Guide Book to Zambales- 07-23

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ThisGuideBookisproducedby 

ZAMBALESLIFESAVINGINC. 

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whichhasefectedthenveryadversely. 

Alprofitsfrom advertisingwilgotoourFreeto 

thePublicSwim-safeprogram andourScholarship 

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female,asLifeguards,foraDrown-freeZambales.

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Also to increase the free to the public Swim-safe program for children. 

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About the Author. 

I am originally from Australia, I first visited the Philippines in 1969, loved the country, its people and its 

potential. 

I migrated to the Philippines in the mid 1980’s and started investigating potential areas to start a 

business. In 1987, I leased a vacant property in Iba and with Board of Investment approval, built Rama 

International Beach Resort, opening in December of 1988. This, I sold in 1997 and does still operate as 

Palmera Garden Beach Resort. 

I met my wife in 1988 and we married in 1992. In 1994, we decided to expand and purchased a defunct 

prawn hatchery property in Binoclutan Botolan and started to develop that through to opening that in 

1995 transferring the Rama name to there in 1997 after selling the Iba business and lease. 

I was instrumental in starting the Zambales Resort Owners Association (ZamROA) to promote the area and 

also commenced a water safety program to encourage resorts to have trained and capable lifeguards for 

the safety of their customers, including the training of same. 

After my retirement in December of 2013, I continued the water safety program with ZamROA until they 

dropped it in March 2014 due to concern that if some untoward accident occurred, that the association 

would be liable. 

In 2015, I formed Zambales Lifesaving Inc. (ZLI), a non-stock, non-profit organization to continue the water 

safety program and applied for accreditation with the Philippine Coast Guard, who, under RA9993 are the 

controlling body of lifeguards in the Philippines. In 2016, ZLI gained its accreditation and has operated 

from then until now, training Lifeguards and other programs to make Zambales Beaches safer for locals 

and visitors, both local and International. 

Thus, I have a background of almost 30 years in the Zambales Resort Industry and more than 50 years in 

water safety and Lifeguard training including my earlier Australian background. 

I am proud to say that our Resort had never, during our time running it, ever experienced a fatal drowning 

incident since it was never without trained lifeguards who were knowledgeable in drowning prevention as 

well as emergency response.

Hermana 

Mayor Is. 

PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES 

Hermana 

Menor Is. 

LUZON 

Mt. Lanat 

Arenas Pt. 

Oyon Bay 

San Salvador Is. 

Magalawa Is. 

High Peak 

Philippines 

Botolan 

Mt. Dome 

West 

Philippine 

Sea 

Mt. 

Pinatubo 

Capones 

Island 

Light 

Capones Is. 

Silanguin Is. 

Subic 

Bay 

Grande 

Is. 

Subic Bay 

Freeport 

Zone

Cover 

Authors introduction 

Beaches 

Outings 

Skim boarding 

Surfing 

Fishing 

Mt. Pinatubo 

Mt. Tapulao 

Attractions: 

Listed by Municipality. (North to South) 

This area is constantly under review as 

new information is gained. 

Business Directory 

You can advertise your business / services here.

A quick guide to the treasures that 

Zambales has to offer: 

Beaches: 

One of Zambales' greatest attractions is its 173 kilometers of coast line 

containing some of the best beaches in the Philippines. These beaches are 

unique, having silky silver sands, that sparkle in the sun. They also offer 

many unspoiled coral reefs, alive with aquatic species, including Sea Turtles 

that hatch their eggs along the Zambales coast line from late August until 

December each year. There are some resorts, such as Rama International 

Beach Resort in Botolan, that operate turtle hatcheries with the approval of 

the DENR, so as to protect the species. 

You may be lucky enough to be at one of these resorts and assist them when 

they release newly hatched turtles.

Outings: 

Zambales, having some of the best beaches in the Philippines, has become a 

very popular destination for company outings, as the beaches are generally 

uncrowded and the majority of resorts are well setup for such outings and can 

arrange bonfires and suggest a number of games and competitions that can 

be great for team bonding.

Skim Boarding: 

Zambales has, in recent years, enjoyed great popularity in this unique sport, possibly 

because there is not a lot of money required to get started, thus, is an affordable 

sport for low income earners. 

