To End Summer 2015: Liw-Liwa

Liw-Liwa for the third time. For quick beach fix.
Arrived around 10:30 PM.
Circle Hostel and other for-rent places were packed with college boys and girls.
We decided to stay somewhere in San Narciso, a town adjacent to Liwa’s home, San Felipe, Zambales.

The waves were huge.
Surfers shared a sweet spot off the shore.
Perfect way to end the summer season.

Liw-Liwa

We’ve been to Liw-Liwa, Zambales barely four months ago, and we’re back.  The casual vibe, chaotic waves, and desolated shores at night — these, needless to say, seduced us. We did Liw-Liwa via car this time. Without the confusing directions Google Maps and Waze gave us on the last stretch (which led us to very rocky and bumpy road of eight kilometers), the road trip was one for the books. We stayed again at Circle Hostel, San Felipe. Clear starry skies, cold waters, and surfers treated us. Of course, we’ll be back soon.

 

Liw-Liwa: Unpretentious Surf Spot

Sometimes, an almost empty beach is a testament to how we Filipinos are so comfortable and content with the beauty and convenience of popular beach destinations our country has to offer. Some of us have a love-hate relationship with new discoveries.

Liw-Liwa: For Surfers, Skim Boarders, and Beach Bums

San Felipe in Zambales is never shy about showcasing its wonders to those who dare to seek the different. Rose and I were fortunate enough to be part of the scene.

San Felipe proudly hosts Liw-Liwa, a relaxed barangay boasting over four kilometers of beachfront. It’s becoming a hub for surfing and skimboarding enthusiasts. The waves exhibit a serene chaos. The locals are as harmonious as Davis music, and the food is a simple yet rich reminder of mom’s home-cooked meals. Speaking of food, don’t miss Mommy Phoebe’s Place. Their offerings are exceptional, and they also provide surfboard rentals.

While the beach might not have the whitest sand in this part of Luzon, it’s the ambiance and the culture of its visitors that set it apart. And, notably, it’s not crowded—a refreshing change.

Liw-Liwa has several resorts and transient homes, but we opted for the Circle Hostel due to its rave reviews. What’s fun about Circle Hostel? Artistic paintings and texts everywhere, hammocks galore, and an incredibly welcoming and laid-back crowd. It’s a haven for those wanting a genuine taste of the surfing community.

Not Just Seawater

Another must-visit in San Felipe is Anghalo Falls, a tranquil and unassuming cascade. It’s so secluded that Rose and I had it all to ourselves on a Saturday. However, if you’re planning to visit during the summer, be aware that the water at Anghalo Falls might run dry, as it’s stream-fed.

How to Get to Liw-Liwa Beach (From Metro Manila)

• Board a bus headed for Iba, Zambales at the Victory Liner terminal in Cubao. Departure times: 06:30, 09:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30, and 19:30.
• Alternatively, take a bus to Olongapo at the same terminal. From there, transfer to a bus bound for Iba, Zambales.
• Inform the bus conductor to drop you at San Felipe. The journey from Cubao to San Felipe typically lasts four to five hours.
• Once at San Felipe’s town center, hail a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to the “surf spot.” The fare is P30.
• Various resorts and transient homes are located nearby, so finding accommodation should be a breeze. Notable options include Circle Hostel and Kapitan’s Liwa Surf Resort.

How to Get to Anghalo Falls (From San Felipe)

• From San Felipe’s town center, take a tricycle to the start of the path leading to Anghalo Falls. Ensure you have the driver’s contact details for your return journey.
• From the drop-off point, it’s a 20-minute trek to the falls. The path is straightforward and doesn’t present much of a challenge.