Explore The Best Tourist Spots in Zambales Philippines - A Local's Guide

Discover the best tourist spots in Zambales, Philippines - from stunning beaches to captivating coves. Plan your dream getaway with our travel guide
Traveloka Accomodation
22 Jul 2023 - 7 min read

Are you ready for an exciting adventure? Check out Zambales tourist spot! This fantastic destination is easily accessible from Metro Manila and nearby cities.

Relax on stunning beach coves, ride the waves, and enjoy the inflatable waterpark, safari, and breathtaking views. With endless adventures and natural wonders to explore, Zambales is the perfect choice for a fun and exciting getaway.

Keep reading to discover the top 10 must-visit sites in Zambales:

What Makes Zambales Thrilling as a Tourist Destination?

Travel convenience

Traveling to tourist spots in Zambales has become easier with new road projects. You can take a private car or bus from Manila, Clark, Baguio, or La Union and arrive at your destination in just around 2 hours and 30 minutes from Manila.

Leisure and recreational activities

Zambales offers various leisure and recreational activities, including guided treks and jungle tours, extreme water sports, sailing, diving, spelunking, rock climbing, and bouldering.

Beautiful nature

Zambales is a must-visit Philippines tourist spot filled with stunning beaches, peaceful coves, and vibrant marine life. And if that's not enough, the stunning Zambales scenery of the mountains will take your breath away too!

Unique food and delicacies

With a unique culture shaped by almost a century of American military presence, Zambales is unlike elsewhere in the Philippines. And that's just the beginning - you'll find exciting new Zambales attractions, including top-notch restaurants, hotels, and entertainment centers that cater to everyone.

Top 10 Must-See Tourist Spots in Zambales

Capones Island

Capones Island is a little paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You can also explore its white sand beaches, cliffs, and rock formations and hike to the Capones Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the sea, beach, and nearby mountains. It's like a mini Batanes!

Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is an enchanting destination surrounded by tall Agoho trees and ash-colored beaches resulting from Mt. Pinatubo's eruption. Its crystal-clear river is suitable for swimming and tubing, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day in nature.

Potipot island

Potipot island in Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales, is an idyllic getaway from busy city life. Secluded yet accessible, it's an idyllic retreat with pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, offering a serene atmosphere for a breather and rejuvenation.

Silanguin Cove and Valley

Silanguin Cove and Valley in San Antonio, Zambales, is unique among neighboring beaches. With gray sand instead of volcanic ash, it is framed by striking red cliffs and lush green foothills, making for a breathtaking view.

Nagsasa Cove

Nagsasa Cove in San Antonio, Zambales, is a stunning spot that blends the beauty of Anawangin with its distinctive characteristics. It was transformed by Mt. Pinatubo's blast, which covered it with volcanic ash and trees. Still, you can enjoy its beautiful ocean and hills and discover nearby waterfalls and nature with a guide.

Hermana Menor Island

Hermana Menor features beautiful white sand, clear waters, and diverse marine life, including a long sandbar leading to a marine sanctuary and a secluded beach with ombré-colored turquoise waters. Despite being less known than other islands in Zambales, its raw beauty and turquoise waters still make it a must-see destination.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Subic Bay Freeport Zone offers duty-free shopping, and a range of activities in a former US military base turned special economic zone. The area combines American and Filipino cultures. It is also popular with tourists for its deep waters, mountain ranges, and beach resorts offering water sports and activities in inflatable islands, ocean parks, safari, and more.

Talisayin Cove

For an off-the-beaten-path beach getaway, visit Talisayin Cove in Zambales. This lesser-known cove offers a quieter and more laidback atmosphere than Nagsasa and Anawangin Cove. If you're a traveler who craves a unique and customizable experience, Talisayen Cove is the right destination for you.

Botolan Beach and Mt. Pinatubo

Those who like adventure and nature will love Botolan Beach and Mt. Pinatubo. Aside from having a large gray sand beach perfect for surfing, Botolan's active volcano, Mt. Pinatubo, also offers thrills such as trekking and 4x4 rides through luscious rainforests, blue waters, and stunning views.

