Foodies may know of Zambales as one of the places to get the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines, alongside Guimaras. This, however, is not the only thing that the province has to offer its visitors. With the West Philippine Sea on the western border, the sandy beaches here have become popular tourist destinations, especially since it’s located just a short distance away from Manila, the country’s capital. From beaches dotted with resorts to those that are relatively isolated, those perfect for surfing and those ideal for swimming, there are several options for you to choose from. Don’t wait any longer, book the best staycation spots and Airbnb vacation rentals in town, and check out this list of the top beaches in Zambales, Philippines.
1. Liwliwa Beach
Once a fishing village, Liwliwa Beach has become a popular destination among surfers thanks to its waves, which become significantly bigger from October to March. It also has a campsite and picnic grounds, so even non-surfers can still enjoy themselves here. The sand is grayish, which some say is due to the sand mixing with the ashes from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Traveling to this beach can be tricky, as it’s literally off the beaten path, but visitors will be rewarded with fantastic views.
Liwliwa Beach
Address: Sitio Liwliwa, Baranggay Sto. Niño, San Felipe, 2204, San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
2. Subic Beach
Of all the beaches in Zambales, Subic is the one that’s most known to tourists, probably because of its easy accessibility and proximity to Manila. Because of its popularity, expect to find a number of accommodations scattered around this famous beach in Zambales. These range from budget hostels to more luxurious hotels. Camayan beach, one of the four beaches in the area, serves as a jump-off point for scuba divers, so this is the best place to set up base.
Subic Beach
Address: Subic, Zambales, Philippines
Website: Subic Beach
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
3. Nagsasa Cove
If you love being close to nature, this destination is perfect for you. This secluded cove has no electricity, which means that you won’t get distracted from enjoying the beauty of Nagsasa Cove, with its white sands and clear waters, and the company of your family or friends during your stay here. There’s a campsite right by this white sand beach in Zambales if you want to spend the night in the area. Other activities that you can do here include snorkeling and trekking. You can visit the lake or go island hopping from here as well.
Nagsasa Cove
Address: Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
Facebook page: Nagsasa Cove
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
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4. Baloy Beach
Baloy Long Beach, or simply Baloy Beach, is close to the old U.S. Naval Facility Subic Bay. This is probably why this area is considered one of the most Westernized in Zambales, not just in terms of the commercial establishments here, but also by the number of expats who have made this place their home. Besides swimming, you can also try parasailing. The Inflatable Island is just a short drive away from the beach.
Baloy Beach
Address: Baloy Long Beach, Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
5. Pundaquit Beach
Being the jump-off point to popular destinations such as Anawangin Cove and Capones Island, Pundaquit Beach tends to be ignored and is not usually considered the ultimate destination for vacation goers. However, this Zambales island beach has its own unique beauty in the form of gray sands, the result of the white sands mixing with the ashes from the 1991 Mount Pinatubo explosion, and the mountains serving as its backdrop. The water is generally calm during summer, but the waves grow progressively bigger during the typhoon season, which is why a lot of surfers head here during these months.
Pundaquit Beach
Address: San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
Price: Free
6. Silanguin Cove
Of all the beaches on this list, Silanguin Cove is probably the most isolated - you will need to go on a boat ride, nearly two hours long, from Pundaquit Beach to get here. However, the travel time is worth it once you arrive, as you will be rewarded with the sight of a tree-laden beach, with mountains in the background. Soul searchers would do well to spend time here, as the place is quiet and has no signal, allowing you to literally and figuratively disconnect for the moment and recharge your mind and your senses.
Silanguin Cove
Address: San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
7. Anawangin Cove
Once upon a time, Anawangin Cove was just a rocky area. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo changed the terrain of this place, transforming it to what it is now: a moon-shaped cove laden with trees. A popular tourist attraction in Zambales, it is also one of - if not the first - to establish a campsite right by the beach. The area has limited electricity and mobile phone signal, which makes this a great place for you to bond with your group and just enjoy the beauty around you.
Anawangin Cove
Address: Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
8. Capones Island
Capones Island is easily distinguishable from the other beaches and islands of Zambales thanks to its iconic lighthouse, which was built during the Spanish occupation. The island features two different terrains: the sandy beach and the rocky cliffs. Besides swimming, other activities you can do in the area are snorkeling, picnicking, and camping. You will need to get a boat from Pundaquit Beach to reach this location.
Capones Island
Address: San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
Price: from 7 USD
9. Talisayen Cove
Talisayen Cove is another beach that features gray sands. While similar in appearance to Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove, it has somehow avoided drawing in large crowds, despite not requiring a boat ride to get here. This makes it the ideal destination for those who just want to spend a quiet time in contemplation with the beauty of nature surrounding them. Pro tip: bring a hammock with you and spend the night here so you can enjoy watching the stars as you sway with the wind.
Talisayen Cove
Address: San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines
Website: Talisayen Cove
Price: 2 USD
10. Potipot Island
Potipot Island has, perhaps, the smallest beach out of all the others in this list, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty. For just 10 dollars, an overnight stay on this isle is a must, only because you do not want to miss out on the beautiful sunset. There are cottages to rent here, although you can also set up a tent on the campsite. Do note that a bonfire is not allowed here, so be sure to pack food that is already cooked or ready to eat. Kayaks are available for rent. The private isle can be accessed via a boat ride from Barangay Uacon.
Potipot Island
Address: Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines
Price: 10 USD
Enjoy the beauty of Zambales
With numerous beaches fronting the West Philippine Sea in Zambales, it can be a bit of a challenge to identify which of these would be the perfect one for you. Use this article as your guide in choosing the right beach - or beaches - where you can kick back, relax, and have a good time. You can also stay in one of the top beach resorts in Zambales!