Botolan, Zambales | Sundowners Beach Villas | Travel Guide
In this trip, we drove up north to Zambales for a beach getaway. Zambales is on the west part of Central Luzon facing South China Sea. A popular tourist destination near Manila. Known for Mt. Pinatubo, beaches and coves.
Before heading to the resort, we did a detour to San Antonio, Zambales. Hidden in this fishing village is Casa San Miguel – a center for arts. Casa San Miguel is also a Bed and Breakfast, Event Venue and a café.
We tried Café Virtuosi - an alfresco dining café with a view of the garden. They serve pizzas and pastas.
Sundowners Beach Villas in Botolan, Zambales is known for its white villas with private pools and a wide infinity pool. Sundowners Beach Villas is one of the best resorts in the area.
The resort has a beach front access with a long stretch of gray, semi-fine sand. Since it is facing South China Sea, this area has strong currents and waves.
Beach in Botolan is not child-friendly but perfect for surfing. So I rented a board and surfed late afternoon.
The Infinity pool and its restaurant named Reef and Beef are perfectly positioned for a sunset.
The villa has a spacious lounge area, a grilling station and its own kitchen with complete kitchen utensils.
For dinner, we ordered several dishes from Reef and Beef. Also, we asked them to cook the shrimps and crabs we bought from the local fisherman.
The next morning, we ate at Reef and Beef. You should try their Angus Beef Tapa.
After that, we went to the diving pool and did some jumps.
Grilled some hotdogs and made smores and spent the remainder of our stay in our private pool.
On our way to Manila, we did a side trip to Angeles, Pampanga and tried 25 Seeds. 25 Seeds is a Filipino restaurant by Chef Sau Del Rosario.
It is difficult to spot 25 Seeds because it has a façade of an old ancestral mansion. Also, it only has a small signage. Once inside, you’ll be amazed at the interior of 25 Seeds. Keeping the traditional Filipino look with modern finish.
I like everything we ordered especially Pasta Aligue and the Melt-in-your-mouth Pata Tim.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES
Botolan, Zambales is open all year round but the best time to visit is during dry season. This is from November to May. My recommendation is to visit from November to March for a pleasant cool climate.
If you are into surfing, the surf season is from September to February.
From March to May, it is summer in Philippines and temperature can be scorching hot.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES
Beach outfit
Swimwear
Rash guard / Wetsuit
Sandals / Slippers
Protection from the sun
Dry bag
Tumbler
Camera / Action Cam
Trash bag
Food / Snacks / Drinks
Speaker
Cards
Beach Mat
Towels
Toiletries
HOW TO GET TO BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES FROM MANILA
To get to the Botolan, Zambales, the best way is via car. From EDSA, drive north and take Balintawak exit to NLEX. Then, take the NLEX-SCTEX route and exit at Tipo. From Subic – Tipo Expressway, turn right to Rizal Highway. At the end of Rizal Highway, turn left at Manila Ave. Then, right turn to Dewey Ave. Exit Kalaklan Gate and turn left at the end of Dewey Ave. Follow the National Highway until you reach Botolan. Turn right to Felix Manalo Road. Left turn at the end of the road then turn right.
If you are coming from cities south of Manila, best to take the Skyway NLEX-SLEX connector.
Travel time from Manila to Zambales is 4-5 hours.
BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for an overnight stay at Sundowners Beach Villas is around Php30,768.00 or Php3,846.00/pax. The computation is based on 2 Bedroom Pool Villa Right Wing, going to Botolan, Zambales via car and for 8 pax.
You can still lower the costs if you will cook your own food. See costs details below:
Sundowners Beach Villas 2 Bedroom Pool Villa Right Wing – Php17,950.00/night
Gas – Php1,500.00
Toll Fees
NAIA Skyway Entry - Php35.00
NLEX - SLEX Connector - Php264.00
NLEX Balintawak Entry - Php60.00
NLEX - SCTEX - Tipo Exit - Php500.00
Meals – Php2,400.00/ 5 meals for 8pax at 300.00 per head estimate.
Surfboard Rental – Php500.00 (Not sure if the rates on the site is updated but I paid 500.00/hour even without instructor).
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES
Purok 5, Brgy, Botolan, Zambales, Philippines
0917 1333007
No corkage on food and drinks
pet-friendly
Card is accepted.
No ATMs near the area.
Signal is weak in this area. They have free WIFI but don’t expect too much.
Beach is not child-friendly. Strong waves and currents.
BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES TRAVEL TIPS
Skyway is your friend especially on weekends.
Schedule your trip as early as possible to avoid traffic.
Book in advance.
There were local fishermen selling freshly caught crabs and shrimps. You can grill it or ask the restaurant to cook it for you.
Did you know that the coastline of Zambales is a nesting grounds for sea turtles? The nesting season is from September to January.
Since Botolan, Zambales is not a top surfing destination, this means lesser crowd. Best spot to learn surfing. The beach is also great for skim boarding.
CLEAN AS YOU GO
ADDITONAL INFORMATION
Evangelista St, Brgy. San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines 2206
+63 2 8551 1003
25 Seeds
Check them out on FB: @25seeds
2F Dycaico Ancestral House, Barangay Sto. Rosario 2009 Angeles City, Philippines
0977 786 4966
Sundowners Travel Requirements
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