Mount Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan.
Bataan Peninsula was the scene of harsh fighting between American-Filipino forces and the invading Japanese forces. On April 9, 1942, the Bataan defenders surrendered to the Japanese. About 70,000 U.S. and Filipino soldiers were captured.
The Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) atop Mt. Samat in Pilar was built in 1966 in memory of those soldiers of World War II.
It consists of the “Colonnade”, a marble capped structure with an altar, esplanade and a museum. Inside the museum you can learn more about the battle of Bataan and the Death March that followed. The captured US & Filipino soldiers were forced to march more than a hundred kilometers from Bataan to Tarlac.
The Memorial Cross is a towering structure made of concrete, steel and marble. It is 92 meters high and the arms’ length is 15 meter on each side. It is 555 meters above sea level. An elevator goes up to the arms of the cross where the viewing galleries are found. The exterior finish of the cross at the base up to an 11-meter level is capped with “Nabiag Nga Bato” sculptural bas relief’s depicting significant battles and historical events.
The Shrine is visited annually by war veterans from different places on Bataan Day (April 9) to recall and honor the past.
Where: Mt. Samat is only 130 km away from Manila and travel time is about two to three hours by land and an hour by ferry.
My rating: 8/10 Impressive structure. Mount Samat Shrine is an ideal place to brush up your history lessons or learn more about the battle of Bataan & the Death March. It is a nice one day excursion.
Info from: My Sarisari Store
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melsantos » August 19th, 2006 at 4:13 am
when that place was dedicated, long time ago, during the marcos era, i was there with my parents. my father was part of the guest invited because he survived the death march and had the Gen. Douglas McArthur medal and all those who survived the death march. it was beautiful place before. there was even elevator service. 10 years ago, i returned back and the elevator is not running. i have to climb the stairs and almost have a heart attack when i reached the pinnacle of the cross. i hope it is being taken cared of by the dept of tourism. that place should be a place of remembrance, for those who fought and defended the phils for freedom sake.
Sidney » August 19th, 2006 at 7:33 am
You can be proud of your father. From what I read it was a nightmarish time of hunger, disease and death. It is almost impossible for our generation (and the generations to come) to comprehend the suffering of all those soldiers. They were true heroes.
Yes, the elevator is working and you are not allowed to take the steps up to the top of the cross anymore.
The place is now well maintained and it is a very beautiful spot with great views of Bataan.
I am only a contributor to this site and don’t post very regularly. Please feel free to visit also my photo blog (http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com) about the Philippines which is updated every day.
eric » October 13th, 2006 at 6:40 am
nice site….thankss….Mabuhay ang Pilipinas
rich fernando » December 1st, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Yes you can be froud to your father and froud to those people who offered thier lives during the world war II, they are true hereos in our heart and mind. And to tell you the truth elevator is working, because i´ve been there a couple months ago and its running and it was realy organized now and its totally beautiful, it must be….. because its one the most beautiful tourist spot in BATAAN….mabuhay!!!!!!!!
Reghz Pamatian » January 3rd, 2007 at 10:06 pm
im so proud to be a bonifide citizen of Bataan. My grandfather is also a hero during the second war and he managed to survive. I have really good memories in Mt. Samat when i was young. And now that I’m grown up, I still have the chance to go there when a mass and prayer “rally” is held there led by our Bishop Socrates Villegas. and we actually climb the Shrine by foot. so we spend like 2 and a half hours before we actually reach the cross. But it’s an amazing experience. Really..:)
David Robichaux Sr » January 28th, 2007 at 10:21 am
I was wondering how the area looked. My dad too was a survivor of the Death March and the Prison Camps. I have
thought about coming there if I could afford. I would also like to maybe sponsor for children of the survivors and those who died.
Lucile » March 2nd, 2007 at 6:43 am
the steep ascend to the mountain overwhelms but the shrine will not disappoint… it is a beautiful place… the weapons used are displayed… very informative museum… but the best part of my visit was sitting inside the arms of the cross feeling the cold air and it is not just a breeze. the moment made me not want to leave…
Lawrence » June 30th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Bataan, lalawigan ng mga BAYANI”T BANAL
maria chona » July 2nd, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Hello!