Many of the beaches in Zambales are ideal with their gradual slope that often is 

accompanied by a small shore break. 

Skim boarding competitions are also becoming popular in the area which is really 

improving the ability of the youngsters who are joining the sport.

Surfing: 

Zambales has, for many years, been regarded as one of the best surfing 

destinations in easy reach of Manila. Though it is not all year round, the coastline 

lends itself to creating some great surf, especially for beginner surfers. This is due 

to the fact that the most common waves in the area are best described as “spilling” 

waves, which are by far the best waves for learning to surf. La Paz in San Narciso 

is undoubtedly the home of surfing in Zambales due to the efforts of some of the 

resort owners who are surfing enthusiasts and have been surfing the area since 

the mid 1990’s. 

There are at least 2 resorts in San Narciso where you can rent surfboards if you 

wish to try your hand at it. 

La Paz is also the home of the Quiksilver Surfing Academy who offer classes from 

basic beginner to advanced. 

Other areas are also becoming popular such as Pundaquit San Antonio, Botolan 

and Cabangan. 

• Photo: Matt Gillan

Fishing: 

To date, very few people realize the sport fishing potential of Zambales. It is not 

unusual to encounter Sailfish and Marlin along the outer reef areas; however, 

local fishermen tend to avoid them as they can sink the smaller banca boats that 

the locals use, also having outriggers makes it very difficult to land them. Also 

common in the entire coastline are Giant Trevally, Grouper, Dolphin Fish, 

Spanish mackerel, Yellow Fin Tuna and in December - January Blue Fin Tuna, 

Marlin and Sailfish. 

Possibly this is something that will develop in the future. 

Locals with a Sailfish in San Narciso 

Photo: Matt Gillan

Zambales on the West contains the Zambales Mountains, 

areas of which offer some awesome trekking. 

Mt. Pinatubo: 

The volcano last erupted in June 1991, causing massive damage throughout the 

South of the Province, though it became dormant again shortly after. It continued 

to wreak havoc for many years due to Lahar flows and flooding as many of the 

rivers were filled with Lahar. The Government response at the time was to build 

levies along the banks to retain the Lahar in the rivers, this, however, caused 

flooding until nature intervened by forming new rivers. The last major flooding was 

as recent as 2009 when one of the levies collapsed in Botolan, causing loss of life 

and severe property and infrastructure damage and cutting the National highway 

for months. 

Mt. Pinatubo today hosts a lake in its crater. 

You can travel by 4 X 4 through the Lahar fields and climb the rim for spectacular 

views of the crater lake. The Botolan Tourism Office have available tours for this.

Mt. Tapalao: 

To find this on your map you will most likely need the geographical name, which is 

"High Peak". At 2037 meters, this is the highest point in the Zambales Mountains, 

locally know as Mt. Tapalao, for the "fire trees", that are abundant near its peak. 

There is a track right to the top, which offers some great trekking. You start 

through grassland and at around 600 meters, you come to pristine rain forest. If 

you look carefully there are some game trails that lead off the main track, many of 

these lead to interesting areas, water is available from springs in the area, to rely 

on this though, arrange a guide through the local Barangay office. A reasonably 

easy one day trek, but suggest you start early if you want to truly explore the area. 

On a clear day, from the peak, one can see from Subic Bay to Bolinao. 

REMEMBER THOUGH "Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foot 

prints" so this will remain for the enjoyment of future generations.

The following covers each Municipality. 

Listings are North to South. 

Sta. Cruz. 

Candelaria. 

Masinloc. 

Palauig. 

Iba. 

Botolan. 

Cabangan. 

San Felipe. 

San Narciso. 

San Antonio. 

San Marcelino. 

Castillejos. 

Subic. 

Olongapo City. 

Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

Business Directory. 

Should you have any input / comments, 

it would be most appreciated. 

You can email your suggestions to: 

zambalesguidebook@gmail.com 

Please place “Suggestions” in the Subject line 

You may also visit our web page: 

www.zambalesphilippines.com 

Footnote: Some of the photos used in this publication were 

derived from Google Maps, photos, where possible I have 

credited the owners, should you see a photo of yours, 

please contact us on the above , so I can add your credit.

