Brief Description | Geography | Political Subdivision | Climate | Population
Language / Dialect | Major Industries | Attractions | Transportation

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Discover the magic of the Philippines’ Third Region with this amazing historical and cultural province, only an hour by ferryboat across the bay from Manila. Until recently not a traditional tourist destination, Bataan is now proving to be a tourist haven boasting a multitude of exciting places to visit, and interesting things to do. The province has much to offer – a rich culture and history, the beauty of unspoilt beaches, and a warm hospitality that is truly Filipino.

GEOGRAPHY

Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields the Manila Bay on its south and east from the South China Sea on its west. Zambales and Pampanga form its boundaries on the north.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Balanga City, 124 km. from Manila, is the provincial capital. The twelve towns lying in its coast integrade 238 barangays and 11 cultural minorities or sitios.

CLIMATE

The climate consists of two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

POPULATION

The population of Bataan for the year 2000 was 552,000 based on the growth rate of 2.12% in Central Luzon.

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LANGUAGE / DIALECT

Tagalog is the main language and is widely used, followed by Pampango and Ilocano. English is used mostly as the medium of transaction in business.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Bataan remains basically an agricultural province in spite of the rapid industrialization during the last decade. Mariveles is the site of an export-processing zone that accounts for heavy industry in the province. Cattle and carabao fattening, hog raising, and poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg production, are some of the promising livelihood programs in the province.

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BATAAN IS FAMOUS FOR...

Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat
The famous bell hangs atop the popular Mount Samat located in Pilar town. It was built in loving memory of the soldiers of World War II, including those who perished in Bataan soil during the tragic Fall of Bataan and Death March in 1942.

Fine Beaches
Excellent beach destinations await visitors in the towns of Morong and Bagac.

Tinapa
Among the livelihood products of the coastal towns in the province is the tinapa (processed fish).

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower
The structure situated in Bagac is the symbol of a post-World War II period of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the once warring nations.

Bataan Nuclear Plant

World War II Markers
Bataan was a major historical witness of World War II, especially as the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the tragic Fall of Bataan in April 1942. Among the markers preserving these memories are the First Line of Defense Marker in Layac, General King Marker in Lamao, Surrender Site Marker in Balanga, Death March Markers in Bagac and Mariveles.

Sibul Spring
A potential prime tourist destination in the province, the spring located in Sibucay is blessed with sulfuric swimming pools and a wide area for outdoor recreation. Its main attraction is the natural spring believed able to provide muscle pain relief.

Sto. Domingo Abucay Church
The 414-year-old church was constructed in 1587 after the rich Spanish style of the day. Today it stands as a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch naval invaders on June 16, 1647.

Tomas Pinpin Monument
The prominent figure stands at Calaylayan in Abucay in loving memory of the famous Filipino painter.

Dinalupihan Nature Center
The unspoiled forest area situated in Dinalupihan is ideal for picnics and camping. It offers facilities as well for irrigation and game hunting. The surrounding area is great for day hikes and trekking.

HOW TO GET THERE

Philippine Rabbit, Genesis, and Aladdin have buses plying the Manila-Bataan route regularly. Victory Liner serves Bataan from Olongapo.

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