I would like to visit this memorial . How can I reach it by ferry from Manila ( where and which ferry to ride?) and from this place can I go to Corregidor Island also by Ferry? if not, where in Bataan can I ride a boat going to Corregidor island. Thanx.
hello kitty girl » October 2nd, 2007 at 1:43 pm
grabe i was there last sept sobrang nice nung place at nakakatakot sa elevator ha imagine 30+ floor at very accomodating ang mga sundalo don kakaibang place mabuhay tayong mga pilipino,i never really forget the place i would never forget my experience there…its so great
heitrid » October 7th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
this is the first time ive opened this link and to my surprise!!! the shrine is already so famous and so many people have already gone there…i am so proud to be a part of the office that is administrating and maintaining it…for all u people who wants to go there but doesnt know how…just try to call me or email me on the following contact numbers…the shrine is under our administration. Our office is Military Shrines Service and we are under the Department of National Defense. Our contact numbers are: (02)9114296 and (02) 9114335. Mobile number is 09215966955 or 09156685200. Please feel free to visit our office anytime and we will gladly accommodate you and would be happy to give you additional information regarding the Mount Samat Shrine…its good to know many young people to be so interested in history…at least we have educated history the easy and fun way!!! see you at the shrine one of these days!!!
heitrid » October 17th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
maria chona,
yes, u can reach mount samat shrine by ferry at the CCP terminal complex, roxas blvd through the mt samat ferry. but u will just be docked in the port of Orion. from there, u have to rent a van or a jeepney that will take u to mount samat shrine. again, yes u can go to corregidor from bataan. just go to Cabcaben, there are some bankas in there which will take u to corregidor…just a warning though…dont do that during high tide or rainy season, it might be dangerous. i suggest u get back to manila and get another ferry (Suncruises) which can take u to corregidor also in CCP Terminal Complex or call the Corregidor Foundation Inc. for further information and reservations. Contact nos. 8318140 or 8346857 to 58.
heitrid » October 17th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
rehgz,
good news for u. our office has just received a fax message from the tourism office of bataan requesting for the availability of mount samat shrine for another prayer rally on december 01, 2007.
i was also there last year to celebrate the eucharistic mass and danced with the students coming from different schools. its a very memorable event to think that thousands of people of all ages have sacrificed to walk from Brgy Diwa going up to the Mount Samat Shrine. So tiring, yes, i agree with u, that u must have already thought of quitting but bataan people are very strong-willed. they endured everything just to reach the memorial cross. the event was highlighted with the lighting of candles. so solemn u can really feel so close to God. Hope to see u there once again!!!
heitrid » October 17th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
and yes i have to confirm…THE ELEVATOR IS WORKING!!!
andy lyiscott » November 22nd, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I am trying to find Randalie (Gumba) Kaiklian who may be the mother of my daughter, Merry-Kris. Merry-Kris may have been born in 1985 when I was in the US Navy. Can you please direct me to a private investigator or other organizations who may be able to help me? I was recently informed they may be living in Bataan Province (Bangal or Dinalupihan).
Anderson Lyiscott
email: LYIDWC@SBCGLOBAL.NET
eric » March 15th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Im wondering if mount samat shrine still open during holy week. Appreciate your immediate feedback. Thanks.
neri » April 7th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Went to Mt. Samat (Holy Tuesday) , to see the Memorial Cross as part of my Lenten Passion.. We went by foot, climb uphill and endured the steep of the mountain; It was fun coz there were families w kids, sweethearts, and groups w/ us.. More than an hour walking, I’ve seen the metal white curve fence and that was the marked, NOW u can view the Cross along the road as u go on…there was a bit happiness and I said to myself “ I’LL EMBRACE U” again, it took us another hour to reached. We decided to do some mountain climbing short cuts as others do. One, two slopes; WOW! It was a great adventure…the 3rd, I doubt; there was no visible sign that its passable and it’s a much higher slope, I said to myself, GOD will guide us thru.(snake or a trap). And finally, saw the well trimmed grass, thanks GOD!, that was the last slope of the mountain to see the entrance of the Shrine …. I never thought it was a 6.5 kms way uphill and took us about 2 hrs and 45 min. It was a sacrifice, tiring and worth experienced
I was amazed , and shouted it was for REAL and EMBRACE it!, As we move around , the gallery, the museum; the more I’ve understand. In memory of my late father who was a WWII veteran, I recalled all the stories ( I was bout 5 yrs old sitting on his lap ) during the war, leaving behind my 2 brothers and my late mom on a dug hole, like when they were on a Death March going to Capas Tarlac, wherein at this point he was one of the lucky enough managed to escaped , suffered from Malaria and recovered..