Santa Cruz 

Established in 1612, it has a population nearing 60,000 

and is the Northern most municipality. It boarders with 

the Province of Pangasinan to the North and East and the 

Zambales Municipality of Candelaria to the South. 

Attractions: 

Sagrada Famila Caves, this 

vast network of limestone 

caves is quite easily 

accessible. In fact, 

someone has made 

stairways in the steeper 

parts of the terrain that 

one needs to transverse. 

The walk from the nearest 

accessible area by vehicle 

takes less than an hour. At 

one point, you will pass a 

lookout that offers 

fantastic views of the 

coastline and the nearby 

islands of Hermana Mayor 

and Hermana Meno. To 

reach the area of the 

caves, you pass through 

some beautiful tree lined 

areas that are almost 

tropical rain forest in 

nature. It is rumored that 

many of the caves are still 

unexplored and that some 

actually lead to an 

underground river.

There are a few of the caves that transfer through to open cavern areas. 

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off season or special promotions. 

Email zambalesguidebook@gmail.com 

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CANDELARIA 

Established in 1670, it has a population nearing 30,000 

and boarders with Sta. Cruz to the North, Masinloc 

South and Pangasinan and Tarlac East. 

Tourist attractions: 

Includes a number of beaches: Putipot Island, a somewhat undeveloped paradise set in 

quiet waters and Lake Uacon offers a wonderful unspoiled ecosystem of mangroves 

and pristine waters and home to local sea birds. There are also some limestone 

formations and caves in the mountain areas. 

There are a number of Beach Resorts along the Uacon area, the sand is fine and gray, 

compared to the white sands of Potipot Island. A number of events are held in the area 

each year, especially swimming events as the waters are generally very calm.

Potipot Island: 

The Island offers white sand beaches and some unique accommodation, day use for picnics 

is very common.

Uacon Lake: 

Uacon lake is a very interesting and complicated ecosystem. It generally remains open to the 

West Philippine sea, therefore, is tidal and brackish in its lower reaches and crystal clear clean 

fresh water in its upper reaches where it is fed from the runoff of the Zambales mountains. 

One of the amazing things is that almost always, in the tidal area, one can find seahorses, 

which are in large numbers. The lake shores have many areas of Mangroves and are home to 

many native birds. 

For a number of years, Dragon Boat races were held on the lake.

Caves & Trekking: 

In the low areas of the Zambales mountains, West of Candelaria, are a number of 

Limestone cave formations, one of which is "Wave Rock" a massive limestone overhang. 

This is reasonably easy to get to and follows along one of the rivers that feeds in Lake 

Uacon.

MASINLOC 

Established in 1572 and has a population nearing 

50,000. It boarders with Candelaria to the North and 

Palauig South. 

This was one of the early Capitals of Zambales under 

the Spanish. 

Tourist attractions are: 

San Salvador Island and Marine sanctuary. San Salvador is also noted in the Guinness 

book of Records for having the Worlds Sweetest Mangos.

Eco Marine park including a giant clam breeding area and other attractive bays and 

inlets, with several small islands within.

The old Koto Mine which has been converted to a recreation area known as Kidz Pool, 

offers pristine spring water and a spectacular waterfall. There is even an airstrip at the 

location.

The 18th Century San Andres Parish Church in Barangay South Poblacion, is a National 

Cultural Treasure of the Philippine Museum. 

There is also a great picnic boardwalk area on the bay side, near the public market.

There is also a large Power station at Masinloc.

PALAUIG 

Established in 1870 with a population nearing 

35,000. It boarders with Masinloc on the North, 

Tarlac on the West and Iba, the Provincial Capital 

on the South. 


Mt Tapulao at 2,037 meters is the highest peak in the Zambales Ranges. It's 

geographical name is in fact "High Peak", thus, you cannot find Mt. Tapulao on most 

maps, as it is the local name given by the Aeta Natives in reference the the "Tapulao 

(fire) trees" (Pine trees) that abound on its upper slopes. This is a great adventure with a 

very versified geography. At the base of the Mountain you have the headwaters of the 

Bagsit River, a geothermal area on which a Thermal Power Station was erected in 

Marcos times, but, like the Bataan Nuclear Power point, was never commissioned. That 

road, though now much is washed out, also leads to the mines at the back of the 

mountain.

