One of the incredible elements of the Philippines is the unique experiences you can have almost anywhere! Morong, Bataan isn’t a booming tourism hot spot but just within the area you will find so many rich experiences in close distance. The Philippines really is a treasure trove.

I’ve shared the highlights of our weekend at Landrina Escape but also some extra tips from previous trips in the area that could enhance your trip. Enjoy!

Healing Waters|

Nothing quite heals the body and soul like the waters. Landrina has cleverly created a secluded feeling for each of its villas with a wall of tall grass and a private pool. You must also promise me that you will enjoy a sun downer at the beach, just a one minute walk from Landrina.

Relax Day & Night|

I wrote up a whole post yesterday about our weekend at Landrina Escape and how everything is set up for supreme relaxation. I shared well lit photos during the day but as you can see, Landrina looks good both day or night. Enjoy a night swim, board games or even s’mores and a campfire at Landrina, just make sure to schedule a head of time with them.

Eat Well|

We drank cold juices in the morning by the pool and had the best ribs of our lives for dinner. Seriously, you need to order the ribs at Landrina Escape because you will never find them this good anywhere else! You can order both the ribs and s’mores a head of time. The ribs from Landrina are such a big hit they even get orders from previous house guests when they are back at home in Manila! They really are THAT GOOD!

Visit The Pawikan Conservation|

In January 2018 our family visited the Pawikan Conservation Center and participated in a baby turtle release. It was as magical as it sounds. Landrina Escape is located on the same street, just a 5 minute drive from the conservation center - what serendipity! My husband and I went back last month during our slowcation and it was still such an incredible experience. The Pawikan Conservation Center is incredibly well maintained and opened to the public. You can read this post here for more information.

on this morning we happened to catch one of the conservation manongs digging up the turtle eggs from their underground nest

Poaching problems, natural predation, illegal trade, harsh fishing conditions and climate change all threaten the *pawikan*. Pawikan Conservation Center (PCC) aims to help protect the endangered species by educating the local community, providing a hatchery and allowing volunteers to help release the baby turtles to the sea.

Explore The Philippine Refugee Center|

The first time we came to Morong, Bataan we vistied The Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC) and it also is just a short 15 minute drive from Landrina Escape. The PRPC functioned as a small city from 1981-1994 and housed more than 400,000 refugees. The PRPC is a cool 365 hectares and had enough space for 18,000 individuals at one time. The PRPC was the last stop for refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Loas making their way to their new host countries. The PRPC was a beautiful buffet of organizations coming together to better humanity. I can only imagine the energy as despair, fear, hope, and acceptance all collided! Read more here.

PRPC Morong, Bataan

Travel Back In Time at Bataan Nuclear Power Plant|

Also in the area, just 10 minutes away is the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. It may seem like a weird thing to want to visit but it interests me because of the incredible preservation. The power plant was built in 1974 but never used which means it is in pristine condition. How cool would it be to visit a building that hasn’t ever advanced past its original time of creation and has been kept in perfect condition? We attempted to visit the power plant but you need a reservation and they are very strict about this. You can read more about the power plant here.

Eat Again|

The PRPC had a large influence on the local community and some Vietnamese refugees even chose to stay close and open a restaurant, Loleng’s Hu Tieu-An. I have never been to Vietnam but I have eaten delicious food and I know that his Vietnamese food is insanely delicious. It’s fresh, bursting with flavor and super cheap. And good news, it’s so popular they opened a second branch up near the Morong Public Market and fire station. Loleng’s Plus, is a bit of a step up with a closed space and air con. They day we went to visit it was full of a motor cycling club.

Loleng’s Plus, the second branch with more frills like air con, is located just past the Morong Public Market and fire house.

Mexican Food In Clark, Angeles City|

On our drive home we stopped for a meal at Spanglish Mexican Restaurant in Clark, Angeles City and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend it.

Once again, you need not travel far or spend money on flights and expensive hotel accommodations. You can nestle in a private villa at Landrina Escape and explore the local wonder of Morong Bataan. Because of a broken leg I didn’t even get to explore hikes or snorkeling but I know they exist up there! Pilipinas, you are a gift.