Journey to Mt. Samat National Shrine

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History

The Mt. Samat National Shrine or “Dambana ng Kagitingan” (Shrine of Valor) was built atop the Samat mountain located in the town of Pilar in the province of Bataan. The shrine commemorates the gallantry of the Filipino and American forces who fought the Japanese Imperial forces at the Bataan Peninsula during World War II.

Due to heavy suffering in Luzon against the Japanese, both Filipino and American forces retreated to Bataan. The part of the Mt. Samat where the national shrine was built was once the historic battlefield where the Filipino and American forces unfortunately lost and fell in the hands of Japanese as prisoners of war. Between 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners were forcibly transferred from Bagac, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac via San Fernando, Pampanga (popularly know as the Bataan Death March).

Our visit to Mt. Samat National Shrine

We went to Mt. Samat National Shrine as an unplanned side trip. We originally stayed at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar but after checking out, we decided to visit the National Shrine since it can be easily reached and is along our way home.

From Gov. J. J. Linao National Road, you have to take the 6.6 km Mt. Samat Road until you reach the gate of Mt. Samat National Shrine. Upon entering, you will pay the tourist entrance and parking fees at the guard post.

What to expect when visiting Mt. Samat National Shrine

Guesthouse

All tourists must attend the orientation held at the Guesthouse of Dambana ng Kagitingan. This is the place where your journey will start. The orientation includes the do’s and dont’s inside the shrine as well as the route you should take as there are no tour guides. Parking is also located at this area.

Grandstand

Every April 9, the Day of Valor is celebrated at the Grandstand inside the shrine. It is 250 meters from the Guesthouse. This is where the Filipino World War II veterans and “comfort women” are honored for their bravery and sacrifices.

Battle of the Pockets

When trekking from the Grandstand to the Battle of the Pockets, you will see old relics of artilleries where you can take some photos.

The Battle of the Pockets is a 210-meter trek from the Grandstand. There are benches in the Battle of the Pockets for you to rest your legs before trekking again going to the Memorial Cross.

Memorial Cross

The trek to the Memorial Cross takes 200 meters from the Battle of the Pockets. There is little shade while trekking to the Memorial Cross that is why it is better to have an umbrella or cap and water to fight the heat.

The 56-year-old Memorial Cross is 92 meters tall and is 555 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, the elevator is not operational as the cross is currently under maintenance. They said you will see the 360-panoramic view of Mt. Samat if you are on the top of the cross.

After trekking for more than 600 meters, you may get some rest at the Memorial Cross and enjoy the view while the cool wind is blowing.

There is a different footpath when going down to the underground museum from the Memorial Cross however, it was not open to the public when we were in the shrine.

Collonade and Underground Museum

The Collonade and Underground Museum is located right in front of the Grandstand. You actually have the option to go straight to the Collanade and Museum if you prefer a shorter tour of the National Shrine and don’t want to proceed to the Battle of the Pockets and Memorial Cross stations. All you have to do is cross the footwalk from the Grandstand to the Musem.

At the museum, you can see vintage weapons, gallery photos and other equipment during the World War II.

Once you finish visiting the museum, you may go back to the Guesthouse should you wish to use the restrooms. There are also stores near the Guesthouse where you can rest and eat merienda.

Knowing our history is crucial because we will learn from the past and we will know what to do today and in the future.

It is recommended to take our kids or family members to Mt. Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan for them to learn the bravery of our soldiers who fought hard during World War II.

How to get to Mt. Samat National Shrine

By Bus

1. Take a bus bound to Balanga City via Genesis Bus or Bataan Transit. It is 2 to 2.5-hour travel time.
2. From the Balanga Central Terminal, take a jeepney bound to Cabog-Cabog and tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at the corner of Mt. Samat Road.
3. At the corner, take a tricycle parked at the Mt. Samat Road.

By Private Vehicle

Option 1:
1. Take North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at San Fernando.
2. Drive along Jose Abad Santos Avenue towards the direction of Dinalupihan, Bataan.
3. Continue unto Bataan Provincial Hi-way and turn right unto Gov. J.J. Linao National Road.
4. Continue driving at Gov. J. J. Linao National Road and turn left unto Mount Samat Road.
5. Continue driving until you reach the gate of Mt. Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan.

Option 2:
1. Take North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and exit at Dinalupihan.
2. Take Bataan Provincial Hi way and turn right unto Gov. J.J. Linao National Road.
4. Continue driving at Gov. J. J. Linao National Road and turn left unto Mount Samat Road.
5. Continue driving until you reach the gate of Mt. Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan.

Budget

Transportation: If this is part of your side trip to Las Casas Filipinas, the gas consumption would be minimal. But, you need to prepare Php 1,500 for gas and max. of Php 1000 toll for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) if Mt. Samat is your only destination.

Food. Max. of Php 200 per head for lunch or meriend.

Accommodation: N/A

Others: Php 50 for entrance fee (Php 20 for student) and additional Php 50 for parking fee (if you will bring car)