DiscoverDinalupihan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Dinalupihan.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedDinalupihan HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Dinalupihan.
Stays AcrossDinalupihan
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Dinalupihan
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Dinalupihan.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dinalupihan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Dinalupihan
- Go on holidays to Dinalupihan, Bataan, and you will get a delightful mixture of fertile farmlands, low hills, and small towns, which appear to slow down the tempo of the metropolis.
- The small town is only a few minutes away but it seems like it is a million miles away, as the town of Balanga is a busy one but the town of Balange provides a peaceful backdrop that is relaxing and revitalising.
- The visitors are able to walk down broad streets, with local sellers on both sides, enjoy fresh goods directly out of the soil, and experience the slow pace of country living that has been going on since time immemorial.
- Evenings there is a soft repose with the sun setting down beyond the hills, with hues of orange and pink best viewed in some quiet place in the outskirts of the town.
- The strategic location of the area close to the Manila Bay and Mount Natib implies that one can easily organise a day trip in the sea and other mountain hikes without having to travel a long distance.
- To history lovers, the presence of the sites of the World War II and the mysteries which surround them is an additional twist in each part of the town.
- Capital (of the province): Balanga
- International airport: No international airport in Dinalupihan
- Nearest commonly used:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – main international airport
- Clark International Airport (Pampanga) – international and domestic flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- On this day you can admire extensive farmland, with bright plantings stretching to the horizon, on your holidays to Dinalupihan, Bataan, and you will be met with cheerful smiling faces of the local farmers.
- Take a stroll around the town square and see an amazing combination of colonial and modern elements which makes the town square an ideal place to capture pictures and have some rest.
- The historic St. John the Baptist Parish Church is another reminder of the strong faith of the town, and is a good place to contemplate and reflect on the stonework adorned with stone.
- The trails in Mount Natib take visitors through rich forests where it is easy to inhale mountain air and observe indigenous wild creatures that constantly inhabit this safe zone.
- The rivers that pass through the territories give the opportunity to enjoy a quiet and relaxing fishing experience, picnics, or just watch as the water flows slowly to the sea.
- The sound of farmers gossiping and crops rustling continues to be the beat in everyday life in Dinalupihan, forming a living tapestry, that is beautiful yet a calming experience.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- When you are planning holidays in Dinalupihan, Bataan, the dry season between November and May would provide you with crisp mornings and clear skies that would be good to go on trekking, cycling, or even making nature walks in the countryside.
- June through October are the rainy seasons, and the vegetation is rich, and although the visitor may not expect to experience floods along the small roads, there is a possibility of this, and this can make the journey more exciting.
- In the colder winter seasons, between the months of December and February, the temperatures are cool enough to make trekking comfortable still allowing adequate light hours in the day to be used to explore.
- Sunset at Mount Natib during dry season is a magnificent view that is worth viewing by the photography lovers.
- Birdwatchers will also enjoy the high activity of the migrating species which come in during the monsoon season transforming the hills into a living birdwatching heaven.
- Local fiests, particularly the annual fiesta in the town will be arranged during the dry months so that outside partying is carried out in a pleasant and safe manner.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Dinalupihan Town Plaza
- The fountain located at the centre of the plaza with flowering bushes at its borders makes the fountain a peaceful centre that makes people stop and have a moment of relaxation.
- Benches and trees to the side give good spots of rest as people-watch the busily-going-about street sellers of fresh mangoes and homemade pastries.
- The founding storey of the town is carved in the bronze plaque located in the centre of the plaza and the connexion between the past and the present in a poetic way is a point of curiosity.
- The area is lightened with feeble lanterns during evening walks around the plaza and transformed into a love-focused place where couples or families can enjoy themselves.
- The open plan provides an opportunity to have the local musicians perform impromptu which also gives a spontaneous cultural taste to the routine.
- There is also a small community centre nearby where the visitor can get a chance to learn how to make traditional crafts and take a part of the heritage of Dinalupihan home.
St. John the Baptist Parish Church
- The vaulted ceilings as one enters the structure are used to provide a spiritual and architectural feeling of something awe worthy.
- The stained-glass windows show the scenes in the history of the parish and are glowing with dull blue and red colours, playing with the afternoon light.
- The surrounding pews look friendly to the worshippers and the curious tourists and a quiet hand carved altar beckons them to a quiet meditation.
- The bell tower is a high structure of the church that has been put up by the church over the centuries and which gives the best panorama of the town when one climbs it under the supervision of a friendly guide.
- The frequent community meetings at the church serve to strengthen the sense of belonging of the town and visitors are able to watch local interactions in their purest form.
- The garden surrounding the church offer orchids and local ferns, offers the visitor a quiet place to reflect or have some time off.