There is road access to the top via the old mining road, which was used to transport 

chromite from the mine near the top. As it is in poor condition, it is best to hike the 

area and local guides are available. The trek starts in grasslands and at around the 

600 meter elevation turns into lush rain forest. If one is observant, there are a 

number of game trails that can be explored also; however, beware of leaches, 

scorpions and snakes which abound in the area. Once through the rain forest, which 

ends at around 1800 meters elevation, you come into a forest of pine trees. On a 

clear day one can see clear to the Subic Freeport Zone in the South and Bolinao to 

the North and a spectacular view of the entire Zambales coastline.

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Magalawa Island, off the South most tip of Masinloc Bay, though still within Palauig is 

a small island with pristine waters and abundant with star fish and aquatic life, 

though privately owned it is developing into a popular tourist destination.

Mugalawa Island photos courtesy of their Facebook page

IBA 

Capital of Zambales 

Established in 1611 and with a population of just over 

50,000. It boarders with Palauig on the North, 

Botolan on the South and Tarlac on the East. 

It is the Provincial Capitol of Zambales since 1901 when under the American administration it 

was moved from Masinloc as Iba was more central. As the Capitol, all Government agencies 

are located in Iba. It has a thriving business area that has seen massive growth over the last 

decade, it also has an operational airport. 


Known as the "Home of Beautiful Beaches". Its beaches are by far its biggest attraction with 

many high quality resorts in the area.

There is an annual Sand Sculpturing Competition held in Iba each year. 

Bangantalinga Iba Zambales 

Phone 047 811 2109

It is also home to the Dinamulag Festival, (Local dialect name for Mango, for which the 

Province is famous for) held each April and the Paynauen Festival held each May.

The Dinamulog (Mango) Festival 

is a spectacular event. It 

includes Street Dancing 

Competition, talent quests and a 

trade show of Zambales 

Products. It also includes 

information and new 

technologies for the Mango 

Growers. 

The event culminates in the 

Crowning of Miss Zambales and 

Miss Zambales Tourism who will 

represent Zambales in the 

promotion of the Province and 

Tourism for the coming year. 

This event is to celebrate the 

fact that Zambales Mangoes are 

according the the Guinness Book 

of Records, the Sweetest 

Mangoes in the World.

Sta. Barbara Waterfalls: 

This is quite a trek that requires a 4 X 4 and negotiating some difficult terrain, so if 

you want to enjoy the adventure, make sure to leave early in the morning.

Iba is also home of the Zambales Lifeguard Challenge, sponsored by Standard Insurance and 

Rees and Prints, an International Surf Lifesaving Sports event and the Junior Lifesavers 

Nippers Carnival, (a Junior Lifesaver's event) sponsored by Broadwater Marine and RDH 

Marine, for kids 5 and above, generally held every March at Palmera Garden Hotel and Beach 

Resort in Bangantalinga, just 4 Km. North of town proper, to showcase the efforts of aquatic 

safety and training initiated by Zambales Lifesaving Inc. 

NOTE: Due 

the the 

COVID-19 

Lock-down 

the event 

will be 

rescheduled 

, most likely 

Mid to late 

November 

2020.

, 

Botolan 

The Municipality of Botolan established in 1572, 

making it, along with Masinloc and Subic, the 

oldest established areas in the province. By 

area, it is the largest municipality and contains 

some 735 square kilometers and a population 

of almost 60,000, but by, population to area, it 

is one of the least populated. 

Tourist Attractions: 

Botolan possibly offers more than all the other areas, as it is extremely diverse. 

It is the "Home" of Mt. Pinatubo. It also offers some spectacular waterfalls, eco 

river parks and some of the best beaches in Zambales. There are also tours 

available through the areas of Lahar, left from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 

1991. 

It is home to Mt. Pinatubo, which lays on its Eastern boundary where it adjoins the 

provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga.

