Zambales or “Zamba” is one the best surfing areas that is nearest to Manila. It is a very popular destination not only because of the quality surfing it offers, but also of its close proximity and easy commute. In fact, it is a favorite among city-based surfers because getting there is fast and easy and is ideal for a day trip. Getting there only takes 2-3 hours so one can leave early morning, surf the entire day and be back home by nighttime. Of course, one can stay overnight. Or for two nights. Or maybe a week. Doesn’t really matter, its just close to home anyway.
Getting to Zambales by BUS:
The Victory Liner offers the most consistent bus trips to Zambales. They have 3 terminals but their Caloocan station is always the safest choice. Purchase a ticket to IBA, the capital of Zambales, and you will pass by all the known “surfing” towns. The 3 hour ride is pretty much smooth and it covers a rest stop at Pampanga. The bus stopover, Double Happiness, offers good food and comfort rooms and should also be an indicator of the time elapsed and the remainder of the travel. The last short stopover would be at the Victory Liner station in Olongapo wherein the bus will wait for incoming passengers. After that, its straight to Zambales.
You Have Now Entered Zambales, What Now?
Zambales boasts a long, really long coastline. There are many places wherein one can go surfing here. Below are some major towns and their surf spots that readily awaits the surfer. Just remember to ask the bus conductor to drop you off at the following towns:
1. San Antonio – here is where you’ll find the village of Pundakit that has the famed surf called spot “Magic Left”. It got it’s name because a left-handed magician surfs there. No, just kidding. Magic Left is a picturesque left-hander that’s situated just below serene rolling hills with flowing waterfalls. And the waves here work like magic. Why? Better find it out yourself. Reaching the village just needs a tricycle ride from the town plaza, costs P50 per head. Ask to be dropped off at the “Garahe”, literally the main garage for vehicle parking and is located at the end of Pundakit road. From here you carry your board and walk a short distance to the Magic Left (not to mention crossing a river). There are other great spots here as well, all walking distance from one another.
this is the author atop the hills of Pundakit
2. San Narciso – the spot here is just right in front of the Crystal Beach Resort, which is also a good resort for camping and for group and family outings. It also nests a sanctuary for Philippine marine turtles. Much like any town in Zambales, tricycles abound plenty from the main town capitol.
3. San Felipe - the spot is called “High 5 Lahar” or simply “Lahar” in the area of Liwaliwa. This is usually where the waves are consistent when the other spots mentioned aren’t working. Now if you’re in San Felipe everybody must know this surfing spot although it’s just quite tricky to find the place since the road going there is quite hidden from the main highway. If commuting, better get off at San Narciso and just ride a tricycle to San Felipe and be directed to Liwliwa. It can be costly however, P100 per head.
*There are many other towns in Zambales that has waves for surfing. IBA for example, is also known for having good, friendly waves. But aside from surfing, SKIMBOARDING is also a big sport here and skimboarders from around the country regularly hold events and competitions in Zambales. Man, you would not believe how awesome these skimboarders are.
How Much is the Fare?
Buy a ticket to IBA, and tell the conductor where to drop you off.
What Are the Schedules?
Is this picture big?
Getting to Zambales by Car
If you’re not poor like me, you’d probably have a 4×4 with your boards strapped to the rack. Also, maybe you’d give me a ride. Dude, please. Anyway, getting to Zambales from Manila is easier than say, getting to Shaw Blvd in Pasig coming from Sampaloc, Manila on a rainy rush hour. Good luck with that. For private vehicles, below are directions that will get you surfing Zambales in no time:
1. Take the NLEX.
2. Continue driving to SCTEX (new road connecting NLEX to different parts of Central Luzon). You will eventually reach the SBMA.
3. From Subic, take Kalaklan Gate and turn left from the exit to Zambales
4. Head straight passing by Olongapo City, Castillejos, and San Marcelino.
5. Refer to map for the target destination
Getting Back to Manila
Some say there are buses coming from the North that will pass by Zambales that go straight to Manila. I have never seen that bus, ever. The best way is to catch the non-aircon bus on its way to Olongapo that’s usually available all day and night. Just be patient though, the intervals can be long. Prepare to get familiar with Zambales waiting sheds. Now from Olongapo, find your way to the aforementioned Victory Liner station and go buy your ticket to Manila. Fare is now only P200. I am not sure what time the last trip is, but be sure to come before 9:30pm just to be safe. You don’t want to spend the night in a bus station. Travel time going back home is usually a little faster but that depends on a clogged NLEX.
