Zambales is a province that has it all—rich history, beautiful nature, fun city vibes, and, of course, delicious food. On a recent NLEX Lakbay Norte trip to the province, we explored everything from cascading waterfalls and historical museums to bustling city centers and relaxing cafes.
During our trip, we deep-dived into history at the Museo ni Ramon Magsaysay in Castillejos. Named after the beloved seventh president of the Philippines, the museum is a tribute to his life, work, and the untimely tragedy that took him too soon. Each corner tells the story of Magsaysay’s journey—from his humble beginnings to becoming a leader who championed the needs of the common people.
It’s one thing to read about history in books, but walking through the museum brought the stories to life. Learning about Magsaysay’s dedication to public service and the principles he stood brought an inspiring touch to the trip.
A beauti-fall adventure
A more adventure-filled part of the journey came with the visit to the Lubong Nangoloan Falls, also known as Anghalo Falls, in San Felipe. Named after a giant from local folklore, it certainly lived up to its magical reputation. The journey to the falls was an adventure in itself—you could either walk for about 15 minutes or take a ride on a carabao (for just P150), which added a touch of countryside charm. My friends chose to ride while I followed on foot, enjoying the scenery and getting in my steps for the day.
It’s a refreshing escape from the usual, with its cascading waters that form a deep basin ideal for swimming. The falls are at their most breathtaking during the rainy season (from August to November), according to the locals, when the water flow is at its fullest. There’s something incredibly peaceful about standing by the falls, surrounded by nature, with nothing but the sound of rushing water.
A relaxing break at Kalinto
Another worthwhile stop in our journey was at Kalinto, a newly opened resort and restaurant in Botolan. The mango espresso—a unique twist for a coffee lover like me—was the perfect pick-me-up. We also feasted on kebabs, salmon, and other treats while lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun.
The view from the restaurant was spectacular, with the sky clear and blue. Kalinto offered a perfect blend of good food and relaxation, making it a place I’d gladly revisit.
Time for some city fun
At one point during our trip, we made our way to SM City Olongapo Central for some city fun, where we became kids again at iSports. Picture a playground designed for grown-ups—with trampolines, obstacle courses, and all kinds of fun activities that made us feel like we’d left adulthood at the door. It was exhausting but in the best possible way. Sometimes, you just need to bounce around like a child to feel rejuvenated.
From SM Central, we crossed over to SM City Olongapo Downtown, where we stopped by Kuan Cafe for an afternoon snack. After all the bouncing around at iSports, we were ready for a cozy spot and some comfort food. Pizza, pasta, fries, and iced coffee filled our table, and the laid-back vibe of the cafe was exactly what we needed to wind down for a bit.
There were so many places we visited during our trip to Zambales, including Green Thumb mango processing, Alon and Araw Village, and Playa Shrimp farm, as well as our awesome accommodations at Villa Elisa and Aya Resort.