Saddled with worries and disappointments for the past weeks, I asked my travel buddy to bring me somewhere where I can breathe, sit still and just do nothing. My sole goal was just to unpack the tons of stress within me and so I searched for the perfect place in the net. Criteria are simple – anywhere near the metro and should be within my modest budget. Going north will be more ideal, perhaps? After some hours of random searches, I’ve found my choice – Liwliwa in San Felipe, Zambales.
A bit odd for me to be picking an unfamiliar place which is totally different from my usual destinations, but there is an inner urge that is telling me to go and see the place.
We initially planned to leave for Zambales early on a Saturday morning but we encountered a lot of hinges causing so many delays. Not really familiar with the destination (last time that I went to Zambales was about 4 years ago); we opted to rely on Waze,
The entire trip took us almost 5-6 hours (including the traffic and our brief lunch). Liwliwa is not hard to find (and will never be easy to forget).
Based on my research, I am ready to see a laid-back place, unpretentious, chill, with an artsy and creative vibe. All these you can do in a beach setting – with wide shores and cajoling waves. True enough, we were greeted with these and more… this place is teeming with friendly folks, mostly young people, mix of locals and visitors. Instantly, you will feel at ease and at home.
Quickly, we found our spot near the shore. Glancing around, I knew I made the right choice.
We reserved a cottage prior to this trip at Balud sa Liwa which is just a few steps from the seafront. Some resorts are a bit far. Our cottage costs us only 1,500.00 pesos which is good for 5 persons. My daughter and her friends decided to sleep in the cottage but my hubby and I opted to just while away our time in the open cottage by the sea. After we ate dinner, we just stayed there sitting, exchanging stories, staring at the vast horizon in front of us. This is exactly what I need… and it is so relaxing! Priceless.
This is truly an unforgettable trip! Liwliwa is a blissful haven for the burned out spirits.
Liwliwa is a haven for anyone - surfers (with its consistent surf breaks which are good for beginners and professional surfers as well), beach bummers, and for carefree souls. My daughter even said it looks like “Camp Sawi”, as no one cared whether you get drunk and be lost. You can shout at the top of your lungs or just walk, run or lie on the sands. You’re free to do anything and no one would mind! For me, Liwliwa is like a soothing haven pampering my tired and weary mind.
Accommodation: Board Culture or Good Karma, The Circle Hostel, La Zerena, plus a lot more. Bunk beds and hammocks are available for 350-400 pesos a night. Cottages are available in most resorts at 1,500 to 2,500 pesos (mostly kubo or nipa huts with common bathrooms and CR). You may also pitch your tents at most places, even at the shore for 150-200 pesos.
Food: There are two famous places - Mommy Phoebe’s Place and Ate Fely’s. You can buy food (yummy silog meals plus a lot more) on both stores for less than a hundred pesos! A must-try will be their fresh fruit shakes which they sell for around 40-80 pesos.
Activities: This is a surfer’s spot so expect a lot of them around. You may also try other activities like skim boarding, skate boarding, hiking, biking plus a lot more!
Internet: Signal is poor in this place although you may be lucky enough to catch some strong signal by the beach. Perhaps, it's a giveaway clue that you need to spend quiet moments to reflect on things.
How to get there:
Public Transportation: You may ride at Victory Liner (Iba-bound) at Cubao Station and asked to be dropped off at San Felipe. Fare is just around 300 pesos. At the corner of Bobulon Elementary School, you may take a tricycle to Liwliwa for 30/person.
Private: Take NLEX-SCTEX route heading off to Subic. From there try to find Kalaklan Gate and turn left going towards Castillejos. You will pass by the towns of San Marcelino, San Narciso and then you will reach San Felipe. Just after the bridge and the town sign, watch out for the Bobulon Elementary School on your left. Turn left on the street before the school and just go straight until you reach Sitio Liwliwa.
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