Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Day Tour – Thoughts and Tips
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a unique Philippine-Spanish heritage site located in the town of Bagac, Bataan. The site features 22 antique mansions built during the Spanish colonial period between the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Some of these mansions are replicas, but most are originals collected from various provinces of the Philippines. These “casas,” the Spanish word for “houses,” were carefully dismantled to preserve their antiquity. Then, following a meticulous process, each brick, tile, plank, door, and window made the long journey to Bagac, Bataan where they were reassembled to create what is now known as Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar.
The site was conceptualized by Mr. Jerry Acuzar, a businessman and developer whose passion for historical architecture had prompted him to build a site dedicated to Philippine-Spanish architecture and heritage. Many of the houses originated from Pampanga province. Others came from various places like Nueva Ecija, Meycauyan, Tuguegarao, and old Manila.
Most of the casas were named after the provinces or towns they originated from such as, Casa Baliuag, Casa Binan, Casa Escolta, and Casa Binondo. Translated to English Las Casas Filipinas means “Philippine houses.”
Because of the delicate work required on such a project, it took several years to construct. Initial work began in the year 2003 but the site was only opened to the public in 2010. It is a work in progress and to this day, additional villas and mansions are still being relocated.
Also, developments are underway on a few beach-front hotels and the Sanctuario de San Jose or Church of Saint Joseph, a venerated Christian saint.
Walking Tours
To fully appreciate the old mansions it’s essential to join at least one walking tour. There are several tours scheduled throughout the day starting at 8:30 a.m. They run for 1.5 hours and are led by guides who can tell the story of each casa by heart.
During the tour, visitors are allowed to enter some casas which normally are not open to the public. These include Casa Binan and Casa Baliuag. The guides share valuable insights about the origin, forgotten history, and often shocking controversies surrounding each casa. Tours are conducted in both Tagalog and English.
Casa Binan was the historical home of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. It is one of the major attractions at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. There were efforts to relocate the original house in Binan, Laguna, however, local protesters intervened. As a result the project was cancelled. Unfortunately, in 2009 the original Casa Binan was destroyed by Typhoon Ondoy. Now, only its replica which is composed of only 1% of the original house survives.
Where to Eat
There are three restaurants in the vicinity that serve a variety of Philippine and international food. They are quite pricey though. Unfortunately, there are no cheaper alternatives since the site is located on a peninsula at the far end of a small village.
Moreover, during non-peak hours menu options are limited. It can take between 30-45 minutes for meals to be served. If possible, try to place your order in advance.
The Beach
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is not just a treat for culture vultures, it’s also perfect for sun seekers. Fronting Bagac Bay, guests can enjoy some beach time after exploring the mansions. If you arrive at the site early, you can do the walking tour in the morning, then lounge by the beach in the afternoon.
Getting Around
A free shuttle goes around the site which is very convenient since it gets quite hot by midday. The jeepney makes its rounds continuously and the waiting time is between 5 to 10 minutes.
Check out these Bataan travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province
Touring Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar takes you back to 18th century Philippines. A period both fascinating and complicated, marked by extreme class systems, distorted religious ideologies, and a social awakening that led to the birth of a new and independent nation, the Philippines.
If Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is your next stop, remember the tips above to make the most of your historical adventure.
If you enjoyed reading this article please pass it on!
maam, can you name or at least insert the site development within the area. it would be a great help for me as i study conservation of erchitectural heritage. I cant manage to go there, im still a student studying architecture. thanks maam in advance .have a good day.
hey, you should look at this article too if you’re doing a study about heritage conservation: http://www.rappler.com/n/15398 🙂
I’m planning to visit this place for my birthday, and this feature/review is just the right one I need. Visual, descriptive but not as wordy as other reviews. The whole read was a breeze. Thumbs up! 🙂
Hi, thanks a lot. I’m really glad you found the information helpful. Have a great trip.
You mentioned that meals are expensive. Are visitors not allowed to bring their own packed meals or snacks? We are planning to visit the place real soon.
Hello, yes food and drinks are strictly prohibited according to an email I got from a reservations staff. I wouldn’t say it’s a strictly implemented rule though. However if you’re thinking of a picnic by the beach, It’s very likely you’ll be called out for it. But just to be sure I suggest call their reservations office and verify (63 2) 332 5286 or (63 2) 355 3032.
Hope that helps.
The reservation number is a private number . Not las casas. Las casas numbers on website do not pick up. Quite ridiculous. No way to book a tour
Hi miss Iza can you help us? We are conducting a research study about Las Casas, and we’re hoping if you can answer our survey questionnaire?
hello goodafternoon who among here have been in las casas ?..i am pleasing everyone to please answer my survey questionnaire for my thesis please ..thank you in advance email me here janicaparangan@yahoo.com.ph it would be a big help thanks everyone Godbless i will send tru email the questionnaire please email me
Day tour need booking?
Hi! Is the place only available pn tours? Or we can just walk in anytime? Planning on DIYing it next month. 🙂
Can we go there just to sight seeing? How much is the entrance
Yes you can. Please call the resort about the entrance fee. Cheers!
This is so detailed. Thank you!
Good day ,, can we go only for sight seeing and it can be possible 1 day is enough? How much is the entrance?