Thanks GOD he had survived! I am now a Registered Nurse granted as scholar from the PVAO Educational Benefit Fund. With heartfelt gratitude, as I owe my first breath to my parents, the greatest achievement I felt in my life is to resigned from my job, gave them the best of what they needed and be with them ( both of them died of Lung Ca.) till their LAST BREATH which is the hardest thing to see them leaving …..
I salute all the WWII veterans, truely great heroes!
mark defensor » June 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
the place is a resemblance of heroic act, a nature’s gift and fortress of courage. Visit the place and you’ll see the difference. climbed it and feel the spirit of power, love and dedication.
We went there last June 1 and 2 and it was a memory of a lifetime.
cogito » August 9th, 2008 at 9:27 am
We went to the shrine last Aug. 1 but to our dismay, as well as of the scores of other tourists, the cross was closed due to power outage. The museum was also closed for some reasons. We spent some P1,500 worth of gasoline and paid P20 parking fee and P20 per person entrance fee to see nothing. It was a very disappointing trip.
We want to return there someday, though, and hopefully the museum and the viewing deck will be open.
By the way, is the shrine open during saturdays and sundays?
Heart Attack Survivor - A Field Guide. | 7Wins.eu » August 12th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
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manny » August 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
is Mt. Samat Shrine open 24/7 ? i would like to pay my respect and give many thanks to all who sacrifice their lives for a blanket of freedom that we enjoy now and for the next generations to come…
lily » September 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am
hi cogito…firstly, in behalf of the office, i wuld like to apologize for the discomfort you went through when you visited the Mt. Samat Shrine. The museum was closed that time because it was undergoing some repair and rehabilitaion works. As for the elevator, it is stil in good running condition. In fact it is being maintained and checked by expert technicians from OTIS every month.
I am glad that despite the sad experience you had the last time you were there, you still plan of going back to visit the place.
Additionally, the shrine is open on Saturdays and Sundays and even on Holidays but from 8am to 5 pm only.
thanks and God bless.
lily » September 5th, 2008 at 11:01 am
manny, hi, Mount Samat Shrine is open 7 days a week but from 8am to 5 pm only.
andy » September 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
lily,
hi, are the repairs and rehabilitation works finished now? we are planning to go there on september 13. is the elevator working? can we use private vehicles to go there?
lily » September 6th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
andy..hello…im sorry to say but the museum is still undergoing renovations..but we are doing our best to speed up the works….the elevator is in good running condition, but you still have to wait your turn to get accomodated specially if there’s a long queue of people wanting to go up too…its a first come first served basis..
yes, you can use your own vehicle going up the shrine… we allow vehicles to park inside the shrine.
for queries and comments please feel free to call us up at 911-4335 or 9114296
tin » September 8th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
may entrance fee be?
how much?
0922-5629337
tin
cogito » September 11th, 2008 at 1:25 am
hello lily, thanks for your reply. but i belive that the public should be be properly informed at the gate that the elevator is not working due to power outage, just like when we were in the shrine. the same is true with the closure of the museum because of renovation works or something. in the first place, people, esp. those from other provinces go there to see the museum and be at the viewing deck atop the cross. i think its not right to collect entrance and parking fees from people who could not do what they intend to do at the shrine. thank you.
karlo » September 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
hi..
does anybody knows kung magkano ung fare sa ferry dun sa ccp?
then meron po bang masasakyan papunta sa mt.samat dun sa port of orion? is it too much expensive? magakano po ung entrance fee?
thanks a lot..
lily » September 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
hi cogito…thank you for your comment and observation…we will work on your suggestion and try to improve on our delivery of service…again thanks…
lily » September 12th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
karlo…from what i know hindi na yata bumibiyahe ang ferry going to samat..pero just to be sure tawagan mo nalang ang sun cruises..8318140, 8346857 to 58…ung shrine fee naman is as follows:
student P10
local tourist P20
foreign tourist P30
hope you could visit the shrine…but may I add na hindi pa din tapos ang renovation ng museum…but the elevator is working proporly as of this date…
raymond » September 17th, 2008 at 8:40 am
hi lily,
we are planning to go there this friday sept 19, 2008. i went there in 2002 and was not able to go up because the elevator was not working but was able to see the museum. hope this friday the elevator is working. would the museum renovation be done by friday? tia
lily » September 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
raymond, sorry wasnt able to give my feedback on time…were you able to visit the shrine? if you did, i hope you were able to go up the viewing gallery…and had a great time…sorry bout the museum..
