Our first for 2018: A trip to San Narciso, Zambales

Another year, another set of adventures waiting to be told!

Since Jem and I were hoping to follow through our promise of 1 adventure per month, we spontaneously decided to go beach camping last January 27. This was so unlike us since we particularly like planning ahead and making sure that everything is as smooth as it can get before heading out. But since we were too busy with all of our personal stuff, when Jem saw an opportunity for an out of town trip, he immediately grabbed it!

If I remember correctly, it was not until the day before our planned departure did we finally decide on a place to visit. We were contemplating of going back to Bataan and stay at Stella Mariz again (see post here) or heading to Batangas. But since we both wanted to go somewhere new, we decided on calling Crystal Beach Resort to ask if they can accommodate us.

Come Friday evening, we still haven't talked about our plan (as to when are we leaving, what are the things to bring, etc) but since I have classes the day after, I slept through it and simply waited for Jem's instructions. Yes, I am not very helpful HAHA.

Since we will be coming from Manila, the trip to San Narciso was estimated to last from 3 to almost 4 hours. We were now freely allowed to use the car of Jem's sister as long as we advise her ahead of time, have it checked before leaving, and of course, return it with gas on its tank!

We entered Crystal Beach Resort in Waze and simply followed the direction. However, since Waze seemed to hate SCTEX, we decided on using Google Maps instead :)) From Balintawak exit, we proceeded to the Clark Airport exit of NLEX and continued on to SCTEX. We exited at Olongapo and drove until we reach Zambales then Crystal Beach! We paid a total of PHP 293 for the toll. 

Since we left Manila at around 2:30 in the afternoon, we arrived at the resort sometime after 7PM (because of stop-overs and whatnot).

Crystal Beach might seem pricey to budget travelers (like us) so we actually contemplated if we really wanted to stay at the place. The overnight for campers costs PHP 899/person inclusive of entrance fee, tent pitching, and buffet breakfast. Also, you have to check out at 12 PM the next morning or you'll be charged with an additional PHP 500/person for the day trip rate. Though you can simply check out your tent and stay at the resort until 2 PM. Probably the deal breaker for the both of us was the very appealing buffet breakfast so we decided to give it a go! (for the complete rates, you can visit their website here).

Aside from the PHP 899 overnight fee, you have to pay a PHP 100/person for security deposit. This is refundable upon checkout.

Crystal Beach Resort's Reception Area 

One of their camping areas for those who brought their own gear

One of their camping areas for those who brought their own gear

Crystal Beach Resort is originally a camping resort, but they have also developed villas and kubos for those who don't want having sand on their beds. Though their most famous accommodation would be their Glamping Tents.

Crystal Beach Glamping Tents - inside, you can find you own bedding, pillows, electric fan, and light

Two of their villas - others are found near the reception area

They have a lot of camping areas for those who brought their own tents. However, to those who will be staying and renting the resort's tent, you will be having your own private camping site.

Camp site for those who borrowed tents from the resort - you'll be using Coleman tents ;)

The good thing about Crystal Beach are the numerous pine trees surrounding the area. Sunlight would not be so much of your problem since they got plenty of shade around their camp sites.

Jem and I settled near the entrance to the waters. We set up our tent and brought in our numerous stuff we bring for our DIY glamping! :))

Our DIY glamping! Yes we brought all those stuff with us! HAHA

NOTE: Crystal Beach has this cart which you can use to bring your stuff to the beach fom the reception area so you would't have to go back and forth. We actually didn't know this so we probably went back to the car 4-5 times before we finished our set up!

ANOTHER QUICK AND IMPORTANT NOTE: They charge a ridiculous amount for food and drinks bought outside (corkage) something around PHP 50 per bottle of local beer as an example. But we were luckily not asked to pay for this. We actually don't know how they choose people exempted from this rule :\ so be careful, I guess???

Before I forget, they also offer this Jungle Hostel which is a little ways off from the camping areas. You got the complete privacy here because of the numerous pine trees and it is quite secluded. 

 The cottages are hidden along the sides of the walkway among the pine trees!

During Saturdays, the resort offers an acoustic night at their in-house restaurant. After that, you can sit and watch the fire dance show. We honestly didn't watch this because we were just really tired and wanted to relax near our tent. So we simply cracked open a cold one ;) and proceeded on having one of our beloved drinking sesh!

Come morning, we woke up early since the buffet breakfast was from 6AM to 9AM only. We immediately headed to their restaurant and have our fill! Their buffet consisted of rice meals, with longganisa, adobo, and some fluffy eggs as viands. They also have cereals, goto, and champorado. Aside from that, they also served pancakes, bread, and salad! For drinks, they have juices, coffee, and tea. 

Their in-house restaurant where you will avail your buffet breakfast! I was not able to get a picture of the inside cause we were too busy eating HAHA but it is very spacious, has a veranda and is open space :)

We rested for a bit since our tummies were bursting before heading out. After eating, we decided to burn the calories we got by swimming!!!

Surfing is one of the famous activity here in Zambales so you won't be disappointed since Crystal Beach offers that! They have been the host of various surfing contests and actually is the home of the Quiksilver Philippines Surf Academy. 

Surf board for rent!

You can apply for a surfing tutorial from basic to advance for PHP 400/person per hour. You can learn more about their offerings here.

Since they offer surfing classes, beach goers are only allowed to swim within the flags set up by the resort so to avoid accidents (remember! surf boards are huuuggeee and hard). Also, the waves here get very big so be sure to have your swimming buddy!

After our play in the waters, we got out at 11 AM since we still need to fix our tent for the 12 PM check-out. After that, we washed ourselves at one of their public toilets which I tell you is very beautiful! It's like from a 4 star hotel! Anyway, after cleaning up, we stayed at the beach for a while for some photo-op :)

Be sure to check out the place cause they got plenty of animals around! Especially birds <3

Here are the other amenities of the resort: 

They got plenty of parking spaces: 

Designated smoking areas:

Gaming hut! - they offer billiards, table tennis, and table hockey(?) for a minimal fee

A basketball court:

Not sure what this is but looks like a function hall HAHA

Obstacle course for company or family team buildings:

ANNNDDD I wanted to include this cause they got plenty of recycled swings around the place! HAHA

We left the resort at 2 PM on the dot and drove back south to Manila! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

And for the breakdown of our expenses:

Toll Fee: PHP 293/one way = PHP 586/2 = PHP 293/person

Entrance Fee: PHP 899/person + PHP 100/person (security deposit - refundable) = PHP 999/person

Gas: PHP 1200/2 = PHP 600/person

Food and Drinks: PHP 200/2 = PHP 100/person 

TOTAL OF PHP 1,992.00/PERSON :)

Note: we only stayed there from 7PM to 2PM the next day (19 hours)

You can visit Crystal Beach Resort's website by going to http://www.crystalbeach.com.ph

All of the information you need can be found there so read away! 

For us, we might go back to Crystal Beach if we have the budget for it HAHA