Do you want to travel to a secluded beach just hours away from Manila? Try going to Potipot Island in Candelaria, Zambales. With white sand, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views, you will surely relax and rejuvenate here. Check out our things to do in Potipot Island along with instructions on how to go there, expenses you will pay, and a sample itinerary.
Zambales is a province in Region 3 or Central Luzon that faces the West Philippine Sea. Near Pangasinan and Tarlac is the municipality of Candelaria. This coastal town is proud of its stunning gem, the Potipot Island. It’s ideal for those who want adventure or who want to relax away from the crowded city!
Table of Contents
Things to do in Potipot Island
1. Tour the Whole Island
Potipot Island is small; you can walk around the whole area for 30 minutes. Try doing so; you might find a spot for yourself to relax, near the beach, or under the trees. It’s also great to know where the west side is to witness a gorgeous sunset!
2. Get some Vitamin Sea
Enjoy the crystal blue waters around the island. Bring or rent some snorkel gear and check out the underwater world the island offers.
3. Take Pictures
Ready your swimwear and some gorgeous beach outfits and have a pictorial in Potipot Island. From the white beach, blue sea, trees, and plain grounds, there are a lot of spots where you can click and pose. Your Instagram or Facebook will get new stunning posts!
Kayak
When you pay the entrance fee, there’s usually a free kayak for 15 minutes to an hour. Try your kayaking skills and race with your friends. It will surely be fun!
Sleep under the stars
To fully enjoy this island, I suggest having an overnight stay! You can check out the bright stars on the night sky. It’s also peaceful here as there are not many people or noise. It’s truly a paradise you are bound to discover.
Expenses
Here are the expenses you might incur during your trip to Potipot Island:
Entrance Fee
- Daytrip – PHP 300
- Overnight stay – PHP 500
Stay
On the island, you can rent a tent, cottage or bungalow. Here are the rates:
Food
- There is a store in the Island (Tinadawan ha Pulo) and also a small restaurant
- In the store, you can buy water, rice, clothes, snacks, and toiletries
- Bringing of food is allowed, and there’s no corkage fee
- It’s better to buy food in the mainland and cook it on the island as there is a free grilling area
Recreational Activities
- Kayaks – PHP 300 per hour for 2
- Snorkel Gear- PHP 150
- Island Hop to Hermana Menor – PHP 1,500
How to get to Potipot Island
Public transportation
To Zambales
- Take a bus to Sta. Cruz Zambales, the price may range from PHP 450 – 600, travel time will take 5 – 8 hours depending on traffic
- Drop off at Petron Sinabacan
- Ride a tricycle to and tell the driver you are off to Potipot Island
Private Car or Van
- Take the NLEX-SCTEX road and exit at Subic
- Exit again at Kalaklan gate
- Use the Olongapo – Bugalion Road until you reach Candelaria
- When you arrive at Pentron Sinabacan, turn left and go straight
- You can also ask locals where you can park your car as you are off to Potipot Island
To Potipot Island
- Ask for a boat ride to Potipot Island
- Payment for a two-way trip is PHP 400 – 500 per boat (max of 4 – 5 persons)
Travel Guide Tips to Potipot Island
- It’s better to buy food on the mainland or from your home than buying on the island as it is expensive
- If you don’t like preparing food, there’s a restaurant that offers boodle fights and Filipino dishes
- Electricity is limited in the area
- You can charge in the store for a fee
- Bonfires are allowed on certain areas
- There are comfort rooms and showers all over the island
- If you don’t have utensils, you can also rent one on the island
Sample Itinerary in Potipot Island
Day 1 in Potipot Island
4:00 AM – Travel from Manila to Sta. Cruz, Zambales
11:00 AM – Arrive at Candelaria / Go to the marketplace to buy food
11:30 AM – Trip to Potipot Island
11:45 AM – Arrival at the Island / Set up / Lunch
1:00 PM – Island Tour / Swimming / Snorkeling
6:00 PM – Dinner / Stargazing / Sleep
Day 2 in Potipot Island
5:30 AM – Wake up and watch the sunrise
6:00 AM – Breakfast / Swimming / Pictorial
10:00 AM – Wash Up / Check out
10:30 AM – Trip to Mainland
11:00 AM – Travel from Candelaria to Manila
May these things to do in Potipot Island help you in your future adventure! It’s a stunning island to visit if you want peace and tranquility near the sea. There aren’t many people, especially during the low season, so a trip during the weekend will be worth it. Have fun and good luck!
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About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
The original content (article & images) is owned by Lyza Paloma. Visit the site here for other interesting stories.
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