Bataan Peninsula

The Bataan Peninsula is the landmass in western Luzon that largely corresponds to the Philippine province of Bataan and forms the western boundary of Manila Bay. It faces the South China Sea to the west and played a central role in the Second World War in the Philippines.

Points of interest include wartime memorials and preserved battlefield sites, most prominently the Shrine of Valor on Mount Samat, as well as coastal towns and beaches. The peninsula is also home to a mix of agricultural areas, coastal settlements and protected natural zones.

During World War II the peninsula was the scene of the 1942 defence of Bataan and the subsequent Bataan Death March; these events are commemorated at multiple sites and memorials across the peninsula.

Geographically, the peninsula projects southwest from the main island of Luzon, across from Metro Manila and forming the western reach of Manila Bay; the provincial capital is Balanga and several municipalities provide access to beaches and memorials.

• Geographic extent: The peninsula largely coincides with the Philippine province of Bataan and forms the western shore of Manila Bay, opening to the South China Sea on its western side.
• World War II history: Site of major World War II battles and the 1942 Bataan Death March, with multiple memorials and battlefield sites preserved for commemoration.

What to See #

• Mount Samat and Shrine of Valor: Mount Samat and its wartime memorial complex, a prominent commemorative site on the peninsula.
• Principal towns: Major municipalities including Balanga (the provincial capital), Mariveles and Bagac, which serve as local commercial and transport hubs.