Our guide Carlo, and his driver Marcel, did an outstanding job in showing us a number of significant sites on the Bataan peninsula pertaining to the Death March. As the itinerary suggests, we traveled in reverse order of the march, first visiting the memorials at Capas and the railroad station through which the survivors of the March and the horrible rail car trip passed, before their final march to Camp O’Donnell at the end of the ordeal. Then on to several WWII museums and the April 9, 1942 surrender site, and the beautiful memorial and cross at Mt. Samat. Although Carlo was young, he was extremely knowledgeable about all the events that took place in his country more than 80 years ago. At our special request, he took us all the way to the bottom of the Bataan peninsula to the 0 km Death March marker (the start of the march) at Mariveles. This writer’s father survived the Death March and the following 40 months as a POW, and visiting the location where the march began was very meaningful and moving. Carlo made it happen. I give this Bataan Death March Tour and Carlo my highest recommendation! Salamat po!
Get the bad part first — it’s a long drive from Manila. There - I said it. Everything else is amazing. The combo of sombre history, plus friendly people, and our incredible guide JB -/ it was a great day!!
Our guide was John,, the driver was Boyet(?).. Boyet was a great driver,, very aware,, very careful.. They were both very helpful, courteous, friendly, accommodating.. John was knowledgeable beyond belief.. His English was faultless.. All the places we stopped were very interesting.. Ronnie was the guide at the museum,, also,,, so knowledgeable..
We were picked up at our hotel,, just before 7am.. We returned about 6:30pm.. A nice, new, very clean car. AC was great.. It was a bit of a ride to our first stop but the chatting made the time go by quickly. The distance between stops didn’t seem extreme. There were no crowds.. Very little walking.. Our last stop was at the top of a mountain overlooking Manila Bay.. Very nice.. Some road construction on our return but more chatting made it bearable..
Everything was included,, except our stop for lunch.. We very much enjoyed our experience. I’m not shy about recommending this tour.. More than five stars…
When we got home we discussed our experience. There was a feeling of sadness,, knowing the full extent of the suffering and death.. That so many gave so much,, many tens-of-thousands gave all… Also a feeling of great pride; proud of our ancestors who sacrificed so much,,, for their freedom,, and ours..
We are very grateful that there are people who are dedicated to keeping these memories alive.. May we never forget the "Battling Bastards of Bataan"..
ROY….