Hi Sol,
Yes, you can go on a day tour. Leave Manila very early and leave the resort late afternoon. Please contact the resort regarding their day tour rates. Cheers!
Hi Can we have a day tour only and can we use the facilities?
Thank you
Looks like they have increased their rate.
Php1,500.00 for entrance and guided tour only.
While Php2,000.00 for the full access.
I thought the sight is for filipinos, but as I see ordinary filipinos can’t afford to enter the said Las Casas Filipinas. They will never in anyway will see that place.
Hi, i’m selling a gc for las casas .entrance only good for 2 persons for only Php 1,500.00 valid until dec 2017. pm me @ 09262699084
Is this still available? Here’s my contact # 09363559130
already sold na po.
Selling my GCs 2 day tour vouchers plus 500 pesos cash voucher – selling for Php2,000. Pls text me if interested at 917 5028610. Vouchers valid until Nov 2017
hi, available pa po? thnx.
How much the regular fee?
hi balak po kasi namin pumunta this week. If mag check in po ba kami sa hotel kasama na po ba ang tour? thanks
Hi CJ, yes kasama na po yun.
Hi, pde bang mag walk in dyan ?
Hi, open ba ng holy week
magkano ba ang room good for 2 or 3 persons per night?
hi, can we do a day tour on Holy Saturday. How much would it cost, per person? pls reply
Hi, please contact the resort directly. Here are the contact numbers (+632) 332-5286 (+632) 877-4501 (+632) 332-5338 (+632) 355-3032 Mobile 0917-872-9361 Front Desk Mobile 0917-537-8418. Good luck!!
Ma’am, good day! Can we just go there and walk in? Or you must first contact someone and have a reservation? We’re just planning a daytour for two. Because we contactes someone and he says that minimum of 5person.
Hi, I think you can walk in for a day tour. To verify please contact the resort directly. (+632) 332-5286 (+632) 877-4501 (+632) 332-5338 (+632) 355-3032 Mobile 0917-872-9361 Front Desk Mobile 0917-537-8418. Hope that helps.
hi how do i schedule my tour? do i need to contact them first before going there? or is it like a theme park where i can just go infront of the gate and buy ticket?
Hi Jake, I updated the article with the contact numbers of the resort. Kindly get in touch with them regarding your question. Cheers!!
Hello. I just wanted to ask if we, 8 pax can be on the same room with capacity of 4? i mean extra beds?? once this room is paid, are all other attractions included to it??
Hi BK,
Kindly contact the resort. I’ve updated this article with their contact information. Enjoy your trip. Cheers!
ITS FREAKING EXPENSIVE how can filipino afford that much? imagine you have to travel from metro manila and expense of GAS and Toll Fee and FREAKING EXPENSIVE ENTRANCE FEE? that does not even include FOODS?
WOW this is a Filipino heritage SCAM wahahaha… better just to a beach nearby and enjoy without all those stupid no food allowed signs.
then don’t go
your right ! most pinoys can not afford that. an expensive way to learn our heritage. pinoy ka na nga tatagain ka pa sa presyo!
Hi how much po and entrance fee?
is the 1500-2000 per pax?
Yes it is. Cheers 🙂
I would like to ask if it is possible to pay an admission fee upon arrival in Las casas? If non please help me to have it cause we are going there in July 13, 2017. Thank you!
Is there a shortcut going there from Manila, say from a day trip at Corregidor then to Bataan then overnight at Casa Escolta?
Are you open for a tour on January 1st next year?
hi we are a group of more than 20 px and we want a tour or to stay there overnight.Can you help us find a house for us to stay overnight?
Please give us your suggestion for us to enjoy a Saturday- Sunday tour sometime on December? My cp # 09176279970
We went there last week and the prices are rediculus so crazy expensive and the customer service was bad..they should more warm and hospitable..
is it necessary to make a reservation for a day tour only? My family are planning to there this coming sunday for only a day tour. This is my phone number 0916 5138219.
Hi! Iza
Las Casas is Open on Sunday?
Hello
We would to go for a day tour only and bring our own car is it possible ? Do you know if there is a safe parking ? Do you know if it’s possible for walk in and pay our entrance & visit by ourselves ??
Hi Cecile, yes you can bring your car, the resort has a parking area for its guests. Regarding walk-in guests, I am not sure if they still accept walk-in guests, kindly contact the resort directly. I’ve updated the article with their contact details and a link to their website. Thank you.
Its better sana kung kahit 500 entrance or kht mgdala ng food pero strictly bawal magkalat. But ppnta pa rin kami 🙂 thank you.
im planning to visit bagc bataan on Dec. 24 until dec. 25. what hotel do you recommend?
hello! we will be going to las casas on May and i would like to know which restaurant should we dine in if we want to save on food expenses?
we are a total of 6 adults and only 2 people are heavy eaters
Share ko lang yung trip namin dito kasi ang ganda tlga may ganito pala sa pinas! Mabuhay! Nakapagdrone din kami sa beach-side. salamat! https://michaelshut.blogspot.com/2020/02/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-ultimate-getaway-destination.html
Would like to know the cost of Day tour? are you open on the 29-30 December 2021? what is the details of the day tour?
What a cool place to be at! It’s nearby some hotels? I’d like to visit next time I go to the Philipines.