San Narciso, Zambales

This is the second time were going out of town during Holy Week. We only had a week to plan, do research and prepare on where and how we will spend Lent this year.We've encountered few options but what were really after is to look for an affordable getaway since will be bringing the entire family, a place not so far from the Metro where we could enjoy the sun, sand and beach.

We bumped into this website http://www.sabinabeachresort.com/ and we decided to check in and find out for ourselves...

Reading thru blogs, Zambales should be 2-3 hours travel from Manila but since its Holy Thursday, half a million cars are scheduled to leave Manila and travel North thus as expected, we traveled from 6:30AM to 2:00PM (7.5 hours) just to get to San Narciso Zambales. So I suggest, do this trip during off peak season.

Along the way, you'll pass by Bataan and see WWII First Line of Defense Monument and since its Holy Week, you'll also see group of men alternately carrying wooden cross as a form of their penitence.

You also have the option to pass by Subic Bay and take few photos but since we were on the road for more  than 6 hours already we decided not to roam around Subic and head on. 

We arrived at the resort just in time for the 2pm check in. We booked for 2 rooms 1SD non-air conditioned room (Php 1,600) good for 4pax and 1 air conditioned room (Php 2,400) also good for 4pax. At the entrance of the resort, there were several rules like corkage fee of Php 100 per bottle of soda and any alcoholic drinks but these were not implemented strictly during our stay so it was of benefit to us. Bringing in food is definitely OK including bringing your own Gasulito so you could cook your own food. The room does not include any refrigerator so make sure to bring your own cooler. There are ice tubes for sale along the way in Castillejos, just a town before San Narciso for Php 50 per bag which is enough to cool your food and drinks overnight. Grillers, Hammock, Huts are available free of use. There is no swimming pool in the resort. Its just the beach, the sun and the sand to enjoy. 

If you are looking for a budget friendly resort, you can consider staying here. There are also 2 other beach Resort just beside Sabina which is Johneva and the more popular Crystal Beach Resort. If you've been to Boracay or Palawan then do not attempt to compare the sand and beach because you'll end up disappointed. 

Sand is gray but there is a vast shoreline where you could take a quiet walk and simply enjoy the sunset and sunrise. You can also enjoy beach volleyball, badminton and frisbee. You can even do camp fire and set your tent by the beach if you want. A lot of people are doing these while we were there. 

Before heading home, you can buy the famous Zambales Mango which is of export quality for Php 50 per kilo. There were also crabs for sale but I didnt get to check how much it costs. 

You can contact Ms Ruth at 09328860151 for any inquiries. 

Pray: Refer to this site for San Sebastian Church http://pinoychurches.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/san-sebastian-parish-church-san-narciso-zambales/

Eat: You can stop by at Double Happiness in Lubao Pampanga for a light snack and buy some   pasalubong

Travel: Overall, it was a family budget friendly travel near the Metro. My rating will be...