Zambales Itinerary: 2 Nights, 3 Days

Zambales Itinerary: 2 Nights, 3 Days

This itinerary is specially made for guests staying at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins in San Felipe, Zambales. We’re located just 2–5 minutes’ walk from San Felipe Beach, and only about 1 km away from Liwliwa Beach—home to surf spots, cafés, and that laid-back beach-town energy everyone loves. 

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.

If you want beach time, island hopping, good food, rest, and a little nightlife—without rushing—this 2-night itinerary is the sweet spot.

Best for:
✔️ Barkada trips
✔️ Couples
✔️ Families
✔️ Travelers with a car

Day 1: Manila → San Felipe, Zambales

Easy Drive + Chill Afternoon

🚗 6:00–7:00 AM — Leave Manila

No need to leave at dawn for this trip. Leaving Manila in the morning gives you:

• A more relaxed drive

• Enough time for stops

• Arrival just in time for check-in

Expect to arrive in San Felipe around late morning to noon, depending on traffic.

🍽️ 11:30 AM — Market Run + Lunch

Already in San Felipe, Zambales —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: (There’s a ₱50 per person environmental fee to enter the coastal barangay - weekends only). 

• 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—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 food, filling portions—perfect after the drive.

🏡 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 the plan. Shower, Turn on the aircon, Lie down, Take a nap

You’re officially on vacation.

🌊 4:00 PM — Beach Time + Sunset

In the late afternoon, walk over to San Felipe Beach.

• Swim

• Bring cold drinks and snacks

• Take photos

• Hire an ATV to explore the coastline

• Try a banana boat ride

• Watch the sunset

Zambales sunsets hit different—slow, golden, and calming.

🌙 Evening — BBQ Night

• Grill your market-bought fish and meat

• Drinks + kwentuhan

• Laugh a little louder (but still respectful)

🎤 Optional: Rent a karaoke for a fun but laid-back night.

⏰ Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Still okay to drink—just keep voices low. Beach vibes, not bar vibes.

Day 2: Island Hopping + Full Beach Day

☀️ 6:00 AM — Breakfast

Cook a big, hearty breakfast at the accommodation.
Ugalde’s has a fully equipped kitchen, so take your time and eat well.

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

After breakfast, head to Pundaquit for island hopping.

Morning trips are best—less heat, calmer waters, fewer crowds.
No need to pre-book; there are usually plenty of boats available.

Common stops: Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island (depending on your package)

Island-Hopping Rates (as of March 2026):

• 1–5 pax: ₱3,000

• 6–7 pax: ₱3,500

• 8+ pax: ₱400 per person

🍽️ 12:00 NN — Lunch
After island hopping, it’s time for lunch. If you brought food, you can rent a cottage and enjoy a relaxed meal right at Pundaquit Beach. If not, you can head to the local eateries in San Antonio town proper for an easy and filling lunch.

🏖️ Afternoon — Rest or Beach Time

• Head back to the accommodation to rest and escape the afternoon heat, or

• Spend more time at the beach and enjoy the sea

No fixed schedule—this part of the day is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment.

🌙 Evening — Night Out: Liwliwa (1 km away)

• Le Quvoh is popular on Saturdays for bars and nightlife

• Food spots, surf-town vibe

• Chill crowd, relaxed nightlife

You can head back anytime—malapit lang.

Day 3: Sunrise, River Stop, Uwi

🌄 6:00 AM — Sunrise Beach Walk

Wake up early for one last beach moment.

• Walk along the shore

• Watch the sunrise

• Swim or take photos

• Enjoy the quiet

Tahimik, presko, and calming.

☕ Breakfast

Back at the accommodation, cook or finish leftovers for breakfast.

🧳 11:00 AM — Checkout

By 11:00 AM, check out—but don’t head home just yet.

Bonus Stop: Paper Tree Resort 

River Swim + Relax Mode

On your way back to Manila, stop by Paper Tree Resort. ( Environmental fee: ₱30 per person  - collected by the barangay)

Why people love it:

• No entrance fee

• Clean, cool river

• Quiet and relaxing

• Great views and photo spots

• Bring your own food and drinks

📌 Tips:

• Rent a cottage so you don't look like a lost tourist (₱300–₱1,000)

• Stay until around 5:00 PM

• No electricity—charge gadgets in advance

🚙 After 5:00 PM — Back to Manila

After three full days, you’ve enjoyed:

Beach ✔️
Islands ✔️
River ✔️
Good food ✔️
Rest ✔️

You’ll head home tired—but very happy.

Final Thoughts

Two nights in Zambales gives you what one night can’t:

• A relaxed pace

• Full beach days

• Local experiences

Sulit? Sobra.
Bitin? Hindi na.

Next time, make it 3 days with more friends and family—more time to relax, more food to share, and more memories to take home.