Many years after the strife and the savagery of the Second World War, Japan and the Philippines strove to establish friendly ties, and in 1975, the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower in Bagac was inaugurated as a testament to the spirit of reconciliation between the two countries.
The Bagac Friendship Bell Tower, which symbolizes the renewed friendship between Japan and the Philippines after the events of World War II, was erected by Rissh? K?sei Kai, a Japanese Buddhist organization. The tower was inaugurated on April 8, 1975 and is located about 200 m (660 ft) from where the Bataan Death March started. The 27-meter (89 ft) high tower is composed of three pillars interconnected by several multi-layer rings. It's located at the junction of the Gov. Linao National Road and the road to the Bagac town proper.
The Philippine–Japanese Friendship Tower is very significant to Philippine history because it reminds us of the friendship we have of Japan and symbolizes that the war between the two countries has indeed ended.
Where to Stay
Here is the list of some of the hotels and apartelles located in different towns around the province that can accommodate tourists when visiting Bataan. You may wish to check if you are near the following:
- Crown Royale Hotel - Balanga City
- D' Samat Lodge - Balanga City
- Hillside Garden Mansions - Balanga City
- Acacia Apartelle - Limay
- Benzi Lodge & Restaurant - Hermosa
- Buenavista Lodge - Balanga City
- Le Petit Baguio - Orani
- Ligaya Consuelo Hotel - Pilar
- Marian Hotel - Pilar
- Nestville Lodge I, II, III - Limay
- NPC Hotel and Resort Village - Bagac
- Travel Lodge - Orani
How to get there
By Land
Bataan is very accessible. From Manila, the travel time will take more or less 1 1/2 hours via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway). Bus companies that ply the 124 km route also service the commuting public from Manila to Bataan. An ultra-modern highway, SCTEx, connects Clark to Subic, which makes Bataan even more accessible to more cities, allowing more commuters to reach their destination in no time at all.
Enter the province of Bataan via Dinalupihan, which is 101 kilometers away from Manila. Travel time is about one hour. From there, Balanga City, the capital of the province, is around twenty kilometers away. Minibuses, jeepneys and tricycles are available as a mode of transportation around the province from the City of Balanga to nearby towns in the province. Those buses depart every 15-30 minutes to provide convenient trips to all travelers.
By Sea
The province has an extensive coastline with 11 municipalities having marine boarders; there are about 14 tertiary parts, 2 of which are classified as national ports, namely the Port of Mariveles and the Port of Orion.
By sea via ferry from the CCP Terminal in Roxas Blvd, Manila to the Diosdado Macapagal Ferry Terminal in Orion, 22.5 nautical miles or a convenient 45-minute trip will lead commuters to the bustling Orion port. For an affordable fee, one will be able to escape the traffic of land travel and feel the refreshing sea breeze and the splendor of Manila Bay.
By Air
One could reach Bataan in just a few minutes by air, having several private helipads in the province. There are also two international airports at both ends of the province: the world-class Clark International Airport and the equally recognized Subic Bay International Airport. Both offer facilities that can easily accommodate 25 million passengers annually from the international and domestic market.