Mount Natib Hiking Trails
- The starting point is a humble wooden sign that goes by the trailhead of the hikers who are willing to venture into this wonderful mountain range.
- As you go up, the woods get denser with the tall pines and smell of wet soil, which makes you feel in nature.
- In the middle of it there is a small clearing, where one can relax and look down a large valley, the wind has brought whispers of waterfalls.
- The changing scenery of the trail also complicates the hike of even the experienced hikers, and some steps on stones and easy hills make the way interesting.
- Local animals, such as bright birds or inquisitive squirrels, may be occasionally seen and this is a most pleasant surprise of nature lovers.
- The panoramic view of the rolling hills and the sea even at the top makes the journey worth coming as an adventure seeker.
Local Rivers and Scenic Farmland Areas
- Dinalupihan rivers have had a reputation of having crystal clear water that attracts angler and families that would like to enjoy a day at the banks.
- Fishing, however, is still done along the riverbanks in traditional ways leaving the visitors to experience the hands-on heritage whilst enjoying the fresh air.
- The agricultural land around is full of golden corn and glistening tomato beds providing the photographer infinite photo opportunities in a person who like to take pictures of the beauty of farming.
- These rivers are usually the focus of seasonal festivals where people rejoice in the harvest of the land in music, dancing, and communal feasts.
- Those impatient to experience the exciting nature of kayaking can try tours, where they are able to pass through bamboo and hear the rhythmic sound of water flowing.
- At dusk the rivers are filled with reflected light and form a magic effect quite surrealistic, against the background of the silent countryside.
Bataan World War II Memorials and Historical Markers
- The memorials, which are set in strategic locations of areas where battles were fought, express the valour of the soldiers who fought in pursuit of freedom and their plaques, are a source of touching accounts.
- As they stroll across these places, one can feel the burden of the past and every rock reveals the tale of devotion and survival.
- There are guided tours which are organised accompanied by the knowledgeable locals who present anecdotes and personal thoughts, which makes the experience even more profound.
- The landscapes surrounding are the former battlefields being replaced by peaceful gardens and quiet benches, where one can find relaxing points.
- The artefacts, photographs, and other personal belongings of soldiers are exhibited in small local museums that additionally link the past to the present to the visitors.
- These memorials are commemorated every year, and national and international tourists come to pay tribute and recognise the importance of the events.
Reason 05
Discover More
Hermosa Beaches and Manila Bay Coastline
- The white beach of Hermosa is good place to have a leisure bath or take the swim in the soft waves that are calm and gentle.
- Fresh seafood is sold by local beach vendors, and it is a culinary experience of its own as the traveller gets to savour the most acclaimed dishes in the area by the sea.
- The morning walks along the beach will enable the visitors to experience a sunrise on the bay and paint the sky with soft pastels which will create memorable photographs.
- Street music is an occasional occurrence that makes bars on the beach to be refreshing and provide a welcome effect.
- Kayaking tours can also be taken by those who want to visit the hidden coves and marine animals that live in calm waters.
- The community centre in the beach organises cultural performances, where one can be treated to dances and music of the locals which provide a peep of vibrant traditions of the region.
Small Museums and Cultural Sites in Balanga City
- There are numerous sources of artefacts such as ancient tools, local artwork, and historical documents found in the Balanga City Museum that covers the evolution of the city.
- Interactive exhibits enable visitors to participate in reenacting the traditional crafts and give all the age groups imperative learning experiences.
- The gardens that surround the museum are lined with native plants thus providing a calming atmosphere as the travellers take in historical information.
- The region has a number of annual exhibitions that showcase the artistic performance of the region, with both the local and nationally known artists displaying their work.
- Other traditional skills are also taught with workshops on pottery, weaving and other aspects being taught in the adjacent cultural centres inviting visitors to walk away with a new value.
- Balanga has a distinctiveness of architecture and architecture tours of the city during the colonial times show how a mixture of architectural styles is blended together to form the composition of the city.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort
- It is a living museum and the Spanish colonial architecture combined with local materials and techniques are reflected in the unique architecture of this resort.
- Tourists are free to navigate lavish halls all of which exhibit the use of period furnishings and elaborate woodwork, reminiscent of the past.
- The resort premises which have a rich display of tropical plants provide serene places to have a relaxing walk or do some meditative reflection.
- Traditional activities such as folk music performance, traditional dances performance, and cooking demonstrations are held on weekly basis and they are immersive.
- The on-site restaurant offers traditional Filipino food with locally-procured ingredients to enable the guests to experience the local culinary tradition.
- The resort is a great place to visit during romantic evenings and family celebrations because of the lights at night which makes it a magical place to be.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Catholic heritage is evident in holidays to Dinalupihan, Bataan, as the life of the town is treaded by the rhythm of church services and saintly holidays.
