10 Best Things To Do In Mariveles, Bataan, The Philippines - Updated 2024

things to do in mariveles philippines
Clarence
Clarence 
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Mariveles is a town located in the southern tip of Bataan, a few hours away from Manila. This town is surrounded by stunning landscapes and filled with a healthy dose of history. Mariveles is the kind of place where people would go to escape the city for a day or two, and for those who are wanting a change of scenery in their daily lives. Bataan is a highly drivable province, and it doesn’t take long to go from end to end. If you’re staying at the top Airbnb vacation rentals or beach resorts in Bataan, consider the short drive to Mariveles! The town has plenty to offer its visitors but when you visit; read on to find out about the best things to do in Mariveles, Bataan, the Philippines.


1. Go to the beach

GOOD TIME
Source: Photo by user jopetsy used under CC BY 2.0

When you’re near the coast of the Philippines, of course going to the beach is a must-do! Mariveles, being located on the coast, has plenty of beaches and two of those is the Sisiman Bay and Agwawan Beach. These Mariveles, Bataan beaches are some of the best you’ll see in the country!

Sisiman Bay is a picturesque destination - with its pebble beach, a functioning lighthouse, a rock mountain, and located at a position to view a breathtaking sunset. Located at the southernmost tip, the area is filled with cliffs which provide you an overlooking view of the ocean. The lighthouse adds more charm to the place and the rock mountain, called the San Miguel Peak, is 700 feet (213 meters) high and can be climbed in a 20-minute hike. The summit will give you a much more breathtaking view of Bataan. Another beach nearby Sisiman Bay is the Agwawan Beach. Agwawan Beach is more suited for people who enjoy the peace and quiet a place has to offer, it is for people who are just looking to relax near the ocean.

Sisiman Bay

Price: Free

Access: Direct bus going to Mariveles from Pasay City, and take a tricycle in Mariveles going to Sisiman.

Tip from Content Creator

Sisiman Beach, Mariveles

Photo of Sisiman Beach, Mariveles, by content creator from the Philippines, Rex Lim Lim

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Jerycka

Jerycka
Bataan

A rare photo of me in Sisiman Bay. Say hello to the rainbow! A photo of a lighthouse while walking point of view A closer photo of the lighthouse and Sisiman Bay

If you are planning to visit Sisiman Bay, please make sure to grab some sunscreen, because the sun is kind of hotter in this area. This place is perfect for people who want to enjoy the beach and nature scenery. As a local, I would say the best time to visit Sisiman Bay is during sunset, because the weather is kind of warm, and the view will give you so much peace. Also, if you will be staying here for a longer time, you can bring water and snacks, and if you are wondering if there is a place to stay, there are some small nipa huts where you can rent and stay for a bit. You can also bring your car, and there are some parking spaces available in the area. 

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2. Explore Panoypoy Cove


Panoypoy Cove is the place to be if you want to see the waves of the Philippine West Sea crashing into the rock formations. The cove is a rugged terrain which gives you a marvelous view of the sea and its surroundings. Panoypoy Cove is actually one of the coves that forms Mariveles, known as the Five Fingers, due to the finger-like shapes of the island. The trip to the cove requires a short trek, and the only way to go there is to pass by the Hawla Beach, now known as the Claubel Beach Resort, which is quite hidden in the area of Panoypoy Cove. The trek is quite tiring but when you reach the top, you’ll realize it was worth the effort as soon as you see the meeting of land and sea.

Panoypoy Cove

Access: Take a tricycle going to Claubel from the bus terminal in Mariveles

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3. Go on a hike in Tarak Ridge

Mt. Tarak Ridge - 06/14
Source: Photo by Flickr user Doods Dumaguing used under CC BY 2.0

For those who love trekking and climbing mountains, Tarak Ridge in Mt. Mariveles is a must go-to place! While it is not advisable for first-time climbers, for those who have experience, the climb to the ridge will give you amazing and breathtaking views of Bataan, Manila Bay, the Islands of Corregidor, and Cavite. One stop you’ll pass by while going to the ridge is the Papaya River, where some hikers set up camp due to the clean water source found there. The trek to the ridge is exhausting and steep, but once you reach it, relaxing while looking at the view Mt. Mariveles provides is a good way to gather your energy before making your way down.

Since this Mariveles, Bataan tourist spot is becoming a popular trekking destination, there are those that organize groups to go there together. However, you can still go there without any group and you won’t need a guide since the trail is already established, unless you want one.

Tarak Ridge (Trail Adventours)

Price: 1,700 PHP (34 USD)

Duration: One day hike

Contact: +632 8023401

Website: Tarak Ridge

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4. Dip your feet in a volcano

0710jfBalon Hot Springs Welcome Halls Mariveles Bataanfvf 23
Source: Photo by user Judgefloro used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

That’s right, there’s a place in Mariveles where you can dip your feet in a volcano. Balon Anito, or what the locals call the Dead Volcano, is where they go to enjoy the benefits of the hot spring. Balon Anito is a public hot spring where the locals, especially the elderly, go and sit at the mouth of the volcano and enjoy the therapeutic and health benefits that the hot spring gives them. Definitely a hot-spot worth visiting!

