Traveling to Subic and Zambales for a quick trip to the beach near Metro Manila? Check out this list of top things to do in Subic & Zambales, best tourist spots, and must-try activities in this travel guide blog for an awesome getaway near Manila!
Subic and Zambales have many amazing attractions to visit and offers a lot of exciting things to do. Located in Central Luzon Region and being on the western-most side of the Luzon island, most of the activities it offers has something to do with water. But there are also more to just enjoying the beaches in Subic and Zambales Province. You could also enjoy hiking, go island hopping, camping, have a lovely staycation in hotels and beach resorts, and so much more!
Just 3-4 hours away from busy Metro Manila, Subic Bay and Zambales as a whole offers numerous fun activities and attractions that families, couples, and group of friends will surely enjoy. With its proximity from Metro Manila, it makes an awesome day tour destination or a quick trip from Metro Manila.
In this Subic and Zambales Travel Guide Blog 2023, I will share to you the top things to do in Subic and around Zambales Province, best places to visit, where to stay and many more! Escape the chaotic city life of the metropolis and travel to Subic where adventure and nature combines! You will definitely find plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Subic Bay and best places to visit Zambales!
Top Things to Do in Subic and Zambales Tourist Spots and Best Places to Visit
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before traveling to Subic, be sure to check the Updated Travel Requirements and Entry Protocols for tourists to enter the province of Zambales this "New Normal" 2023. Make sure to prepare the necessary documents if needed. Don't be too complacent even when you're enjoying. Practice the minimum health proctocols at all times.
1. Adventure Beach Waterpark in Subic
Location: Ilanin Road, Camayan Wharf Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,- Have a splashing day at the Adventure Beach Waterpark for a wet and wild adventure for all ages!
- Keep the excitement flowing with an all-day access around the waterpark.
- Enjoy a variety of pool attractions—ride down a water slide, do a race atop inflatables, and more!
- Never run out of things to do! Beyond the park, you can continue your adventure to the beach.
Get up to 50% discount in Adventure Beach Waterpark Ticket here!
2. Camayan Beach Resort in Subic
If you're looking for a tropical paradise near Metro Manila, escape to Camayan Beach Resort for a day of fun and exquisite relaxation! Here, you could enjoy your time lounging on the beach and plunging in clear, blue waters while savoring the panoramic views of the mountains. You could also enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and other fun water activities that you, your family and friends will surely enjoy. If you wish to stay overnight at Camayan Beach Resort, check room rates and availability here.
Get up to 55% off on admission tickets below!
This includes access to Camayan Beach Resort beach and free use of shower room.
Photo from Klook
3. Inflatable Island in Subic
Inflatable Island in Subic Bay is the first of its kind in the Philippines and is also considered as one of the biggest and wildest inflatable playground in Asia. As Asia's biggest floating water playground, Inflatable Island is an awesome day trip destination near Metro Manila - ideal for families and kids wanting to escape the heat of the city.
- Feel like a kid again as you spend a fun-filled day in one of Subic's most popular destination - Inflatable Island!
- Enjoy a floating playground filled with slides, towers, human launchers, swings, bridges & so much more! It's like an obstacle course that you will sure enjoy and have so much fun!
- Go on an epic road trip up north for an unforgettable waterpark experience with your family or friends!
- Get access to Unicorn Island, Samba Beach, Bali Lounge, and Floating Zoo with your choice of Splash, Spray or Soaked pass!
Inflatable Island Discounted Tickets
To save on cost, I recommend that you purchase your tickets online via Klook.com and get them at discounted rates. Here's the comparison of ticket prices:
| Package | via Inflatable Island's Website | via Klook.com |
| Splash Pass (2-hour Access) | 549.00 | 499.00 |
| Spray (4-hour Access) | 749.00 | 668.00 |
| Soaked Pass (All Day Access) | 849.00 | 810.00 |
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4. Crystal Beach, San Narciso Zambales
Located at San Narciso, Zambales, Crystal Beach Resort is an expansive beachfront resort that offers several hectares of gray sand beach dotted with aguho trees. Offering a relaxed and intimate vibe, it is a favorite destination among surfers and is one of the popular surfing spots closest to Manila. Although Crystal Beach Resort is known among surfers, it has also gained popularity among beach lovers, weekenders and beach bums who simply just want to enjoy the beach and have a quick getaway away from the busy metropolis.
Where to Stay in San Narciso? Crystal Beach Resort
If you wish to stay overnight, Crystal Beach Resort offers wide array of accommodation, such as beachfront villas, cabins and native huts. Rooms may either have air-conditioning unit, fan only, private toilet with hot and cold shower, cable television and other amenities. You may also choose to just bring your tent and camp out at the designated camping sites.
How to get to Crystal Beach Resort?