raymond » September 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
hi lily,
yap, was able to go up the viewing gallery and had a great time….. museum still under renovation….another reason for me to go back when it’s done…. still very amazed at the structure that i didnt want to leave the place.
lily » September 25th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
im glad you enjoyed your visit…i’ll inform you when the museum is all ready for viewing…we are rushing up things to speed up the rehab works there..in fact we will be going there tomorrow with an expert from the NHI to assist us in the arrangement of the items there…thanks again for patronizing the shrine…
marilyn san juan » October 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
hi.. napaganda ng lugar na to sobrang mis ko na bataan hope na someday i meet the shrine miss you all.
marilyn san juan » October 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
yung biyahe sa ccp yata nag taas na last na check ko sa internet is 500 na yata pero balikan na yun. nakakatakot bang sumakay sa ocean jet? takot kase ako ei. di marunong lumangoy ang boyfriend ko. sa bus naman sobrang layo from cavite to orion. hai pag punta me dyan susulitin ko talaga… mga clasmate ko sa balut pilar bataan im back on october 18 or 19 see you guys. hir is my number 0908698662. hi kina rica diwa. miss you guys. 13 years narin di ako nakakapunta dyan since in grade 4 ako.
anne » October 20th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Good day! Ask ko lang po kung gumagana po ang elevator sa cross and kung magkano po ang entrance fee? Nag oorganize po kasi kami ng field trip para sa school naman on friday, October 24. Thank you!
jayr » October 21st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
hi liliy,i’ve visited mt. samat for the second time, may i know if your accepting overnight stay in mt. samat? could you send me a email, we are planning an overnight stay there.. jr_lalang2005@yahoo.com.ph.. im hoping for your reply..
jayr » October 21st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
hi lily, may i know if you’re accepting overnight stay? email me here, jr_lalang2005@yahoo.com.ph
lily » October 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
hi anne, okay naman ang elevator sa Mt. Samat as of today. The entrance fee is 10 pesos for students, 20 for the local tourists and 30 for foreign visitors. I hope hindi pa late ang reply ko for the oct 24 field trip nyo.
lily » October 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
jayr, hi, i already sent you an e-mail regarding your query. thanks.
Michael Koffler » November 7th, 2008 at 5:52 am
I visited this site in early November 2008 on a foggy morning. The top of the cross was obscured for a short time. After the sun came out, we viewed the monument and it is a fitting tribute to the fallen heros of WWII who fought against the Japanese. The grounds were in immaculate condition, grass very green, shrubs trimmed, and no litter anywhere. Hope this can be maintained by the government of the Philippines for future generations.
lily » November 7th, 2008 at 10:35 am
hi michael…i’m glad you enjoyed your visit to mt. samat shrine… we, in behalf of the gov’t of the philippines, make sure that the shrine and all shrines under our administration are given due care and attention as what other hallowed grounds should. hope you keep coming back…thanks..
lei » November 21st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
hi..thanks for the the info here bout mount samat , really apprciate, am a tourguide and tomorrow il be visiting the shrine for the first time with some students from manila.
thanks again..
msjlyn » December 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
we’re planning to go in Mt. Samat by public vehicle on dec 26. we are from cubao, quezon city. please advice. thanks.
msjlyn » December 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
hi! we will take public transpo (bus) from cubao via bataan ba? then saan kami bababa? meron ba kami pwedeng sakyan going up to mount samat? please advice. thanks again.
lily » December 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
hi msjlyn…i will have to ask the people from the provincial tourism office regarding your query..i will give you feed back as soon as i can….
msjlyn » December 6th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
hello lily..ok i will wait for your feedback. thank you so much. my email add: jlynmagbojos@yahoo.com
kwin » December 12th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
hello, we visited the shrine last tuesday.actually its our first time na pumunta dun.unfortunately hindi gumagana yung elevator that day gustong gusto pa naman sana naming umakyat.20pesos entance fee.
victa » December 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Hi,
we are planning to go there on Dec. 28-29…where can we stay po in Pilar town na resort na rin and what are other places to visit there?
