Crystal Beach Resort – San Narciso, Zambales (Travel Guide)

Crystal Beach Resort is located in the town of San Narciso. A town right just after San Antonio, the jump-off point for Anawangin and Nagsasa coves. The resort offers surfing lessons, surfboard rentals, camping, bonfires and sometimes beach party when events are held in the place.

It is the time of the year again for our annual camping trip. We’re choosing between Magalawa Island and Crystal Beach Resort. Both are in Zambales and offer a camping experience. We chose the one with the ease of access. Magalawa Island requires a boat transfer, so we chose Crystal Beach Resort.

GOING THERE

We rode a Victory Liner bus bound to Iba/Sta. Cruz in Caloocan. We told the ticket booth that we’re going to drop at San Narciso and charged us 277 pesos per head. The trip took almost 4 hours. We dropped near San Sebastian Parish Church and took a trike going straight to Crystal Beach Resort. It took us less than 10 minutes.

CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT – CHILL AND RELAX

We arrived at the resort around noon. We registered at the front desk and paid the amount of 295 Pesos per head (We brought our own tent). One of the staff guided us to the campsite, but we chose a spot near the beach. The resort is wonderful — simple, well-maintained and clean.

We set camp beneath the pine trees and from there, we have the view of the sea. While we cook our food, we sat there in peace. It was very relaxing.

Lunch

There are cottages, swings, and benches for you to relax on. The sand is grayish white as what beaches in Zambales look like. The sea has strong waves so it is really recommended for surfers.

One of the highlights of the resort is the breathtaking view of the sunset. We sat down in awe and waited until darkness came.

Sunset at Crystal Beach Resort

We cooked and ate our dinner by the beach. By the way, if you haven’t brought any food, they have a restaurant. We just really want to cook our own food. 😛 After dinner, we stayed at the campsite where the bonfire was lit for people to gather beneath the stars.

Bonfire Session

DAY 2

The next day, we took the time to explore the resort and take some photos. The place is picturesque. Luckily, there were few guests, we had the liberty to take clean shots.

After lunch, we checked out of the resort and returned back to Manila. We were very satisfied with our stay here. If only we could stay longer, we’ll definitely do other things that the resort offers. I want to return here again someday just to chill and relax. This is a place to be with nature. A place to let go of worries and be in peace.  If you want a weekend getaway near Manila, I recommend you going here.

ITINERARY

EXPENSES

TOTAL EXPENSES: 1361.50 Pesos per person

REMINDERS/GUIDES/TIPS

How to get there:

• Take Bus (Victory Liner) from Caloocan to San Narciso, Zambales (Fare = P272, Travel time = 4 Hours)
• Take Trike from terminal (just along the highway) to Crystal Beach Resort (Fare =  15 Pesos/person, Travel time = 15 Minutes)

Fees:

*As of 2017, they have changed their rates:

• ADULT
  Php 500.00/person for the entrance fee and Php 150 consumable for food and drinks
  Php 100.00/person security deposit
• KIDS (10 years old below)
  Php 350.00/person for the entrance fee only
  Php 100.00/person security deposit
• CAMPING PACKAGES
  (Reservation is required)
• TENT RENTALS
  REGULAR RATE: Php 1, 075.00/person/night
  DISCOUNTED RATE: Php 900.00/person/night (June 15-October 16, 2017)
  *inclusive of tent, mat, pillow, blanket, bottled water, toiletries and breakfast meal.
• GUEST’S OWN TENT
  REGULAR RATE: Php 895.00/person/night
  DISCOUNTED RATE: Php 760.00/person/night (June 15-October 16, 2017)
  *Inclusive of tent pitching, bottled water, toiletries and breakfast meal.
• JUNGLE HOSTEL
  Jungle Hostel Surf Shack (Overnight) – Php 850.00/person (min. of 2 persons)
  *inclusive of breakfast meal and entrance fee

Power Pack:

• Tent
• Swimwear
• Extra Clothes
• Sunblock
• Mini Fan
• Dry Bag
• Towels

Connect:

• Website: http://www.crystalbeach.com.ph/index.php
• Contact Numbers: 0933-8509144 (Sun), 0915-6023636 (Globe)
• Email Adress: crystalbeachresort@gmail.com

Notes:

• If you are camping, hide your food or put them on higher ground to avoid dogs from finishing your food.
• The bonfire is lit every 8:00 PM, free of charge
• Wi-fi is available in the reception area.
• There is a sari-sari store inside where you can buy snacks and drinks.
• They have a restaurant that is open from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
• If you don’t want to go camping, they offer fan and air-conditioned rooms.
• There are flags on the beach which indicates the safe place for swimmers.
• If you’re on a budget, there are eateries outside the resort where you can buy food for a lower price.
• They also offer a lot of activities such as Surfing Lessons, Island Hopping, Beach Camping, Music by the Beach, Team building Activity, Kayaking, Frisbee, Billiard, Ping-pong, Darts, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Log Climbing, and  Trekking.