Potipot Island Travel Guide 2019

cedriclaureta
Mar 21, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Dec 15, 2019

Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines

The Philippines is surrounded with beautiful Islands and beaches. Potipot Island in Candelaria, Zamabales is one of it. I've been wanting to explore more of the North side of Luzon Philippines and luckily I get to be here. Nowadays, people want to be away from the city and the way to escape it is to travel. This Island is by far one of the most accessible beaches in Luzon with water clear as crystals and sand like cream.

This travel guide will help you with the ff:

How to get there Where to stay

What to do in the Island

Travel tips

How to get to Potipot Island?

Manila - Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines

Land Travel

Public vehicle: Ride a bus bound for St. Cruz, Zambales. You may check out Cubao, Quezon City buses terminals that regularly ply this route. Get off at Barangay Uacon in Candelaria (Candelaria is the town just before Sta. Cruz). You can take a trike or even walk to the nearest resort or the beach where you can get a boat to Potipot Island.

Private vehicle: To get to Uacon, Candelaria by car take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) all the way to the Dau/Mabalacat exit then continue on to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The route through San Fenando – Lubao in Pampanga is shorter but passes through a narrower road and congested town centers so we decided on using the SCTEX instead for speed and ease of travel. Travel the length of SCTEX to the Tipo Exit, pass through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and on to Subic Town. Take the national road all the way to Candelaria. You will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba, Palauig and Masinloc before Candelaria in that order. It’s about a five hour drive from Metro Manila. (google maps is the key! lol)

Boat transfers

In Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales you will need to ride a boat going to Potipot Island for about 8-10 minutes (prices may vary depending on how many are you and probably 100php each. Boat transfers back and fort - Please contact Rapoy/Vangie Hermogino at 09158018101

Kuya Rapoy and Ate Vangie his wife were the most hospitable locals there. They offer services like cooking set rentals (200-250 php), utensils, drinking water (100 php blue jug) and Ice.

Where to Stay in Potipot Island?

Isla de Potipot Hotel and beach resort

Contact numbers: 09054567243 | 09204999134

Email: Isladepotipotmarketing@gmail.com

Entrance fee:

Daytrip: 300 php

Overnight: 500 php

Cottage Island rates:

Cabanas

Basic - 2,000 php

Nipa hut with a place for dining and one bedroom with beddings (good for 2 pax)

Modern - 2,500 php

Tree house Kubo with a place for dining and one bedroom with beddings and fan. (good for 2-4 pax) that can placed with extra mattress

Open Cabana - 2,000 php

Open styled nipa hut that can a place to dwell overnight (good for 2-4 pax) that can placed with extra mattress

For room rates (groups): Please contact the resort

What to do in Potipot Island?

Camping — 300 php per tent
Beach bum — enjoy the beach by simply doing nothing :)
Kayaking — Free for the first hour (can't recall but please ask the receptionist)
Snorkeling — 100-150 php rental fee/day
Star Gazing — Enjoy a bottle of rhum/brandy by the shore under a million stars

TIPS:

Bring your own food and water ( You can buy in Public market nearby) FYI anything in the Island is expensive so be smart.
Kitchen and Grilling area are available
Limit the use of plastic as much as possible
Dispose all your trash properly.
Reservation isn't necessary but an advantage during Summer season.
Be considerate with fellow travellers. Avoid loud sounds or chitchats during sleep hours.