This place will walk you through the past of the Philippines.
Before 2016 ends, me and my wife (just newly wed 😁) went here for "honeymoon". Special thanks to our friends, Nicole and Jayvee for booking us a night here. So in 2 days we got to experience the beauty of the "old Philippines" in this heritage.
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In this guide, I will include information about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and its guided Heritage Tour, the description of each casas and how to book/rent them, overnight accommodation, buffet experience, budget and itinerary.
About Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
Travel back in time while taking a walk through history, Las Casas which is owned by Jose “Gerry” Acuzar of New San Jose Builders, is an open-air museum and heritage resort consisting of 128 guest rooms and 63 elite casas. Las Casas is a restored piece of history saved from total ruin and neglect.
Acuzar has been buying old fashioned houses since 2003 taking them down and reassembling them in his 400 hectares property in Bataan. In 2010, Las Casas has opened its doors to the public for tours and accommodation.
LAS CASAS HERITAGE TOUR
Since we booked an overnight stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, day tour or the Heritage Tour is already included. However, the tour is open to all walk-in visitors.
The tour started at the front of the hotel or reception 2 area where we also booked a stay at.
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| Heritage Tour started |
She told us about the casas along La Pueblo del Sol parallel to Estero de Binondo - the road dividing the casas to the beach or La Plaza.
Then we cross the short bridge that connects the small man-made islet called 'Plaza Maria' where we saw 3 casas - Casa Gapan, Casa Balanga and Casa Irosin.
The tour guide said that we can get in to some casas as long as they are available and there are no guess booked in. These 3 weren't available so we proceed to the next ones.
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| View from our room |
Across the islet is another bigger islet where more casas are standing at. Lying in the middle of the islet is the Plaza Marcelino and it surrounded by 6 casas - Casa San Luis, Casa Bonita, Casa Tuguegarao, Casa Sta. Rita (where Cafe del Rio is located at), Casa Lemery and Casa La Esquina - and La Ribera.
Then we went back to at the later part of Estero de Binondo where we saw 3 more casas - Casa Terraza, Casa Ladrillo (this one looks like a Harry Potter structure) and Casa Hagonoy.
Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (Tagalog, literally "The Stories of Grandmother Basyang") is an anthology of short stories written by "Lola Basyang," the nom de plume of Severino Reyes, founder and editor of the Tagalog magazine, Liwayway. The original magazine stories have since been adapted into books, comics, television, and film.
Then we went straight ahead to one of the famous spots here. We have seen the biggest plaza (so far) along the way, the Plaza Mayor de Tobias.
Then we entered Casa Biñan where our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal resided once. It showcases replica of rooms where him and his family used to live at.
Familiar enough?
After our visit here, we decided to stop following the tour and just take a stroll all over the rest of the Parque de Manila.
After our visit here, we decided to stop following the tour and just take a stroll all over the rest of the Parque de Manila.
From Casa Biñan, you can also see Casa Baliuag I, Casa Binondo II and Casa Quiapo along the way.
From the same road, you can also see Casa Tondo, Casa Binondo I and Casa Candaba.
Then at the last corner part of the first phase, you can see Casa San Miguel, Casa Byzantina, Casa Mexico and Casa Jaen II surrounding Plaza Atienza.
Then at the last corner part of the first phase, you can see Casa San Miguel, Casa Byzantina, Casa Mexico and Casa Jaen II surrounding Plaza Atienza.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comOTHER TOURS YOU CAN AVAIL AT LAS CASAS
Aside from their regular Heritage Tour, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar also offers different kinds of tours around the vicinity:
Balsa Tour
Balsa Tour is offered separately during night and day with varying rates depending on the time of the year. Both Balsa Day and Night Tour cost PHP 500 per person from November to June, and PHP 300 per person for July to October.SCHEDULE
- Guests may hop on the Balsa as early as 9 AM
- Note: Night tours are not available as of the moment
Balsa Day and Night Tour includes
- Balsa ride with tour guide
- Casa Visit which is subject to change depending on availability of the house.
Hotel de Oriente Tour
Considered as the first luxury hotel in the Philippines, Hotel de Oriente allows you to step into the world of the Filipino elite during the colonial era. Marvel at the wooden sculptures and figures that depict the masterful works of artisans from Paete and Betis. Displayed to a spectacular effect, these carvings highlight the fusion of Filipino images juxtaposed to Western motifs.
