Mt. Samat In Bataan, Philippines: A Commune With Nature And Past
Mt. Samat marker
A Background of the Place
Bataan is remembered today as the place where the Death March took place, and the Filipinos who fought in Bataan back in World War II are considered heroes for their bravery and patriotism. The Shrine of Valor had been built in Mt. Samat in memory of the Filipinos, Japanese and Americans who fought and died in war at the Pacific, and it serves today as a reminder of that fateful era.
Dambana ng Kagitingan Cross
Most tourists who visit Mt. Samat hire a vehicle to take them there, or bring their own auto. If you want to try the local way, though, you can ride a jeepney from Balanga City going to Bagac, Bataan. When you reach Mount Samat, you can either walk to the top or ride a tricycle – there are many of them at the foot of the mountain. Click here for Google map.
Walking to the top would be great if you want to commune with nature – the place is awesome! Of course, the climb would give you exercise. It’s a long climb, though, amounting to around a couple of hours (about 2 hours each way). So, pack a lot of endurance with you.
Machine gun at Mt. Samat
Entrance to Mt. Samat
Although very popular, Mt. Samat remains within reach of budget tourists. Entrance is very cheap: P10 for students, P20 for adults (locals), and P30 for visitors from foreign countries. If you have a car with you, you’ll also have to pay for a parking fee (from P30-P50). Upon entrance and payment, you’ll be given a ticket, which you will need to be able to get into the museum.
Dambana ng Kagitingan Museum
The first thing that most visitors notice with Mt. Samat is its closeness to nature. Even as you go up this mountain, you’ll already feel like you’re communing with Mother Earth – trees all around, winding road with very few houses, and the view of some parts of Bataan Province below which is truly spectacular. When you reach the top, the meeting of the earth and the sky in the horizon creates a truly magical and breathtaking sight.
Shrine of Valor marker
After the deck, you can check out the museum – Death March in Bataan photos, war equipment and paraphernalia (bayonets, bazooka, machine guns, and even an old radio), old military stuff (uniform and Japanese money), as well as a three-dimensional map of Bataan. If you have a camera, however, you can’t use that inside as taking of pictures is not allowed.
Shrine of Valor Cross
If you want to avail of a formal tour of Mt. Samat, there are also people who serve as tour guides. We met one when we were there last time. Bong Mamuad offers Mt. Samat tours at the rate of P300-P500. If you’re interested, the contact number is (+63-907) 219-3887.
Travel Destinations In The Philippines – The Historic Island of Corregidor
The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands. Some of these islands are favorite Philippine travel destinations by tourists because of its unique setting and features. One of these is the island of Corregidor.
Corregidor Island is the setting of significant events in Philippine history. The Battle of Corregidor is a historical event which happened during World War II. It showed the gallantry of 12,000 men who fought steadily for 27 days against the Japanese armies who wants to invade the country. This grim battle ended the Japanese Empire’s desire and efforts to totally invade the Philippines. Corregidor being the last standing military camp of Filipino and American soldiers that the Japanese would like to seize is strategically located at the mouth of Manila Bay area and directly facing the China Sea.
The relics from World War II were carefully preserved for the education and appreciation of tourists. These include the barracks, the hospital, weaponry, cannons, personal belongings of soldiers, etc. But the most striking monumental structure of this historic travel destination in the Philippines is the Malinta Tunnel. It is a spacious tunnel from which branch out 21 minor tunnels. This served as the head quarter of Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur and the Philippine government when they were fighting against the Japanese. This tunnel which was built through solid rock in the span of 10 years was bombproof. It also served as hospital and storage area during the war.
Ask your Philippines-specialist travel agent to include the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show in your travel package. There are two kinds of shows, the light and sound show for the day tour package and the light and sound show for the overnight tour package. The Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show for the day tour is a 30 minute of walk back in time. Trough a diorama featuring life size sculptures, the significant events that transpired in the tunnel during the war was simulated. Special lightings and sound effects are used for a more realistic effect. You can feel as if the life size figures of soldiers are really conversing and you can also hear the sounds of approaching bombs and gunshots. Preserved war footages are also featured in the show.
The Malinta Light and Sound Show for the overnight tour package is more effective and a bit eerie. The sub lateral tunnels are included in the tour where the hospital and offices were depicted.
Aside from its historical significance Corregidor is a beautiful and relaxing island. The island is mountainous with thick lush vegetation that makes it a rich natural habitat of birds and animals. You can see monkeys crossing the streets oblivious to the presence of tourists.
There are still many things that you can do in this famous Philippine travel destination which are camping, trekking, swimming or maybe you can just explore the whole island aboard a tramvia – a vintage bus which is open on both sides so that tourists can have a vantage view of the surroundings.