Top Bataan Tourist Spots, Where to Eat and Stay
Ready for a quick escape from the city? Bataan, just a few hours from Manila, offers a mix of history, nature, and beach vibes. Here’s your complete guide on how to get to Bataan Province, places to visit, where to eat, and where to stay in Bataan.
About Bataan Province
Bataan Map
Bataan is a province in Region 3, Central Luzon, rich in history and natural beauty. It's known for its role in World War II, particularly the Bataan Death March. Today, it's a peaceful destination with mountains, beaches, and cultural sites.
Bataan is composed of 11 municipalities and one component city, Balanga City, which serves as the capital and commercial hub of the province. The municipalities include Abucay, Bagac, Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Limay, Mariveles, Morong, Orani, Orion, Pilar, and Samal.
Each town has its own charm, making Bataan a diverse and exciting place to explore.
Best Bataan Tourist Spots
Bataan may look small on the map, but it’s full of big surprises. If you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or just someone trying to escape Manila traffic (same, bestie), Bataan has something for you. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, here are some must-visit Bataan tourist spots.
Mount Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan)
Located in Pilar, this historical landmark honors the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. It features a giant cross on top of a mountain—yes, it’s that huge. You can climb or drive to the top (we won’t judge), and the view is totally worth it. It’s one of the most iconic Bataan tourist attractions.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Step into a real-life time machine in Bagac. Las Casas is a heritage resort with beautiful Spanish-Filipino houses restored from different parts of the Philippines. It’s like walking through a historical telenovela. The cobblestone streets, the river cruise, and the vibe? Chef’s kiss.
You can check their Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar overnight package prices here if you want to stay the night, or go for a day tour.
Heads-up: the entrance fee in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar may vary, so check before you go!
Morong Beach
Photo from La Jolla Beach Luxury Beach Resort in Morong
This beach is for those who just want to chill. The Morong Bataan beach resort scene is low-key, making it perfect for families, barkadas, or solo travelers needing peace and quiet. The water’s calm, the vibe is cozy, and the sunsets are wow. It’s not overly commercialized yet, so enjoy this white sand beach in Bataan while it lasts.
One of the most special things about Morong Beach is the Pawikan Conservation Center. Yes, you can actually see sea turtles here! Depending on the season, you might witness baby pawikans being released into the ocean—a heart-melting sight, promise. It’s a great educational stop too, especially if you're traveling with kids or just love animals.
Just make sure to visit respectfully and follow all guidelines to help protect these endangered creatures.
Don’t forget to bring a portable bath towel. You’ll need it after a swim or just for lounging under the sun like a beach goddess.
Also, make sure to check out our beach vacation packing list here so you don’t miss out on anything important when going to the beach.
Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club
Located in Morong, Anvaya Cove Philippines is a private resort known for its clean beach, lush greenery, and quiet atmosphere. It’s exclusive, so you’ll need a friend or family member with access. If you’re lucky enough to get in, enjoy the calm beach, nature trails, and resort luxury. It’s one of the most peaceful Bataan beach resort experiences you can get.
Camaya Coast
This resort in Mariveles is basically your Instagram dream. Camaya Coast is famous for its stunning beach, modern amenities, and infinity pools. Whether you book a Camaya Coast day tour or stay overnight at the Camaya Coast hotel, you’ll definitely feel like you're on a beach commercial.
For a day tour, Camaya Coast is accessible via a ferry ride from Pasay. Check Camaya Coast Day Tour and Overnight Tour Packages here.
Corregidor Island
Technically, it’s in Cavite, but Corregidor is accessible by boat from Bataan. You can also ride a ferry from Pasay. If you’re a fan of old forts and mysterious war stories, this place is a must-see. It’s loaded with World War II history, including tunnels, ruins, and memorials. Definitely a unique Bataan tourist destination where history meets adventure.
Five Fingers Cove
Adventure seekers, this one’s for you. Located in Mariveles, Five Fingers is a series of coves and cliffs that form a coastline shaped like—yes—five fingers. It’s great for cliff diving, swimming, and island hopping. You’ll need to join a local or joiner’s tour to explore it properly, and yes, your IslaDry Travel Towel will be your best friend after every jump into the ocean.
Where to Eat in Bataan
After a day of exploring Bataan's rich history and beautiful beaches, you'll surely work up an appetite. Luckily, Bataan offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings.
Here's a list of some of the best restaurants in Bataan:
■ The Food Project – A chill, open-air dining spot in Orion offering both Western and Filipino dishes. Great for barkada dinners or laid-back dates.
