Exploring Mount Samat

For a double birthday celebration, I and my best bud Vino decided to have a historical tour in Bataan. A side trip to Mount Samat for Shrine of Valor in Pilar and a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac. We left Manila 8 in the morning and arrived 11 at Mount Samat. You have to pay 30 pesos for the entrance fee including the elevator ride to Mount Samat’s cross viewing deck. I believe that getting in Mount Samat is not that easy as it is advisable to bring your own vehicle to reach the steep summit.  Nevertheless, if you’re the adventurous type and loves to walk without worrying the steep slope you can reach the summit for 2 hours or more after riding a trike (100pesos) that will bring you to a certain drop off point.

Long line to the elevator Mount Samat viewing deck

Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

We reached the cross filled with people falling in line for the elevator ride. Luckily we rode the elevator just right in time before lunch break. Elevator ride to the cross closes at 12pm and reopens at 1 in the afternoon. The capacity of the elevator is just for 8 people that will lift you to 30^th floor where the viewing deck is located. You can see here 180 degree view of Bataan province and Manila Bay too. View in here is so relaxing because of lush greenery and cool breeze kissing your skin. We stayed here for just 15 to 30 minutes as guards on duty will take their lunch break.  Unfortunately we have no luck in visiting the museum since it closes at 12 but we’re able to explore the other side where stained glass murals and a historic stage are located.

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat reminds us how our fellow countrymen and even Americans suffered during the World War II battle. We likewise saw the “Death March” marker while on the road that somewhat made us imagine how those heroes walked through their death. You will realize how great having countrymen that shows bravery and heroism for the love of country during the World war II.  Hopefully new generation will visit this Shrine of Valor so they can look back at our history.

Amazing Dinner Experience at Isdaan Floating Restaurant Calauan Laguna

After seeing several posts about Isdaan Floating restaurant, I finally insisted to my group of bestfriends to visit one of their branches in Calauan Laguna (the other one is in Gerona, Tarlac) for our post Valentine Days celebration.  Isdaan is a Floating Resto - Fun Park owned by the Ongpauco’s which also managed Barrio Fiesta that serves Filipino food.  Their Calauan branch is only 1 hour and 15 minutes drive away from Alabang passing by towns of Los Banos and Bay, Laguna. The restaurant is easy to find as it is placed along the road of Calauan and gigantic mermaid statues placed just outside the entrance are so noticeable.

Isdaan entrance

It’s 4 in the afternoon when we arrived at the Isdaan. Big statues of mermaid and Universal Studio-like Madagascar statue welcomed us. There is no admission fee in here as long as you are dining inside. This restaurant is not just an ordinary place to eat but it is more like a big recreation park with Bali and Thailand theme. There is definitely a lot to see in here and it gets even better as you explore within and realize just how big the whole place is! 

Isdaan Floating restaurant Calauan Laguna

Isdaan Floating restaurant Calauan Laguna

We came with no reservation but still we got a nice Nipa Hut on an elevated area near a gigantic white Buddha. I instantly fell in love with the place with its relaxing ambiance incorporated with lovely bamboo huts that are suspended over the pond where kois are swarming around waiting for some food. The view will surely perk up your appetite. After getting our assigned hut, we decided to roam around first and scheduled our dinner at 7 in the evening. While wandering the whole place, you will be relaxed by its fun atmosphere and will bring out your inner child while taking pictures in their Disney-like statues.  You will also find statues of security guards, monkeys, Dinosaurs, Elephants, Gigantic Mermaids and Buddhas, Disney characters, mini parks, boating area and many more. You might also be greeted by Circus performers, unicyclist, different mascots and an area where you can let out your anger by throwing cups or plates in a Tacsiyapo wall. You will really love the place as your eyes will be feasted with different masterpieces and it’s even very attractive during at night.

Taciyapo wall Calauan Laguna

View from atop - Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Hongkong??? No! It's in Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Gigantic mermaid - Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Gigantic Buddha - Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Nipa Huts - Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Thailand - like Buddha's head at Isdaan Calauan Laguna

Isdaan Floating Restaurant Calauan Laguna

After enjoying the place with several photo ops, we go back to our hut and order through the assigned crew. Mostly they offer Filipino food and their best sellers are Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare and Seafood. Price of their menu ranges from 300 and up while their drinks are from 50 pesos to 150. We ordered Bagong Saing na Kanin in small kaldero (116pesos), Pinakbet Barrio Fiesta (382) , Prime Cut Bulalo (689), Mama Chit’s Bilao (698), Fresh Coconut (88), Lechon Tupig(roasted chicken) (498), and macapnuo/leche flan for dessert (136).   Our total bill: 3500php, not bad for a full-course meal good for 7 to 8 people.  Some of the things I love in this place are their cozy ambiance, delicious food, fast service, and very approachable staffs. Reasons that will make you come back.

Mama Chit's Bilao - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Mama Chit's Bilao - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Super Crispy Tilapia even the fish bone - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Crabs - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Primecut Bulalo - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Barrio Fiesta Pinakbet - Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Relaxing view at night

Isdaan Calauan Laguna at night

 

Isdaan Calauan Laguna at night

Overall, our trip to Isdaan Floating restaurant was full of fun. Not only we get to enjoy the food but we were really delighted by the place itself. Though food may seem a bit pricey, it is all worth it because good food is incorporated with good service and courteous staff. You will really love the relaxing ambiance of this place and the extraordinary experience that the entire restaurant gives you.

Isdaan is one fine restaurant that will make you go back as the place will make you feel like you’re in another country. With its remarkable setup, relaxing ambiance, beautiful interior, delicious food, and good service, this restaurant should be included in your bucket list. It is also a worthy side trip whenever you are in Laguna or Tarlac/Pampanga area.

 

Isdaan Floating Restaurant Calauan Laguna