Zambales Itinerary: 2 Nights, 3 Days

A Relaxed Beach Escape While Staying at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins

If you have two nights in Zambales, you’re in a sweet spot. You get to enjoy the beach, island hopping, good food, rest time, and even a little nightlife—without feeling rushed. This itinerary is ideal if you’re driving from Manila and want to make the most out of a short but well-planned coastal getaway.

Day 1: Manila to Zambales — Beach, Island Hopping, and a Slow Evening

🚗 1:00–2:00 AM — Depart Manila Early

To avoid traffic and maximize your time, it’s best to leave Manila between 1:00 and 2:00 AM. The drive is smoother, cooler, and far less stressful.

You’ll arrive in Zambales at around 6:00 AM.

🍳 6:00 AM — Breakfast Options

Once you arrive, you have two easy choices:

Option 1: Jollibee San Marcelino
A convenient stop if you want a quick and familiar breakfast.

Option 2: Head Straight to Pundaquit Beach
Lay down a mat on the sand, enjoy breakfast by the sea, and ease into vacation mode with ocean views and fresh air.

🚤 7:00 AM – 12:00 NN — Pundaquit Island Hopping

Start your island hopping tour at around 7:00 AM.

This usually includes stops such as:

• Anawangin Cove
  
  

• Nagsasa Cove
  
  

• Capones Island (depending on the package)
  
  

The tour typically ends around midday, giving you enough time to enjoy each island without feeling rushed.

🍽️ 12:30 PM — Lunch at a Local Favorite

After island hopping, enjoy lunch at one of the well-known local eateries:

• Mang Peding
  
  

• Ate Emily
  
  

Both serve simple, filling meals and are popular with both locals and returning guests.

🏡 1:00 PM — Check-in at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins

Head to your accommodation and check in at 1:00 PM.

Spend the afternoon resting:

• Shower and cool down
  
  

• Enjoy the air-conditioned room
  
  

• Take a proper nap
  
  

This downtime makes a big difference for the rest of your trip.

🌊 4:00 PM — Beach Time Until Sunset

By 4:00 PM, head back to the beach.

• Swim or wade in the water
  
  

• Relax on the shore
  
  

• Take photos during golden hour
  
  

• Enjoy the sunset at your own pace
  
  

Zambales sunsets are calm, wide, and quietly beautiful.

🔥 Evening — Barbecue Night & Relaxed Hangout

After sunset, it’s time to slow down even more.

• Grill fresh fish and meat
  
  

• Enjoy drinks and conversations
  
  

• Share stories and unwind
  
  

🎤 Optional: You may also rent a karaoke for a fun, casual sing-along.

⏰ Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
You may still enjoy drinks during this time—just keep noise levels low to respect other guests.

🌙 Optional Night Out: Liwliwa (1 km Away)

If you’re still up for it, Liwliwa is only about 1 km away.

• Small bars and food spots
  
  

• Relaxed surf-town vibe
  
  

• Best visited on Saturday nights for light nightlife
  
  

Return to your accommodation anytime—it’s a quick drive.

Day 2: Slow Morning, Beach, ATV Ride, and More Exploring

🌅 6:00 AM — Sunrise at the Beach

Wake up early and head back to the beach.

• Watch the sunrise
  
  

• Take quiet morning photos
  
  

• Swim in cooler, calmer waters
  
  

This is one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.

🏍️ Morning — ATV Ride Along the Beach (Highly Recommended)

After sunrise, try an ATV ride, a popular activity in the area.

Why it’s worth doing:

• Easy and beginner-friendly
  
  

• Fun for all ages
  
  

• Great beach views
  
  

• Perfect for photos and videos
  
  

☕ Breakfast by the Sea

Enjoy breakfast near the beach—simple food, good coffee, and sea views.

No rush, no strict schedule.

🌴 Late Morning to Afternoon — Free Time

Use the rest of the day however you like:

• More beach swimming
  
  

• Naps at the cabin
  
  

• Exploring nearby food spots
  
  

• Visiting Liwliwa during the daytime
  
  

This day is all about going at your own pace.

🌅 Second Sunset + Final Night

Catch another sunset—this time slower, quieter, and more familiar.

Spend your final night:

• Relaxing at the cabin
  
  

• Light drinks and conversations
  
  

• Early rest or another chill evening
  
  

Day 3: River Swim and Journey Home

🧳 Morning — Checkout at 11:00 AM

Enjoy a final morning swim or beach walk, then check out at 11:00 AM.

But don’t rush home just yet.

💦 Stop by Paper Tree Resort (On the Way Back)

Before heading back to Manila, make a stop at Paper Tree Resort.

Why it’s a favorite:

• Clean and refreshing river
  
  

• Calm, shaded surroundings
  
  

• No entrance fee
  
  

📌 Tips:

• Rent a cottage for comfort
  
  

• Stay until around 5:00 PM
  
  

💸 The local government collects a ₱50 per person environmental fee.

🚗 Late Afternoon — Return to Manila or Continue Your Trip

After a full and relaxed Zambales experience, head back to Manila or continue on to your next destination.

Why This 2-Night Itinerary Works

• No rushing between activities
  
  

• Balanced mix of adventure and rest
  
  

• Time to enjoy both beach and river
  
  

• Flexible enough for families, couples, and groups
  
  

Two nights in Zambales gives you just enough time to slow down, explore, and truly enjoy the coast—especially when you’re staying at Ugalde’s Coastal Cabins.