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Rediscovering Zambales: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary
"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
There are many reasons why Biyaheros love Zambales. It is accessible and tourist-friendly compared to other vacation places but its beaches are not as crowded as the ones in Palawan and Boracay.
The best part: there are still many lesser known places in the province that are just waiting to be discovered. Find out some of these in "Biyahe ni Drew's" itinerary to Zambales.
How to get there
Zambales is only three to four hours away from Manila by car. If you prefer to travel on a bus, simply head to the Cubao or Caloocan terminals and look for trips going to Iba or Masinloc, Zambales. Once you reach the province, you can hail jeepneys and tricycles to take you to your destination.
Where to go
San Salvador Island
Masinloc, Zambales
The white sand beach in San Salvador Island is one of the reasons why island hoppers go to Masinloc. What truly sets this island apart from the others, however, is the Giant Clam Farm. This two-hectare marine sanctuary has been off-limits to fishermen for more than ten years. The result: an underwater paradise full of colorful fish and corals.
Marine life in the Giant Clam Farm is so rich that some of the corals and clams in the area are transferred to other parts of the island. If you are the type of Biyahero who always wants to try something different, volunteer and join the locals in their coral reef transplantation and seeding project. Travel and be heroes!
Mangrove Island
Masinloc, Zambales
Some of the freshest and sweetest mangoes in the Philippines can be found in Zambales. Want to sample these fruits? Go straight to the mangrove sanctuary in Masinloc. As it turns out, these mangroves are not only beneficial to fish, they protect hundreds of mango trees too.
However, before picking mangoes, make sure you ask permission from the farmers first. They follow a strict mango picking schedule to ensure that the fruits will be at their best quality when harvested.
Drew admits he is not a fan of green mangoes but he still enjoyed the ones he ate in Masinloc. "Na-appreciate ko na 'yung asim. Ang sarap ng texture. Very crunchy."
Bunga Cave
Sitio Bunga, Brgy. Sta. Rita, Masinloc, Zambales
Zambales is associated with either beaches or mangoes but did you know that it is also a good place for spelunking? Drew explored Bunga or Tumutugol cave, which is only a 15 to 20-minute trek away from town.
The entrance to Bunga is narrow and steep so it is best to inform the barangay that you are planning to go inside the cave. Usually, there are experienced mountaineers who could guide Biyaheros on the way down. There is also a rope that you can use as your guide.
What can Biyaheros expect once they are inside Bunga? Bats, stalactites, stalagmites and sparkling cave walls! Don't forget to bring cameras!
Where to eat and stay
Dfarm and Park
Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales
Cottage rates start at P200
Dfarm and Park has rooms and amenities for friends and families traveling together. They have pools, cottages, pool tables, and videokes. Biyaheros who want more exclusive accommodations could stay in the resort's private villa which has its own pool.
Drew and the crew also had their dinner here. Their bestsellers are mostly seafood like tarian, inihaw na pusit and danggit.
Since Drew is in Zambales, he also took the opportunity to try as many kinds of mangoes as he could. "'Pag andito ka sa Zambales, hindi puwedeng hindi ka kakain ng mangga," Drew says.
They have Indian mangoes, green mangoes, Hawaiian mangoes, Magnolia mangoes and carabao mangoes. Dip it in bagoong and you're good to go!
Coto Kidz Pool
Coto, Masinloc, Zambales
Entrance fee: P60
Coto Kidz Pool is not what you think it is. Firstly, it is not just for kids and secondly, it is actually a river. Biyahero tip: Be careful when you go swimming! The water in the pool is deeper than how it looks. If you want to spend time closer to nature, you could stay in the cottages that are available for rent. There is no electricity in the cottages but you can rent generators for P1,000 per night.
Bacala rest house
San Salvador Island, Zambales
Bacala rest house is usually used as a stopover for Biyaheros who want to take a break from island hopping. You will most likely pass by the rest house on your way to the Giant Clam Farm so it is often included in tour packages.
The Bacala rest house is perched right on top of the bay, giving visitors an extra summery feel to their vacation. Bring your own food, rest, swim and take as many photos as you want!
Sonsing
Iba, Zambales
When you are in a province full of mangoes, expect to eat food with mangoes as ingredients. Drew had a taste of the local cuisine when he tried Sonsing's ginataang isda with sili and green mango. They also serve pinangat with bamboo shoots instead of shrimps.
"May kaunting asim dahil sa mangga," Drew says. "Ang inorder natin ay 'yung mga dishes na hindi naman dito lang makikita sa Zambales pero ito siguro yung own way of cooking nila."
Biyaheros often go to Zambales for the more popular destinations like Subic and Anawangin. But if you dare to be adventurous, you will discover that there are other places in the province that are also worth visiting. As Drew says, "Choose the road less taken… discover unfamiliar places!"—Lara Gonzales/BMS
There are many reasons why Biyaheros love Zambales. It is accessible and tourist-friendly compared to other vacation places but its beaches are not as crowded as the ones in Palawan and Boracay.