+++
There you go. I recently went to San Antonio and had an awesome time surfing at the Magic Left. And it felt like it was a surf trip without much hassle and I wasn’t really that spent when I got home. Definitely will hit Zambales regularly. But then again, there is much, much more to do here besides surfing. Camping, hiking, fishing, island hopping, etc. This province is full of adventure and we are so lucky to have it close by. All it takes is 3 hours, 3 hours till Zamba.
Zambales Attack 7: Skim, Skate, Tatoo, Photo Competition and Music Fest this IS the lifestyle
EVENT:
cash prizes, goodies, and trophies for all the winners
reg fee for skim- 350 with event shirt,meals,and punla (for the tree planting)
reg fee for skate- 150 with meals and punla.
reg fee for tattoo- 500 with event shirt,meals,punla,booth for 3 days.
Going to Beach ni Chabeng Iba Zambales:
Commute:
* Victory ...
news: Best of the North Swell to Hit Zambales a good 3 to 6 feet reading on Wetsand.com
Thursday, Dec 15:
With two days to go before the surf competition at One Love: Zambapalooza in Crystal Beach starts, the North swell continues to fire up the Zambales coastline.
Reported just Tuesday this week were shoulder to head high glassy left and right handers ...
the Big Z Surf Competion x Zambales Attack 8 The South swell came firing this year. And what better way to celebrate its return than to hold simultaneous events at its biggest recipient, ZAMBALES - the most awaited surf spot and go to destination when the swell is pumping south of the coast West Philippine Sea.
Organized by the good ...
Amungan Skate Jam 2011 Brgy. Amungan in Zambales is having an awesome skate event in time for their town fiesta. Here's another reason to head down Zamba and enjoy the festivities this summer.
*directions to Zambales here: http://lokalsoul.com/2010/08/13/surfing-in-zambales-how-to-get-there/ 
the Zambales Tempest Typhoon Juan was a bastard as he came and brought with him tons of destruction. But during his stay at the coasts of Zambales, a few brave souls defied the storm in its face. The tempest was ashore and Pundakit locals paddled straight right into it even though the current ...
[...] Fore more info, text Augie @09208240290 and check out the Event Page on Facebook. And for directions going to Zambales, read our Zambales How to Get There guide. [...]
[...] to San Narciso. Hey, if you do wanna surf Crystal Beach, check out their Facebook page here and our how to get to Zambales guide here. Thanks to Mark for all the photos. Zambales is awesome so please spread the [...]
[...] the last days of March. Just go ask the Crystal boys and their action shots at Crystal Beach. In San Felipe, it was pretty much the same thing. When Z-land is on, it’s on. These maybe the last few [...]
[...] and Music Fest this IS the lifestyle EVENT: cash prizes, goodies, and trophies for all …Surfing in Zambales: How to Get There Zambales or "Zamba" is one the best surfing areas that …Sulong Zambales! It’s the [...]
Are boards for rent readily available in all spots (mentioned above)?
thanks.
yes Boks. there are board for rent in all of those spots
thanks for your usual help. lapit lang pala, kayang kaya balikan, we even got to meet Mommy Phoebe of Liwliwa. (who besides helping us with the boards also volunteered herself as a contact person if we need swell info)
Boks, glad to hear that! Mommy Phoebs is legendary. hope to see you in the lineup soon
is there any cheaper resorts available at liw-liwa?any suggestions?
the Circle Hostel!
Bro are there any surf spot in Zambales aside from Crystal Beach? According to them, waves are around 2ft only. (we’re planning to go to Zambales this coming Sept.)
divina dales meron sa sto. nino, san felipe…if you want PM me ph_jaya_batch25 (skype)
hep- liw liwa is another surf spot that is at san felipe.
