The Ultimate 3-Day Zambales Beach Resort Itinerary (Including Island Hopping)

Maximize your long weekend! A step-by-step guide from Manila to the famous coves and back.

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Zambales is perfectly suited for a three-day, two-night getaway from Metro Manila. The proximity and diverse set of activities—from trekking to surfing to the famous **island hopping**—mean you can experience a lot without feeling rushed. This itinerary is designed to give you the ultimate mix of relaxation and adventure, based around choosing a strategic resort base.

Before you dive into the daily plan, make sure you have chosen your ideal base camp. Review all your accommodation options in our central resource: The Ultimate Guide to Zambales Beach Resorts: Finding Your Perfect Getaway.

🗓️ The Ultimate 3-Day Zambales Itinerary Overview

Day	Focus Activity	Best Resort Base
**Day 1**	Arrival, Check-in, and Sunset Surf	San Antonio / San Felipe (Liwliwa)
**Day 2**	**Island Hopping** (Anawangin / Nagsasa Coves)	Pundaquit (Jump-off Point)
**Day 3**	Local Sightseeing or Activity / Departure	Subic or Central Town (Iba)

☀️ Day 1: Arrival, Settling In, and the Liwliwa Vibe

1. **Morning (7:00 AM):** Depart Manila. Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or Santa Cruz. (Approx. 4-5 hours).
2. **Lunch (12:00 PM):** Arrive at your chosen base in San Antonio or San Felipe. Have lunch at a local *carinderia* to keep costs low, or check out a trendy café in Liwliwa.
3. **Afternoon (2:00 PM):** Check into your **Zambales beach resort**.
4. **Late Afternoon (4:00 PM):** Head to **Liwliwa Beach**. This is the perfect time for beginner **surfing lessons**, or simply relaxing and enjoying the bohemian atmosphere.
5. **Evening (6:00 PM):** Watch the spectacular sunset over the Zambales coast. Enjoy a seaside dinner at your resort or a neighboring grill.

LIWLIWA BASE OPTION: If you choose Liwliwa as your home base for the 3 days, you’re perfectly set up! See our full guide on accommodations there:
Liwliwa Beach: The Ultimate Guide to the Trendiest Resorts (Budget to Luxury)

🏝️ Day 2: Island Hopping Extravaganza

**Day 2** is dedicated to the famous coves: **Anawangin** and **Nagsasa**. These boat trips typically depart from **Pundaquit, San Antonio**.

6. **Morning (7:30 AM):** Travel to Pundaquit (a short ride from most San Antonio/San Felipe resorts). Hire a boat for your **island hopping** tour. You can choose a single cove or a tri-island tour (Anawangin, Nagsasa, and Capones).
7. **Late Morning (9:00 AM):** Arrive at **Anawangin Cove** (closer and more popular). Explore the unique pine-tree forest and relax on the beach.
8. **Lunch (12:00 PM):** Head to **Nagsasa Cove** (further, quieter, and more picturesque). Cook your packed lunch or enjoy a meal at a small local stall.
9. **Afternoon (3:00 PM):** Visit **Capones Island** to hike up to the old Spanish lighthouse. This offers incredible views and great photo opportunities.
10. **Late Afternoon (5:00 PM):** Return to Pundaquit and head back to your resort. Relax and recover from a full day of sun and sea!

Key Island Hopping Tips:

• **Best Value:** Hire the boat with a group to split the cost.
• **What to Bring:** Lots of water, sun protection, and snorkeling gear (if you have it).
• **Entrance Fees:** Budget for separate entrance fees for each cove (typically P50-P100 per person).

🚗 Day 3: Local Activity, Last Swim, and Departure

Depending on your travel party (family, couple, or adventurer), choose one of these options before heading back to Manila:

• **Adventure Option (Botolan Base):** If you stayed further north in Botolan, book an early morning half-day trek to **Mount Pinatubo**.
• **Family Option (Subic Base):** Spend the morning at **Zoobic Safari** or **Inflatable Island** before heading out of the Subic/Olongapo area.
• **Relaxation Option (Any Base):** Enjoy a final swim in your resort's pool (if you chose a pool-equipped resort!) or the beachfront. Have a final mango fix (Zambales is famous for them!).

For a Full Activity Menu:
If the options above don't suit you, find more adventure ideas in our complete activity guide:
Top 12 Must-Try Zambales Tourist Spots and Activities (Beyond the Beach)

Finish your trip by packing up and heading back to the bus terminal for your return trip to Manila (approx. 4-5 hours travel time, depending on traffic).

Booking the Right Base for Your 3-Day Trip

The success of this **3-day Zambales itinerary** depends on choosing the best place to stay. If island hopping is your priority, stay in **San Antonio** or **San Felipe**. If attractions like Zoobic Safari and Inflatable Island are key, stay near **Subic**. Book your accommodation strategically and your trip will be seamless!

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Finalize your authority by reading the travel pro tips before you finalize your booking and departure:
TRAVEL PRO TIPS: HOW TO BOOK THE BEST ZAMBALES BEACH RESORTS & GET CHEAP DEALS