9 Must-do Zambales Trip Experiences for Any Thrillseeker

Ciary Manhit

Last updated 15 Mar 2024

Photo Credit (L-R): Arizona Dive Subic (https://www.facebook.com/arizonadivesubic/photos/2120857221268148) and @charleneajose on Instagram

Adventurers and Thrillseekers, check out this list of exhilarating things to do in Zambales!

A 3-hour drive from Manila takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines– all located in Zambales! Though the sandy beaches and scenic coves are meant to be a break from the noise of Manila, who says we can’t add a bit of thrill to our escape from the city? Whether you're enjoying a day trip or a weekend trip to Zambales (check out our top picks for Zambales beach resorts while you're at it), we’ve whipped up a quick guide on what else you can do to add that rush of adrenaline to your upcoming Zambales adventure!

9 Zambales Trip Experiences for The Thrillseeker

Go extreme on water sports activities
Camping or Glamping
Hiking
Surfing
Horseback Riding
Snorkeling and Diving
Visit a Floating Theme Park
Cliff Diving
Skydiving

1. Feel your adrenaline rush with exciting water sports activities

With the number of beaches in the area, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to try a number of water sports activities besides swimming during your Zambales trip. Stop by Potipot Island to explore clear blue waters on rentable kayaks, or even hold races around the island with your friends! If you’re keen to go for more extreme activities like jet skiing, flyboards, hoverboards, and parasailing to name a few, Networx Jet Sports has it all for you to experience!

Networx Jetsports Subic Bay

Address: Waterfront Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Zambales
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, Daily
Contact Details: 0922-812-9832, 0917-719-9135, Official Networx Jetsports Subic Facebook

2. Camp under the stars or glamp in style

Whether you’re into roughing it out in the wilderness or prefer to camp out in style, Zambales offers a variety of places to camp or glamp by the sea! Campers can set up their tents at popular sites like Anawangin Cove and Potipot Island or less crowded spots like Talisayin Cove.

For those who still want a feel of nature but prioritize their comfort, don’t worry, Zambales has a number of scenic glamp sites to escape to. A nipa-style cabin by the beach at Kwentong Dagat Beach Resort or a safari-themed room at Zoobic Glampz are just some of the unique glamping staycations you can find in Zambales - both of which you can book on Klook at discounted rates, too!

Enjoy a Glamping Experience at Zoobic Glampz for as Low as Php 3875 on Klook!

3. Challenge mountain trails on hiking and trekking adventures

Zambales isn’t only known for its island and beach getaways–it’s got you covered with mountain adventures, too. Home to two of the top hiking spots in the Philippines, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover and experience the forest wilderness of Zambales.

Frequent hikers have enjoyed trekking adventures up Mount Pinatubo and Mount Tapulao. Pinatubo, an active volcano, not only surrounds Zambales but reaches Pampanga and Tarlac as well. Exploring Pinatubo can be a combination of a trek and a 4x4 ride, rewarding you with a breathtaking visit to its crater lake. For a more challenging hike, Tapula can be considered your next contender. Hiking expeditions up the tallest mountain in Zambales and Central Luzon can take up to 2 days to finish.

4. Ride the longboard waves of Zambales’ best surf spots

Considered as one of the Philippines’ top surfing destinations, Zambales is definitely a great option for both beginner and intermediate surfers. It only takes a 3-hour drive to challenge Zambales’ longboard waves, said to be similar to the swells that La Union enjoys during the typhoon season. Several towns within Zambales are best known as the surfing spots of the province, such as San Felipe, San Antonio, and San Narciso.

Klook tip: If San Felipe is your stop, you can try riding the waves of Liwliwa Beach. For those traveling to San Antonio, you can head to either Crystal Beach Resort or Pundaquit Beach.

5. Learn how to ride horses and explore the forest of El Kabayo falls

You don’t have to go all the way up to Baguio to go horseback riding! El Kabayo Stables in Subic Bay is one of the best places to learn and ride horseback in the Philippines. Those eager to gain a new skill can head over to the ranch and avail of lessons to learn the basics of riding. You’ll be able to take laps around the ranch’s huge ground space or even explore the forest of El Kabayo Falls–if you’re up for the adventure!

El Kabayo Stables

Address: 1411, El Kabayo Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, 2209
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, Daily
Contact Details (047) 252 1050 0999-738-3022, 0915-567-2049, Official El Kabayo Stables Facebook

6. Snorkel or dive into the waters of Zambales and discover its underwater secrets

Discover what lies under Zambales’ waters with snorkeling and diving expeditions. With a number of beaches to visit like Potipot Island, Capones Island, and Camara Island, you’ll definitely be able to experience the rich marine life and beautiful corals during your trip!

You can level up the underwater adventure with wreck diving experiences at Subic Bay. Subic is known as the home of over 19 diving wreck sites–dating as far back as the Spanish-American War to World War II. You can inquire with popular diving groups like Mango’s Dive Center, Arizona Dive Shop, and Scuba Tech Philippines to avail of experiences and even lessons!

7. Slip, slide, and swim at a floating theme park

A popular hotspot in Zambales, you’ll have a memorable day out exploring the floating playgrounds of Inflatable Island Subic. The exciting water theme park has a number of slides to challenge your fearless spirit, especially the 30-foot Vortex. The extreme half slide will test your endurance as you climb to the top, then have you screaming your lungs out as you slide down.

After you tire yourself out, take a break and maybe even enjoy a quick photoshoot at the colorful Rainbow Jungle and Bali Lounges.

Enjoy 20% off your Inflatable Island Subic admission ticket on Klook!

Inflatable Island Subic

Address: Samba Bluewater Resort, Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM-6:00 PM, Friday-Sunday only

8. Take a leap of faith as you cliff dive from the top of waterfalls

Conquer new heights with a cliff diving experience at El Kabayo Waterfalls. Located in Zambales’ forested area in Binitican, Subic, visitors will have to pay an entrance fee of PHP50 and go on a 15-20 minute hike up to the waterfalls.

Just 30 meters away from each other, you can choose between 2 different cliff heights to jump off from. The first waterfall is 3 meters high and also has shallow waters at the bottom, perfect for swimming. The second waterfall on the other hand is a bit more challenging, standing at 5 meters high, with a 15ft water depth. Before trying this out, it’s best that you have prior swimming experience, as there are no lifeguards present onsite.

Klook tip: Those who wants to experience camping by a waterfall can set up their tents for only PHP500 (overnight stay)

9. Freefall above Zambales with the ultimate skydiving experience

Probably the most exhilarating activity on this list, if you’re looking for that sure burst of adrenaline and thrill, Skydive Zambales is the place for you. The dropzone also collaborates with skydiving organizations, like FlyXtreme Adventure Club, to host a variety of skydiving tours to enjoy.

Choose to fly solo from 3,500-4,000ft or jump in tandem from 10,000ft. Don’t worry, throughout the experience you’ll be guided by Skydive Zamabales’ staff of professionals–all of whom have received a United States Parachute Association (USPA) license!

Skydive Zambales