Botolan was also an important area for the Spanish where they had a large 

trading port at the Bucao River, then known as Puerto Ginto (Port of Gold) which 

was mined in the adjoining Mt. Binoclutan. This mine continued through the 

American Era, (1898 – 1946) and was then known as the Johnson Mine. 

Unfortunately, the expansive wharf system, built of adobe stone was destroyed 

by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the subsequent lahar flows and flooding 

which continued for some years after the eruption. 

It also hosts a number of other attractions such as some of the best beaches in 

Zambales. The Barangays of Binoclutan and Porac house a number of the early 

established resorts in Zambales, most of which are adjacent to coral reefs.

www.ramabeach.com 

https://www.facebook.com/RamaBeachfrontResort/

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These areas also house the older resorts, most established in the mid to late 

1980’s. Thus, the majority are large in area and a number support large grounds 

and gardens, which are ideal for family and company outings. The Bangan and 

Danacbunga areas are also starting to develop and host a number of resorts. 

Binoclutan is also well known for the Binoclutan Falls, a beautiful 3-tier waterfall 

that is an easy hike to get to and hosts the Johnson Mine at its upper falls area.

Locals are generally happy to guide you to the area. 

As with all of these areas, please respect the local environment, so remember 

“take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foot prints” so that others may 

also enjoy its beauty. 

Views also from the top are spectacular and give you a great panorama of the 

beaches to the West, the Bucao River and the Lahar fields to the North and East.

Another spectacular waterfall in the area is the “Tukal Tukal” (means “stairway” in 

the local Zambal dialect) falls, a great days outing; however, it requires a one hour 

4 X 4 ride followed by around a one hour hike to the falls, well worth the visit. 

Photo: Botolan Tourism

The Botolan Tourism Office organize trips to all of the attractions from the 

Botolan eco village known as Camp Kainomayan located at San Juan Botolan 

which also hosts a rock climbing wall, Paint Ball range and an ATV track. 

Another great attraction in that area is the Botolan Wildlife Farm, which houses a 

great display of animals in a zoo-like environment, including a Siberian Tiger. All 

located in lush grounds, with a beautiful display of native orchids. It also has a 

small swimming pool, accommodations and restaurant, great for the kids. 

For those who like to do a little paddling, there are two eco parks located on the 

Bancal River. This was a beautiful river, with tree-lined banks; however, flood 

mitigation works in 2018 replaced these with concrete. 

This is also a very historic area and was known as Fort La Playa Honda, also often 

referred to as Fort Paynauen. The area was also known as and was the residence 

of the first Filipino Governor of Zambales Don. Vincente Camara. Additionally, 

there was a sand fort at the entrance of the Bancal River to protect the Spanish

ships which moored in the river to transport rice back to Spain. It hosted the 

annual meeting of Mayors from the province; this was known as the Paynunan 

conference and is now celebrated as a festival in Iba. 

The eco parks cater for day use and have several floating “Kubos” where you can 

relax and picnic. They offer Kayaks and one paddleboat. 

Photo: Botolan Tourism 

If you have had enough of the water, then time to visit the plains of “Lahar” 

(Volcanic Ash) that are especially prevalent in the Bucao River Valley that leads 

directly to Mt. Pinatubo. These are easily accessible and offer some spectacular 

sites. In some areas, you will encounter walls of Lahar tens of meters high. These 

ravines are created where water has started to cut and slowly erode through the 

areas still to this day; some of these are truly spectacular. 

Some of these Lahar deposits were so great that dykes were built to contain 

them. Unfortunately, they also were constructed of Lahar. Almost 20 years after 

the eruption, during heavy rains in 2009, one of these collapsed in San Juan, 

sending trapped water and Lahar spilling through Botolan town cutting the 

National Highway for weeks and causing loss of life and massive property 

damage.

The amazing thing also is that even when you are in what appears to be the middle 

of nowhere, you will still find the locals, who are always willing to give advice and 

directions if you need. 

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FIESTAS and FESTIVALS: 

Botolan hosts two major festivals each year: 

Ina Poonbato, a religious festival held in January each year. It also hosts a market 

and native dance exhibitions, conducted by the Aeta tribesmen and women. 

