If you’re looking for an easy weekend escape from the city, Bataan should be high on your list. Just a few hours from Manila, this province offers stunning beaches, heritage charm, and mouthwatering food. In this bataan travel guide, I’ll share our experience spending a long weekend exploring its coastline, enjoying local dishes, and staying at two of its most memorable spots, La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort and the heritage village of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
Getting from Manila to Bataan
Our trip began with a scenic drive from Manila to Bataan. It took about three hours, passing through expressways lined with green fields and mountain views. This bataan travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how accessible Bataan is, whether you drive yourself or take a ferry from Manila, it’s an easy getaway that doesn’t require too much planning.
First Stop: La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort
We arrived at La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort in Bagac just in time for lunch. The moment we stepped into the open-air lobby, we were greeted with a fresh sea breeze and warm smiles from the staff. The resort’s grounds are spread out over lush greenery that leads down to a private stretch of sandy beach. This bataan travel guide has to highlight the resort’s incredible amenities. The infinity pool sits right above the shoreline, offering a view of the West Philippine Sea that’s breathtaking at sunset. There’s also a lagoon style pool surrounded by tropical gardens, perfect for a more shaded and peaceful swim.
For families, the children’s pool is shallow, safe, and comes with water features that kept the kids entertained for hours. Karlye and Rylie loved running between the beach and the pools, splashing and playing while we enjoyed cold drinks from the poolside bar. Our room was spacious with modern touches, a balcony facing the sea, and a comfortable bed that made it tempting to sleep in. But with so much to do, we didn’t linger indoors for long. We rented kayaks from the resort’s watersports center, explored the shore, and even tried stand up paddleboarding.
Day Two: Exploring Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
The next morning, we headed to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, another highlight in this bataan travel guide. This open air heritage resort is a collection of beautifully restored Spanish Filipino houses from the 18th to 20th centuries.
A Brief History of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was the vision of Filipino businessman Jose “Gerry” Acuzar, who began rescuing and restoring heritage homes from different parts of the Philippines in the early 2000s. Many of these homes had fallen into disrepair or were at risk of being demolished. Acuzar carefully dismantled each structure, transported it to Bagac, and reconstructed it piece by piece, preserving its original design while strengthening it for the future. Today, Las Casas stands as both a luxury resort and a living museum, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the Philippines’ architectural and cultural history.
Our Experience at Las Casas
Strolling through its cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time. We joined a guided heritage tour where we learned the history of each house, heard stories about the families who once lived there, and admired the intricate woodwork and vintage décor. Karlye and Rylie loved riding the calesa, while we enjoyed a traditional merienda by the plaza. Las Casas is more than just a resort, it’s an immersive cultural experience, and a must visit for anyone using this bataan travel guide.
Local Filipino Food in Bataan
No bataan travel guide would be complete without talking about the food. Bataan’s coastal location means fresh seafood is always on the menu. We enjoyed grilled prawns and buttered crabs served with steaming cups of garlic rice. We also tried tinapa smoked fish paired with salted eggs and tomatoes, a simple but incredibly flavorful combination. At La Jolla’s restaurant, we sampled traditional Filipino dishes with a refined twist.
Their adobo was rich and savory, the sinigang had the perfect balance of sour and comforting warmth, and the lechon kawali was crispy outside and tender inside. Dessert was a sweet treat of halo halo topped with leche flan and ube ice cream, which the kids devoured in minutes. Local markets and small roadside eateries offered other gems like pancit palabok, bibingka, and freshly made pastillas. The warmth of the food matched the warmth of the people serving it.
Why La Jolla Resort Stands Out
This bataan travel guide has to give La Jolla Resort special praise. The combination of luxury amenities, stunning beachfront, and genuine Filipino hospitality made it one of the best resorts we’ve stayed at in the region. The multiple pools, water activities, well maintained facilities, and attention to detail in every part of the property made our stay relaxing yet full of adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day without leaving and still feel like you’ve truly experienced Bataan.
Tips for Your Bataan Trip
Book accommodations early, especially for long weekends. Bring both beachwear and comfortable walking shoes. Try the local seafood and traditional dishes. Include both relaxation time at the resort and cultural exploration in your itinerary.
Final Thoughts on This Bataan Travel Guide
Bataan is the kind of place that lets you slow down, soak up history, and enjoy nature all in one trip. From the luxury of La Jolla Resort to the charm of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and the irresistible flavors of local food, our long weekend here was unforgettable. I hope this bataan travel guide inspires you to plan your own getaway, just a few hours from Manila, but a world away from the city’s rush.