Date: May 19 – 20, 2017
Location: Crystal Beach Resort, San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines
“Love is drifting on a sea of happiness”
Watch our Crystal Beach Travel Video in HD (1080P & 720P)
“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” ― Jo Walton
Whenever Madj and I have an adventure, we always feel very happy when gaining new experiences and new friends. We felt like we were there to learn and love other place’s cultures, religions, lifestyles and meet unforgettable people. Once we discovered a new place, we treated it as our newest playground enabling us to feel like we were kids again enjoying little things in a beautiful vast place God created.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ― Anita Desai
We love the Kamp Site 1 Feels
Romantic View in Crystal Beach Resort
Crystal Beach Resort
Crystal Beach Resort is conveniently located in Zambales (4-5 hours drive from Manila) and offers different accommodation types and necessities, from air-conditioned rooms to camping tents, to common area Wi-Fi, good food and car park.
Selfie using our selfie stick and Go Pro Hero Session 4
For us, Crystal Beach Resort was a perfect place for this noteworthy summer barkada adventure because we enjoyed every single activities we did, we loved the ambiance of the whole place, and our camping experience was absolutely unforgettable.
“True friends make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live just a little bit better.”
From Left: Are, Livenn, Jayson, Niña, Madj, Roselle, Anthony, Robin, & Gerald. We were wearing our DUBAI shirts from Roselle.
Our stay in Crystal Beach Resort brought us fun and refreshment. Lots of laughter were shared, good memories were created, and great photos were captured. It was really an enjoyable and a one-of-a-kind barkada adventure! And we couldn’t help but share our experience with you.. Are you ready?
The Sirena / Dugong Barkada Pose
Crystal Beach Resort Snapshots
Rows of Pine Trees
Nipa Hut
Kamp Site 3 Beach front
The famous pathway in Crystal Beach Resort
The newly renovated shower & restroom area
Wall quotes
Side of Kamp Site 3
The Brief History
Just to give you a brief history about this adventure. It was planned and organized by Madj’s high school friends a few months ago before it finally happened. But as far as I’ve known, they’ve been planning it for a couple of years. Just kidding. That’s why this Zambales barkada adventure was really, for them, a dream barkada adventure. If Madj would read this, she would definitely agree with me and say, “Tama ka hon! (then smile and wink)”.
At first, I wasn’t really supposed to be part of the plan but since Madj wanted me to take this opportunity to bond with her high school friends and vice versa, I didn’t have second thoughts. They were no strangers to me. I met them way back in 2010 on Madj’s 18th Birthday. Kung ‘di ako nagkakamali, first time ko rin ma-meet ang family ni Madj noon. Madj and I were just friends back then. Hindi pa niya ako sinasagot non. LOL! 😉
Aside from the bonding time with her friends, I also looked at this adventure as a great opportunity for me and Madj to have another memorable summer escapade. A summer that we will never forget and can be added to our one-for-the-books adventures.
For the record, it was our first time to travel in Zambales together. So, it added excitement to us because we don’t know what to expect and learn when we get there.
Well, I guess, I said too much for an introduction. Time for me to share with you how our Summer Barkada Adventure goes.
Nueva Ecija to Zambales
We started our adventure at Madj’s hometown, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. 5:30 in the morning, we rode Arayat Express Bus going to Olongapo City, Zambales. Travel time is about 3 hours with only one stopover in SM Pampanga.
Sakto yung bilang namin para maoccupy ung likod ng bus at makapag selfie gamit ang Go Pro
Upon arrival at the last stop of Arayat Express in Olongapo City, we walked for 5 minutes going to the Victory Liner Olongapo Terminal. For us to get ourselves in Crystal Beach Resort, we need to ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales and alight at San Narciso, Zambales. To get to Crystal Beach Resort, we took a bus going to Iba, Zambales and alight at San Narciso, Zambales. Fortunately, the bus was almost full of passengers and we were the last group to board.
Municipal Hall of San Narciso, Zambales.
We need to check-in at around 2 o’clock in the afternoon and it’s only 10 o’clock in the morning. So we still have time to take our lunch and buy food at the public wet market.
We took our lunch first at AVF’s Place Sanvid Food Hauz. It’s a budget-friendly food hauz along the main road of San Narciso, Zambales.
AVF’s Place Sanvid Food Hauz
A bowl of Sinigang na Baboy
Group Picture with the crew. HAHA! Di namin alam na ngumiti din pala sila kasama namin.