Go to any of the following VICTORY LINER stations: Cubao, Caloocan, Pasay, and Sampaloc. Take the IBA/STA.CRUZ-bound bus and ask the bus attendant to dropped you off in San Narciso, Zambales (nearest landmark: San Sebastian Catholic Church). Fare is about 250 pesos. Once there, take a tricycle going to Crystal Beach Resort. Fare is 15.00 pesos per person.
5. Enjoy a night at Zoobic Glampz' Safari-themed Rooms
Location: Ilanin Forest, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic, ZambalesEnjoy a memorable overnight stay at Zoobic Glampz by Zoobic Safari with your partner, family or group of friends. Offering guestrooms made from 40ft containers, guests will enjoy their stay at Zoobic Glampz' safari-themed rooms! Choose from a tiger, zebra, or peacock-themed accommodation that comes with free breakfast and dinner. Other hotel amenities and services offered include free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, gift and souvenir shop, garden, and complimentary parking.
Zoobic Glampz Stay Package
You may avail an Overnight Glamping Experience by Zoobic Glampz in Subic for 2 or 4 persons for as low as ₱ 3,875 pesos!. The stay package includes admission to Zoobic Park, breakfast, dinner, 1-night accommodation at Zoobic Glampz and access to swimming pool.
6. Visit President Ramon Magsaysay's Ancestral House
If you love visiting historical sites, you must include in your Zambales itinerary the President Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House in Castillejos. You wouldn't miss this modest but appealing two-storey structure as it stands just along the national hi-way of the town of Castillejos. As the ancestral house of 7th President of the Philippine Republic, it was restored and converted into a museum in 1990. It was greatly damaged by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 and was re-constructed and renovated in 1999 by the National Historical Institute.
OPENING HOURS: The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm.
HOW TO GET THERE? If you're coming from Manila, take a bus bound for Iba, Zambales. Tell the bus fare collector to drop you at the Ramon Magsaysay house in the town of Castillejos. It is on the left side of the national road going to Iba, Zambales.
7. Kwentong Dagat Stay with Full-Board Meal & Vegan Cooking Class
Located in Sitio Liwliwa Brgy. Sto. Nino, San Felipe, Zambales, Kwentong Dagat is a nice beachfront beach resort in Zambales where you could enjoy and have a peaceful and relaxing vacation. With an exceptional overall guest rating of 9.0 out of 10 in Agoda, this beach resort is rated 3 stars, ensuring a comfortable stay with the warmth of Filipino hospitality. See room rates, availability and more photos here.
Kwentong Dagat Stay Package
For convenience, you may avail a stay package with up to 20% discount at Kwentong Dagat for as low as ₱ 4,475 for 2 persons! This includes ovenight stay in an Abaca Room with full-board meal for 2 persons and vegan cooking class.
8. Island Hopping Day Tour in Subic or Zambales
Visit the beautiful islands and beaches of Zambales, just a few hours away from Metro Manila. Avail this day tour package for as low as ₱ 4,720 for 4 persons or ₱ 1,180 per person.
ANOTHER OPTION is to go on a Subic Island Hopping adventure with Korean BBQ Lunch. This tour will take you in a convenient and exciting day trip around three of the most popular island destinations in Subic, namely Lancet Point, Sampaloc Beach, and Masantol Beach. The tour package includes snorkeling tour, entrance fee, delicious Korean BBQ lunch that includes all your favorite korean dishes, snorkeling gear rental, and free use of towel, shower area and changing room.
9. Tree Top Adventure Subic
Location: JEST Camp Area, Upper Mau Cubi, Aparri Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic ZambalesFeeling adventurous? Soar through the air on a wide array of amazing and exciting high-flying activities at Tree Top Adventure Subic! Just 3 hours away from Metro Manila, you could enjoy an exciting bonding moment with your family, friends or special someone. Several package options are available for as low as 455 pesos per person!
10. Potipot Beach Zambales
Potipot Island is a secluded islet in Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. One of the most popular beach destinations in Zambales, Potipot Island is known for its semi-white sand beach and crystal clear waters. A popular beach near Metro Manila, it is frequented by locals and tourists from nearby municipalities and from Metro Manila.
11. Beach Trip to Zambales from Manila
Want to enjoy the beaches of Zambales? Go on a Beach Trip to Zambales from Manila! This Zambales tour package includes round-trip transfers (Manila-Zambales-Manila) with hotel pick-up and drop off (limited to Manila Bay Area and Makati Area only), boat rental, entrance rees, permit, fuel, toll tees, parking fees, and assistance of a coordinator/driver.
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12. Surfing in San Narciso or Liw-liwa in San Felipe
Go on an exciting surfing adventure in two of the most popular surfing spots in Zambales. The surfing site can be found along the shore of Sitio Liw-liwa in the town of San Felipe, just a few minutes away from the national road. It's accessibility from Metro Manila, makes it a favorite surfing destination among surfing enthusiasts and weekenders. Also not to be missed is Crystal Beach Resort's beach break in the town of San Narciso, which is a also a good place to learn surfing in this part of Zambales. ideal for beginners, the waves are not too big and if you get wiped out, you will fall on shallow gray sandy bottom of the beach.
