LIWLIWA, ZAMBALES Travel Guide and Budget 2019

I was supposedly bound to go home last weekend since my very good friend, Ate Weena, was set to have her wedding. But because of things happened beyond my control, I wasn't able to do so.

So I thought instead of going out-of-town.

I have always wanted to go in Zambales, in their famous coves particularly. But since going there solo isn't recommended, I asked for other alternative place from my workmate if there are other places in Z that is solo-travelling-and-budget-friendly.

She told me about Liwliwa.

Just about a 5-hour bus ride from Manila sits a laidback beach in San Felipe, Zambales. Liwliwa is known for being an alternative to prominent surfing spots in the north. While it couldn't compete to pristine white beaches in the country, it promises to leave a mark in your heart once you get there. 

There really isn't so much to do in Liwliwa but if you are looking for a quick beach fix, temporary break from bustling metro life and where workload is just a concept, this place is definitely a way to go.

HOW TO GO TO LIWLIWA

By Bus

Take a bus from Pasay or Cubao bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

Tell the bus conductor/ticket teller that you are bound to San Felipe only. (Otherwise, you'll be paying for the whole trip to Iba/Sta.Cruz)

Fare is P350-390. The travel time is four to five hours.

From the bus stop, take a tricycle going to Liwliwa Beach. Fare is P30 each. Travel time is 5-8 minutes.

Along the way, environmental fee of P20 will be collected.

Notes:

1. I took the Victory Liner Bus from Pasay. They have scheduled trips found in their sites (https://www.victoryliner.com/). Choose the trip via SCTEX as this is faster trip than that of via San Fernando. If you are still a student, bring your ID, you could get a P50-80 discount from the regular fare.

2. Alternatively, you can take a bus bound to Olongapo, and then alight from any bus passing San Felipe. You could save for about P40-80 for this trip but it is recommended to just take the direct route.

3. If you are travelling alone, you will pay P60 for the whole trike trip. (What I did was, nagantay ako ng trip na 2 passenger lang and since 3pax nmn capacity nung trike, sumabay nlng ako. I paid for P30 pa din.)

By Private Car

1. If you are coming from Metro Manila, take the SCTEX and follow road signs leading to Subic then Zambales.

2. It is still best to use Waze or Google Maps when travelling by car.

WHERE TO STAY 

There are decent accommodations you can find in Liwliwa but hostels are well-known. That makes it really a solo travel-friendly place. 

If you are on a budget, you can try these affordable hostels

Home Break Hostel

I stayed here in HB Hostel. There were no dorms available when I inquired with the rest of the hostels in the place, so I just decided to get the Hammock. It costs me P250 and a locker rent for P50.

I recommend this place for those on budget. They have limited rooms only so book them few days ahead. I booked thru their facebook page. 

The Cicle Hostels

Photo from http://zambales.thecirclehostel.com/

Probably the most popular hostel in the Liwliwa. If you are keen with meeting new acquaintances, this place is good for you. Best for solo travellers and groups on budget. Best also for staying just a night. I'll stay here when I get back. You can book thru their website (http://zambales.thecirclehostel.com/) but for discounted prices, search them in Agoda.com.

Board Culture Liwliwa

Photo grabbed from their Facebook account

Best for tent pitching and backpackers. Their beach front is not really crowded. This is where my photos mostly taken. I'll stay here when I get back. You can book thru their facebook account: Board Culture Liw-Liwa Surf Camp

Hideout

Liwalize It Surf Camp

Best for campers and on group. Tent pitching also here is cool.

Kapitan Liwa

Good Karma Surf

Surface Liwa Beach Resort

The only place in the area with a pool. Accommodations are a bit fancy here. Best for big groups.

If you have a tent, bring one especially if you are on a budget. You could actually tent pitch near the beach for free. There are also resorts (including those mentioned above) that accommodates tent pitching for P100-150 only.

Notes: 

1. If you have already booked an accommodation, ask the exact location or like landmark near the place. Mobile data in Liwliwa is weak so contacting your host could be a challenge when you are already there (specially if thru online yung contact nyo.)

2. You can walk-in your accommodation but it is safest to book in advanced because most of cheap accommodations are fully booked on weekends and holidays.

3. Most hostels/inns, specially on shared accoms, do not have a private CR so if you don't mind sharing one, you are just fine.

WHERE TO EAT 

There are only few options to choose from where you can get your tummy full--most popular are at Mommy Phoebe's and Villa Santos Store & Canteen. They offer usual rice meals (lechon kawali, sinigang, adobo, fried chicken, among others), silog meals and some shakes and refreshments.

One full meal could range from P90-150.

There are also coffee and milk tea place in the area. I tried Brew and Brothers. I tried the Wintermelon Milk Tea for P120. It was okay.

There were nice and instagrammbale restos around the place also. I ate lunch after I checked out at Tadhana Zambales. 

I tried their Spicy Adobo and it was great. Meal prices range from P80-P140. Shakes/refreshments were also available here.

Notes:
1. There are no ATM machines around the premises of Liwliwa. Most transactions are on cash basis so its best to stack up cash. 3K for 2 nights should be enough.
2. There is a 7-11 few blocks from the bus stop. Buy basic needs and snacks there. (Don't forget to buy insect repellent and sunblock!)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

1. ATV

My first ATV experience was probably the highlight of my trip. It was all worth it. I was supposedly going alone but luckily, they were shooting their promo vid so they tagged me along.

ATV trails include beach, lahar and forest trail.

Rates:

P800 pesos per ATV for 1hour

P400 pesos additional for back ride 

P500 pesos per ATV 30min only

P300 pesos add for backride

SURREAL. watching the sunset while on wheels.

Notes:

1. They have limited ATV units so its advisable to book them in advanced thru their facebook account: Liwliwa ATV Adventure.

2. Desirable time to do it is 4PM when it isn't too hot. The sunset during the beach trail is amazing.

3. DO NOT WEAR WHITE SHIRT LIKE I DID. Lol. You'll get dirty on the Lahar trail.

2. Surfing and Skim Boarding

Surfing – P400/hr (with instructor)

              – 200/hr (w/o instructor)

Skim Boarding – P200/hr (board rental)

**prices may differ from others. Ask your accom if they have one.

I tried surfing in La Union and Baler already so I didn't surf this time.

BUDGET

Unedited photograph of Liwliwa Beach.

Unedited photograph of sunset at Liwliwa Beach. Best to be experienced with friends over cold beer and laughter.

I used my phone's self timer to take all my portrait photos. 

except for the ATV shots.

That's it!

There really isn't so much to do and go in Liwliwa but the peace and needed beach fix this place give is more than enough. Further, its vibrance resembles to the beaches back in Mindanao which makes me feel like I'm home.

Alone or not, sand and salt water will always keep you a good company.