Travel | Mt. Samat Shrine Side Trip
Mount Samat is a historic mountain in the town of Pilar in the Province of Bataan and has situated in its summit, the Mount Samat National Shrine. A memento of the dedication of the fallen Filipino and American soldiers during the early part of World War II.
As the soldiers suffered numerous and huge losses in the hands of the invading Imperial Japanese Army, they retreated to Bataan to make the last valiant stand. Four months of fighting ensued but eventually the gallant fight ended when they surrendered to the Japanese in efforts of keeping the remaining soldiers alive. This surrender lead to the 130 kilometers walk made by the soldiers to Capas, Tarlac, later known to be the Bataan Death March.
The shrine was erected as a remembrance to the sacrifice and struggle of these soldiers. It consists of a monument, a wide expanse of structure with an altar in side. A staircase behind it leads all the way to the summit, where a huge cross stands. Adorned with soldier statues depicting the situation during the early phase of the war. Of how the soldiers endured the hardships inflicted upon them by the Imperial Japanese Army.
To reach the Mount Samat National Shrine;
By Commute
Take any bus that will take you to Balanga, Bataan.
In Balanga, you may take a jeepney for Cabog-Cabog. As the driver to drop you off at the road leading to Mt. Samat summit.
Hire a tricycle to take you to up to the Shrine.
By Private transport
Use Waze or Google Maps that will suggest you take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then to Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Exit NLEX via San Fernando City.
Take Jose Abad Santos Avenue that will pass through Guagua and Lubao.
Traverse Bataan Provincial Highway until you reach the intersection with Pilar.
Turn right to Gov. JJ Linao National Road.
Turn left unto Mt. Samat Road after Death March Marker KM 19.
Entrance fee is Php20 including museum and the trek up to the cross.
Parking fee is Php20
Shrine is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Monday to Sunday.
