Balanga City

• Mountain Biking

Experienced mountain bikers can enjoy the rugged terrain of Bataan. Bataan Trail Riders and Adventurers Network, a local mountain biking club, will be more than willing to take visitors on a tour of Bataan’s trails.

• Fall of Bataan Marker

Located at the Capitol Compound, the marker is dedicated in memory of Filipino and American soldiers, as well as civilians, who fought and died side by side in the defense of democracy. 

• Surrender Site Marker

This monument marks the exact spot where Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan, after 3 months of relentless siege by invaders, were finally surrendered to the Japanese Imperial army on April 9, 1942. Major General P. King, Jr. of the United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP) in Bataan ordered each unit and soldier to lay down their arms to avoid further loss of lives. More than 75,000 were captured and had to suffer the horrors of the Death March.

• Balanga Cathedral

Formerly known as St. Joseph Cathedral, the belfry was used as a site for Japanese artillery emplacement to attack Mt. Samat, where the Filipino-American troops made their last stand.

• Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park

The Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park, which is approximately 11 hectares, serves as an outdoor recreational area for picnics and bird-watching.  The Department of Tourism has recognized Balanga City as one of the newest bird-watching sites in the Philippines. There are 80 species of birds – most of which are migratory – found in the city from August to March. Balanga has been a yearly stopover of these migratory birds, thousands of which come from Canada, China and other countries. In 2013, more than 25,000 birds were counted. Every December, the city of Balanga celebrates the “Ibong Dayo Festival” to recognize the different species migrating to Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park.

Other Places To Visit in Bataan

Orani

• Death March Marker

The statue commemorates the defiant spirit of Bataan, where Death March marchers passed on their way to the prison camp.

• Orani Church

The Orani Church, also known as the Nuestra Senora Virgen del Rosario, was built in the 18th century. It is the biggest church in Bataan. The original structure, made out of nipa leaves and bamboo and constructed on the founding site in the 1600s, was modeled after the primitive types: open on all sides, thatched roofed held by columnar posts of molave wood and equipped with bamboo benches. The chapel was later made bigger and reconstructed with adobe and stone as well as sturdier roofing material. 

Abucay

• Tomas Pinpin Monument

This monument was built in memory of Tomas Pinpin, the first Filipino printer. It was in Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas San Jose in 1610.

• Sto. Domingo Abucay Church

Built in the 16th century, this is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The Abucay Church is a National Historical Landmark. A battle between the Dutch invaders and the Pampango defenders was fought in this area on June 23, 1647. Nearly 200 Pampangos were put to death, and 40 others, with Spanish Alcalde mayor and 2 Dominican priests were taken prisoners to Batavia.

• Main Battle Position (Abucay-Morong line)

Located at St. Antonine of Florence Church, this marker indicates the Abucay-Morong Line that was assaulted by the Japanese on January 9, 1942 and abandoned by Allied forces on January 25.