What’s the contact number of Mommy Phoebs?
cholo believe it or not, no matter how many times i eat and drink at mommy phoeb’s, i don’t have her contact number. sorry haha.
stupid question but do buses allow surfboards inside? haha
yes. pero sa ilalim mostly ilalagay (compartment). pero kung kelangan tlaga pwede rin sa loob
[...] How to Go to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales: http://lokalsoul.com/2010/08/13/surfing-in-zambales-how-to-get-there/ Cool? You May Also Wanna Read: Bagasbas ULTIMATE NATIONAL SURFING CHALLENGE 2010 Bagasbas Ultimate National Surf & Skim Challenge 2010 + Longboard Push Race from Daet to Bagasbas Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Cam. Norte October 8 – 10, 2010 Men's & Women's Surf Open Men's Skim Open Prizes: Men's Surf Open 1st 30,000 + Trophy & Goodies 2nd 20,000 + Trophy & Goodies 3rd 10,000 + Trophy & Goodies Women's Surf Open 1st 30,000 … The 3rd Pacific Kaos of Camarines Norte Pacific Kaos – the most awaited competition down Camarines Norte – is back BIGGER than ever. FINAL ITINERARY FOR THIRD PACIFIC KAOS Day 1 (August 29, 2012: Wednesday) I. Registration last day(Bagasbas Park) — 9AM – 5PM II. Surf Clinic (Bagasbas Shore) — 9AM – 5PM III. Orientation for All Participant (Bagasbas Park) — 7PM … Zambales Attack 7: Skim, Skate, Tatoo, Photo Competition and Music Fest this IS the lifestyle EVENT: cash prizes, goodies, and trophies for all the winners reg fee for skim- 350 with event shirt,meals,and punla (for the tree planting) reg fee for skate- 150 with meals and punla. reg fee for tattoo- 500 with event shirt,meals,punla,booth for 3 days. Going to Beach ni Chabeng Iba Zambales: Commute: * Victory … ZAMBAPALOOZA 2011: Competition Division and Cash Prizes photo by Gab Sarmiento COMPETITION CLASSES AND PRIZES S U R F S H O R T B O A R D MEN'S CLASS A CHAMPION 15,000.00 1ST RUNNER-UP 10,000.00 2ND RUNNER-UP 7,000.00 3RD RUNNER-UP 5,000.00 MEN'S CLASS B CHAMPION 5,000.00 1ST RUNNER-UP 3,000.00 2ND RUNNER-UP 2,000.00 3RD RUNNER-UP 1,000.00 GROMS -mixed CHAMPION 3,000.00 1ST RUNNER-UP 2,000.00 2ND RUNNER-UP … 7th Odyssey Waves National Surfing Competition in Guiuan, Eastern Samar The Guiuan Surf Club is inviting everyone to join and watch the 7th Odyssey Waves Surfing Competition on Oct. 6-9, 2011! There will be great beach parties featuring awesome reggae bands|| Bikini Open|| Surf Clinics|| Surf Film Moonlight Cinema and a lot more! Schedule of activities: Oct 6 – Registration, Acoustic Night … [...]
Thanks for the info, will be heading up that way next week for a surf.
awesome!
You’re blog was very helpful, everything you’ve tackled we’ve experienced. Especially the magic left
Thanks and more power.
when were you there? was there for the weekend with the comp. surfed magic left too.
Dude please! hahaha you’re hilarious! Anyway, thanks for writing this all down, haven’t been to your site ever since you were starting and hey! pretty awesome job! Thanks for this, I’ve never surfed in Zamba but I’m planning to on my birthday this weekend. Any hotel accommodations you recommend?
sent a reply to your Facebook Hannah
If you are planning to go to San Antonio, buy a ticket to San Antonio. Buy tickets where you want to go, San Antonio, San Narciso and San Felipe. Its cheaper than to buy ticket to Iba. then simply ask the conductor where to drop you off. Remind him again in Olongapo just to be sure. They will even wake you up if you fall asleep. If ever the conductor forgot, they will transfer you to another bus free of charge, just show your tickets.
[...] HOW TO GO TO LIW-LIWA? Well it’s easy. Please check out our post Surfing In Zambales and How to Get There. [...]
Hi! Do you know any aircon rooms available for rent in that area? Thanks!