Sa Crystal Beach - San Narsico, Zambales

   Summer has come to an end but our longing for a sunny beach adventure still lingers. Good thing a friend of ours wants to celebrate her birthday somewhere away from the city. So our group decided to go to Crystal Beach to have a "beach-camping" birthday party which will surely satisfy the salt water cravings that we have.

   Home of the Summer Siren Festival for three years, Crystal Beach is also one of the favorite surfing spot in Zambales. I'm really excited to paddle out and get stoked again!

Crystal Beach

   Crystal Beach is located in barangay La Paz San Narciso, Zambales. From Manila, one can reach it via public transportation by taking a bus from Cubao (like Victory Liner) bound to Iba, Zambales and dropping off to San Narciso (Municipal Hall). Then from there, ride a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Crystal Beach.

   It is practical for a large group like us to take a private vehicle or rent a van so we won't have a hard time carrying our things. By private transport, we took the North Luzon Expressway then turned to San Fernando exit. We drive through Jose Abad Santos Avenue bound to Bataan then turned right at a junction in Dinalupihan where a World War II Monument is situated. A few hours more of driving through the National Highway lead us to downtown Olongapo. From the junction where the famous "Ulo Ni Apo" statue is located, we turned right then passed through several resorts in Subic until we reached San Marcelino then drove straight to San Narciso. From there, signage going to Crystal Beach are easily seen along the highway.

   We paid 295 pesos per person for the entrance fee (overnight camping with our own tent). For more information about the rates and accommodation, visit their website at www.crystalbeach.com.ph

   From the front desk where we made our arrangements and settled our bills, we head on to the campsite where we pitched our tents. Friendly staff welcomed us and helped us carry our luggage.

   Tall pine trees that shaded the area against the sun are lined up along the sandy campsite. From our spot, we can clearly hear the sound of the waves. There were areas where you can have your bonfires at night. Swings, Indo board and beach volleyball nets are also situated near the camping area. Hand water pumps and tables are also available nearby. The relaxing ambiance of the place instantly took away our exhaustion from the long travel.

The Campsite

   We head on to the beach right after we finished setting up our camp. A walkway roofed with bamboo poles will lead you to the shoreline. As we get nearer the shore, the louder we hear the waves of the sea. Small open huts and outdoor lounge chairs are lined up a few steps away from the shore. Children are busy making sand castles and others enjoy kite flying and playing Frisbee. The striking view of the mountain range in Pundaquit can be seen just behind the long gray shoreline of Zambales. The islands of Camara and Capones can also be seen from afar. The view, the sound and the feeling will make you forget how stressful life was back in the city.

   As I look across the sea, I noticed that no one is swimming! I only saw a few brave folks surfing along the waves. A red flag on the mast near the lifeguard's station means swimming is not allowed at that time. So we just enjoyed the fantastic view and the salty wind then went back to our campsite afterwards. 



   I took a stroll around the area and saw the awesome features and amenities of Crystal Beach. There's a rack full of surfboards nearby which will wake up the inner surfer in you and tease you to grab one and head on straight to the shore. There's also a basketball court aside from the volleyball nets that I saw near the campsite. One can rent a ball at a small sari-sari store located near the entrance. Barbecuing is not a problem because there is a large grilling station available which can accommodate a lot (charcoals not included). I am impressed on how tidy the restrooms and shower rooms are.

   Fancy cottages and rooms are found on different parts of the resort. Prices differ depending on the sizes of the room and its features.

   Mineral water (in a blue 5 gallon container) can be bought for 70 pesos but you also have to give 200 pesos as a deposit which will be refunded once the container is returned. Corkage fees are collected for alcoholic beverages that has been brought inside the resort.

   There's also a billiard hall and a restaurant (King Solomon's Hall) which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A recreational area is also available which is perfect for team buildings and family games. I guess everything you need for a fun, relaxing and comfortable beach experience is there.



   We decided to go back to the shore and noticed that the waves didn't get any calmer. Red flag is still raised and the people are just contented by just playing against the waves along the shore. One by one, I noticed camera phones and SLRs are pointing on to one direction. It's the big fiery sun bidding goodbye as it sets down the horizon. Gray skies yellowed by the sunlight over the ocean, it really is a fantastic view fit for a day's end.


   There isn't a dull moment at this beach even at night time. People spend the night happily in their own spot exchanging laughter, listening to music or playing the guitars. My stomach rumbled because of the smell of the barbecues and fishes that are being cooked on the grilling station. The bonfire heated up the cold summer night.

   A large cozy hut called Casa Corazon located near the beach offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. One can relax and sit on the carpet while being entertained by the soothing performance of the acoustic band.


   Next morning, we head on to the shore and checked out the waves. Swimming is still prohibited but we saw a number of people surfing. One can rent a surfboard for 200 pesos. Surfing lessons are also offered by Quiksilver Surf School for 400 pesos. I rented a board and head on to the waves but my novice surfing skill is greatly overwhelmed by the huge waves. I got wiped out yet stoked at the same time.


   As we bid goodbye to this lovely place, I looked around and remembered the fun and excitement that we had on our whole stay. New friends, fun experience and tighter bonds are created  on this place. Yes, we hadn't got a chance to swim, but our sunny beach adventure craving surely is satisfied. We'll definitely go back there again next time.


Comments

  1. How can you share your itinerary of this? Swimming on day time and bar & party at night. This is an awesome post.

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