Spontaneous road trips are the best. It doesn’t matter where you’re off to, just grab everything you need and go. As the famous quote says, “It’s all about the journey, not the destination”. And in this conviction did our first trip as a group kicked off.
June 12 -14, 2015. Independence day long weekend. The late start of a summer escapade in the rainy season did not hinder our impulsive want to travel. Our destination? Crystal Beach, Zambales.
Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso, Zambales is approximately 3.5 hours from the metro via North Luzon Express Way (NLEx)/Subic-Clark-Tarlac Express Way (SCTEx). Quick tip though, if you’re travelling on a long weekend, expect the travel time to be longer as traffic usually builds up in toll gates. In our case, took us more than 4 hours to get there.
Zambales is located in Central Luzon and is alongside the West Philippine Sea. Crystal beach is also known as a surfers’ lair. Having been declared surfing newbies in a previous trip, we expected to ride the waves again in Zambales, but unfortunately we arrived to the calmest ocean that we’ve ever seen; hence, no surfing for us. Good thing the resort had tons of activities to offer.
- Crystal Beach
We were accommodated at the House of Judah, a non-airconditioned cottage for 10pax which costs Php5,950/night. The hut is very basic: mattresses and pillows for 10 plus common electric fan. It is a two-storey set-up with the ground floor as a chill/hangout area while the 2nd floor serves as the sleeping quarters. A common bathroom is located a few steps nearby.
- House of Judah. Exterior Facade.
- House of Judah. Sleeping Area at 2nd Floor.
The laid back atmosphere of the cottage and its ideal beachfront location overlooking the peaceful view of the sea fronted by lush growth of pine-like agoho trees is the perfect introduction to our 3-day adventure. We just wanted to slump our bodies down and relax but our stomachs were shouting 'feed me'!
The compound is a huge lot comprising of separate cottages/tents/huts, activity areas, a restaurant, and more. You can choose to drive out of the compound to eat or try their restaurant/grille. For our group of 8, we just order 2-3 types of viands, double that, and 8 cups of rice. One meal usually costs our group at around Php700 - 900, which is very economical (No photos of the food, though).
Our first day was a lazy day for us, no definite agenda, just sit and relax by the beach.
The wide beach is also perfect for activities such as frisbee and volleyball.
And then this absolutely beautiful sunset left us in awe.
We capped off our night with some drinks by the beach. Bringing in alcoholic beverages has a corkage fee of a whopping Php300/bottle, so bring in your strongest drink to make the most out of that expensive corkage charge. :-p
DAY TWO
The second day of our trip started with the free breakfast buffet included in all accommodation types.
The usual breakfast buffet: Fried Rice, Fried Tinapa, Adobo, Sausages, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit and Juice
Since we booked House of Judah Cottage for 1 night only because of its unavailability, on our 2nd day, we were transferred to a different type of accommodation: glamping style!
- Glamping tents under the shade of the trees
Inside Glamping Tent
Inside Glamping Tent
The glamping cottage is good for a minimum of 2 beds to a maximum of 3 beds for Php800 each. The 3 beds combined can accommodate 4 people depending on your comfort level. So the cost of our glamping tent is Php800 x 3pax + Php600 for the extra person for a total of Php3000/night x 2 tents. This already includes towels, toiletries, and comfy pillows. We had actually felt more comfortable and slept more soundly in the glamping tent than in the cottage; probably because the mattress is thicker and softer. :-)
The resort's facilities are very suitable to team building and family activities. Check out their website for the complete list of activities.
- Billiards. Php100/hr fee
Obviously, our beach trip won't be complete without actually swimming in the sea! :-) Beware of the sea urchins though! They are very inconspicuous under the dark sand and waters! Life guards are on standby, just in case.
DAY 3
Feeling refreshed from our very snug and cozy sleep in our glamping tents, we planned an island hopping tour on our last day. Crystal beach is in close proximity to the famous Zambales coves. In this boat ride, however; we opt for Capones Island in Brgy.Pundaquit. Our limited time allowed us to visit 1 destination only (Anawangin Cove being the other option). This 1-destination island hopping boat rental costed us Php3,500 for an approximately 4-hour trip.
- Snorkelling
- At the Lighthouse ruins in Capones Island
- The large white pebbles of Capones Island
- Great view from the Capones Island cliff
- Capones Island Light house
Needless to say, our 3D2N trip has been short but enjoyable, not to mention, within budget.
All in all, Crystal Beach is definitely one of the best easy to drive to destinations outside Metro Manila should your spontaneity hits you as well!
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
House of Judah accommodation
...........................................................................................................................................Php5,950/night
Glamping Tent
............................................................................................................................Php3,000/night x 2 tents
Food
..............................................................................................................................Php700/meal x 4 meals
Capones Island Tour & Boat Ride
............................................................................................................................................Php3,500/boat
Gas and Toll
....................................................................................................................................................Php3,000
***Approximately Php2,600+ per person for a 3D2N itinerary.
***Personal expenses and optional activties not included.
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