The other is the Botolan Town Fiesta; celebrated as the “Domorokdok Festival” 

that occurs every May. It hosts spectacular displays of street dancing and a beauty 

pageant to select Miss Botolan, who will represent the municipality in the 

Provincial “Dinamulag (Mango) Festival”, conducted in Iba on April each year. 

There are also talent competitions. It also hosts a trade exhibition where the 

wares of Botolan are displayed to the public and potential buyers.

Another attraction between the months of September and January is the 

abundance of sea turtles that hatch their eggs along the Zambales Coast line. In the 

Binoclutan area, the previous operator of Rama Beach established a Turtle 

Hatchery, with approval of the DENR, which has released thousands of newly 

hatched turtles back into the sea and tagged larger turtles for monitoring. This was 

first established around 2005 in conjunction with the NGO Environmental 

Protection of Asia. The new operators of Rama have continued with this program 

which is great to see. If you are in the area around October to February, stop by 

and see if they have any scheduled hatchings and releases.

It is truly amazing to see the baby turtles digging their way out of the nest in which 

they were laid, about 60 - 90 cm under the sand. The average nest contains around 

100 eggs.

So like the Olive Ridley Turtle above, it is time to say Goodbye to Botolan 

until the next visit, as I am sure you will return to see more, also to enjoy the 

spectacular sunsets.

Cabangan 

Established in 1902 with a population of just over 

25,000. It boarders with Botolan on the North, San 

Felipe on the South and Pampanga on the East, is 

just 206 km from Manila. 

This was the last separated area in Zambales with 

its area coming from Botolan and San Felipe. This 

was for many years a sugar producing area, but 

since the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, all of this 

activity has ceased to function economically. 

Basically, it is rural, but recently has more 

development in beach resorts. 

Tourist Attractions: 

Beach resorts are now developing in this area and are fast becoming the major tourist 

attraction. 

It is also fast becoming a popular surfing destination. 

Cabangan is also famous for its annual Christmas tree competition, where Barangay's 

compete against each other to win the prime position in next years competition. This is 

conducted at the Municipal Plaza and is a great way to spend an evening enjoying the local 

delicacies from a number of food stalls that operate during the evenings.

Very popular for family outings and team building activities

https://www.activeboatingwatersports.com/

San Felipe 

Established in 1795 and with a population of less 

than 25,000. It boarders with Cabangan on the 

North, San Narciso on the South and Pampanga on 

the East and is just 196 km from Manila. 

Once purely an agricultural and fishing area sprinkled 

with some prawn hatcheries, it has developed a lot 

in the last few years. 


Beaches. 

With the growing interest in surfing, it has seen an upsurge in the development of Beach resorts, 

many specializing is surfing. 

The Liwa Liwa area has recently developed with a number of resorts. 

There are also interesting waterfalls and trekking areas nearby.

Photos: Google Maps.

San Narciso 

Established in 1846 and with a population of less than 

30,000. It boarders with San Felipe on the North, San 

Antonio on the South and San Marcelino on the East 

and is only 190 km from Manila. 


Beaches: 

Surfing: 

Known as "the Surfing Capital of Zambales", with locals promoting surfing since the early 1990's. 

This area was greatly effected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, as with the Sto. Tomas river just 

North, huge amounts of Lahar (Volcanic sand) was deposited along the beaches, thus, adding in 

some cases thousands of square meters to the existing properties, so much so that currently the 

local government is planning a new coastal road along the effected area which may well have a 

negative impact on the lands that had increased. 

This is also the home of the Quiksilver Surf Academy, a surfing school developed in 2012 by local 

surfers and resort operators. This has become one of the best known surf schools in reasonable 

reach of Manila. 

Additionally, this was an early area of resort development, thus, a number of quality resorts exist 

in this area. It is also one of the first areas, in conjunction with Zambales Lifesaving Inc., to have 

trained lifeguards on the beaches operating within patrolled areas for swimmers safety.

\

My sincere thanks to Ja Recitis-Cudal of the San Narciso Municipal Tourism Office for updated 

photos of many of the attractions in San Narciso.

