach resort you are staying, no visit in Bataan can be complete without going out to the sea. So now that you’ve completed the spots in the Morong Bataan Travel Guide, Day 2 should be spent lying on the sand and beach bumming. Activities you can avail in you resort includes: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Island hopping.

One popular island-hopping location near Morong is Oyster Island. This small remote island is located near the coast of Morong. Although it is privately-owned, visitors are still allowed to enjoy the pristine beauty of the island. Regale at the picturesque surrounding of Oyster Island from its azure-colored waters to its natural rock formations. You can enjoy an isolated morning or afternoon in this island. 

Ambon-Ambon Falls

If you have an additional day to spare in Morong, then a trip to the mountains for some hiking and waterfalls-chasing is in order. Ambon-Ambon Falls—situated in the border of Morong and Bagac—is a 60-meter high waterfall that streams into a slightly bigger jacuzzi-sized basin below. Another favorite in this Morong Bataan Travel Guide.

Hiking here takes two hours passing through some challenging trails and very steep walls. But don’t worry, the guides always brings a rope. Near Ambon-Ambon falls situates another waterfall called Limutan Falls. This is a favorite spot for the locals to spend their weekends. Mostly to have a soothing swim and a hearty picnic.

Kaikuran Falls

Another must-visit waterfall in Morong is Kaikuran Falls. Kaikuran is a 150-meter high waterfall that streams down to a pool measured around 30 meters in diameter. It can be found in the forest of Barangay Binaritan. Trekking to this waterfall will also take you to a hanging bridge that sways over a still but deep river water of Sitio Kanawan. The hanging bridge, then, will take you to an Aeta Community.

Where to Eat in Morong Bataan Travel Guide

Loleng’s Hu Tieu-An

Now that we’ve gone through the must visits in this Morong Bataan Travel Guide, here comes our favorite part — FOOD! And surely, there’s a lot of good places to eat around in this lovely coastal town. One famous one is Loleng’s Hu Tieu-An.

Because of Bataan’s acceptance of Vietnamese refugees, a few well-loved Vietnamese dishes were imparted to the local culinary culture.

After the closure of the Refugee Center, Aling Loleng—a former worker at the Philippine Refugee Center—put up a small eatery serving Vietnam’s all-time food favorites.

Like Pho, Hu Tieu Special Noodle Soup (Php 80.00) and the Banh Mi Special (Php 80). Other must trys are the Combo Vietnamese Salad (Php 149) and Fresh Shrimp Rolls (Php 120). Until today, Loleng’s Hutieu-an has remained one of Bataan’s popular foodie attraction.

Loleng’s Hutieu-an is located at Mayor Street, Binaritan, Morong, Bataan. While Loleng’s Hutieu Plus Food House is located near the town’s bus terminal and palengke.

Wooden Leaf Café

Before ticking off your bucket list spots in this Morong Bataan Travel Guide, one must dine at the Wooden Leaf Cafe in Balanga.

This charming café is a great place to stop by for your morning breakfast or even brunch. Load up for the day with much needed nutrients care of the cafe’s healthy set of menus. Wooden Leaf Cafe serves healthy food options of green salads, fruit smoothies, and gourmet sandwiches.

As well as tasty brown rice bowls and mouth-watering desserts such as local favorites “Hade’s detox” and “Athena’s Matcha“. In here, you not only get to enjoy healthy food options, you also get to dine in a place with a wonderful interior ambiance. Like dining in an actual forest! 

Wooden Leaf Cafe is located at Fourlane Commercial, Balanga, Bataan

 

Where to Stay in Morong, Bataan

Dotted over the long shoreline of Morong, Bataan, are many beach resorts facing the waters of West Philippine Sea. Laden with fine sands and comely waters, you definitely have the freedom to choose from budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations.

White Corals Beach Resort

If you’re looking for a resort nestled in lush greenery and fronting a long scenic shoreline, then head out to White Corals Resort. They have 91 guest rooms ranging from different ‘uniquely-named’ classifications. Like Lola’s Bayview, Villa, Lolo’s Room, Tyang 1 and Tyong 2, Standard and Dorm rooms.

 

One focal point of White Corals is its salt water and fresh water swimming pools. They also have a conference hall, basketball and beach volleyball court, children’s playground and a physical fitness gym. Ample parking and dining area is also provided for guests.

White Corals Beach Resort is located at Poblacion, Panibatuhan, Morong, Bataan

Anvaya Cove Nature Club

The word “Anvaya” is translated to “Family” in the Sanskrit Language. Therefore, Anvaya—thanks to its well-designed expansive property located against the backdrop of Bataan mountains—is the perfect place to stay with your whole family. Every inch of this place screams of serene setting. Covering 470 hectares and fronting a 3.5 kilometer stretch of coastline, various types of rooms and private villas and houses scatters through this Asian Tropical paradise. Staying at Anvaya Cove is leisure at it’s finest.

Anvaya Cove is located at Barangay Mabayo, Morong, Bataan

 

How to Get to Morong, Bataan

By Bus and Private Vehicle

Take any bus going to Olongapo from Cubao or Pasay and get off at the Olongapo Terminal. Take a yellow-colored jeepney to Sta Rita inside Subic Bay. At the SBMA gate, there are jeepneys and mini-buses heading to Morong town proper.

By Private vehicle

Just drive to North Expressway and SCTex highway and turn to Bataan Provincial Highway so you will pass by the town of Balanga to Morong.

By Ferry

There are ferry services from Manila (Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Pasay) going to Orion and Mariveles, Bataan daily. Mariveles is the closest to Morong, Bataan. Check out the schedule of the 1Bataan Integrated Transport Service.

By Air

The closest airport to Morong, Bataan is the Subic International Airport. Air Juan has scheduled flights from Manila to Subic