A Trip To Mariveles , Batanes of the West

I never really thought that I’ll go back to Bataan just few weeks after my quick tour in Bagak. (Check : Travel Back in Tim with Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar). The original plan was to revisit Baguio but supertyphoon Karen ruined almost everything. My scheduled trip was postponed not just once but twice. My travel host told me that it is not really going to push through because of the current road conditions in Baguio so she asked me another offer instead! It was a day trip in Bataan but this time in Mariveles. This humble town in Bataan is catching a lot of attention lately as most people are now dubbing it as the “Batanes of the West” which I personally find so intriguing so I decided to accept the offer and I think I just made a right decision of doing so because the place is truly a paradise.
Mariveles is a town located in a cove at the southern tip of Bataan Peninsula but what really makes it more interesting are the cute trivia on where the town’s name originated. They said that the name came from the word “Mara-Dilis“, a shortened term for Maraming Dilis because there were so many “dilis” (Anchovies)in the said place.  The name Maradilis eventually became Mariveles. Another story is about a girl named Maria Veles, a nun who left her convent to be with the man she loved. After her death, the man named her grave as Mt Maria Veles which eventually metamorphosed as Mariveles!

Death March Starting Point
Our first destination is a simple yet historically significant place. We were introduced to one of the 137 Death March markers. We’re not there to explore all the markers but this one is quite special because this is where the historical death march started. We also took out breakfast before heading to our next destination. Pupung Grill and Restaurant is just located in front of the first Death March marker. (Check : A Trip to Mariveles : Death March Starting Point)

Panoypoy Cove
After our breakfast we headed immediately to our main destination, the highlight of our Mariveles tour. We were all guided to Panoypoy Cove which surprisingly involves minor trekking. After few minutes of tiring climb, we were greatly welcomed by this seemingly paradise scenery! It is indeed a jewel and it really deserves to be called as the Batanes of the West! I was in awe after seeing those amazing rock formations and at some point it feels like a quick escape from reality for me! The breathtaking view from the cove is simply mesmerizing! Panoypoy Cove is actually one of the coves in Mariveles. Lusong and Apatot offers the same jaw-dropping scenery yet not all are accessible. I was informed that Lusong is now privately owned.
(Check A Trip To Mariveles : Panoypoy Cove Part 1)
(Check A Trip To Mariveles : Panoypoy Cove Part 2)

Hawla Beach/ Claubel Beach Resort
At the heart of Panoypoy cove lies the Claubel Beach Resort (formerly known as the Hawla Beach). It is a small beach resort and I think there were only 8-10 cottages. It comes with a free usage of their small pool with water coming from stream.
(Check : A Trip To Mariveles : Hawla Beach / Claubel Beach Resort)

Sisiman  Bay
After the tiring yet super rewarding journey in Panoypoy, we were taken to yet another spectacular view! We briefly stopped on the side of the road just to get a great view of the Sisiman Bay. Those green-covered rock formations, those simple houses and those colorful boats is simply making a great harmony. Not to mention the fresh breeze that makes it more relaxing. I could actually stare this place for day but it started to drizzle and we had to head to our next destination.
(Check : A Trip To Mariveles : Sisiman Bay)

San Miguel Peak
Little did we know, we were taken to the other side of that rock formation we saw earlier. I learned that the rock formation is called the “San Miguel Peak”. It was named San Miguel because the land was merely owned by the San Miguel corporation. We actually saw some of their plants along the way. At the foot of the San Miguel peak lies a pebbled beach which is barely crowned when we get there yet the view is still remarkable!
(A Trip to Mariveles : San Miguel Peak)

Sisiman Lighthouse
Just in case you are looking for an Instagram-worthy shot, you should never miss to capture the Sisiman Lighthouse which is just located beside the San Miguel rock formation. It is a fully functional lighthouse that guides all the fishermen of the Sisiman bay.
(Check : A Trip to Mariveles : Sisiman Light House)

My apology if I cannot share you the direction on how to get to Mariveles Bataan since I was just part of the tour and i failed to jot down some notes too haha. This tour, however, is hosted by TravelPack (the same team who hosted by Panagbenga Tour in Baguio) so you might want to check their page for more info,

PS: I am going to write a separate entry for each destination soon!