Mount Samat National Shrine - Dambana ng Kagitingan
Mount Samat National Shrine - Dambana ng Kagitingan
Mount Samat National Shrine - Dambana ng Kagitingan
4
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Mount Samat National Shrine - Dambana ng Kagitingan and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
4 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
188 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
78
Average
24
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Experienced Traveller
16 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Visited 12 years ago and have a few changes . However museum closed , elevator closed to goto top of cross so bit of a waste of time and they still expect the full entrance fee to be paid. Most of the area taped off so a bit of a rip.off to be honest.
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ntrekker
Metuchen, NJ1,075 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
On the way to Bagac and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. It is approximately 5 Km from the National Highway on a zigzag road. Lot’s of bikers - a real cardio workout. We were charged Php 100 since we were 2 persons in a car. Good views, good history need a little facilities upgrade. You will see the Bataan Death March Markers on the National Highway.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheUglyDog
Orlando, FL297 contributions
Jun 2022
Nice museum and a beautiful memorial to those who suffered and gave their lives on Bataan. It is so nice and cool up here and the air is fresh and clean. It is a beautiful, peaceful location with excellent views of the surrounding areas. There are lots of interesting weapons at the museum along with lots of photos. Also the drive up and down from the site is beautiful and relaxing.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErikHK28
Luzon, Philippines320 contributions
Mar 2022
Beware....Mondays closed. And no sign or anything at the start of the access road to the shrine. Save yourself a 14km up&down ride if you read this. Luckily we were able to get to go the next day again. It is a place where you have to go if anywhere close to it. To pay respect to the fallen and to the horrible story behind it.
Drive it all the way from Manila if you have no personal connection with it? Lets say it is a long drive for that purpose
The elevator was in service but as I dont like heights so much was not eager to run it anyways. No biggy for me.
Few km long the main road there is a Filipino-Japanese Friendship Monument. Shows that time heals wounds and the Filipino are merciful?
Drive it all the way from Manila if you have no personal connection with it? Lets say it is a long drive for that purpose
The elevator was in service but as I dont like heights so much was not eager to run it anyways. No biggy for me.
Few km long the main road there is a Filipino-Japanese Friendship Monument. Shows that time heals wounds and the Filipino are merciful?
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
butterscotchQC
Quezon City, Philippines160 contributions
Feb 2020
Was coming from a meeting in Pilar, Bataan when we decided to be a sightseer. Mount Samar was 15 to 20 mins of car ride away. No regrets dropping by. The view and the breeze at the top was impressive and refreshing. Worth the pictures, worth the trip.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giovanni P
Philippines91 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
Mt. Samat is one of the top mountains that can be reached by car or any roadworthy vehicle. Seeing this mountain from afar is quite exciting. As you go nearer, you will be amazed of the huge cross atop of this mountain. It was the time of former president, Ferdinand E. Marcos when this tall cross was built. This sacred cross could be explored inside by means of an elevator or by stairs. We happened to lucky using the elevator by paying a minimal fee just to reach the top of the cross. From there, you could see the bird's eye view surrounding the area. I was so happy to capture different images from above.
There is a spacious parking space near the cross, a resting area, a gazebo where you could take your snacks or lunch. There is also a canteen and souvenir shops yo9u can choose from. If you are called by nature, they have restrooms to ease your discomfort. Downstairs, which is winding, you can see the Museum. Unfortunately, it was around past 12:00 noon when we sited the site and it was closed. We just used the time taking pictures as you will appreciate the beauty amidst the museum. There is an inscription on the wall how Bataan was fallen. Indeed, a shrine of valor for the Filipinos who fought during World War II, You will be enriched of the history of Bataan by having a first-hand information as you visit this great mountain.
For me, it is a great opportunity for all the Filipinos to have a glimpse of this site to inculcate in our hearts the how our forefathers fought and have the courage to defend our very land. A must-see site in Bataan indeed! Come and experience this wonderful place.
There is a spacious parking space near the cross, a resting area, a gazebo where you could take your snacks or lunch. There is also a canteen and souvenir shops yo9u can choose from. If you are called by nature, they have restrooms to ease your discomfort. Downstairs, which is winding, you can see the Museum. Unfortunately, it was around past 12:00 noon when we sited the site and it was closed. We just used the time taking pictures as you will appreciate the beauty amidst the museum. There is an inscription on the wall how Bataan was fallen. Indeed, a shrine of valor for the Filipinos who fought during World War II, You will be enriched of the history of Bataan by having a first-hand information as you visit this great mountain.
For me, it is a great opportunity for all the Filipinos to have a glimpse of this site to inculcate in our hearts the how our forefathers fought and have the courage to defend our very land. A must-see site in Bataan indeed! Come and experience this wonderful place.
