BATAAN shifts to high gear

The strategically-positioned Bataan Peninsula is a 50 km. by 25 km. extension of the Zambales Mountains that guards the entrance to Manila Bay. Beach resorts line the coast of the towns of Bagac, Morong, and Mariveles. Divided into two volcanic mountain groups – the northern and southern cluster – and separated by a pass, the rugged interior consists of dense jungle and steep ravines where there are few roads.

Beyond cold statistics and drab photographs, the unspoiled environment and rich wildlife of this island start to attract the attention of visitors looking for nature-oriented outdoor experiences, a variety of ecotourism options are emerging. About 80 percent of Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior.

Although much of the coastal strip has been settled in, there are still plenty of pockets of untouched wilderness. Perhaps the ideal beach fronts a traditional fishing village, or rims one of those deserted white sand islands everyone talks about, but few even see one. If this is what you’re after, Bataan has unspoiled coastline for beach camping activities: Places where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, beachcomb and of course, sleep under the stars.

Trekking is particularly an exciting activity in Mt. Natib (Tala, Orani) and Mt. Taak (Alas-asin, Mariveles) because it gives you the opportunity to pass through seldom-visited areas that have yet to be fully explored.

Mountain climbers and nature lovers will find Mt. Natib extraordinary and interesting since the forest is home to many floral and fauna species. Migratory birds are visibly seen in the area. A trail shelter is available for overnight trekkers to pitch their tents and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise.

The "Blue Mountain," otherwise known as Mt. Tarak is an ideal site for mountain trekking, climbing, and exploration. It has wide and thick forest, ridges, falls and rivers.

Characteristically, tourists come for holiday purposes. Business travel is also picking up. More than half of the arrivals are repeat visitors. They must have experienced something memorable that lures them back. Sightseeing remains to be the top activity. Still some shop for delicacies, net craft, apparels, among others.

Bataan tourism is largely nature-based and therefore, not capital-intensive. The main attraction in tourism is the opportunity to visit relatively undisturbed natural areas to study, admire, and enjoy the scenery, wild plants, and animals, as well as many existing cultural aspects. It is touted that in the world today, one-fourth of all leisure trips are ecotourism trips.

Attractions

A natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh vegetation and unexplored area, Pasukuhan Falls is characterized by a narrow cascading water plunging into a deep pool which is moderately deep and if well-managed can be utilized for swimming and limited recreational activities.

On the grounds of the First Abucay Catholic Church, a fierce battle between the Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in June 23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the country. It housed the first printing press in the Philippines which outdated any single press in the US.

Many Philippine national parks and marine reserves are dedicated to the protection of rare and endangered animal species such as the Pawikan Conservation Sanctuary. The shoreline of Nagbalayong, Morong in Bataan was identified as the laying place for Olive Ridley Marine Turtles. A community-based pawikan center was established in this area to protect marine life from extinction and Bantay Pawikan composed of egg poachers. The DENR, in partnership with the community, supervises the day-to-day operations of the hatchery.

Dubbed as the "Future Center for Excellence in Maritime Training," the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific molds aspiring young maritime cadets. The country’s manning and crewing industry has been steadfast in its pursuit of complying with its strictest sets of standard in professionalizing the maritime industry.

Refugee Boat

A symbol of courage in the face of political, social and economic persecution in their home countries, many of the refugees who came to the Philippine Refugee Processing Center arrived in the Philippines aboard rickety, wooden boats. These refugees dared to cross dangerous seas aboard these flimsy vessels – often with nothing more than the shirts on their backs – in search for a better life and a brighter future for their families.

The Subik Travel Exchange Convention and Subik! Subik! Festival introduces you to the best destinations and locations in the country for a wide range of adventure and eco-tourism activities.

The Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB), organized by operators of diverse tourism-related business and non-government organization in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the City of Olongapo, and the adjoining provinces of Bataan and Zambales, features the "Subik" experience in a two-pronged campaign that will run from the second-half of 2005 culminating in the Travel Exchange Convention in November and spill-over to the 1st half of 2006 with the major event Subik! Subik! in February.

Adventures in "Subik" sum up perfectly the appeal of the Philippines as a major tourism destination. Here, in this land of exotic islands, crystal seas, dense jungles and dazzling coral reefs, you’ll find the ideal environments for a broad range of tourism activities.

[ Church Of Abucay | Mt. Natib Wiki | Morong Church Wiki ]