Mt. Samat In Bataan, Philippines: A Commune With Nature And Past

If you’re visiting Bataan in the Philippines, one destination you should not forget is Mt. Samat. It’s famous as the location of the Dambana ng Kagitingan or The Shrine of Valor, a memorial cross measuring 92 meters in height, whose history date back to the Second World War.

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.

How to Get to Mt. Samat
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.

Meanwhile, if you’re riding a tricycle, the fee is 100 pesos to the top (per person). A single tricycle can accommodate up to four people. When you reach the top, either you have the driver wait for you for your climb down (fee is negotiable and ranges from P50 to P100 per person) or take chances and pray that there’ll be a tricycle going down when it’s time for you to leave. Another option would be to get the contact number of the driver so that you can ask him to pick you up later (again, price is negotiable).

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.

Things to See in Mt. Samat
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.

Once you’re there, you sure wouldn’t miss the Shrine of Valor. It looms majestically in its place, a huge cross with its arms serving as a viewing deck. You can go up into its arms thru an elevator (fee is P10) and then see almost the whole of Bataan from up there. The elevator is available from 8AM to 5PM, although it closes from 12 noon to 1PM for lunch break. There is usually a line of people towards the elevator – the viewing deck is very popular among visitors.

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.

After sightseeing, you may want to buy souvenirs for your loved ones at home. There are a few stores in the area, which sell stuff like hats, t-shirts, and keychains.

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.