ISLANDER

   Zambales Adventure

Zambales owns the pride for having the sweetest mango in the whole world which was recorded in Guinness Book of World Records which was unknown to most people and also most people don’t know that Zambales is rich for having islands. So let’s have some island hopping at Zambales. Come on, let’s explore them.

POTIPOT ISLAND

Potipot is an island nearly located at Uacon, Candelaria. The island is a very small patch of land with white sand and surrounded by gentle waters. It is easily reached by a 5-hour drive and a 5-minute boat trip from mainland Zambales. Potipot is considered the most famous island in Zambales. This island has been featured in few movies.

MAGALAWA ISLAND

Magalawa Island in Palauig, is where you'll find a small fishing community and a slowly developing white sand beach resort. A slightly off-the-beaten-path travel destination, it has already caught the attention of some tour groups or travel companies that offer regular guided tours here in the Philippines. But, compared to the more popular Potipot Island, this beautiful island is not as well known to many individual or independent tourists, backpackers, and travelers. And, if you're the type who only hit the beach once a year during the summer, chances are, you've probably never even heard of this place.

CAPONES ISLAND

Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit. The island is actually a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island aren’t that homie for the usual tourist mainly because of the sand and rock mixture from the crashing waves of the open ocean. One of the best things to do on the island, aside from just hanging around and not being able to enjoy the beach, is go up and take a tour of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is at the back of the island when you’re facing the open sea. The steep steps up to the lighthouse are no walk in the park. So be ready and carry only what you need. If you do need to carry a lot of stuff like camera gears, make sure you put them in a sturdy bag with a strong strap and ask your guide (boatman or sometimes another local) to carry them for you.Boat rides from Pundaquit shores to Capones Island will be about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the weather and water conditions.

Camara Island

Camara Island is the closest island from the shores of Pundaquit. The island, like its close neighbor Capones, is also a big lump of rock with very little soil. Trees aren’t that many but because of the rock formations and angle of the island, it’s not hard to find shade and scenic spots for a great photo shoot.The island has a great view of the open ocean. It has two sides separated by a white sandbar that becomes visible during the lowtide and disappears during the high tide. Big rocks that dwarf the tourists are plenty on this island. It won’t be long till you find yourself taking photos of them or with them and just be astonished by their size and weight.

GRANDE  ISLAND

Grande  Island is surrounded by blue green clean water at the mouth of Subic Bay, reachable by a car in less than one and half hours from Balintawak. It is actually an island resort. Rich in historical legacy, virgin forest area and sea breeze. It is also home to many birds and their nestling place. It is an ideal place for relaxation, nature lovers, family reunion and friends; a place for group seminar and trainings. There were provided hotel and restaurant facilities.

HERMANA MAYOR ISLAND

Hermana Mayor Island, an island located at Sta.Cruz, where I actually grew up. It is popularly known as the Miss Universe Island since it was the place where the candidates for the Miss Universe Pagent in 1970 had their photography sessions. Near this island is her sister island named Hermana Menor (I rode a boat towards here when I was teenage) which is also a beautiful island.

SAN SALVADOR ISLAND

San Salvador is an island barangay (village) under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Masinloc.  The reefs in the northeastern part of the island are fringing, characterized by a vast reef flat with sudden drop-offs in the crest.  Spur and groove formation is common along the reef crest, particularly in the area facing the South China Sea.  A 127-hectare fish sanctuary was established in 1989.