Basking in the beauty of the sunset
I was only told-slash-invited to this trip hours ahead before the scheduled departure and since I couldn't say no to Jem's puppy-dog eyes, I agreed to come along.
One of his classmate from UST invited them to come to her hometown and enjoy one of their very much accessible beach. We were heading to Sitio Liwliwa in San Felipe, Zambales.
Liwliwa Beach
The province of Zambales is located in Central Luzon and is very much accessible via land. The place is dotted with beaches since it lies on the north-eastern part of Luzon. It's 254 kilometers away from Manila and can be reached within 3-4 hours of driving. Zambales' beaches are known for the strong waves it offers alongside beaches of La Union and Aurora. Naturally, surfers pretty much flock this place during the summer season.
GOING THERE
The group agreed to meet up at Victory Liner Cubao Terminal since apparently, they're the only bus company who offers direct trip to the place we're going to.
Victory Liner Sta. Cruz (CTTO)
We were at the terminal by 4:30 AM but since we're not the only group travelling that day, the tickets we were able to avail were for the 8:00 AM bus :( The fare to San Felipe was PHP 315 but since Victory Liner charges PHP 5 for insurance fee, we paid a total of PHP 320 each.
Instead of milling about inside the terminal, we went to the nearest fast food chain to pass the time. FYI: playing card games, even the innocent ones, inside fast food chains are prohibited HAHA.
By 7:30 AM, we headed back to the terminal and waited for our bus. It arrived at 7:45 AM and immediately left by 8:00 AM. I have to say that Victory Liner is probably the most organized bus company out there.
Our trip took longer than expected because of the traffic and because we had to make a detour to Dau since one passenger took the wrong bus.
We arrived in San Felipe by 2:00 PM and hailed a tricycle to get us near the beach front; fare was PHP 30 each person.
WHERE TO STAY
Liwliwa is dotted with mini, affordable hostels where you can stay for the night or simply pay a cheaper price for use of their amenities (for day tours). We decided on paying the minimal fee of The Circle Hostel for the use of their showers after we ate our late lunch. Use of shower is for PHP 30.
The Circle Hostel (2nd from their 3 branches)
If you're planning on staying for the night you can easily book your stay using their website here. They offer hammocks, shared bunk beds, and dorm style beds. Their prices ranges from PHP 400 to PHP 500.
After changing to our swimming attire, we quickly walked to the beach, which was a 5 minute walk from the hostel.
Narrow side street towards the beach
THE BEACH
The place offers little to no shade at all so be ready with your sunblocks! Still, the beach is lined with kubos which you can rent. There are also mini kubos which can be used for free.
The use of the beach is for free, just remember to practice LNT!
Jem and I brought our tent so we can safely store all our belongings. We spent our day just simply playing on the beach. Screaming at the oncoming big waves and just, enjoying the heat, sand, and water.
New friends!
From left to right: Nathan (@supernathant), Jeanne, Wendy (@wendooodle), Nicole (@niicgonzales), Nadz (@nadiabeatrice), Chino (@chinorobeniol), Myrr (@micromyrr), me! (@tatinzkii), and Jem (@jemroxas)
We also rented a skimboard (surf boards were not advisable for use since the waves are still too small) and tried the sport for ourselves (Rental rate is PHP 300 for half day).
From left to right: Nathan (@supernathant), Jeanne, Wendy (@wendooodle), Nicole (@niicgonzales), Nadz (@nadiabeatrice), Chino (@chinorobeniol), Myrr (@micromyrr), me! (@tatinzkii), and Jem (@jemroxas)
We also rented a skimboard (surf boards were not advisable for use since the waves are still too small) and tried the sport for ourselves (Rental rate is PHP 300 for half day).
Luckily, a local approached us and taught us the basics of using the board :D I think he saw us stumbling whenever we use it so he kinda pitied us HAHA
By 5:30 PM we decided to chill for the rest of our stay. We bought beers and sat along the shores to enjoy the wonderful sunset.
Of course, we also had our kodakan moments!
By nightfall, we immediately packed our stuff and head back to The Circle Hostel to wash up.
Because the line for the shower was too long we had a chance to relax and be amazed by the unique interior of The Circle Hostel.
WHERE TO EAT
Finding a place to eat at Liwliwa is not hard since the placed is lined up with carinderias which offer cheap food and drinks. We ate our late lunch at one of the food stalls facing The Circle Hostel and the cost was around PHP 100 or less each meal. By walking along the sandy road, you'll be greeted by various stores which sells other viand as well.
Street in Sitio Liwliwa which is lined with hostels and food stalls (CTTO)
By 8:30 PM, we were hurrying our dinner so as to not miss the bus back to Manila.
We rode another tricycle to take us back to the main road. The fare was still PHP 30 each even though we were cramped and overloaded (honestly, they charge unfairly).
We waited for a bus with a Cubao sign for about 30 minutes but encountered none. Luckily, an empty UV Express travelling to Olongapo stopped in front of us. The fare from San Felipe to Olongapo, Victory Liner Terminal was PHP 70 and travel time was about an hour.
Luckily, when we arrived at the terminal, their Cubao-bound bus was still waiting for passengers. We paid PHP 235 each. You can consider following this route should you plan on visiting Liwliwa DIY style since it's cheaper.
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and for the moment you all have been waiting for
Travel Expenses
Bus from Cubao to San Feliper - PHP 320/person
Tricycle to Liwliwa - PHP 30/person
Shower access from The Circle Hostel - PHP 30/person
Skimboard Rental - PHP 300/9 = PHP 33/person
Food Expenses (depends on how much you eat HAHA) = PHP 300/person
Tricycle to San Felipe Terminal = PHP 30/person
UV Express to Olongapo Victory Liner Terminal = PHP 70/person
Bus from Olongapo to Cubao = PHP 235/person
Total of 1,048.00 per person
Not bad especially for someone like Jem and I who are known as big cheapskates! HAHA
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