- Social events, dubbed as bayanihan, are the norm and they show a spirit of togetherness that helps to not only fulfil daily lives necessities, but also major celebrations.
- The yearly fiesta of the town dedicated to St. John the Baptist is marked by bright processions, folk music and joint dinners uniting people of the town with visitors.
- Folk dances like the Tinikling are practised during these festivals as the region greatly values heritage and other forms of artistic expressions.
- Cultural identity is maintained by a group of local craftsmen making unique products (pottery, weaving and metalwork) through the methods inherited over the generations.
- The past and present cuisine is connected as traditional foods and especially foods cooked at fiestas become the identity of the community.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The region serves savoury cuisine such as sinigang, or tamarind soup which is available through holidays to Dinalupihan, Bataan, where the fresh produce of the region is on display.
- Seasoned with the local spices, grilled fish, which is usually taken out of the rivers near the restaurants, is presented with steamed rice, and it reflects the simplicity of local food.
- Kinilaw, a raw fish salad prepared with vinegar and chilies, is a refreshing dish that is very popular among the locals and tourists.
- The vegetables, which have just been harvested, including sweet potatoes and long beans are roasted or steamed, and the natural tastes are brought out.
- Seasonal fruits such as mangoes and lanzones are usually made into sweet desserts or salads of fruits which are sweet endings to meals.
- The coffee is made with local ingredients (local plantations) and it is served in simple cups allowing people to taste a true flavour of agricultural heritage of Bataan.
Fun
- Holidays to Dinalupihan, Bataan, feature both outdoor adventures such as a hike in the green trails of the mountain of Natib, as well as kayaking along the crystal water of rivers.
- The neighbourhood is a vibrant community that will allow visitors to try the local street food, purchase handcrafted products, and meet nice sellers.
- To the rest of the people, the banks of the picturesque river are a dream destination as they can have a picnic, read books or just watch the concert of the music that nature has to offer.
- Even at night, the town is illuminated by night events like lantern festivals, which make the town magical and attract young and old.
- Traditional farming and cooking interactive workshops will give the traveller a chance to experience the everyday life in Dinalupihan.
- The aesthetic of photography enthusiasts have an unlimited amount of chances to capture extraordinary moments as either in the dawn of the day on hills, or in the colourful street graffiti that decorate the walls of the communities.
Fashion
- Light cotton shirts and breathable pants are better suited to the warm weather since they allow one to move around the open streets and hiking paths and remain comfortable.
- Comfy sandals or well-built hiking shoes would be the best alternatives to the people who will explore the hills of the town or the local mountain hiking trails.
- Simple jeans and polo shirts in the daytime and other casual clothing are quite appropriate for most of the daytime activities and are very suitable when walking in the markets or having a local cafeteria.
- To be in religious processions or traditional festivals, then you have to wear modest clothes that cover the shoulders and knees, this is respectful and the cultural way of doing things.
- Formal celebrations or cultural shows can be attended in traditional clothes, e.g. the men have the Barong that is worn, or women have the elegant Maria Clara dress.
- Sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses are necessary accessories that withstand the tropical sun besides matching any outfit.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The thick forest trails of Mount Natib give the birds watchers a sanctuary where they can watch birds like blue eyed leafbirds and scarlet backed whistlers.
- The river ecosystems also sustain various aquatic species such as fish, turtles, and sometimes the otter which is good wildlife.
- Farmland eco-walks are made to show how the agricultural methods support the local people and methods are shown to the participants on sustainable crop rotation.
- Guided tours introduce the biodiversity of the region where the ecological importance of native plants and animals in the Bataan ecosystem is explained.
- The lovers of photography would be able to preserve the game of light and shadow in the canopy of the forest, and the bright colours of the seasonal flowers.
- The conservation projects involve visitors to join clean-up exercises so that the natural beauty of Dinalupihan is maintained to be enjoyed by the next generations.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The Dinalupihan Town Fiesta, celebrated every year in the honour of St. John the Baptist, is a community event with a lively parade, music, and feasts.
- This is because fiestas are held on a year-round basis and involve traditional dances, local delicacies, and the distribution of home cooked sweets that unite the neighbours.
- Both parishioners and tourists attend the Holy Week services and they get to feel the heaviness of the rituals and colourful processions on the street.
- Christmas is marked with a choir of people, the presentation of lanterns, and the collective dinner, which reflects the spirit of celebration in the region.
- The harvest festivals that take place during the best harvesting time feature the successes of the town in agriculture by showing booths where fresh produce and craft goods are exhibited.
- The cultural exchange days will also welcome neighbouring towns where they will have their own cultural experiences, which will create a feeling of unity and respect among people in the region.