■ Plaza Brew Coffee Company – Perfect for relaxing over a good brew and some pastries. Cozy, Instagrammable, and caffeine-approved in Balanga.
■ IMA Flora's Pamangan – Authentic Kapampangan dishes in Pilar served with generous portions and a homestyle vibe.
■ Loleng's Hu Tieu-an – A no-fuss Vietnamese eatery in Morong where you can score delicious Hu Tieu and legit Banh Mi without breaking the bank.
■ Wooden Leaf Café – Healthy rice bowls, salads, and smoothies in Balanga. Ideal for health-conscious travelers or anyone who had too much lechon the night before.
■ The Beanery – A go-to café chain in Bataan offering solid coffee, pastries, pasta, and more. Perfect for casual work sessions or coffee breaks.
■ Dream Latte Café – A hidden gem in Pilar where they roast their own beans. Chill ambience, amazing coffee—coffee lovers, take note.
■ Cocoon Restaurant – Asian and international cuisine with a serene dining vibe inside The Oriental Bataan in Mariveles.
■ Café del Rio – Restaurant in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offering riverside dining with a Spanish-Filipino menu. Perfect for that heritage-meets-foodie experience.
Hotels and Accommodations in Bataan
Now let’s talk about where to crash after a long day of sightseeing, beach-bumming, or stuffing yourself with pancit and ribs. Here are the best places to stay in Bataan Province:
Hotels in Bagac
■ Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Hotels in Balanga City
■ Crown Royale Hotel
■ Gap Plaza Hotel
Hotels in Mariveles
■ Camaya Coast Hotel
■ The Oriental Bataan
Hotels in Morong
■ Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club
■ Brisa Marina Beachfront Resort
■ Roman Beach Resort
Hotels in Orani
■ Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
Hotels in Pilar
■ The Duyan House
If you’re traveling on a budget or just want a more local experience, don’t worry—Bataan also has plenty of budget hotels, transients, homestays, and even Airbnbs. These are perfect for backpackers, big barkadas, or couples on a chill getaway.
Just a heads-up though: not all of these places provide towels. So, make sure to bring your own IslaDry Travel Bath Towel. It’s super lightweight, dries quickly, and takes up barely any space in your bag—perfect for any kind of accommodation!
Where to Buy Pasalubong in Bataan
Bataan is known for its delicious native delicacies, local snacks, and proudly Filipino-made products. Before you head back home, don’t forget to grab some pasalubong for your family, office mates, kapitbahay, or even just yourself (you deserve it). Here are the best spots to shop for pasalubong in Bataan:
■ Montey's Buko Pie – Balanga City
■ Beakris House of Goodies – Balanga City
■ Dennis Ube De Leche Halaya – Balanga City
■ Balanga City Public Market – Balanga City
■ Busilak Farms Cashew Products – Orani
■ Orani Public Market – Orani
■ OMG Sweets and Pastries – Dinalupihan
■ Giant Cashew Nuts Vendors – Samal
■ Pasalubong Center at Dambana ng Kagitingan (Mount Samat) – Pilar
■ Las Casas Souvenir Shop – Bagac
How to Get to Bataan
Getting to Bataan is super easy. It’s just about 2 to 3 hours from Metro Manila, depending on traffic, bathroom breaks, and your chikahan stopovers.
By Private Car
Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and continue onto Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Exit at Dinalupihan, then follow signs going to your destination in Bataan. Waze or Google Maps will be your besties here.
Here’s a road trip essentials checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
By Bus
Commuting? No problem! Several bus lines go to Bataan daily. You can catch a ride from these terminals:
■ Genesis Transport (Cubao, Pasay, Avenida)
■ Bataan Transit (Cubao, Pasay, Avenida)
■ Victory Liner (for some towns nearby)
Tell the conductor your exact stop—whether it's Balanga, Orani, Dinalupihan, or even all the way to Mariveles or Morong.
By Ferry (Manila to Bataan)
Want to skip traffic? There’s a ferry! 1 Bataan Integrated Transport System offers a ferry ride from Esplanade Seaside Terminal (MOA area) straight to Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan. Travel time is just 1 hour and is super convenient. Just make sure to check the schedule online in advance and arrive early.
Visit Bataan for Your Next Trip
Bataan offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation. Whether you're exploring Mount Samat, lounging at Camaya Coast, or strolling through Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, there's something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Manila, we suggest that you explore Bataan tourist spots.
Remember to bring your IslaDry Microfiber Towel for all your adventures. It's lightweight, quick-drying, and perfect for your vacation needs. Happy travels!