Bataan City Guide

Introducing Bataan City

Overview 

Bataan is a province at the Central Luzon region of Luzon. A peninsula surrounded by Manila Bay to the east and the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea) to the west, it is known in history as the last stronghold of the Americans in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded it during World War II.

Bataan is rich in history, but this province is also a good place to live. Bataan is now more enhanced, that’s why here in Bataan you can both live a city-life and a province-life. Start having your dream life here in the Province of Natural wonders.

Short History 

The Battle of Bataan was fought by the United States and the Philippine Commonwealth against Japan during World War II. The battle represented the most intense phase of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. In January 1942, forces of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy invaded Luzon along with several islands in the Philippine Archipelago after the bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor.

The Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of 60,000–80,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, via San Fernando, Pampanga, where the prisoners were forced to march until they died. Prisoners started out from Mariveles on April 10, and Bagac on April 11, converging in Pilar, Bataan, and heading north to the San Fernando railhead.

Landmarks 

Schools:

1. Bataan Peninsula State University
2. Tomas del Rosario College
3. Asia Pacific College
4. Bataan Heroes Memorial
5. Polytechnic University
6. Limay Polytechnic University 
7. Bataan Peninsula State University
8. College of Moly Holy Trinity
9. Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

Malls:

1. Vista Mall
2. Centre Plaza Mall
3. Bargainville
4. Galeria Victoria
5. SM City Bataan

Hospitals:

1. Bataan St. Joseph Hospital
2. Bataan General Hospital
3. Bataan Doctors Hospital
4. Isaac And Catalina Multispecialty Center
5. Bataan Peninsula Medical Center
6. San Antonio Rural Health Station

Tourist Spots:

1. Corregidor Island
2. Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay
3. Mount Samat
4. Dungaree Beach
5. Pawikan Conservation Center
6. Funtastic Park Subic Bay

Bataan a Hub for Industry and Investment

Bataan hosts several industrial estates and huge companies, creating numerous career opportunities for people who settle here.

Moreover, the province’s potential leads to the opening of more shopping centers, real estate expansion, and improved facilities.

One of those is the soon-to-be largest and longest iconic Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge that spans from Mariveles, crossing Manila Bay, and ends in Cavite. This future development is predicted to open more doors and opportunities for everyone.

Additionally, Bataan also has a high potential for investments in tourism and recreation with numerous existing sites such as Dinalupihan Nature Center, Mt. Malasimbo, and Mt. Natib, all within the Bataan Natural Park fit for eco-tourism.

Bataan Is a Beacon for Education

Many mistakenly think that a good education can only be found through the renowned and prestigious schools in Metro Manila. But the truth is that excellent institutions can also be found in the provinces.

In addition to what Bataan can offer is the access to educational opportunities by over 300 educational institutions such as Bataan Peninsula State University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

The local government continuously develops educational programs and facilities capable of producing top-performing professionals and teaching 21st-century skills deemed for a modern society.

How to Get to Bataan City

By Ferry

If you want a fast way to go to Bataan, simply hop on the Manila-Bataan Ferry Boat at the Esplanade-Seaside Terminal in SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This will take you straight to Port Capinpin in Orion, a municipality in Bataan, in just 50 minutes! Operated by 1Bataan Integrated Transport System.

By Private Transport:

The province of Bataan is about 124 kilometers away from Manila. This makes for a good 2.5-hour leisurely drive. It is best to leave early in the morning to avoid the rush hour gridlock.

From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway then take the San Fernando toll exit or the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

If you take the San Fernando toll exit, drive towards the Jose Abad Santos Avenue, formerly known as the Olangapo-Gapan Road. Drive all the way to Lubao, a municipality in Pampanga and Dinalupihan, a municipality in Bataan.

Once you get to the Layac junction, head towards the Roman Super Highway that will lead you to the city center of Balanga in Bataan.

If you’re taking the SCTEX route, simply take the Dinalupihan exit. Then make a right turn at Roman Super Highway towards the city center of Balanga.