Potipot Island can be reached by a 5-minute boat ride from Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. It’s a small heart-shape island surrounded by white sand. The water is clear and calm, especially in the morning.
Candelaria, Zambales is approximately 240+ kms from Manila – about 5-hour drive. But, if you are taking the bus, be sure to allot at least 7 hours of your time. We took the 6AM Victory Liner bus bound to Sta. Cruz in Sampaloc. Then, we asked the conductor to drop us off at Dawal Beach Resort.
(Jeg, Hazel, Jasmin, Jigs)
If you want to stay overnight in Potipot, you have to pay an entrance fee of P300. You need to bring your complete camping gear because there are no resorts on the island. Another option is to stay in one of the resorts in Uacon for the night after spending a day in Potipot. Day trip entrance free is P100. We took the second option because we wanted to travel light. There are several resorts on the mainland of Uacon. We stayed at Sun Bloom Resort. Room rates are very affordable. A room has 2 double beds, so if you are travelling in a group, it’s really a good deal. We checked - in at noon and showed my deposit slip (reservation fee). A room is P1200 a day. The room was simple but comfortable enough.
Then, we took a tricycle to Candelaria market. One good thing about Sun Bloom is that you could just rent a stove and cook your own food. First activity was cooking. I marinated some liempo (pork belly), chicken, and some squids, while cooking adobo. Sure my adobo was a hit! After everything was set, we started devouring everything (LOL!) Every food complements each other, especially with salted eggs and fresh tomatoes on the side. The resort also sells “drinks”. We bought a case of Red Horse beer for P440. Relatively cheap. Now, is there a better way to relax than to eat, drink and share some good laughs. HHmmmm…. Actually, there is! How about night swimming? The water was relaxingly warm. The sand was also fine. After a few more beers, we called it a night. We planned to go to Potipot Island as early as possible the next day.
I got up before 6 (a little later than planned) and prepared breakfast. We packed some food and then talked to some boat owners. You can hire a boat (with a capacity of 4-6 persons) going to Potipot for P400 (back and forth). You just have to tell the boat man what time you want to go back to the resort and they’ll be there on time. Pay the boatman when you got back.
The island is pretty small, but we were a bit lucky that it wasn’t crowded when we went there. I just hope the visitors and care-takers of the island will be concerned enough not to exploit the island. A few years back, the island looked different. There were more trees and the place looked pristine. Now, they have cleared some of the trees and added more huts (for rent). The place is still beautiful but I hope they will not make any further changes on the island.
Sure I had a great time. It was just what I badly needed to get away from the scorching heat in the city, have some relaxing time (after working for 7 days a week for several months) and have quality time with my hubby. It’s definitely a worthwhile destination especially when you are on a tight budget. ☺☺☺
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