Discovering Tala: Bataan’s best kept secret

deanignacio
Jun 23, 2015
4 min read

our hazy guest—the milky way galaxy right in front of the infinity pool

Aside from white-sand beaches, I am a complete sucker for infinity pools and up-and-coming getaways so when a family friend who have a place in Bataan invited me to tag along one summer weekend to check this new mountain resort that was owned by his husband’s friend, I did not think twice. Off to Bataan!

Bataan occupies the entire peninsula that juts out of the west side of central Luzon and forms a strategic barrier that encloses Manila Bay. To the uninitiated, it is known to most people for three things; the infamous Death March where almost 100,000 Filipino and American prisoners-of-war were forced to walk, some to their death for more than 100 km; the heroic Battle of Bataan where combined forces of Filipino and American soldiers made their last stand against Japanese imperial forces and the controversial Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, deemed as the solution to the energy crisis of the 70’s but was marred by controversies until it was shut down before its schedule operation. So I am a bit surprised to find out that Bataan has so much more to offer.

Manila Bay as seen from the mountain resort

Set in the secluded 10 hectares of verdant and unspoilt beauty, this mountain resort in Orani Bataan is 895 meters above sea level is only 2 hours from Metro Manila, Vista Tala offers one of the largest privately-owned getaways in Bataan, perfectly matching the rejuvenating effect of the place and the comfort of modern facilities offered by a top notch resort.

the view from the pool

the resort offers 2 medium sized pools and a jacuzzi

the resort offers couple of pools and outdoor jacuzzis to choose from

mountain view

Amenities

Amenities of Vista Tala mountain resort includes:

One of the strongest draw of the resort is their infinity pool set at almost eye level of the mountain range that surround the area. My Facebook account was besieged with inquiries about the “secret place” when I posted a shot taken from the pool when I first visited the place. Adjacent to the infinity pool are the bar and restaurant on one side and spa facility on the other. As of writing, these are still under construction as well as the other accommodation of the mountain resort.

care for a dip?

don’t mind if its cold, just jump in

view from the top!

the other pool adjacent from the resort entrance, Pavilion on the right side

Another potential draw of the mountain resort are the bodies of water such as stream and waterfalls that can be found within the vicinity. From the veranda of the Grand Pavilion, you can enjoy the unobstructed vista of verdant forest in the sloping terrain. I was surprised to see a lot of folks are going down with their picnic baskets in swimming attires. When asked where they are heading, they told me to the river near the foot of the mountain. Upon checking to the management of the resort, one can go down for an hour or two hike to reach the stream and another couple of hours to reach the waterfalls. Alongside with it, nature and fitness trail, as well as zip lines will soon be available to maximize your nature tripping experience.

the view from the restaurant

the Grand Pavilion and the other pool as seen from the entrance

Aside from that, the resort also offers spa services and gym facilities.

construction still in full swing

the villas and the rest of the structures of the resort are named after land and water formations that can be found in the Philippines

Some of the cabanas of the mountain resort

Some of the nipa hut rooms of the mountain resort

Accommodation are of three types: standard (1-2 persons), duplex rooms (up to 5 persons) and nipa hut rooms (2-4 persons). All rooms offers cable TV, complimentary Wifi and other standard amenities. Duplex rooms offers optional indoor jacuzzis.

a duplex room for 2-5 guests

the fountain and the pool

at the poolside

the veranda on each of the private villas overlooking the lush forest on the other side of the mountain range

Spending a night or two in this mountain resort is a must. I was fortunate enough to try it before the resort becomes officially open to public and I have nothing but praises. As of writing there is no definite date when the resort will be open to public though. But absolutely, this should be in your bucket list.

Getting There and Away

At the moment, the only means to reach the mountain resort is by private transport. From Manila, head north via NLEX, then take Exit 65 at San Fernando Pampanga. Following Jose Abad Santos Avenue you’ll pass by the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao and Hermosa. From Hermosa, turn and follow the Roman Superhighway then turn right to Mulawin Road (left is Orani town proper). Follow the road that leads to the mountain and you’ll reach Vista Tala in 20-25 minutes or until you’ll reach this signage: