This Zambales tourist spot list outlines the best places to visit so you can plan your next itinerary.
There are many places to discover in the province of Zambales. With its proximity to Metro Manila, it’s no wonder it is a critical destination during weekends and holidays.
With its strategic location on the western part of Luzon’s island, it’s surprisingly not to underestimate the hidden paradise every traveler unfold with every visit.
You can also visit some historical attractions like the ancestral house of the late President Ramon Magsaysay. Aside from that, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, so check out the list below.
Traveling to Zambales
Traveling from Manila to Zambales
Tourists driving their cars and coming from Metro Manila can take the North Luzon Expressway and exit Dau Toll Plaza. Then, take the ramp going to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, after which you will exit at Tipo. You will continue at Tipo Highway before entering Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
When commuting, many provincial buses operate every day from Manila to Olongapo. You can check out Victory Liner for online booking and schedule.
When traveling around Zambales, the mode of transportations is jeepney and tricycle for shorter distances. Meanwhile, a bus is your option for longer trips.
Below is a Zambales tourist spot list to check out for your next summer getaway
Table of Contents
1. Anawangin Cove
Spend a day or arrange an overnight stay at Anawangin Cove when you want to take a break from the bustling metropolis.
The natural cove here in San Antonio’s town is a go-to place for beginner campers and the pros alike.
Anawangin Cove is known for its crescent-like coast, covered by powdery ash-white sand. Back in 1991, Mount Pinatubo’s eruption dampened a considerable amount of ash to the former barren coastline of Zambales.
Best to visit with friends or colleagues, you can enjoy a peaceful stay away from the city lights and noises, even just for the day.
You can rent some cottages or camps at designated camping areas. During the day, you can hop on to boat rentals or jet skis. When the sun sets, you can have your bonfire session while enjoying some drinks and laughter.
Before visiting this Zambales tourist spot, note that there are no proper accommodations in the area and no electricity. So make sure to bring with you all your essentials, and prepped meals are a lifesaver.
2. Capones Island
If you fancy a quick island tour, then visit Capones Island. A 30-minute boat ride from Anawangin Cove will do the job.
This small island packs a dramatic landscape of enormous rock formations, surrounded by white sands and a vast blue sea.
To enjoy your day tour at Capone Island, you can try hiking on the way to the Spanish lighthouse. Though entry isn’t allowed anymore, you can still enjoy and marvel at the unwavering seascape view.
Aside from playing and wandering at its coast, you can do some snorkeling or diving activities as well.
Capones Island is indeed an instagrammable place and a haven for the beach bum, thanks to its fascinating charm.
This Zambales tourist spot is ideal for a day tour visit for safety concerns because of its remote location.
3. Potipot Island
Another must-visit island destination in Zambales is Potipot Island in the town of Candelaria. At its port, you can ride a boat for around 15 minutes.
Similar to Capones Island, Potipot Island boasts of fine white sands without those enormous rocky hills. Instead, towering trees flock to its center, providing shades to its locals and visitors.
At Potipot Island, overnight stays are allowed. To save on your expenses, you can bring your camping tents. However, if you prefer to travel with light baggage, rooms and tents are available as well. More so, you can even get pre-packed meals or cook at the designated kitchen.
Tourists can roam around the island along the shore. For added fun, you can also do that by renting a kayak at an affordable rate.
The best thing about this Zambales tourist spot is its calm waters, so you will surely love swimming during the day. You won’t miss witnessing the golden sunsets too.
At night, the sheer silence envelopes the island so that you can detox from the bustling city life. One of the perks of staying at Potipot Island is also waking up from the sounds of the inviting waves.
Just like those remote islands, electricity is also scarce. Though they have some generators, bringing your extra power banks with you lets you capture every moment in Potipot Island.
4. Nagsasa Cove
Visiting Nagsasa Cove in the southern part of San Antonio has a similar setting to the Anawangin Cove. Ash-like sands and Agoho trees surround the coastline too.
What sets Nagsasa from its famous Zambales tourist spot counterpart, Anawangin, is its more laidback. Here, additional breathable spaces keep you away from the crowd.
Away from mobile signals and electricity, you will surely keep yourself off the grid from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Rent some boat and do beach hopping. You can hike the nearby mountains as well. After all, reaching its viewpoint rewards you for its striking panoramic scenery.
There is also a shallow inlet to stroll to when you walk by its southern end. Just like Anawangin, it is best to bring camping materials if you can.
5. Inflatable Island Subic
Since its launching in 2017, the Inflatable Island has gained massive popularity, making it one of the top Zambales tourist spots.
Get yourselves ready to immerse in a fun-filled day at the largest floating theme park in the country. With a size of 10 basketball court combined, you’ll never get a dull moment once you arrive and starts gliding thru the slides.
What Inflatable Island sets apart from the beach resorts in Zambales is its unique set up of gigantic inflatables in the open sea.
The largest of its kind is the Unicornzilla, where you can slide down on its colorful tail. Some sections also include the Unicorn Island, The Vortex, and the Rainbow Island.
Navigating around the inflatables can be a challenge with the added sun’s heat. So make sure to be there the earliest possible or during the late afternoon.
When you’re feeling weary, you can rest on the pastel lounge while enjoying some refreshments and snacks, all available at its food stalls.
This Zambales tourist spot is a real gem for beach lovers who loves to take plenty of photographs while enjoying the summer vibe.
6. Botolan Wildlife Farm
Take a break from your beach tours and visit Botolan Wildlife Farm in Botolan, Zambales.
This privately-run conservation and wildlife farm shares its passion and love for animals by opening to the public in 2000. Set up on more than five hectares of land, different plants and animals can be observed here.
Don’t miss seeing its famous Siberian tiger named Ramses. Among others to look out for are the Philippine brown deer, ostrich, birds of prey, wild boar, and many more.
There is also a dedicated play area, so your kids won’t feel dreary. Greens and shades keep the sanctuary visitor-friendly too.
7. Talisayen Cove
Like Anawangin and Nagsasa, Talisayen Cove‘s white shoreline is also the result of Mount Pinatubo’s discharge in 1991.
Though Talisayen isn’t that popular among its rival counterparts, this place attracts tourist who seeks solitude.
Camping? Perfect place. Nipa huts and private rest houses are also available here.
Here, you can capture the perfect golden sunset view of the Talisayen Cove. You get to enjoy the clear water and the lovely mountain views. A quick hike beside the cove is an excellent activity before sunset.
At night, you can stare back at the bright stars on a silent night.
8. Subic Bay
If you stay near Olongapo and Subic’s bustling city, you’ll have a wide range of beach selections in Subic Bay.
Just a three-hour drive from Manila, many tourists flock to the beaches here for a quick escape.
You can choose from budget-friendly resorts up to more lucrative resorts in Subic.
Aside from the long stretch of beaches, there are diving spots for shipwrecks and marine corals here.
At Boardwalk Park, you can enjoy a peaceful sunset view on its long sandy beach. Hotels and restaurants along the shore complement the place for a proper definition of relaxation and vacation.
9. Mount Balingkilat
If you are on a serious note to go hiking in Zambales, Mount Balingkilat is for you.
This promising Zambales tourist spot has a growing interest among the newbie and pro hikers, mainly because of its proximity to Metro Manila.
Mountain of Thunder translates Balingkilat in the native Aeta dialect. Before, it was also called Pointed Peak by the US Navy servicemen who patrol the place.
Hiking the trails of Mount Balingkilat takes up to five hours. With its entry to Sitio Cawag, hikers must submit a Letter of Intent to the officials and pay a small amount for the environmental fee.
With little to no trees along the trails, you can expect a scorching traverse as you ascend the steep, rocky slopes. Make sure to bring with you enough water and sun protection so that you can maximize your hiking itinerary without the hustle.
The peak summits at 1,100 meters above sea level. After a tiring hike, the South China Sea’s panoramic view and nearby Subic and Olongapo towns await you. You can easily spot the famous coves of Zambales too.
If you plan to stay the night, make sure to bring with you enough protection from the elements, as it gets freezing and windy during lights out.
10. Mount Pinatubo
The Mount Pinatubo lies near the boundaries of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. With its strategic natural location, this active volcano is among the top tourist destination in Central Luzon.
Prepare for an exhilarating yet fun ride on a 4×4 truck. Along the way, you will traverse the lahar fields brought about by its eruption in 1991. It could be a dusty experience, so make sure to bring masks for additional protection.
After reaching the hiking trails, you will ascend and pass through some streams, rocky beds, and grasslands. On your way, you can see grayish rock facades, which is also a sight to behold.
The majestic crater lake sums up your hiking efforts in Mount Pinatubo. Its water turns bluish or greenish depending on climate conditions. There are many spots to take some mandatory photos, as well as a resting area too.
Make sure to wear outdoor gear and bring in with you enough water to stay hydrated.
This Zambales tourist spot is always on surveillance for safety precautions. Note that arranged tours can be deferred for various reasons like heavy rains and volcanic activity.
11. Magalawa Island
You won’t run out of beautiful islands and hidden coves to discover and visit in Zambales. Meanwhile, Magalawa Island is becoming the next favorite of some backpackers and DIY travelers.
The island covers around 50 hectares of land with tall, flourishing trees. On the other hand, powdery white sands protect its eye-catching shorelines and sandbar.
There are two resorts to choose from on Magalawa Island, namely Ruiz Resort and Armada Resort. It is best to coordinate with them upon booking a comfortable and convenient trip when planning trip.
Both of these resorts offer tent pitching, boat rides, accommodation, and food.
There are many things to do on Magalawa Island. You can wander the island and walk along the sandbar or swim all day until you get that sunkissed look. Snorkeling and kayaking will keep you busy as well. At night, you can camp around a bonfire while having some cold drinks.
According to locals, this unassuming Zambales tourist spot is also called Island of the Stars due to starfish abundance.
12. Mapanuepa Lake
After the 1991 madness of Mount Pinatubo, Zambales and neighboring provinces has significantly changed their natural landscapes.
Some have unwanted results, and some pave the way to ecological development, just like the Mapanuepa Lake.
If you are in for another off-the-beaten path, you should visit Mapanuepa Lake.
This lake has a creepy historical background where villages were inundated during the catastrophic disaster. What was left was a remnant of the Bojaoen church, protruding a steeple and cross sign.
In Mapanuepa Lake, you can commission some fishermen to ride their boats and wander around the lake. The green foliage around the lake makes a great sitting place while gazing at the mountainous opposite side.
Camping is allowed if you plan to stay for an extended time here. Motorcycle riders and bikers often visit the lake for recreational purposes.
13. Ramon Magsaysay Museum
Spend a quick tour at Ramon Magsaysay Museum in downtown Castillejos.
This reconstructed ancestral domain of the late President Ramon Magsaysay features a two-story Spanish-style house. The ground floor shows the humble beginning of the late president until he became a public servant.
Going up, you can see a life-size bronze replica of the former first family, seating next to each other. On the other side, you can read a narrative about his last few days until his tragic plane crash accident in 1957.
Visiting this historical Zambales tourist spot is excellent if you are traveling with kids.
Some of his memorabilia are still intact, like his barongs, boots, even his comb. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the vintage presidential car display on the ground too.
Tourists can easily spot the Ramon Magsaysay Museum along the national road with its distinctive light green exterior color.
🔗 Nearby Provinces | Pangasinan | Bataan |
Uncover Central Luzon by discovering some Zambales tourist spot
Start planning your next long weekend trip now and dive into some outdoor attractions in Zambales.
It’s a three-hour drive from the bustling Metro Manila, making it an easy way to reach some pristine beaches at affordable trip budgets.
Most of its attractions can get way too crowded during the peak seasons of April to May. During this time, the weather can get way too hot as well. You would want to consider January to March instead.
Book your tour and accommodations in Zambales to avail of deals. This way, you can carefully craft your next Zambales tourist spot itinerary, less the hustle of on-the-spot booking. You may also check out the best beach resorts in Subic.
Traveling with your significant other, family, or friends, Zambales has many things waiting for you.
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Safe travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism or visit their Facebook page for the latest updates. Stay safe.