November 27, 2008. Mt. Samat is one of the tourist spot in Balanga, Bataan, where the huge cross is built on top of the mountain. April 9 is a national holiday in the Philippines, the Fall of Bataan, this is the Day of Valor "Araw ng Kagitingan". and Ceremonies are held here at this very site.
view from the top
Mt. Samat Stadium
0500 ETD Manila by bus (Genesis Bus Lines)
0730 ETA Balanga, Bataan. Take Bagac-bound jeep to jumpoff
0830 ETA jumpoff; walk up the road
0930 Arrival at Mt. Samat shrine. Register.
1100 Head back
1145 Back at the jumpoff; take tricycle or jeep to Dunsulan Falls
1200 Swimming / Picnic / Lunch by the falls
1300 Return to road and wait for jeep back to Balanga
1340 ETA Balanga
1400 Take bus back to Manila
1700 ETA Manila
How to go there:
From Manila, you can take the Genesis Bus lines via Mariveles, or Bataan Transit going directly to Balanga, Bataan at Doroteo Jose LRT Station. Bus fare is around P200. Then tell the conductor to drop you at Balanga. From there you can take either jeep or tricycle (P150) to take you to the jump-off of Mt. Samat. The tricycle fee is a little bit expensive so it is ideal to go in groups to lessen the fee. From the jump-off point you can start trekking, estimate time from jump-off to Mt. Samat Shrine is 1 hour, but you can rent a single motorbike to take you up to the shrine if your not plan to walk up the road, the fee will be upon the negotiation. There will be an entrance fee of P20 Up there you can explore the shrine and take photos. Enjoy and Godbless your trip. :)