Sitio Liwliwa, Zambales

Sitio Liwliwa, Zambales

Once a small fishing village, now a booming tourist destination. This is Liwliwa Beach in Barangay Sto. Niño, San Felipe, Zambales. Its less than two kilometers of shore with gray sand mixed with a small quantity of lahar brought by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption is ideal for relaxation. Here you can connect your spirit with the ocean and ride the waves, walk barefoot and feel the sand - unwind.

Liwliwa Beach - Remembering the Past

 

The fast-changing development of Sitio Liwliwa from a fishing village to a tourist destination is common in Zambales. Places like Pundaquit in the town of San Antonio and Magalawa Island in Palauig are good examples. Liwliwa Beach is a Sitio of Barangay Sto. Niño. On the western side, it faces the West Philippine Sea and on its southern tip, the Santo Tomas River.

An old picture of Sitio Liwliwa

Once, the locals called the place "Sabangan" where they picked various types of sea snails for food and trade. Sabangan is translated in English as "water junction". It got its name probably because of Sto. Tomas River's delta on its southern tip and a portion of a swampy area a long time ago.

A scene from the Old Liwliwa

The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo dramatically changed the landscape. Ash rain accumulated on land and lahar found its way to the river dumping a large amount of volcanic materials to the sea. That explains why the beach sand of Liwliwa has a mixture of gray and black sand.

A tourist having a walk in Liwliwa Beach

This I learned from a friend who lives minutes away by foot from Liwliwa. 

If my memory serves me right, it was two decades ago when I first visited Liwliwa. Not a single nipa hut could be found in the area. Only a makeshift shade made of coconut leaves we made to protect us from the sun. There were few Agoo trees about four feet high scattered at the beach that seemed intentionally planted. 

Liwliwa Surfers

On my second visit, there were few beachgoers dwelling the place. Surfing has been introduced because of the natural big waves of the sea. The Agoo trees were twice as tall as me, bamboo fences were build to identify properties. Some hostels were built. But still, not a single nipa hut close to the beach.

So we pitched our tent.

This month of June was my recent visit with co-workers. The place had changed completely. There are Nipa Huts for rent standing a few meters from the beach. Accommodations are already available in the area such as hotels and camping grounds. My group chose to rent a nipa hut inside the vicinity of Le Quvoh. We stayed there for the day.

Le Quvoh in Sitio Liwliwa

Liwliwa Beach Tourist Attractions - From Blocks to Surfboards

Little did I know that the famous colossal blocks of Liwliwa beach that used to be the main attraction of the area would disappear. I tried to search for this stackpile of blocks. Luckily, they're still there engulfed by thick leaves from branches of trees invisible to most tourists. It used to be a playground and a photographer's subject.

Sitio Liwliwa -  Old Picture

Another old picture of Liwliwa

Now the main attraction of Liwliwa are watersports such as swimming and of course surfing! I guess the latter is mostly the reason tourists visit the place.

On your visit, try to look for these blocks.

Things to Do:

• Surfing

Surfing is the main attraction in Sitio Liwliwa. Surfers flock the beach during the rainy season (July to November) because of the high ocean waves.

• Swimming

You can indulge and enjoy the salty sea with the waves. Summer months is the perfect time for this activity.

• Camping

Pitch your tent under Agoo trees or close to the beach. You can also rent a tent from hostels and pitch on their camping grounds. 

• Watch the Sunset/Sunrise

Liwliwa's southern part close to Sto. Tomas River's delta.

 There's nothing as specular at the beach than to watch the sun kiss the ocean.

• ATV Ride

Because Liwliwa has a vast beach shoreline, ATV ride has been a thrilling adventure for tourists in the area.

• Bird Watching

On the southern tip of Liwliwa, there is a swampy area where birds dwell. You can also find the delta of Santo Tomas River.

 

 

Where To Stay in Sitio Liwliwa?

There are may resorts and homestays in Sitio Liwliwa sprouted like mushrooms. We opted to stay at Le Quvoh Beach Resort because it was close to the shore and on their veranda, you can see the beach.

Such a relaxing spot!

Le Quvoh Beachfront

Le Quvoh's Veranda

We found their kubo rental the cheapest after asking many resort owners or caretakers close to the beach shore.

Le Quvoh's Kubo

At Le Quvoh, we had the chance to cook our own lunch since they have a cooking area free of charge.

Our busy cook and his Sinigang na Hipon

At Le Quvoh grilling area

We needed beverages and luckily, they have a restobar.

Our group ready to get boozed.

Getting boozed...

Then we played billiards.

After them, it's our game.

We burried ourselves in the sand.

and observe silence...

And of course, swam!

 Liwliwa Resorts

Below are the places of accommodations to choose from.

• MD's Place El Zamba Liwliwa Beach Resort
• Surface Liwa Beach Resort
• Kapitan's Liwa Surf Resort
• The Glamp Zambales
• Jash Beach Resort
• Balud sa Liwa
• The Circle Hostel
• Kwentong Dagat
• Beach Haven Campsite Liwliwa
• Optimus Royale Beach Resort
• Fab's Resort
• Board Culture Liw-liwa Surf Camp
• Limliwa Beach Resort
• Hideout

Where To Eat

Mommy Phoebe's Place

Years ago, the only place to run when you got hungry in Liwliwa was Mommy Phoebe's Place. Now you have two more choices!

• Tadhana Food Shack
• Sakk Tree

 

How To Get to Sitio Liwliwa

Liwliwa is approximately 166 kilometers from Metro Manila. Travel time takes about 3.5 hours by car and around 4.5 hours by public vehicle.

By Public Transportation: From Metro Manila, take a Victory Liner Bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Stop at San Felipe Public Market and hire a habal-habal to Sitio Liwliwa.

Alternatively, take a Saulog Transit or Victory Liner bound for Olongapo City. From Olongapo, take a mini-bus or Victory Liner bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Stop at San Felipe Public Market and take a tricycle to Liwliwa Beach.

By Private Car: From Metro Manila, take North Luzon Expressway and exit at San Fernando Toll Plaza. Then take Jose Abad Santos Avenue (also called GSO or Olongapo Gapan Road) all the way to Layac Junction. From Layac Junction, turn left and take Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Dinalupihan Plaza. Exit at Tipo Plaza passing Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) Security Plaza.

From SBFZ, exit at Kalaklan Gate and drive all the way to San Felipe, Zambales. Before reaching the town of San Felipe, you'll pass a long bridge named Maculcol Bridge. By then, slow down and pay attention on the left side of the road for Prawn Hatchery Center Sitio Liwliwa signage. Follow the sign to until you reach Liwliwa.

Side Trip

If you have ample time, there are natural attractions nearby worth paying a visit - waterfalls! Yes, there are three waterfalls in San Felipe, Zambales.

Anghalo - The most famous among the three waterfalls in San Felipe. Just hire a habal habal to Anghalo Falls and enjoy cliff jumping.

Anghalo Falls

Cabaruan Falls - It is located in the same Barangay where Anghalo Falls is situated. Advisable for families with kids because of its shallow water basin.

Cabaruan or Grotto Falls

Sagpat Falls - This waterfall requires trekking for less than an hour and is located in Barangay Maloma.

Sagpat Falls

The dazzling simplicity of Liwliwa Beach with its nearby attractions has been a satisfying experience to tourists. Have you been to Liwliwa lately? We love to know your wonderful experience so comment  below.