San Narciso, Zambales Public Wet Market
After buying the things that we need, we contacted Kuya John, Madj’s cousin, to get our guide on our way to Crystal Beach Resort. He helped us provide a tricycle service going to Crystal Beach Resort and guided us for some important details when travelling to Zambales. Thank you Kuya John! It was really a big help! It’s a 15-min tricycle ride going to Crystal Beach Resort from San Narciso Public Wet Market. Back then, we realized that it has been a smooth journey, we were able to reach Crystal Beach Resort safely.
Group picture in front of Crystal Beach Resort Entrance
Woaah! After 7 hours of a long journey we were finally here!
Camping at Kamp Site 3
Camping at Kamp Site 3
Our actual check-in time is 2 o’clock in the afternoon but we arrived at the Crystal Beach couple of hours earlier. Fortunately, they were allowing visitors to walk around the place, even though, it was still not their time to check-in. We need to thank them for this kind gesture, because of that, we had lots of time to appreciate the view, capture group pictures, and rest for a bit after a seemingly long travel.
Korean Heart ღ
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we took too long to make.” — Ritu Ghatourey
According to Crystal Beach Resort officers, there’s a big chance that there will be a heavy rain within our stay. Two thumbs-up for them, they were generous and concerned enough to inform us ahead of time and give a warning to their guests. This forecast didn’t stop us in letting ourselves pitch our tents. We set up our tents. We prayed and letting God control everything. We will just prepare for the heavy rain later. We didn’t regret the decisions we’ve made. Madaling araw kami binagyo but we managed to evacuate from one place to another safely. Merong mga nabasang mga gamit but we see to it that all our important things were not damaged. This made our camping more adventurous and unforgettable!
Kamp Site 3
As reserved, we had three tents, each tent can be occupied by 3 persons. We set up our tents at the Kamp Site 3. It was favorable to us, since this camp site is very accessible to all our needs such as grilling area, beachfront kamp site, Domingo’s Grill & Restaurant, newly renovated shower and rest room.
My Dream? To travel the WORLD with you! ❤
Crystal Beach Resort Camp Rules near the Kamp Site 3
❤ ❤ ❤
Let’s Go Swimming
Time to take a dip and spend couple of hours with pure bliss in the water.
Happy hours at the beach
Waves and cold breeze of the wind welcomed us when we were finally at the beachfront. As we’ve expected the Crystal Beach’s sand was not as white as the sand in Cagbalete Island. It clearly has its natural brown sand and salty water. The water were naturally giving out its cool strong waves. The waves are one of the attractions of this place.
Life’s better at the beach
Beach bum pose
We’d like to try to experience surfing here, we’ve heard that the way they teach and instruct their students were excellent. Unfortunately, As per one of the staff, they haven’t had a surfing activity on that day because of the inconsistent waves and the weather was not good for surfing.
Second day of happy hours at the Beach. We used the inflatable sleeping lay bag given by Ate Jen & Kuya Marco. PM them on their FB Accounts for orders. Thank you!
Kamp Site 1
We couldn’t help but fall in love with the korean-like location in Crystal Beach Resort. For Madj and me, this was the best view in this resort. Best for any type of photo shoot. Rows of pine trees are everywhere and we loved it!
Crystal Beach Squad Testimonials
I guess, words that I’ve said in this blog won’t suffice the joy we’ve had from this adventure. I’ve also asked Crystal Beach Resort Squad to give their testimonials about how great this adventure was. And here they are!
“Most unforgettable experience with my happiness.” – Rosh
“Finding friends with the same mental disorder…. Priceless!!!” – Niña
“Drawing turns into a colorful experience. ” – Gerald
“Our trip to Zambales is one of my favorite memories that I will treasure, a once in a lifetime experience. It was exciting, thrilling, fun and satisfying. ❤” – Robin
“This trip has gave us, amazing memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.” – Livenn
Lunch at Domingo’s Grill & Restaurant
We had our lunch at Domingo’s Restaurant and we really enjoyed the food. They served their food hot and sizzling! I liked their Sinigang na Maya Maya and Pinakbet.
This was our last meal before going home and getting back to reality.
Unexpected Catch Up
The day before this adventure happened, we didn’t know that my former colleague and good friend, Jelo and his fiance, Chem had a reservation at Crystal Beach Resort. Same day and same camp site with us but different check-in time. It was really unexpected. We had a short talk and a nice catch up. Thanks Chem and Jelo! Congratulations to the soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Pasiolan.
Madj & I with our good friends, Jelo & Chem
Special Thanks
To Madj’s high school friends and best friends: Roselle, Niña, Livenn, Jayson, Anthony, Gerald, Robin. It was nice meeting you again!
