Mt. Samat (545+ MASL): Historically Significant Summits I

Last May 18, 2019, my girlfriend, her family, and I visited Mt. Samat (545 MASL) in Pilar, Bataan. Although not a hiking destination, Mt. Samat is one of the most historically-significant mountains in the country. On top of its summit is a 92-meter erected cross which serves as a shrine for Philippine and American soldiers who valiantly fought and surrendered to the Japanese forces in World War II.

Although the 6-kilometer road towards the summit can be reached within an hour by foot, we opted to take our vehicle at the top since my companions are non-hikers. Arriving in front of the gate of the park atop of the mountain at 11:00AM, we paid the entrance and parking fee. Since they still needed to secure a parking spot, I decided to climb and check the place on my own.

I went towards the upper part of the road. There, I had a very nice view of the fields of Bataan, and behind it, Manila Bay and the lowlands of Pampanga and Bulacan. To my far right is the gigantic complex of Mt. Mariveles, where its several summits can be observed. This mountain is so humongous that it even has another mountain complex beside it. This is probably what they call as Mt. Cuyapo.

After sight-seeing the eastern view, I immediately went down to their parking spot and fetched them. We, then, started ascending the long flight of stairs. Although somewhat exhausting for non-hikers, the stairs are only gradually ascending. After a few minutes, we reached the summit area where the cross is erected. Since the elevator inside the cross is still closed until 1pm, we explored the area instead.

The surrounding area is like a garden where several shrubs and trees are planted. There are also comfort rooms for the tourists, as well as stalls and sari-sari stores. We went behind the cross, and there sat and rested. The wind there was gushing, which provided relief from the summer heat. Since we needed to get going, we decided to not wait for the cross to open.

Before going down, I said good bye to my northern view, my April hike – Mt. Natib. Since we needed to get going, I wasn’t able to visit the museum. Well, that means I have more reasons to go back to this place! On to a beach getaway in Morong, Bataan!