Zambales - 1 Night Itinerary

Zambales Itinerary: 1 Night, 2 Days

This itinerary is specially made for guests staying at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins in San Felipe, Zambales. We are located 2-5 minutes' walk from San Felipe, Zambales Beach. We offer private spaces at budget-friendly rates, with your own kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor area per group. Our simple motto: NO SHARING WITH STRANGERS—just your group, your space, and your vacation.

Only have one night to spare, but still craving the beach? Don’t worry—Zambales is one of the best places for a short but sulit getaway, especially if you plan your time well.

This 1-night, 2-day itinerary is perfect if you want beach time, island hopping, good food, rest, and a bit of nightlife—without feeling rushed or exhausted.

Best for:
✔️ Barkada trips
✔️ Couples
✔️ Families (with bigger kids)
✔️ Travelers with a car and limited time

Day 1: Manila → Zambales (Beach, Islands, and a Chill Night)

🚗 2:00 - 3:00 AM — Leave Manila Early

Yes, it’s early. Very early. But this is the secret to making a short trip worth it.

Leaving Manila between 2:00 and 3:00 AM means:

• No traffic

• Cooler, more relaxed drive

• More beach time later

You’ll thank yourself when everyone else is still stuck on the road.

🌅 6:00 AM — Arrival in Zambales + Breakfast

By around 6:00 AM, you should already be in Zambales. Time for breakfast and beach mode.

You have two great options:

Option 1: Jollibee (San Antonio, Zambales)

• Fast, easy, no thinking required

• Perfect if everyone is already starving
  
  

Option 2 (More Fun): Straight to Pundaquit Beach

• Upon entering Pundaquit, San Antonio, an environmental/municipal fee of around ₱20 per person is collected

• Lay down a banig on the sand

• Eat your packed food

• Enjoy breakfast with sea breeze and waves

Simple food + fresh air = instant vacation mood.

🚤 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM — Island Hopping (Pundaquit)

It’s best to start your Pundaquit island hopping early, as morning trips tend to have less heat and fewer crowds.

Most tours include: Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island (depending on your package). Guests don’t need to pre-book island hopping—there are usually plenty of boats available for rent in the area. 

Island-Hopping Rates (as of March 2025)
3-island tour (Anawangin, Capones, Camara)

• 2 to 4 persons – ₱2,500

• 5 to 7 persons – ₱3,000

• 8 to 9 persons – ₱3,300

• 10 or more – ₱350 per person

🍽️ 11:00 AM — Lunch + Kill Time Before Check-in

After island hopping, sakto na for lunch—but check-in is still a bit later. No stress. This is the perfect time to slow down and do things the local way.

Option 1: Market + Beach Park Combo (Local Style)

Head to San Felipe Public Market and stock up:

• Fresh fish and meat for your evening BBQ

• Kakanin for merienda (puto kutsinta, biko, sapin-sapin, cassava bibingka)

• Bagnet for lunch (very important 😄)
  
  

From there, go straight to Santo Niño Beach Park:

• Benches and chairs are available

• Just a short distance from Ugalde’s accommodations

• Eat your lunch (Bagnet as the main ulam—hopefully may dala kayong cooked rice)

• Snack, relax, and tambay while waiting for check-in

Slow lunch, sea breeze, no rush—this is vacation mode.

Option 2: Gutom Mode pero Ayaw Mamalengke? (Eat Out Nearby)

If everyone’s already hungry and you don’t feel like going to the market, no problem. There are several eateries near Ugalde's accommodation:

• Mang Peding’s Food House – classic lutong-bahay, comforting and filling

• Ate Emily’s Mami, Lomi & Goto Kitchen – local favorite, generous servings, all-day breakfast

• Kainuman (Stop & Snack) – from light snacks to full meals

Simple choices, solid food—pang-recharge before check-in.

🏡 1:00 PM — Check-in at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins
Finally—check-in time.

What’s the plan after settling in?
👉 Nothing, and that’s exactly the plan.

Take a shower, turn on the aircon, lie down, and enjoy a well-deserved nap.  You’ve earned this rest.

🌊 4:00 PM — Beach Time Until Sunset

By 4:00 PM, head back to San Felipe, Zambales beach.

• Swim

• Hang out with cold drinks and snacks

• Take photos

• Try a banana boat ride

• Watch the sunset
  
  

Zambales sunsets hit different. Slow, golden, and calming.

🔥 Evening — BBQ, Drinks, and Stories

After sunset:

• Grill your fish and meat

• Drinks and kwentuhan

• Laugh a little louder (but still respectful)

🎤 Optional: Rent a karaoke if you want a mini concert night.

⏰ Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
You can still drink—just keep voices low. Beach vibes, not bar vibes.

🌙 Optional Night Out: Liwliwa

If you still have energy, Liwliwa is just about 1 km away.

• Le Quvoh is popular on Saturdays, 

• Bars, food spots, surf-town atmosphere

• Chill crowd, relaxed nightlife

You can head back anytime—malapit lang.

Day 2: Sunrise, Adventure, and the Trip Home

🌄 6:00 AM — Sunrise Beach Walk

Wake up early (kahit kulang sa tulog).

• Walk back to the beach

• Watch the sunrise

• Swim again

• Take photos while the beach is quiet

Tahimik, presko, and very calming.

🏍️ Morning — ATV Ride (Highly Recommended)

Before or after breakfast, go for an ATV ride.

Why it’s a must-do:

• Fun for all ages

• Beach views + adrenaline

• Great for photos and reels

Short, exciting, and memorable.

☕ Breakfast

Cook a big, hearty breakfast at the accommodation—Ugalde’s has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can take your time and enjoy a relaxed morning meal. 

🧳 11:00 AM — Checkout

By 11:00 AM, it’s time to check out.

But don’t rush home just yet.

Bonus Stop Before Manila: Paper Tree Resort 

💦 River Swim + Relax Mode

On your way back to Manila, stop at Paper Tree Resort. (Environmental fee:  ₱50 per person, collected by the barangay)

Why people love it:

• No entrance fee

• Clean, cool river

• Quiet and relaxing, nice view, good for photo ops

• You can bring your own food and drinks

📌 Tips:

• Rent a cottage so you don't look like a lost tourist (₱250–₱1,000).

• Stay until around 5:00 PM

• No electricity inside—charge your gadgets before going

🚙 After 5:00 PM — Back to Manila (or your next destination)

After two full days, you’ve had:

• Beach ✔️

• Islands ✔️

• River✔️

• Good Food✔️
  
  

You’ll head home tired—but happy.

Final Thoughts

One night in Zambales may sound short, but with the right timing and by staying at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins, Ugalde Homes or Ugalde's Beachwalk Lodge, you get:

• A relaxed pace

• Local-style experiences

• Maximum beach time

• No unnecessary rushing

Bitin? Yes.
Sulit? Sobra.

Next time, bring more friends or family—and stay for two nights. You’ll thank yourself.