Cheers to our unforgettable summer barkada adventure! Hoping we could have another summer getaway! Siguro sa pagbalik nalng ulit ni Rosh no? Kelan ba ulit yun? 🙂
Selfie after we played Moro-Moro (Agawan Base) game in Kamp Site 3. Sorry guys, panalo ang team namin ah! Bawi nalang next time. 😀
Thank You Crystal Beach Resort
Thank you for giving us a memorable summer barkada adventure! We enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back. We will also recommend this to our family and friends.
That’s it folks! Hope we enticed you enough to travel Zambales and explore Crystal Beach Resort with your friends, family and loved ones. Happy travelling!
Crystal Beach Resort 2D1N Itinerary
Day 0 & 1
- 1015PM : ETD FNLT Terminal, Monumento
- 1130PM : ETA Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
- 1200MN : ETA Madj’s House
- 0100AM : Lights off
- 0330AM : Wake-up Call
- 0430AM : ETA Meeting Place @ 7 Eleven
- 0530AM : ETD Bus Ride from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija to Olongapo City
- 0630AM : ETA SM Pampanga (First Stopover)
- 0810AM : ETA Arayat Express Last Stop
- 0815AM : ETA Victory Liner Olongapo Terminal
- 0825AM : ETD Bus ride from Victory Liner Olongapo to San Narciso, Zambales
- 1000AM : ETA Municipal Hall of San Narciso, Zambales
- 1030AM : Lunch at AVF’s Place Sanvid Food Hauz
- 1145AM : ETA Public Wet Market, San Narciso, Zambales
- 1210PM : ETD Public Wet Market to Crystal Beach Resort
- 1230PM : ETA Crystal Beach Resort
- 0100PM : Crystal Beach Resort Early Check-in
- 0200PM : Tent Arrival
- 0400PM : Set-up Tent
- 0430PM : Start Swimming at the Beach
- 0600PM : Back to our Camp Site. Cooking Time.
- 0730PM : Dinner Time
- 0800PM : Free time. Watch Acoustic Live Band.
- 1200MN : Lights off
Day 2
- 0300AM : Start of Heavy Rain
- 0500AM : Wake-up Call
- 0600AM : Wash-up. Appreciate the Place.
- 0720AM : Breakfast
- 0800PM : Photo Op
- 0900AM : We Play the Game: Moro-moro
- 0930AM : Start of Swimming
- 1030AM : Wash-Up
- 1130AM : Prepare our Things
- 1200NN : Lunch at Domingo’s Grill & Restaurant
- 0200PM : Crystal Beach Resort Check-out
- 0230AM : ETD Bus Ride from San Narciso to Arayat Express Olongapo Terminal
- 0430PM : ETD Arayat Express Terminal bus to Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
- 0730PM : ETA Cabiao, Nueva Ecija: Homebound
Crystal Beach Resort Expenses
Day 1 & Day 2
- Tricycle to Meeting Place : P50
- Arayat Express Bus Fare from Cabiao Nueva Ecija to Olongapo (vice versa) : 150 / person
- Victory Liner Bus Fare from Olongapo to San Narciso (vice versa) : P70 / person
- Tricycle Fare to Crystal Beach Resort from San Narciso Public Wet Market : P15 / person
- Tricycle Fare from Crystal Beach Resort to Bus Terminal : P30 / group of 3
- Overnight Rate in Crystal Beach : 1500 for 2
- Food Budget for Camping (Lunch / Meryenda / Dinner / Breakfast) : 2200 for group of 9
- Lunch at AVF’s Place Sanvid Food Hauz : 900 for group of 9
Estimated Total Amount of Expenses for 2 : P2885
Crystal Beach Resort Important Information
Address: Purok 1-B, Brgy. La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales, 2205
For more information, contact details below:
Official Website: http://www.crystalbeach.com.ph/
Sun: (+63) 922-858-5858
Globe: (+63) 917-832-8050
How we get here?
- We took Arayat Express Bus from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija going to Olongapo, Zambales.
- From Arayat Express last dropped off point, 5-min walk going to Victory Liner Terminal, Olongapo City.
- Took Victory Liner Bus to IBA/STA.CRUZ-bound and dropped off in San. Narciso, Zambales (nearest landmark: San Sebastian Catholic Church)
- Once there, we took a tricycle going to Crystal Beach Resort.
Let us know your thoughts!
Please feel free to comment your thoughts below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. And don’t forget to give us some love. Please do like and share! Thank you!
Did you like this article? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more travel updates!
See our Travel Video Blog — > TRAVEL VIDEO: Crystal Beach Resort Barkada Adventure
Are & Madj Adventures 