3. Liw-liwa, Zambales
Liw-liwa is a laid back surfing destination in the north that many a traveler have come to explore. It has a wide stretch of ash gray sand, good waves, affordable accommodations, and usually good company. The agoho trees that line the beach give it that secluded, almost mystical vibe, and the view of the mountain range from the shore is spectacular especially in the mornings. If you’re staying in Liw-liwa overnight, there are a bunch of affordable hostels that’d be happy to have you. While this is usually a surfing destination, its waters are tame enough to swim in, especially in the off season.
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LIW-LIWA SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
06:00AM – Take a bus from Caloocan to San Felipe
11:00AM – ETA Sitio Liw-liwa, San Felipe
11:30AM – LUNCH
01:00PM – Hang around your accommodations/Check-in
03:00PM – Hit the waves!
05:00PM – Take in the sunset
07:00PM – DINNER
08:30PM – Hang out at a bonfire and dance the night away if you want!
DAY 2
04:30AM – Wake up in time to catch the sunrise.
07:30AM – BREAKFAST
09:00AM – Get some more beach time before checking out
10:30AM – Start packing!
11:30AM – Check-out
12:00PM – LUNCH
01:00PM – Head back to Manila
BUDGET (PER PERSON IN A GROUP OF 5)
AMOUNT | DETAILS |
600.00 | Estimated bus fare to San Felipe from Caloocan and back. Make sure to tell your conductor that you’re getting off in San Felipe. |
60.00 | Tricycle to Liw-liwa from San Felipe proper and back |
20.00 | Environmental fee |
500.00 | Dorm accommodations in a hostel |
TOTAL: PHP 1,180.00
2. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija
Who would have thought, right? This hidden paradise in the North has been overlooked for quite a while but it’s picking up more attention as more people document their experience there. I’d say this destination is for adrenaline junkies and more active groups in general. You can go spelunking and zip lining and do everything in between while taking in the beautiful scenery. This trip is different from the rest of the trips on this list because it won’t require you to stay overnight unless you really, really want to.
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MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY TRIP
03:00AM – Take bus from Cubao to Gapan/Cabanatuan
05:00AM – ETA Gapan. Take tricycle to Minalungao.
06:15AM – ETA Minalungao National Park. Secure a raft to hang out in/put your stuff in. This will be your pseudo cottage for the trip. More info in the budget section.
07:00AM – Go swimming, spelunking, zip lining, do the 1000 steps hike, etc.
04:00PM – Take a tricycle going back to Gapan
05:00PM – Take the bus back to Manila
BUDGET (PER PERSON IN A GROUP OF 5)
AMOUNT | DETAILS |
400.00 | Bus to Gapan from Manila and back |
200.00 | Tricycle to Minalungao from Gapan and back |
100.00 | Minalungao entrance fee |
100.00 | Raft rental w/ life vests (Php 500.00/raft for 8pax) |
100.00 | Zip lining one-way (Php 150-200.00/two-way) |
40.00 | Spelunking guide (Usually around 200 for a group) |
FREE | 1000-step hike up to the glass cross groto |
FREE | Swimming in the river and letting the current take you! |
FREE | Cliff diving |
TOTAL: PHP 940.00
1. Nagsasa + Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove is no stranger to city dwellers looking for a much-needed break. It has a beach, a hiking trail, good views, and no signal. All you have to do is show up and you can lay on the beach all day. You can pitch tents on the cove and stargaze to your hearts’ desire. Did you know that the grayish white sand on the cove was a result of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption? Locals say that the beach was actually rocky before that unfortunate event, proving that some good can still come out of a tragedy.
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NAGSASA + ANAWANGIN COVE SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
04:00AM – Depart from Pasay/Manila to San Antonio
09:00AM – ETA San Antonio, Zambales. Shop for food at the public market!
10:00AM – Ride tricycle to Pundaquit
10:30AM – Board boat to Nagsasa
11:00AM – ETA Nagsasa. Pay entrance fee, rent kubo (optional), prepare lunch
12:00PM – LUNCH
02:00PM – Hike on the hill nearby for that instagrammable view
03:00PM – Board boat to Anawangin
03:30PM – Pitch your tent (please bring your own! the costs of renting a tent every time you go out of town could add up.)
04:00PM – Relax on the beach, swim, take that golden hour selfie
05:00PM – Get ready for dinner
06:30PM – DINNER
08:00PM – Stargazing!
DAY 2
06:00AM – Rise and shine! Climb the nearby hill to get another spectacular view!
07:00AM – Relax, take a stroll along the inlet and take photos!
08:30AM – Breakfast/Swim for one last time
10:00AM – Pack up and wait for your boat
11:00AM – Boat back to Pundaquit
11:30AM – Shower
12:00PM – LUNCH
01:00PM – Tricycle back to San Antonio
01:30PM – Wait for bus back to Manila
BUDGET (PER PERSON IN A GROUP OF 5)
AMOUNT | DETAILS |
500.00 | Bus to and from Manila, assuming you’re coming from the bus terminal in Pasay |
60.00 | Tricycle from San Antonio to Pundaquit and back (Php 30.oo one way) |
20.00 | Environmental fee collected upon entering Pundaquit |
600.00 | Boat rental (Per person) |
130.00 | Overnight fee (Anawangin) |
50.00 | Entrance fee (Nagsasa) |
TOTAL: PHP 1,360.00
Know of any more tipid destinations for the barkada? Let us know in the comments!