Thanks…
lily » January 5th, 2009 at 10:27 am
hi victa, i’m sorry, i wasnt able to respond to your queries…hindi kasi ako nakapag-online e..but i hope your stay in mt samat was a pleasant one…just keep coming back..
Awesome Philippines » Blog Archive » Dambana ng Kagitingan / Mt. Samat Cross » May 15th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
[...] PinoyTravelBlog.com — Mount Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan [...]
Raul A.C. Obach » May 18th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I’m currently in the process of writing something about World War II exploits of our silent heroes and I’d like to include your photo (above) plus your description of the
Mt. Samat Shrine.Will this be okay?
Thanks in advance.
Raul A. C. Obach
michelle jasmin » August 5th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
hi there. im hoping you can reply to my email. were planning to go to bataan this coming 15th of aug, but no definite place yet where in bataan we will stay, but where planning to got to mt samat any place we stay overnight and approximately how much will it cost ort resort? and how long will be the travel time from balanga – mariveles? thankyou
michelle jasmin » August 5th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
hi there. im hoping you can reply to my email. were planning to go to bataan this coming 15th of aug, but no definite place yet where in bataan we will stay, but where planning to got to mt samat any place we stay overnight and approximately how much will it cost ort resort? and how long will be the travel time from balanga – mariveles? thankyou.
lily » August 20th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
hi michelle, sorry bout the late reply, i just received the notification from pinoy travel blog today so i wasnt able to give my feedback promptly…well in any case, if you have other questions of querries regarding mt. samat shrine, pls feel free to e-mail me at this address : lilyputian67@yahoo.com…have a nice day…
keren » September 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
hello po… may plan po kasi ang high school department namin na magpunta sa mt.samat on september 19,2009. okay po kaya ang services that day? Thank you po.
Anna » September 19th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
hi! good eve po! im going to bataan on october 3, saturday night because i need to attend the basptismal on the 4th..my plan is to drop bay in mt. samat.. wana know po if la vista resort is near sa mt. samat..and inal minutes/hours yun travel..thanks!!!
dahonpalay » December 9th, 2009 at 8:17 am
ate lily,ang init ng mt.samat museum..kailan madadagdagan ng aircon…..
lily » December 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am
hello dahonpalay…your comment is noted. ACtually we have enough air conditioners in the museum to keep the place comfortably cool, kaso nga lang, this quarter, may mga problema sa aming budget kaya napending ang pagpaparepair ng air con. But rest assured na bibigyan namin ng kaukulang atensyon ang bagay na ito. Salamat sa paalala…
Dan » January 20th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi there! We’re planning to go on an excursion this weekend to Mt. Samat. Just want to ask two questions: One, Aside from Mt. Samat, are there other cultural places we can visit there in Bataan or on our way there from Manila? And two, are there picnic grounds there where we could possibly take our meal? Thanks a lot for the help! I hope you get to read this message soon.
Ann » January 31st, 2010 at 8:49 pm
the last time i’ve been to Mt. Samat was 1996. i love the view from the top of the cross. my aunt used to work as a teacher in Philippine Refugee Processing Center (Morong, Bataan). and i’ve spent several summer vacations there, that’s why Bataan has a special place in my heart. i love the beaches because they’re free — just bring your own towel and food and you’re on a frolicking adventure. oh and back to Mt. Samat, if you guys are scared of heights — haha — you’re in for the ride of your life! imagine a spiral concrete that’s a little too tilted you’d feel your lunch lurching sideways. but the the view from the top is all worth it. i don’t mind if the elevator’s not working anymore. half the fun is climbing the stairs anyway. but for veterans who want to see this landmark, of course the elevator should be fixed. after all this place of remembrance was made for them.
lily » February 1st, 2010 at 7:13 pm
hi ann…i am glad that you enjoyed your visit to Mt. Samat. I just would like you to know that the elevator at the memorial cross is in good working condition as of this date. however, the elevator is only available on certain hours of the day..in order to allow the machine to “rest” for some time and prevent any damages as well. Unfortunately, we have restricted the usage of the stairs in going up the cross for safety reasons.
Mt Samat (Shrine of Valor) & Ocean Adventure « butterfly effect :@ » February 4th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
[...] not miss this for the world. I had great adventure myself and few realizations! One, that there is Mount Samat Shrine, and we can actually went there (I used to see this cross from afar — just an inch on my view [...]