Business Directory: 

To have your business or service placed here Email: zambalesguidebook@gmail.com 

http://www.zambaleslifesaving.org https://www.teesandprints.com/ http://www.rdhmarinesubic.com 

https://www.activeboatingwatersports.com/ 

https://www.broadwatermarine.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Standard- 

Insurance/509879392684868

Ja Recitis-Cudal

San Antonio 

Established in 1849 and with a population nearing 

35,000. It boarders with San Narciso on the North, San 

Marcelino, Castillejos and Subic on the East and is only 

189 km from Manila. 


San Antonio is most famous for Barangay Pundaquit, 

which is the jump off point for the Capones Island, atop 

of which sits a Light house constructed by the Spanish in 

the late 1800's and an old Spanish Marine barracks, it 

was known as "Islas de Punta Capones" during those 

times. 

There is also Camara Island and Anawangin, Nagsasa, Tilisayan and Silangan Coves, all of which are 

only accessible by boat and are popular camping destinations. 

During the time of the American Bases at Clark and Subic, the areas off Capones Islands were used 

as a firing range for Air force and Navy aircraft. 

Unfortunately, the area became very popular and grew without regulation, thus, there are many 

resorts closely crammed together. 

It is also home to Casa San Miguel, a retreat that specializes in music and and the teaching of 

musical instruments for children and students.

San Marcelino 

Established in 1843 with a population of less than 

34,000. It boarders with San Narciso on the North, 

San Antonio on the South and Pampanga on the East. 

This is one of the only two non-coastal Municipalities 

within Zambales, the other being Castillejos. 

San Marcelino is famous for its Singkamas, or more commonly known as Mexican Yam-bean 

or Mexican Turnip. This juicy sweet root crop is a great treat and can always be found for 

sale along the roads leading to and from the town. 

It also houses a pre World War II airstrip which was of great importance in recovering the 

Philippines from the Japanese in WWII. 

It also houses the Agricultural Branch of the Ramon Magsaysay State University, formally 

known as the Western Luzon Agricultural College. 


Mapanuepe Lake, originally this was 

formed in 1991 as an aftermath of the 

eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Lahar flows 

blocked the two major rivers of 

Mapanuepe Valley (Maranella River 

and Mapanuepe River) connecting 

Sto. Tomas River to the west. Much of 

the village was submerged in 

floodwater that resulted from the 

blocking of the rivers. This included 

the newly constructed high school 

which was left with only the second 

floor above the waters. 

The church of Bojaoen was also 

submerged except its steeple 

protruding out of the water until this 

day. 

It is also a gold mining area operated 

by Dizon Mines.

CASTILLEJOS 

Established in 1743, but only chartered as a 

Municipality in 1950. This is the most populated 

area of Zambales, having a land area of only 92.99 

square Kilometers housing a population of almost 

65,000. It boarders with San Marcelino on the 

North, Subic on the South. 

This is one of the only two non-coastal 

Municipalities within Zambales, the other being 

San Marcelino. 

This is the most industrialized of the provinces within Zambales. It hosts a large Bureau of 

Fisheries research station on the area known as Looc Lake, a large body of fresh water, 

covering more than 100 hectares. There was also talk of development in this area in 2015, 

but to date, that has not occurred. 

Tourist 

attractions: 

President Ramon 

Magsaysay 

Museum and was 

the later residence 

of President 

Magsaysay who 

was born in Iba 

Zambales. 

Looc lake. 

A large inland body 

of fresh water, it 

houses a Beureau 

of Fisheries 

research station 

researching fresh 

water fish species.

Looc Lake

SUBIC 

Established in 1572, this is the second most 

populated area of Zambales, having a land area 

of 267.16 square Kilometers housing a 

population of almost 105,000. It boarders with 

San Antonio and Castillejos on the North, 

Olongapo on the South and Pampanga on the 

East. 

It is also highly industrialized, especially in terms 

of ship repairs and ship building. 


Parts of coastal areas, Subic town proper and towards Olongapo house a number of 

resorts, most specializing in SCUBA diving and boating activities. 

