Guide to Mariveles, Bataan
- Jong Caneja
- May 25, 2018
- 3 min read
Mariveles, Bataan is becoming known thanks to the the Five Fingers and coves tours (more on that later). Unknown to many, it possesses some stories worth telling. Aside from the pristine beaches, it is the site of the first Economic Zone in the country - long before Cebu Special Economic and Baguio City Economic Zones
It is on this town where the Death March started during the Japanese Emperial Colonization. The Corregidor Island is a stone's throw away from this municipality.
I grew up in this town, and because it is becoming popular, I want to take you to a tour of Mariveles.
How to get there.
Commuting from Metro Manila, go to Five Star Terminal in EDSA Cubao, Quezon City and find the Bataan Transit. Not far from it is the terminal of Genesis Bus. These bus companies service direct routes to and from Manila. You will not get lost because Mariveles is the last bus stop. Fare is PhP 280 one way. Travel time is 4 hours.
What to do.
Go back in time. Go to the Death March landmark in Mariveles town proper. It is located beside the municipal hall.
If you haven't been to Corregidor Island, you should include this on your list when going in Mariveles.
Hit the Beaches and coves. The Five Finger coves became popular thanks to the private organizations and local government. These fingers consist of five coves that stretched and form a protective barrier from the waves when there is a storm. It is also the reason why ships dock here when there are high waves.
The rest of the coves from the opposite side of the Porto del Sol are Talain, Lusong, The Camaya Sands, Laki, Aglaloma and Quinawan beaches. The most popular and therefore the most crowded is the Laki Beach because its sand is the finest among the beaches. It is also the most cheapest and accessible beach (Talain and Lusong are private) from the jump-off point.
Enjoy the Hot spring. One barangay in Mariveles has its own hot spring. In Brgy. Balon Anito, you can enjoy frolicking in this small place. I included this because it is not common for tourists because we already live in a tropical country. It is worth a try.
Scale the mountains. Sitting 1,388 meters above sea level, Mt. Mariveles or Mt. Tarak - which it is popularly known - is popular hiking in Mariveles.
Mt. San Miguel is a relatively small rocky formation at the coastal area of Brgy. Sisiman. It is best to climb here at the afternoon to enjoy the sunset (it is along the Manila Bay coastline so what you see in Roxas Boulevard in the afternoon is the same here).
Where to stay.
If you will be staying in the town proper and want a cozy, relaxing, and a newly renovated hotel, go to The Oriental Bataan. Other Inns that I recommend are Iwahori Guest House, The Wharf, and Talain Lodge.
If you want a hotel which is a stone's throw away from the beach, check The Camaya Coast. Otherwise, you can pitch a tent in most of the beaches there (some only offer day tour because it is privatized).
Where to eat.
Mariveles town proper offers wide variety of dishes. From the upscale restaurants all the way down to the carinderia. Some of the most popular are Cocoon by the The Oriental Bataan, Pupung's grill, Margie's Place, Tarak Restaurant, Elong's, Blue Plate and many more.
Location Map.
Bus Terminals:
Tourist Spots:
Restaurants:
Hotels:
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