Zambales (Subic) Hotels

The agricultural town of Zambales is a dream for the traveler who is looking to work on his or her tan. It has 107 miles of pure beach with a whole bunch of amazing islands. It also has untainted forest landscape and the mountainous Sierra Madre range, which is perfect for camping trips and summer beach escapades.

At A Glance

Located in Central Luzon, the province of Zambales borders Pangasinan to the north, Tarlac and Pampanga to the east, Bataan to the south and the huge South China Sea to the west. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Freeport Zone reintroduced Zambales as a major tourist destination, thanks to its multiple attractions, which include beach resorts and casinos. The province is also noted for its mangoes, which are said to be the best-tasting ever.

How to Go

By plane

The Subic Bay International Airport in Cubi Point has since been closed for international or domestic flights. If travelling from Manila, you can take a flight to Clark International airport and take a bus or a van service to Zambales instead.

By boat/ferry

Although there are no ferry routes that you can take from Manila to Zambales, the boat is the most popular choice of transportation from certain points in Zambales to popular island destinations, like the Anawangin Cove or Nagsasa Cove.

By land transportation

From Manila, you can ride on any of the public air-conditioned buses in Cubao or Pasay. Fare starts at around Php250, and can pass towns that lead to Iba, the capital of Zambales, or Sta. Cruz.

Getting Around

The best transportation is the tricycle, although jeepneys are also available as well. It can pretty much be your main transportation if you drop off in San Antonio, Botolan, Olongapo City, San Narciso, San Felipe, and Candelaria going to your final destination.

Tourist Attractions

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which is right next to Olongapo City, remains a popular choice to visit. This is because of the variety of tourist attractions, which include casinos, beaches, diving/snorkeling, parks, beachside huts and cottages and historical artifacts. Most notable places to check out are the Zoobic Safari Adventure Park, Ocean Adventure, and Le Man’s Go-Kart race track.

Top Things to Do

Around 60% of Zambales is covered in mountains, so it’s a great place for you to go on a hiking trail with your buddies. You can schedule a hike at Mount Tapulao, Mount Balingkilat, and Mount Cinco Picos.

The province is also a perfect getaway for you to unplug from the rest of the world. Travel to San Antonio and explore the coastal town of Pundaquit, which is the main jump-off point to Nagsasa Cove and Anawangin Cove. You can pitch a tent to stay for the night while being lulled into relaxation by the calm waters and waves gently lapping the shoreline.

Get stoked at the beachside towns of San Narciso and San Felipe, which are a surfer’s paradise. You can also log in more dive hours by checking out famous shipwrecks in the area as well.

Where to Eat

Time your vacation in April to enjoy the best of Zambales’ Mango Festival. All 13 municipalities during the festival will offer mangoes going at Php60 to Php80 per kilo. You can also try their mango wine at Candelaria and other One Town, One Product goods at their trade fair.

In San Felipe, look for their public market and feast on bagnet, Zambales’ answer to deep- fried pork belly. Best bought from 8 till 10 in the morning every day, partner this delicacy with a hot, steaming bowl of rice, chili and vinegar as dip, and pinakbet (mixed vegetables sauteed/steamed in fish or shrimp sauce) as a side. Finish it off with pastillas, a local dessert made from fresh carabao milk then wrapped in clean, white Japanese paper.

Nightlife

The cafes, bars, and lounges along the waterfront and business district in the Subic Base, in the City Centre, or up on the Baloy beach road area are growing to be catering the upmarket crowd. Some of them, like Neptunes, Sam’s Pizza Restaurant, and Pier One at Moonbay Marina, have live music and performances.

If you fancy for cultural and arts-based entertainment, you can check out Times Square Cinemas and Subic Arts Centre for film showing and exhibits. You can check out the floating bar just offshore the Beach Blue Rock Resort if you like something different.

Where to Stay

Casa San Miguel in San Antonio provides a unique opportunity for you to reconnect with the past. This charming, heritage house with capiz windows, antique musical instruments and oil paintings is also a bed and breakfast too, which offers air-conditioned rooms for two at Php3,000 a night and a family suite for up to six people for Php8,000 a night.

If you like a more provincial feel, the Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center in Iba offers “Heroes Rooms” at Php5,400 a night for a group of six people. These rooms are quite long with three queen beds, air-conditioning, bathroom and changing area. They also have rooms that could fit up to 18 people at a mere Php10,800 a night.

If your itinerary requires you to stay at Pundaquit, check in at Crossriver Resort, where you can live in a two-storey, modified bahay kubo (nipa hut). It comes with a simple dining area and an air-conditioned studio sleeping area with the mattress on the floor. The house comes with a view of the river too.

Travel Tips

• It is perfectly acceptable to haggle for prices, especially if you’re at a public market.

• Always know the transport schedules, especially the last trips. This is to anticipate any changes in your schedule due to the weather or unforeseen circumstances.

• If you’re heading into a remote area, bring an insect repellant, water canister, and some light snacks to get by between travelling.