Climbing Bataan

Only a few places in the Philippines can rival Manila for its status as the biggest treasure trove of culture and history — but two to three hours away from the buzzing capital city lies a convincing contender: the scenic countryside gem called Bataan.

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As a resident of the metro, this Central Luzon municipality is a faraway dreamland that I only read about in books and movies. All I knew about Bataan before this journey were their beautiful beaches and brutal bygone days that dates back to the Japanese occupation and the second World War. Thus, I saw the ascent to this place as both an educational and introspective journey.

I knew from the moment we crossed the border between Pampanga and Bataan that this tapestry of history is reflected upon by its citizens not in ruins, but with honor. I admired the churches and distant mountains from the car window, unaware of the foreshadowed adventure and historical depth that the province will offer.

Sisiman Beach

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The b in the word Bataan might as well stand for “beach” for the mere amount of breathtaking coastlines that lie within the perimeter of the province. It is located directly across the city of Manila and the famous Manila Bay. Known in the precolonial days as Vatan, this province used to be a part of the larger Capampangan empire that is known for sand beaches on their western shores.

There are so many spectacular coastal spots in Bataan that even the beautiful Sisiman of Mariveles is an underrated one. This rocky coastal treasure boasts a rich brown sand that extends to a bluish green sea. At the end of the beach lies a lighthouse in the color white. From down here, one can only look up to the majestic mountains and wonder what lies beyond the treelines. 

We arrived at 10 in the morning, when the sun was high and so were our spirits.

The best part of Sisiman beach is that — unlike other tourist spots and coastlines in Bataan — it is free, so you can enjoy the sight and relax without a lot of money. When I sat down on one of the sturdy rocks, the water massaged my body better than a lot of spas in the city. The current is cold yet inviting. The serenity of the crashing waves make space for quiet rumination. Sisiman is an open beach that made us open up.

It made my friends and I forget about the stresses of school and focus on things that made us happy — such as loving like fools. I talked to them about my boyfriend of two years that I have never really revealed to anyone in our school. The water was so calming that we went a little beyond our schedule. We talked and teased each other about our love lives for more than an hour.

Before washing up in a public bathroom, I looked up again in the mountains that surrounded Sisiman. By 12 noon, we were off to the next destination up in those elevations.

Duhat Trail

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The drive to the Duhat Trail is the most exciting. It led us to sometimes steep and mostly empty roads that snaked through the mountains of Pilar, Bataan. It is a challenging journey that unveiled one of the most picturesque views in the entire province.

Overlooking the signage to the left is a white massive cross that guides bikers and drivers on the trail for safety. On the right is the view of the developing lands of Bataan and Pampanga. We played childishly around the seesaw to further unwind our minds. I also found myself screaming a lot in these places. The higher we went, the louder I got, and the lighter I felt.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last for too long because we didn’t bring our bikes. After a few photos and jokes about my “unhinged” yells, we set our eyes higher to the mountaintops. Mt. Samat is where the highlight of the trip is.

Mount Samat

This place embodies a beautiful blend of history, beauty, and Filipino bravery that culminates everything that the province of Bataan is known for.

Standing tall at the summit of Mt. Samat is the 555-meter tall memorial cross known as Dambana ng Kagitingan or The Shrine of Valor. Unswerving and strong, the iconic cross was created to honor the heroic strength and struggle of the Filipino soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Bataan that happened twenty-eight years prior to its inauguration in 1970.

Beyond its rich history, the ascent to the national shrine itself is a rewarding experience that presents an unobstructed view of the province’s enchanting panoramic beauty. One may take 448 steps up a criss-crossing staircase that is made out of rocks sourced directly from Manila’s Corregidor. From there, they can take an elevator up to its peak.

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Though we weren’t able to access the cross, the viewing deck also opens to a gallery of Bataan’s plainfields and forests with the vastness of Manila Bay serving as its subtle backdrop. This breathtaking experience is accompanied by a cold, refreshing breeze that brushes past the sky, the forest, and your friends.

The history of the place made us think of our own history. We shared our feelings on matters of love, life, career, and future fears. High up in this mountain, everything felt so little yet so important.

Bye, Bye, Bataan

Only a few places in the Philippines can rival the comfort of home, but Bataan is a promising contender. After the waters of Sisiman washed my worries away, the Duhat trail prepared me for a higher journey before my time in Mt. Samat inspired me to work for a higher version of myself. I went home that day with a fuller heart and mind.

From the beaches below to statues atop mountains, even a single day of exploration will give Bataan visitors the perfect environment for historical appreciation and personal introspection.