Balon Anito

Address: Balon Mariveles, Bataan

Price: Free

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5. Go cliff diving at Natsu Lagoon

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you up for an adrenaline rush in a tropical paradise? Natsu Lagoon is the ideal place for what you have in mind! Situated just beside Apatot Beach, this spot is a hidden gem that you will want to visit not just for the cliff diving spots, but also because it gives quite the picturesque scenery from above. Tourists have the option to include this in their island-hopping tours. Don’t forget to stock up on that courage to jump! It might be a little scary for first timers, but it seems that adventure seekers just keep coming back for more after the first jump! Take the leap and have that relaxing swim in Natsu Lagoon before you head off to your next destination!

Natsu Lagoon

Address: Five fingers, Mariveles, Mariveles, Bataan

Website: Natsu Lagoon

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6. See the breathtaking views at Cochinos Point

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

As they say, the struggle of the trek will be worth it once you glimpse the views from the top. If you are up for this, then make your way to Cochinos Point! It is known as the “thumb” of the Five Fingers Cove that Bataan is famous for. Take on the challenge of a 30-minute hike and when you arrive at the summit, take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the area of Mariveles Bay! Be mindful that this hike may can be hard because the pathways are steep and there are jagged trails that needs to be conquered. Go in groups and take it at your own pace and just make sure to bring all things you may need. With that you should be good for this challenge! Don’t forget to bring your camera for that blog worthy shot at the summit!

Cochinos Point

Address: Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan

Website: Cochinos Point

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7. Take a day tour of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

las-casas-bataan-projectgora-22
Source: Photo by Flickr user Milet Miranda used under CC BY 2.0

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a Philippine-Spanish heritage site, is a famous destination in Bataan. It is both a tourist destination, and a resort. The main features of this site are the 22 mansions that came from the different parts of the Philippines. The mansions were built from the 17th to the 19th century and while some were originals, some were also replicas of the mansions. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar does offer a day tour to its guests who don’t plan on staying there, or who dropped by just to see the heritage houses. It is only through the tour that guests can step inside some of the mansions that are usually not open to the public, and with them comes a guide who knows each story of the mansions. The tours last for about one and a half hours, the first one starting at 8:30 am.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Tour

Address: Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan

Price: 1,200 PHP (24 USD)

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (last tour)

Duration: 1 and a half hours

Contact: +632 3325286, +632 8774501, +632 3325338, +632 3553032; Mobile: +63 9178729361

Website: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Tip from Content Creator

Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

Photos of Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar shared by content creator from the Philippines, Leonardo Villasis

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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Walking Heritage Tour in Bataan, Manila, Philippines - Klook

Duration: 1hrsDuration

8. Stop for a meal at Pupung Grill and Resto Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Pupung Grill and Resto Bar on Friday, April 23, 2021

After a long day of swimming at the beaches of Mariveles, you’re going to find yourself famished and craving for some really good food. Pupung Grill and Resto Bar, at your service! The obvious choice, of course, is to stuff yourself with seafood. The grill serves one of the best grilled squid in town. Pair it with some soy sauce and diced onion, and you’re going to be in heaven! Pupung Grill also has Filipino favorites such as lechon kawali, kilawin, and sinigang.

Pupung Grill

Address: Avenue of the Philippines, Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, 2106 Bataan

Website: Pupung Grill

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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9. Take a walk at Mariveles View Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the best things you can do in a town like Mariveles is to just take in its beauty and appreciate everything that surrounds you. Go to Mariveles View Park to get a good vantage point and see the best views in town. There are days when the ecological park is open until early morning, so if you’re feeling particularly sentimental, go up there and look up the stars. Mariveles View Park introduces to you the perfect backdrop for your selfies.

Mariveles View Park

Address: Baseco-Sisiman, Mariveles Diversion Road, Mariveles, Bataan

Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 5am; Tue: 9am - 6am; Wed - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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10. Explore the famous Nagbintana Arch


Nagbintana Arch, for those who are unfamiliar, gets its name from the Filipino word “bintana”, meaning window. If you take a look at the arch, it closely resembles a window. Birds have made the top of the rock their habitat; corals and different species of fish are found in the surrounding waters as well. Snorkeling at Nagbintana Arch is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Its rich marine life is a sight to behold and must not be missed. Make sure that you visit this popular tourist attraction during your trip!

Nagbintana Arch

Address: Five Fingers, Mariveles, Mariveles, Bataan

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Go on an adventure!

Mariveles, Bataan is an interesting destination. On one hand, you have these hiking trails and beaches to see and on the other, a place full of history that helps you get to know the Philippines a little better. Listed above are just some things to start you off on your adventure to Mariveles, Bataan. There is still a lot more to explore and to be said about what kind of tourist destination Mariveles, Bataan really is.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Clarence loves travelling and experiencing different cultures from around the world. She has been to several countries in Asia and Europe and has gone several times to the US, and still counting....Read more

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