One Day Itinerary in Zambales, Philippines

  • 9:00AM: Mt. Tapulao Trailhead
    1 hour 20 minutes (30 miles) from the city center

    Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you start trekking up Mt. Tapulao. This 6-8 hour hike is perfect for adventure-seekers looking for a challenge. The trail takes you through mossy forests and grassy slopes, leading up to the scenic summit. Be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the South China Sea.

  • 1:00PM: Anghalo Falls
    3 hours 15 minutes (70 miles) from Mt. Tapulao

    Cool off and relax at Anghalo Falls, a serene oasis in the middle of the jungle. A short hike through the forest takes you to a series of cascading waterfalls and refreshing natural pools. Take a dip in the cool waters or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Don't forget to take plenty of photos!

  • 4:30PM: San Salvador Island
    1 hour 20 minutes (25 miles) from Anghalo Falls

    End your day with a stunning sunset view at San Salvador Island, a small but beautiful island off the coast of Zambales. Take a boat ride to the island and stroll along the pristine white sand beach. Swim in the clear turquoise waters and snap some photos with the picturesque rock formations. Watch as the sky turns into a mesmerizing display of colors during sunset.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mt. Tapulao Trek (8 hours, free)
  • Anghalo Falls Hike (1.5 hours, free)
  • Boat ride to San Salvador Island (30 minutes, PHP 500 for 5 people)
  • Total Estimated Costs: PHP 1000

Transportation

Getting around Zambales can be challenging as there is limited public transportation available. For this itinerary, it is recommended to rent a car or hire a private driver to take you to each destination. Expect to spend around PHP 3000 for the entire day, inclusive of gas and driver's fee.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone or a beach hopping tour. If you have less time, you can skip the trek to Mt. Tapulao and just visit Anghalo Falls and San Salvador Island. Bring snacks, hydration, and wear appropriate hiking shoes for the trek.

Airports

The nearest airport to Zambales is Clark International Airport (CRK) in Angeles City, Pampanga, which is about 50 miles away. It is the primary airport that serves the region with domestic and international flights from various destinations. It is also possible to reach Zambales via Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) which is about 120 miles away.

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