Written May 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blink2015
Quezon City, Philippines226 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
From the welcome sign then the Dambana ng Kagitingan entrance arch, the road to Mt. Samat National Shrine was full of sharp turns and blind curves. I was so thankful that there were almost no vehicles coming from the opposite direction as there was little room to pass each other on that torturous road. Fortunately, my husband and my friend’s husband were up to the challenge with their driving skills. But it was still a relief to finally reach the Shrine Complex guardhouse around 8:30am having left Manila two and a half hours ago. We paid the guard the parking fee of P20 (per vehicle) and the admission fee of P20 (per head) before entering the parking area.
Once we got off our vehicles, we were greeted with a great view of the Bataan landscape, the wide park with displays of old military armaments and the imposing Memorial Colonnade fronted by the Philippine flag and the towering cross at the background on the mountain’s summit. The Memorial Colonnade comprises the museum underneath, a platform with two large bronze urns, an esplanade, an altar hall with stained glass murals and walls engraved with the poignant narration of the Battle of Bataan.
After taking pictures here, we climbed the zigzag footpath behind the colonnade to get to the foot of the cross. Since the trail is overlaid with stones, you have to be careful as there are many uneven spots which may cause you to slide or tumble. But it is excellent exercise and the views just get better as you ascend higher. Once we reached the top, we saw a few stores and some picnic sheds around the area but the huge cross was really the eye-catcher. We saw the intricate sculptural reliefs surrounding the cross’ lower part portraying key figures and significant events in Philippine history. The doors leading to the elevator were also embossed with relief images of Rizal’s execution and war events. However, there was a cordoned off portion where unfortunately the sculpture was damaged as some crumbled parts fell on the ground. I hope repairs are being done as it is truly a shame to just leave it like that.
Luckily, there was no queue to ride the elevator going up the cross so after paying P10 (per person), nine of us including the operator squeezed inside the cramped space. Although it was a vintage elevator, it was well maintained as the ride was smooth and quiet to the viewing gallery at the top. Due to good weather, we saw the panoramic views of the Bataan peninsula, Corregidor and even Manila Bay while enjoying the cold mountain breeze coming through some open windows.
There are chairs in a row facing both sides of the windows so you can sit and relax while admiring the scenery. The two round sealed glass windows on both ends of the cross’ arms are the popular spots for picture taking. However, some maintenance work is needed as there are windows that would not open. I also almost fell off the first chair I sat on because it was not properly nailed to its support anymore.
Our next stop was the museum so we went down via the zigzag footpath again to get back to the colonnade. At the museum’s small doorway, we gave the guard our tickets and were reminded with the “no photography, no food and drinks” rule. We descended the circular stairs to a room with weak air-conditioning and filled with various war memorabilia (pictures, clothes/uniform, battle arms and gears, newspaper prints, communication exchanges, a few medals, a terrain relief map, and even an antique radio. It was distressing looking at the pictures showing the Death March and the atrocities suffered by the soldiers and the women and children during the war.
Before finally leaving, we went to the comfort room located a few meters away from the colonnade wherein you have to pay a minimal donation fee. It was generally clean but there is no running water for flushing. You have to get water from the big drum outside the toilet stalls with the small pails provided to manually flush the toilet. Soap, comb, hairbrush, baby powder, cotton, cotton earbuds, and bathroom tissues are available for use.
I highly encourage everyone to visit Mt. Samat National Shrine although there may not be much to do in terms of more entertaining or thrilling activities. However, there is a different kind of feeling being in the exact place where Filipino and American soldiers made their final battle stand against the Japanese army as oppose to just learning this grim history in school and textbooks. As the inscription on the colonnade walls say “our mission is to remember”.
Once we got off our vehicles, we were greeted with a great view of the Bataan landscape, the wide park with displays of old military armaments and the imposing Memorial Colonnade fronted by the Philippine flag and the towering cross at the background on the mountain’s summit. The Memorial Colonnade comprises the museum underneath, a platform with two large bronze urns, an esplanade, an altar hall with stained glass murals and walls engraved with the poignant narration of the Battle of Bataan.
After taking pictures here, we climbed the zigzag footpath behind the colonnade to get to the foot of the cross. Since the trail is overlaid with stones, you have to be careful as there are many uneven spots which may cause you to slide or tumble. But it is excellent exercise and the views just get better as you ascend higher. Once we reached the top, we saw a few stores and some picnic sheds around the area but the huge cross was really the eye-catcher. We saw the intricate sculptural reliefs surrounding the cross’ lower part portraying key figures and significant events in Philippine history. The doors leading to the elevator were also embossed with relief images of Rizal’s execution and war events. However, there was a cordoned off portion where unfortunately the sculpture was damaged as some crumbled parts fell on the ground. I hope repairs are being done as it is truly a shame to just leave it like that.