Hotel De Oriente is built based on archival records and surviving photos of the original structure. Serving as the property’s premier convention center, this three-floor replica of the first luxury hotel in Binondo can accommodate intimate parties of 10-30 and grand banquets of up to 1000 people.
READ: Hotel de Oriente - The First Luxury Hotel in Manila
READ: Hotel de Oriente - The First Luxury Hotel in Manila
RESORT AMENITIES
- Swimming Pool
- Beach Inflatables
- Restaurants
- Beach Front Bar
- Jeepney - means of getting around the resort
WHERE TO EAT
Since Las Casas is a huge place and going out of the heritage place is quite challenging especially for those who don't bring private vehicles, the only option to eat is inside.I warn you, the food and merchandise here are quite expensive - like double or triple the usual price.
It gives you a really great view of the lake/river where you can have the church (Santuario de San Jose) on the background!
NIGHT TIME
During the evening (around 7-8pm) my friends decided to rest and take a nap after a long day. Imagine the 5-hour travel and the afternoon tour by walking, I understood their bodies' need to recharge.But this did not stop me on exploring Las Casas more, especially at night where all the lights are on and complementing with the whole place.
So don't forget to bring your best camera if you decide to stay here overnight. The booking rates are really worth it!
BUFFET BREAKFAST
The following day, the first thing we did is take advantage of FREE buffet breakfast which is located at the Hotel de Oriente. We had ours at around 8am.ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
THE BEACH
After having our tummies full, we decided to detour to the beach and dip for a bit. The waters on the beach is nice and clear however, if you are a fan of white sand then don't expect to see it here.But what I love about this beach is its fine sand and shallow waters. Everyone from all ages are okay to swim inside the safe area.
Other things you can do here is jetski and banana boat.
HOW TO BOOK A STAY AT LAS CASAS
Day tour Accommodations (Walk-in)
- Php 1,500 General admission plus tour weekdays
- Php 2,500 General admission plus tour weekends
Overnight Accommodations
HOTEL ROOMS
With 217 hotel rooms, you’ll never run out of choices on how to relive the past at Las Casas Bataan Resort. Striking a balance between the classic beauty of the olden days and the innovations of the present time, each room features:
- One full granite bathroom with separate
- bathtub and shower
- Hair dryer (upon request)
- Extra bed (upon request)
- In-room safety deposit box
- Options for beach-view or plaza-view room*
- Television with cable channels
- Air-conditioning
Since we are 4, we booked a stay at Large Superior Deluxe.
Our room is located at the 3rd floor and it offers a nice view of their man-made island (now has a swimming pool in the middle).
It gives me nostalgic feels especially in the morning. By the way, they provided us free coffee, free hygiene and sanity kit, free use of towels and free sleepers! :D
Did I forget to mention, they also provide FREE WIFI? :)
Did I forget to mention, they also provide FREE WIFI? :)
HOW TO GET TO LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located along the shore of Bagac in Bataan. That gives you a few options on how you can go there. For detailed transportation, I have written a complete guide here.
Via Land Travel
- From Cubao (Quezon City, Metro Manila), take a bus (P200-250, 2-2.5 hours) to Balanga, Bataan.
- Bus companies (Bataan Transit & Genesis Transport) serving this route have daily trips that leave hourly.
- After arrival at the Bataan Transport Terminal, transfer to a bus bound for Bagac.
- From the town proper of Bagac, hire a tricycle that will bring you to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (P10/person, 10 mins).
Via Sea & Land Travel
- Take a ferry ride from MOA Seaside Esplanade (Manila) going to Orion, Bataan (less than 1 hour). Read: Manila to Bataan in Less Than an Hour
- Once you arrive at Orion Seaport, there are van for hire that can bring you straight to Las Casas in Bagac.
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| A jeepney we took from Balanga City to Batac |
Via Private Vehicle
Bataan is accessible via the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX).- (Via NLEX) From Manila, Bagac is a 3-hour drive via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Exit at San Fernando (P157 toll fee). Take the westbound side of Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Gapan-Olongapo Road), heading towards the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, and Lubao in Pamgpanga. Upon reaching Dinalupihan, turn left at Roman Superhighway. Once in Balanga City, turn right at Gov. J.J. Linao National Road. Drive along the scenic route at the foot of Mt. Samat (where you can see the Dambana ng Kagitingan) until you reach the town of Bagac. Follow the road markers that point to Las Casas.