The best part: there are still many lesser known places in the province that are just waiting to be discovered. Find out some of these in "Biyahe ni Drew's" itinerary to Zambales.
How to get there
Zambales is only three to four hours away from Manila by car. If you prefer to travel on a bus, simply head to the Cubao or Caloocan terminals and look for trips going to Iba or Masinloc, Zambales. Once you reach the province, you can hail jeepneys and tricycles to take you to your destination.
Where to go
San Salvador Island
Masinloc, Zambales
The white sand beach in San Salvador Island is one of the reasons why island hoppers go to Masinloc. What truly sets this island apart from the others, however, is the Giant Clam Farm. This two-hectare marine sanctuary has been off-limits to fishermen for more than ten years. The result: an underwater paradise full of colorful fish and corals.
Marine life in the Giant Clam Farm is so rich that some of the corals and clams in the area are transferred to other parts of the island. If you are the type of Biyahero who always wants to try something different, volunteer and join the locals in their coral reef transplantation and seeding project. Travel and be heroes!
Mangrove Island
Masinloc, Zambales
Some of the freshest and sweetest mangoes in the Philippines can be found in Zambales. Want to sample these fruits? Go straight to the mangrove sanctuary in Masinloc. As it turns out, these mangroves are not only beneficial to fish, they protect hundreds of mango trees too.
However, before picking mangoes, make sure you ask permission from the farmers first. They follow a strict mango picking schedule to ensure that the fruits will be at their best quality when harvested.
Drew admits he is not a fan of green mangoes but he still enjoyed the ones he ate in Masinloc. "Na-appreciate ko na 'yung asim. Ang sarap ng texture. Very crunchy."
Bunga Cave
Sitio Bunga, Brgy. Sta. Rita, Masinloc, Zambales
Zambales is associated with either beaches or mangoes but did you know that it is also a good place for spelunking? Drew explored Bunga or Tumutugol cave, which is only a 15 to 20-minute trek away from town.
The entrance to Bunga is narrow and steep so it is best to inform the barangay that you are planning to go inside the cave. Usually, there are experienced mountaineers who could guide Biyaheros on the way down. There is also a rope that you can use as your guide.
What can Biyaheros expect once they are inside Bunga? Bats, stalactites, stalagmites and sparkling cave walls! Don't forget to bring cameras!
Where to eat and stay
Dfarm and Park
Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales
Cottage rates start at P200
Dfarm and Park has rooms and amenities for friends and families traveling together. They have pools, cottages, pool tables, and videokes. Biyaheros who want more exclusive accommodations could stay in the resort's private villa which has its own pool.
Drew and the crew also had their dinner here. Their bestsellers are mostly seafood like tarian, inihaw na pusit and danggit.
Since Drew is in Zambales, he also took the opportunity to try as many kinds of mangoes as he could. "'Pag andito ka sa Zambales, hindi puwedeng hindi ka kakain ng mangga," Drew says.
They have Indian mangoes, green mangoes, Hawaiian mangoes, Magnolia mangoes and carabao mangoes. Dip it in bagoong and you're good to go!
Coto Kidz Pool
Coto, Masinloc, Zambales
Entrance fee: P60
Coto Kidz Pool is not what you think it is. Firstly, it is not just for kids and secondly, it is actually a river. Biyahero tip: Be careful when you go swimming! The water in the pool is deeper than how it looks. If you want to spend time closer to nature, you could stay in the cottages that are available for rent. There is no electricity in the cottages but you can rent generators for P1,000 per night.
Bacala rest house
San Salvador Island, Zambales
Bacala rest house is usually used as a stopover for Biyaheros who want to take a break from island hopping. You will most likely pass by the rest house on your way to the Giant Clam Farm so it is often included in tour packages.
The Bacala rest house is perched right on top of the bay, giving visitors an extra summery feel to their vacation. Bring your own food, rest, swim and take as many photos as you want!
Sonsing
Iba, Zambales
When you are in a province full of mangoes, expect to eat food with mangoes as ingredients. Drew had a taste of the local cuisine when he tried Sonsing's ginataang isda with sili and green mango. They also serve pinangat with bamboo shoots instead of shrimps.
"May kaunting asim dahil sa mangga," Drew says. "Ang inorder natin ay 'yung mga dishes na hindi naman dito lang makikita sa Zambales pero ito siguro yung own way of cooking nila."
Biyaheros often go to Zambales for the more popular destinations like Subic and Anawangin. But if you dare to be adventurous, you will discover that there are other places in the province that are also worth visiting. As Drew says, "Choose the road less taken… discover unfamiliar places!"—Lara Gonzales/BMS
