Bata

Introduction

Bata is a port city in the Litoral Province of Equatorial Guinea. It is the largest city in Equatorial Guinea. It lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Río Muni. Bata was formerly capital of Equatorial Guinea and is a transport hub and port, from which ferries sail to Malabo and Douala, while fliers can land at Bata Airport. Bata is also known for its nightlife and market.

Sights and Activities

Attractions in Bata include:

The Promenade which is about 20 kilometers long.
The Freedom tower, by the promenade, changes colors at night thanks to a lighting system and has a revolving restaurant at the top.
Mercado Grande, i.e. the Grand Central Market.
The Cathedral is from the 17th century.
Palacio Africa, the presidential palace.
The Parliament building.

There are many beautiful undeveloped white sand beaches just outside the city, and you definitely don't have to worry about crowds. Particularly recommended are those at Mbini, some 50 kilometers south of the city.

Events and Festivals

New Year’s Day

Every year on January 1, Equatorial Guinea celebrates the arrival of the upcoming year along with the rest of the world. A New Year’s Eve Gala and fireworks display is organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as a charity event, and it is broadcast throughout the country.

President’s Day

President’s Day is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s birthday, which is celebrated annually on June 5. He has been the political leader of Equatorial Guinea since 1979 and is known for ousting his dictator uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema.

Armed Forces Day

August 3 is Equatorial Guinea’s Armed Forces Day to honor the military. It is treated as a public holiday where members of the armed forces gather together for a feast filled with food and drinks. Exhibitions are also held to showcase key achievements.

Independence Day

Equatorial Guinea celebrates its Independence Day on October 12. This public holiday commemorates the country’s freedom from Spanish colonization. All public facilities are closed.

Christmas Day

Equatorial Guinea is mostly Roman Catholic, so the country celebrates Christmas every December 25. Apart from Christian festivities, traditional celebrations are also held like the dance known as balélé in the Bioko region. In the cities, friends and families celebrate together by eating, drinking and exchanging gifts. Equatorial Guineans also decorate their homes with the usual decorations, including lights and Christmas trees.

Getting There

By Plane

There are flights to/from Malabo, Annobón, Douala, Libreville and Cotonou.

By Boat

Ferries sail from Malabo and Douala in Cameroon, usually once per week. Bata has one of the deepest seaports in the region, but no natural harbor. A jetty has been constructed to facilitate offshore handling of ships cargo.

Drink

Bata nightlife bounces all night long, but the nightclubs don't pick up the pace until quite late.

Sleep

Ibis Bata, Paseo Maritimo, ☏ +240 333 088 157, ✉ [email protected] Centrally located near the sea, the Ibis is clean albeit impersonal and with small rooms.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Equatorial Guinea's international telephone code is 240.

External Links