- (Via SCTEX) If you’re coming from northern/central Luzon, take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and exit at Dinalupihan. Turn right at Roman Superhighway and follow the directions above.
If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.
You can also use Google Maps or Waze app for directions.
Note: our stay for 4 pax priced at aroud P9,000.00 for a night
TOTAL EXPENSE (per head) = P2,900++
I didn't know a nearby attraction in Bagac when we visited. So we decided to get straight to jeepney terminal to travel back to Balanga to catch a bus trip to Manila.
Email: reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
Contact no.: 09178729361 / 09258055232 / (02) 8833-3333 loc 116-117
Website: www.lascasasfilipinas.com
Facebook: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Instagram: @lascasasfilipinasdeacuzar
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATAAN:
LAS CASAS ITINERARY AND EXPENSES
Here are the breakdown of our travel and expenses to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:
DAY 1
- 07:00 Catch a bus bound to Balanga from Cubao (Bataan Transit) = Fare is around P250.00 per head
- 10:00 Arrival to Balanga, then take a jeepney ride bound to Bagac = Fare is around P50.00 per head
- 12:00 Arrival to Bagac, eat lunch from a nearby karinderia = Food price is around P30.00 to P50.00 per head, we also bought some snacks and bottled water for P50.00 per head
- 13:00 Arrival to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and check-in time. There are tricycles for hire from Bagac terminal will cost you around P20 per head. In our case, the jeepney driver gave us a courtesy ride to Las Casas. :)
- 15:30 Heritage Tour = FREE for those who booked a stay
- 16:30 Stroll around and have some snacks
- 18:00 Dinner, we had ours at Cafe del Rio = Food budget P200 per head
- 19:00 Relax at room or stroll around and see other casas
- 22:00 Sleep time!
DAY 2
- 08:00 Breakfast Buffet = Price: zero pesos because it's FREE for us :)
- 09:00 Swimming = Free
- 10:00 Last stroll and photo ops
- 11:00 Pack up
- 12:00 Check out
Note: our stay for 4 pax priced at aroud P9,000.00 for a night
TOTAL EXPENSE (per head) = P2,900++
I didn't know a nearby attraction in Bagac when we visited. So we decided to get straight to jeepney terminal to travel back to Balanga to catch a bus trip to Manila.
REMINDERS
Here are important things you need to consider before going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
- Bringing food inside is prohibited (but we did brought a few snacks hehe *peace)
- Cellular networks are available but limited. Enjoy the Free Wifi if you book a stay from one of their rooms.
- Swimming attire is required from the batis pool and the beach. You will be given free towels.
- Beach area is only open from 6am to 6pm while the batis pool is from 7am to 9pm.
- You can buy souvenirs or pasalubong before leaving.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Address: Barangay Ibaba, Bagac, BataanEmail: reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
Contact no.: 09178729361 / 09258055232 / (02) 8833-3333 loc 116-117
Website: www.lascasasfilipinas.com
Facebook: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Instagram: @lascasasfilipinasdeacuzar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
- What is the meaning of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar?
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Spanish for "Acuzar's Philippine Houses" - Why we should visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar?
Just three hours away from Manila, tourists will find themselves worlds away from the city's modern buildings and bustling scene. Nestled by the shores of Bagac, Bataan is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, an open-air museum and heritage park that celebrates the country's Hispanic-Filipino history. - How much is the entrance fee in Las Casas Filipinas?
- Who is Jose acuzar?
Jose Acuzar is a Filipino entrepreneur who rose from poverty to become one of the richest real estate businessmen in the Philippines. He is owner of New San Jose Builders, Chief Executive Officer of Real Bank and the Chairman of Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU), a private tertiary institution located in Manila. - Can we bring food inside las Casas?
Las Casas Filipinas discourages and fines guests who bring food inside the resort. Snack and bottled water are allowed but viands and meals are strictly prohibited. There are several in-house restaurants at the resort, during our stay there were only two restaurants open. - How big is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar?
40 acres
ALSO IN BATAAN
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| Playa La Caleta |
Playa La Caleta is an eco-friendly and sustainable beach cove in Morong, Bataan, just a 15-minute boat ride from Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.WHERE TO STAY IN BATAAN:
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