Heritage Churches

Tucked away in Zambales are some of the heritage churches that have existed since the Spanish era.

The first one is the Basilica of Santa Monica in Botolan, which has a limestone façade with a darkened patina and is symmetrical. The second one is the Cathedral of Iba, which the Franciscans built in the 1700s. Next is the Masinloc Church, which was styled in Baroque architecture and has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum since 2001. Finally, there is the St. Cruz Church, which has been considered the prettiest heritage church in Zambales.

Experience the Rich Culture of Zambales Through its Local Dishes & Festivities

Local dishes

Zambales boasts a myriad of culinary treats that are exclusive to the region. Alongside the province's spectacular landmarks and tourist destinations, you'll find many local delicacies influenced by the cultural shifts and evolution experienced by its people.

Here are just a few of the traditional dishes of Zambales Philippines:

Bagnet

Bagnet, Zambales' version of deep-fried crispy pork belly, is the answer to Ilocos' pork chicharon and is best paired with chili, vinegar, rice, and pinakbet for a truly blissful dining experience.

Kinilaw na Tuna

Kinilaw na tuna is an underrated appetizer dish from Zambales that requires no cooking. The tuna is semi-cooked with vinegar and calamansi or lemon juice. The result? A burst of bright and bracing flavors that will surprise and delight you!

Festivities

Zambales is known for its lively festivals in different towns and cities. These festivals offer tourists unique opportunities to immerse themselves in diverse cultural celebrations, highlighting the province's rich heritage and traditions.

Below are some of the most popular festivals worth experiencing:

Feast of the Ina Poonbato

Feast of the Ina Poonbato, not to be confused with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, is a celebrated religious festival held in Botolan annually every January and draws over half a million visitors. It honors Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, the oldest known image of the Virgin Mother in Asia.

Dinamulag Festival

Dinamulag Festival is a festival that takes place every March or April. It is intended as a way to celebrate the bountiful harvest of mango, which is a fruit that grows abundantly in Iba. This event sees several performances similar to Pahiyas Festival activities, including street dancing that features dancers clad in fruit-themed costumes.

Binabayani Festival

Binabayani is an annual festival in Masinloc, Zambales, similar to theAti-Atihan festival. It commemorates the victory of Aetas over Christians in a reenactment of the historic battle through the Binabayani war dance. Locals believe it guarantees a bountiful harvest and showcases cultural diversity, harmony, and respect.

Takeaway

So there you have it - the marvelous wonders of Zambales, Philippines! Are you feeling the excitement bubbling up inside you? We knew you would! Zambales is calling out to the adventurer in you, and it's time to answer that call.

But hold on, before you dive headfirst into planning your getaway, let us introduce you to your ultimate travel buddy - Traveloka! Picture this: a platform where you can book flight tickets, find the best hotel deals, and even grab tickets for various attractions and activities through your smartphone with Traveloka Xperience. Yes, you heard that right - all in one place! Traveloka is here to make your travel planning a breeze and ensure your vacation is nothing short of spectacular.

So pack your bags, gather your friends and loved ones, and let Zambales work its magic on you. Adventure awaits, and with Traveloka, the journey begins now. Bon voyage!

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In This Article

• What Makes Zambales Thrilling as a Tourist Destination?
• Travel convenience
• Leisure and recreational activities
• Beautiful nature
• Unique food and delicacies
• Top 10 Must-See Tourist Spots in Zambales
• Capones Island
• Anawangin Cove
• Potipot island
• Silanguin Cove and Valley
• Nagsasa Cove
• Hermana Menor Island
• Subic Bay Freeport Zone
• Talisayin Cove
• Botolan Beach and Mt. Pinatubo
• Heritage Churches
• Experience the Rich Culture of Zambales Through its Local Dishes & Festivities
• Local dishes
• Bagnet
• Kinilaw na Tuna
• Festivities
• Feast of the Ina Poonbato
• Dinamulag Festival
• Binabayani Festival
• Takeaway
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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