(SPOT.ph) Bataan province in Central Luzon is known as one of the last strongholds of American and Filipino soldiers before they lost to the Japanese Imperial army during World War II in the '40s. But aside from this historic significance, the province now offers a number of eco-tourism destinations (such as Balanga Wetland and Nature Park and the Pawikan Conservation Center) and adventure sites (such as Mt. Samat and Five Fingers), perfect for the intrepid traveler. This is also why the newest option to get to Bataan couldn't come at a better time.
What used to be a four-hour travel by public bus via North Luzon Expressway and Pampanga has been turned into a 50-minute ferry ride across Manila Bay when 1Bataan Integrated Transport System opened in December 2017. Purchasing tickets was made even simpler when the ferry service launched an online booking platform on March 15. One-way ticket is at P450 (online rate) and at P799 (walk-in rate).
The M/V XGC Express Ferry Boat is air-conditioned, has enough leg room in every row, and furnished with recliner seats. If you're lucky, you get to sit on the sofa where you can watch half a movie (that's how short the travel time is!). There's also a private toilet at the back, which is twice the size of restrooms in airplanes. It can accommodate up to 108 passengers.
The ferry travels from Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Pasay City (behind Mall of Asia and beside Vikings Luxury Buffet) to Capinpin Port in Orion, Bataan and vice versa. On weekdays, it leaves Manila at 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., and leaves Orion at 8:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 3:15 p.m.; while it leaves Manila at 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and leaves Orion at 8:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. on weekends. There's also a free shuttle service to various barangays and municipalities in the province so you easily jumpstart your Bataan adventure. The northbound route includes drop-off points from Orion all the way to Plaza Dinalupihan while the southbound route includes drop-off points all the way to Mariveles Municipal Hall.
For more information, visit 1Bataan Integrated Transport System’s website.
[ArticleReco:{"articles":["73384","73236","72394","69272"]}]
Post a Comment