The town proper also has an exceptionally good wet market, especially for fresh seafood.

https://www.rdhmarinesubic.com/

For the adventurers who like hiking, there is an area known as the "Three Peaks". This is 

around a 6 hour round trip but will give you some of the most spectacular views from the 

Subic Freeport Zone in the South to the Coves and inlets to San Antonio and beyond.

OLONGAPO 

CITY 

Established in 1750 and achieving city hood in 1966. 

This is the only city in Zambales and has a population 

of almost 235,000. It boarders with Subic on the North, 

the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on the South and Bataan 

on the East. 

Olongapo is very much a City and comprises mostly businesses and service related industries, it 

also houses two SM Malls. 

However it also hosts a very popular beach area and two resorts that offer inflatable aquatic 

recreation areas, referred to as "Inflatable Islands". 


Beaches and aquatic recreation abound is the areas of Barrio Barretto and Baloy Beach, these 

areas were very popular for R & R during the Vietnam era and when the US Bases remained, 

Barrio Barretto also hosts a number of Nightclubs. 

Pagasa Market, a bargain center for made to order and RTW clothing. 

Shopping, also the City market has an exceptionally good wet market, especially for fresh 

seafood's. Cinemas, the SM Malls both offer cinemas, the new City Mall also offer Ice skating. 

There are a number of Hotels in this area and major transport terminals.

TRICYCLE and MOTORCYCLE 

PHPJ00.40 

SEDAN, SUV/AUV and PICK-UP 

PHP 610.40 

ALL KINDS o/TRUCK & BUSES 

PHP 1250.40 

[f] @SiciOlongapoSBMABataanZombales; @@standardinsurance_olongapo

SUBIC BAY 

FREEPORT 

ZONE 

Comprising portions of Zambales & Bataan, it is the 

gateway to Zambales 

Originally a Spanish Naval Station, then under the settlement of the Spanish American War, it 

was ceded to the United States of America under the treaty of Paris in 1898. 

It remained a US Naval base, even after Philippine Independence in 1946 (except during the 

Japanese occupation of the Philippines 1941 - 1945) until March 13, 1992, when the Philippine 

Congress passed Republic Act 7227, known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 

1992, in anticipation of the pullout of the US military bases in the country. Section 13 of RA 

7227 created the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to develop and manage the 

Freeport which provides tax and duty-free privileges and incentives to business located in the 

special economic zone. The area is now known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone which is 

managed by SBMA. 

The area is almost the perfect mix of Commerce and Tourism, with a large base of 

manufacturing, export and import, tourism attractions, eco tourism sites and theme parks along 

with hotels and resorts. 


Hotels and Resorts 

Water Parks 

Ocean Adventure Marine Park 

Treetop Adventure and Zip line 

Beaches 

Sailing 

Para sailing 

Jet ski hire 

Jungle Evasion and Survival Training Camp (JEST) 

SCUBA Diving 

Museum of artifacts recovered from ancient ship wrecks 

International Cruise Ship Terminal 

Airport and Pilot training centers 

The Department if Tourism has labeled it "The # 1 tourist destination in Region III".

Pamulaklakin Forest Trail

Ocean Adventure.

Treetop Adventure.

https://www.rdhmarinesubic.com/

Sailing.

Business Directory: 

To have your business or service placed here Email: zambalesguidebook@gmail.com 

http://www.zambaleslifesaving.org https://www.teesandprints.com/ http://www.rdhmarinesubic.com 

https://www.activeboatingwatersports.com/ 

https://www.broadwatermarine.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Standard- 

Insurance/509879392684868 

For a "Drown-free" Zambales

ADVERTISING RATES 

Business card (in business directory P 1,000.00 per year. 

Quarter page P3,000.00 per year 

Half page P4,500.00 per year 

Full page P7,500.00 per year 

Custom size available, ask for quote. 

All advertising inquires to: 

zambalesguidebook@gmail.com 

All profits from advertising go to Zambales Lifesaving Inc. for support of their FREE to the public 

Drowning Awareness and Prevention programs, such as Swim-safe and their Scholarship training 

program for unemployed Zambalaneó youths, both male and female. 

www.zambaleslifesaving.org 

+63 (0) 966 659 7513 

Email: slszambales@gmail.com

Guide Book to Zambales- 07-23

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