Sights to see in Bataan and more

The gorgeous countryside of Bataan province is calling out to motorcycle aficionados and road trippers with ths Explore Bataan promo of The Oriental Hotel and Resort in Mariveles.

Room rates are now at P3,888 for deluxe cellar and P4,888 for deluxe executive, with breakfast for two and a 10 percent discount at the Cocoon Restaurant and Forest Grill.

Road trippers can pamper themselves at the circular pool and get signature massages at the Asian-themed spa after a long ride.

Riders at the Mt. Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BATAAN ORIENTAL HOTELS

The Oriental’s partner tour operator, Aura Mosca, has unique itineraries for guests, or customized tours which combine nature, adventure, culture and cuisine.

Those who wosh to explore on their own may consider these suggested and Instagram-worthy must-see pitstops:

First Line of Defense Monument. A larger-than-life tableau of the USAFFE 38th Infantry Division at the Layac Junction in Dinalupihan who bore the brunt of the first Japanese attacks in 1941, and liberated the same area in 1945.

Bataan Tourism Center. Located in Balanga City, this one-stop government information center has a diorama, mini-museum, audio-visual room for war documentaries and tourism videos, a pasalubong store, and a public park with gardens, lagoon and amphitheater.

World War 2 Surrender Site. The spot inside the Balanga Elementary School where Filipino and American troops surrendered to the Japanese in 1942, and is depicted through life-size bronze tableau and a war museum.

City of Balanga Wetlands and Nature Park. A 34-hectare mangrove forest which is habitat to some 9,500 native and migratory birds in the Manila Bay wetlands.

Dambana ng Kagitingan. Bataan’s touristic and historic icon, this is a World War 2 memorial complex which immortalizes the uncommon valor of soldiers who defended the country against Japan. Its centerpiece is a 92-meter concrete cross and a war museum memorabilia on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar. At the foot of the mountain are recreational facilities, forest trails, waterfall and natural pool.

Death March Kilometer Zero Marker. A memorial plaza in Mariveles where some 70,000 prisoners of war were gathered by the Japanese for a grueling 100-kilometer walk to their prison camp in Capas, Tarlac.

Five Fingers Cove. A picture-perfect series of coves where guests can go hopping aboard outrigger boats.

Morong. A coastal town on the peninsula’s far end which is known for its fine sand coastline dotted with cozy beach resorts and the conservation center for sea turtles.

For more information, log on to www.bataan.theorientalhotels.com or follow The Oriental Bataan on Facebook or Instagram.