TRAVEL TIP: If you want to stay overnight near the surfing site, I highly recommend staying at Crystal Beach Resort. They offer nice and comfy room accommodations, superb resort amenities and facilities, as well as delicious food.
13. Hiking and Yangil Tribe Experience in Zambales
Go on a memorable hike in Zambales and get to know the wonderful culture of the Aetas in Yangil Village. Kick off your adventure at Circle Hostel in Sitio Liwliwa where you will meet your friendly and professional guide. Be up close and personal with the indigenous tribe as you spend a day with them. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains while traveling along the volcanic ash trail to the village. Once there, you'll plant a tree, try archery, and dance to their music! You'll also enjoy a delicious and filling lunch prepared by the friendly villagers. You'll be surprised that the tribe heavily relies on its environment for livelihood and beliefs. By booking this tour, you help the Aeta tribe rebuild their forest of 3,000,000 trees. Wrap up the experience when you watch the beautiful sunset in San Felipe.
14. Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves
Popular among day trippers, hikers and campers, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves in the town of San Antonio are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Zambales. These beaches were created by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990's when volcanic materials landed to these beautiful coves. Famous for its laid-back and beautiful surroundings with fine gray-ish sand, scenic mountain views, tall agoho tress, and clear waters, these coves are favorite beach destinations among many travelers all year round. Facing the South China Sea, it can be reached via one and half hour to two hours boat ride from Pundaquit Beach.
15. Mt. Pundaquit Hike
With a height of 464+ masl, hiking Mt. Pundaquit in San Antonio then traverse to Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove is a great way to experience hiking and beach camping adventure in Zambales. This hike offers an exciting adventure where you could enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, coves, and mountains and the opportunity to climb a mountain and hit the beach, all in one amazing trip!
How to get to Subic, Zambales?
Traveling to Subic is quite easy because it is accessible by public transportation. From Metro Manila, you may take a Victory Liner Bus from Pasay, Sampaloc, Caloocan or Cubao. There are buses that are bound for Olongapo City or Iba/Sta Cruz, Zambales which passes by Subic. Travel time is around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic condition and bus fare is around 300 pesos.
For ease and convenience, you may also choose to rent a private van from Manila to Subic, Zambales. This is ideal for families and group of friends wanting to a comfortable ride to Subic. Van rental from Subic to Metro Manila is also available.
Van rental fee includes English-speaking driver, fuel expenses and parking fees.
Hotels and Beach Resorts in Subic
Planning to stay for a night or two in Subic, Zambales? Check out these top-rated hotels and resorts in Subic with exceptional and excellent ratings and reviews from previous guests. Get as much as 50% discount on room rates if you book your stay in advance!
ALSO READ: Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in Subic and Olongapo, Zambales
Sample Subic and Zambales Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)
Here's a sample Subic and Zambales DIY Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights. Feel free to adjust this itinerary depending on how many days you want to spend, tourist spots you want to visit, and things you want do and experience in Subic and Zambales.
DAY 1 - Arrival, Yangil Tribe Experience and more!
- Travel to Zambales (depart early in the morning)
- Arrive at Sito Liw-liwa in San Felipe, Zambales
- Early check-in or leave your bags at Kwentong Dagat Beach Resort - See room rates and availability
- Join Hiking and Yangil Tribe Experience - Reserve a slot here!
- Lunch
- Sunset viewing
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 2 - San Felipe Surfing, Inflatable Island and more!
- Wake-up
- Breakfast
- Join Vegan Cooking Class - See stay package here!
- Learn how to surf
- Lunch and check-out
- Travel to Subic
- Pass by Pres. Magsaysay's Ancentral House in Castillejos
- Arrive in Subic
- Check-in in a hotel or resort in Subic - See hotels and resorts in Subic here!
- Adventure Beach Water Park - Buy Discounted Admission Tickets here!
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 3 - Tree Top Adventure, Camayan Beach Resort and Departure
- Breakfast
- Enjoy Tree Top Adventure Subic
- Hotel Check-out
- Have lunch and enjoy the facilities at Camayan Beach Resort - Reserve a Day Pass here!
- Travel back to Manila
TRAVEL TIP: An alternative activity for day 3 is to go on an island hopping adventure to the 3 most popular island destinations in Subic with Korean BBQ lunch. See details here.
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
Subic and Zambales Travel Requirements
Traveling to Subic and Zambales this new normal? Check out the latest Subic and Zambales travel requirements, entry protocols, and travel guidelines for tourists and visitors.
Don't miss visiting these top things to do and tourist spots in Subic and Zambales that you should include in your itinerary! Have fun and enjoy!
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