Zipping in Zambales Zipping in Zambales
ENDOWED by Mother Nature with a long coastline spanning 173 kilometers, Zambales is a most sought-after beach hideaway just a few hours north of the metropolis. It is home to fine coves, idyllic islands, light sandy beaches, and surfing areas, minus the madding crowd of the more popular beach party places.
Zamba, as it is fondly called, is a dream drive for road trippers because of its simple yet scenic road network, with a soothing panorama of the tranquil West Philippine Sea to the west and undulating mountains to the east.
The province takes pride in its highgrade primary highway and secondary paved roads which have received attention from governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., a former public works secretary himself.
Motoring is made more pleasureable by the country’s primary tollways—the North Luzon Expressway and SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway, which make driving a breeze. The roads dissect Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City, which are on the soil of Zambales, but is not part of the province’s political jurisdiction.
The interesting thing about road-tripping here is the short distances between municipalities, and the presence of interesting points every 10 minutes or so.
A two-day trip is highly-recommended so you can enjoy the long drive, and sounds and sights along the way.
Here are some of the pit stops as you zip through Zamba.
Subic town
Just immediately after Olongapo City lies this gateway to Zambales where Subic Bay was named after.
It hosts the 35-year old White Rock Beach Resort, a star-rated tourist facility which is one of the old guards in the province. It has splendid amenities, and a good restaurant for a quick snack or coffee break.
Castillejos
The town takes pride in the Ramon Magsaysay Shrine which houses the memorabilia of the well-loved Philippine president known as “The Guy” and “Man of the Masses.” PUNDAKIT Beach with Capones and Camara Islands in the background
Built during the American era, this restored mansion is maintained by the National Historical Commission, and is to open from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Pull over and walk inside to take a peak at the life and times of the late great leader.
San Antonio
Nature, adventure and culture come together in this seemingly obscure municipality named after Gen. Antonio Luna.
It’s got the idyllic isles of Capones and Camara just off the scenic Pundakit surfing beach, the hilltop Spanish-era lighthouse in Capones, and Casa San Miguel Arts Center, reputedly the country’s most active rural art center because of its community-based programs on music and visual arts, directed by internationally-acclaimed violinist Coke Bolipata.
San Narciso
If you want to ride the waves, Crystal Beach is the surfing spot closest to Manila. Its long barrel and shallow waters, friendly surfing instructors, and cheap tutorial rates make it ideal for neophytes.
This long stretch of powdery sand, which is enticing for lazing around or a quick dip, has become a party place with the annual Summer Siren Festival.
There’s a row of resorts and restaurants along the beach for a quick dip, but the hands-down choice is Zambawood, a cozy tropical-themed boutique hotel with splendid facilities and dining outlet.
San Felipe
This coastal town has another cool surfing colony on the West Philippine Sea side—Liwliwa Beach.
This area is known for cozy backpacker accommodations at rock-bottom rates, most notably The Circuit which is famous for its hammock hostel.
For pasalubong shopping, the public mall is your best bet for home-grown Zambaleno food products, which incidentally is the only one-stop souvenir shop in the province.
Another tourist icon is the century-old acacia tree along a roadside barangay plaza which has been a mute witness of the town’s history.
Botolan
This is home to the Our Lady of Ina Poonbato Shrine Zambales’ patroness and most important religious image, located some 20 minutes away from the national highway.
Found by Aeta chief Djadig over 400 hundred years ago, it is said to be miraculous and gained national prominence after Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in June 1991 when it was half buried in lava, but survived the elements.
Meanwhile, the postcard-pretty Spanish period Sta. Monica Church was in- cluded in the Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” MTV.
Iba
Named after the kamias fruit, this is the capital town of the province which used to bear the colonial-era name Paynauen.
Travel back in time in the ancestral homes that serve as living museums and the San Agustin Cathedral, with its ecclesiastical museum containing religious antiques and implements.
Iba boasts of the seven-kilometer Bangantalinga Beach, which is ideal for sand castle-making and skimboarding, and whose sunsets are simply kaleidoscopic.
With its wide array of resorts, restos and shops, this is the most ideal place to spend the night.
Masinloc
Start your second day swinging by this 400-year old town whose claim to fame is the St. Andrew the Apostle Church which was declared a national cultural treasure by the National Museum.
Acrosss the channel is San Salvador Island which is dotted by marine sanctuaries and underwater taklobo farms.
There is also the postcard-worthy Bakala Sandbar punctuated with a wooden gazebo.
Candelaria
This bucolic municipality is perhaps the resort capital of Zambales with the confluence of Uacon Cove, the fine white sand Potipot Island, and the placid Uacon Lake.
The latter is a 112-hectare fishing ground which is habitat to species such as talakitok, groupers, and milkfish, as well as crabs and shrimps.
This roadside scenic lake, which has been constantly hailed as the cleanest lake in Central Luzon, is ideal for watersports, such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Palauig
This interior town has an enviable blend of highland and island: the 2,037meter Mt. Tapulao and the gin-clear Magalawa Island.
If you’re physical enough, you can ascend to a portion of the so-called High Peak if only to give you a feel of the mountain’s rich biodiversity.
This is zipping in Zambales, a zestful and inexpensive road odyssey.