Luckily, there was no queue to ride the elevator going up the cross so after paying P10 (per person), nine of us including the operator squeezed inside the cramped space. Although it was a vintage elevator, it was well maintained as the ride was smooth and quiet to the viewing gallery at the top. Due to good weather, we saw the panoramic views of the Bataan peninsula, Corregidor and even Manila Bay while enjoying the cold mountain breeze coming through some open windows.
There are chairs in a row facing both sides of the windows so you can sit and relax while admiring the scenery. The two round sealed glass windows on both ends of the cross’ arms are the popular spots for picture taking. However, some maintenance work is needed as there are windows that would not open. I also almost fell off the first chair I sat on because it was not properly nailed to its support anymore.
Our next stop was the museum so we went down via the zigzag footpath again to get back to the colonnade. At the museum’s small doorway, we gave the guard our tickets and were reminded with the “no photography, no food and drinks” rule. We descended the circular stairs to a room with weak air-conditioning and filled with various war memorabilia (pictures, clothes/uniform, battle arms and gears, newspaper prints, communication exchanges, a few medals, a terrain relief map, and even an antique radio. It was distressing looking at the pictures showing the Death March and the atrocities suffered by the soldiers and the women and children during the war.
Before finally leaving, we went to the comfort room located a few meters away from the colonnade wherein you have to pay a minimal donation fee. It was generally clean but there is no running water for flushing. You have to get water from the big drum outside the toilet stalls with the small pails provided to manually flush the toilet. Soap, comb, hairbrush, baby powder, cotton, cotton earbuds, and bathroom tissues are available for use.
I highly encourage everyone to visit Mt. Samat National Shrine although there may not be much to do in terms of more entertaining or thrilling activities. However, there is a different kind of feeling being in the exact place where Filipino and American soldiers made their final battle stand against the Japanese army as oppose to just learning this grim history in school and textbooks. As the inscription on the colonnade walls say “our mission is to remember”.
Written May 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharad V
Singapore, Singapore4,524 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
The start of year 1942 was the happening place around this location during World War II. Filipino soldiers with Americans fought a testing battle against Japanese attack surrounding this area after Pearl Harbour. Fall of Bataan resulted into famous 'Death March' of over 100 kms. & death of several thousand prisons of war.
This is a must visit place if you are nearby & a full day is required if planned from Manila. The road is in good condition & the monument itself is very well maintained. There is a museum with lot of information, artifacts & war equipment at two levels. The view of the surrounding is pleasant to the eyes. For the entrance fee charged it is well worth as compared to any other popular tourist attraction. The Giant cross is the 2nd tallest in the world after one in Spain. Except for popular visit dates this is a year round attraction.
The concrete cross has a viewing deck at its arms but when we went the lifts were not operational. Several bomb shells are scattered around the well maintained lawns for display. There is a souvenir shop from where I purchased a fridge magnet as a memory of the visit. Please take a note that there are no restaurants. It is a view only place.
This is a must visit place if you are nearby & a full day is required if planned from Manila. The road is in good condition & the monument itself is very well maintained. There is a museum with lot of information, artifacts & war equipment at two levels. The view of the surrounding is pleasant to the eyes. For the entrance fee charged it is well worth as compared to any other popular tourist attraction. The Giant cross is the 2nd tallest in the world after one in Spain. Except for popular visit dates this is a year round attraction.
The concrete cross has a viewing deck at its arms but when we went the lifts were not operational. Several bomb shells are scattered around the well maintained lawns for display. There is a souvenir shop from where I purchased a fridge magnet as a memory of the visit. Please take a note that there are no restaurants. It is a view only place.
Written February 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ygorotta
Norway92 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
The long and winding uphill ride to Mount Samat after our visit to Las Casas was kind of ok. Despite the stormy weather and the fog, the ride uphill was uneventful, The museum at the base of the cross reminds us of the valor and spirit of those who fought and died during WWII. The museum also depicts the horrrible acts of the Japanese soldiers and the fall of Bataan. The ride from the museum up to the cross was kinda steep. The view I would guess would have been spectacular if not for the fog.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle N
Mandaluyong City34 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
One of the historical sites in the Philippines. Very long walk with breath taking views from top of the huge cross. Bataan is famous location that marked in our history. Battle against the Japanese, these leaves remarkable site. When you were on the top, you'll get to see the panoramic view of Bataan the Corrigedor Island. Definitely worth to see and learn our history.
Written January 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the trip from Tagaytay to Mt. Samat by private car?
Written June 14, 2019
Will probably take you less than 6 hours for a 240km trip.
Written June 15, 2019
melindasmelinda
Albay Province, Philippines
if i end my tour in las casas by 1pm and go to mt. samat by van how many hours time will i consume?
Written July 11, 2017
via own vehicle, I think around 45mins-1hour
Written January 16, 2018
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing