DIY Itinerary Guide to Sisiman Bay: Pebble Beach, Lighthouse, Summit and Grotto in Mariveles, Bataan

Bataan is one of the provinces in Luzon that is very accessible from Metro Manila. It only takes about 3 - 4 hours by land travel to get here that is why this is one of many favorite hangouts of city dwellers trying to escape the hustle and bustle of Manila. Bataan represents a big piece in a puzzle that makes up the Philippine history retold in textbooks like the Bataan Death March and Mount Samat. I have only been to Bagac last year and spent overnight in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a man - made heritage town of beautiful Spanish - inspired colonial houses. Mariveles, however is another town of Bataan I have yet to conquer.  Thanks to Edz De Chavez for sharing her One - day DIY Guide to Sisiman Bay in Mariveles, Bataan.

She says

"Your Php 350.00 can bring you to a Palawan - like view deck, a lighthouse that resembles the one in Dingalan, Aurora, a Grotto like the one in Baguio, a water fountain like the one in BGC, a view that brings you to Mt. Tarak, a not - so long trekking and a beach a la Batangas that isn't  white sand but the water is so clear that you can mirror yourself! 

This is for those who are couples that are game for anything, best of friends who aren't choosy and a perfect place for barkada goals willing to have great bonding moments. 

It is very relaxing. A place where you can leave all your worries behind and also Instagrammable. NO Entrance fee to visit here!

Sisiman Bay represents the northernmost tip of Bataan Peninsula most noted for its beautiful rock formations and pebbles that surround the beach. I am sure that anyone going here would realize that there are a lot of well - kept otherworldly beuty outside Manila that only takes about half - day to reach. On the way to Mariveles, you'll pass by Balanga, another municipality of Bataan. She recommends checking out Plaza Mayor Balanga and Vista Mall.

WHAT TO SEE IN SISIMAN BAY

Pebble Beach

Do not expect a scene that as captivating like the one in Boracay or Palawan but heck it is still worth going. As the name implies, small rocks or pebbles are everywhere but still the serenity of being one with the goddess of the sea is there. To those who spend overnight, they pitch their tents or find a wooden cottage here.

Lighthouse

Sisiman Lighthouse is a lightless tower after it was destroyed by typhoon Pedring in 2011. It is completely impotent but it has found a new mission - to become a subject or a backdrop for many photographers and guests who visit this area.  

Karagatan View Deck

This is the best spot to get a bird's eye view or the whole view that surrounds Sisiman Bay. 

San Miguel Peak and Summit

San Miguel Peak is the ultimate rock mountain in Sisiman Bay. It is 700+ feet high but only takes 20 - minutes to reach the top by trekking. Together with the Lighthouse, San Miguel Peak is a true icon of what makes Sisiman bay today.

Grotto

The image of Virgin Mary, is the first one that will greet you near the hill when you reach Sisiman Bay. 

How to reach Sisiman Bay from Manila

From Pasay via Genesis Terminal, take a bus bound to Balanga, Bataan via Bataan Transit or Genesis Bus. The fare  is Php 210.00  for a 3 to 4 hour ride. Tell the driver to drop you off at Balanga Genesis Terminal. From terminal, take a tricycle to Plaza Mayor for Php 20. After Plaza Mayor going to Mariveles, ride a tricycle, tell the driver to drop off you at Balanga provincial terminal bus, fare is Php 20 only.

Directions to go to Mariveles Bataan

From Balanga Provincial terminal, take a bus bound to Mariveles - fare is Php 57 for ordinary bus.  Travel time less than 2 hrs.  Tell the conductor to drop you off at BASECO or FAB (Freeport Area of Bataan). Take note of the landmark, the   SSS building then just cross the bridge.

From BASECO or FAB, take a tricycle to Sisiman - fare : 15.00 (each for multiple pax and P60 for solo. - Drop off at hill/ grotto, the lighthouse or the beach, whichever you prefer or crossing of Sisiman Bay. Take a short walk to the bay.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

You can enjoy Sisiman either for a whole day tour or overnight.  Cottages are available at Php 200 per day. There are sleeping quarters that cost Php 350 per night but no bedding included. You can pitch your tent near the base of San Miguel Peak. You can bring your food or buy from small sari-sari stores nearby but these aren't meals but just grocery items.  You need to pay for water in your bathroom for Php 20 per pail.   

How to go Balanga from Mariveles

Take an ordinary bus. Fare is only Php 57.00 only.

How to go to Manila from Mariveles

In front of tricycle terminal, you can take a Genesis or Bataan transit bus to Pasay Bus terminal. Fare is Php 290.00 only.

 Additional side trips

Vista Mall for shopping and Mt. Samat, a historical shrine.

An additional input from a dear reader from Balanga

"If you are going to take a bus bound to Balanga City, the bus will most likely drop you off at the provincial terminal during day time but there are times if you took Bataan Transit there is a chance that they will drop you off at their own terminal. The other way of getting to Mariveles is, taking a bus, Genesis Transit or Bataan Transit bound to Mariveles, that way you don't have to get off at Balanga City if you don't wan't, but the fare will probably be a bit more higher. At Mariveles there will be a terminal for Genesis and Bataan Transit back to Cubao/Pasay you can ride the tricycle and take you to either one of them, fare should be the same for both."

Why YOU Should Visit Sisiman Bay NOW  

Unfortunately, rock mining is threatening in this area. Time will come, San Miguel and the Summit will be destroyed. Half of the mountain is closed and another part is privately owned already. I will let this  heart - pinching review of Sisiman Bay by a fellow blogger tell more about it: SISIMAN BAY: Pebble Beach, Lighthouse, Summit and Sunset via Trekero.

Credit to Edz de Chavez for sharing her photos and DIY tips to Sisiman Bay. I wish you more travels in the Philippines and abroad :)