Backpacking Philippines: How to Get to Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales: Map, Beach Resorts, Rates

How to Get to Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales: Map, Beach Resorts, Rates

A small island reachable by a short boatride from the beach of Candelaria town in Zambales was visited by Tutubi twice alredy. You can walk around the whole island in about 30 minutes and enjoy the are pinkish sand of the small island, more like an islet.

Travel Guide to Potipot Island:

picture of Potipot Island taken from Wikimapia's "eye in the sky" with Uacon river also in view

Potipot is 5-10 minutes away by banca from the beach and resorts:

Beach Resorts near Potipot Island:

Alta Nina Beach Resort
Dawal Beach Resort
Sun Bloom Resort contact number: +63.916.543.9709
Harvest Beach Resort
Isla Vista Beach Resort
Milagrosa Candelaria Beach
Potipot Gateway Resort
Puerto del Mar Beach Resort
Sunbloom Resort
Trinidad Bay Resort

please call the resort contact number or visit their official websites for room rates, boat rentals, entrance fee/swimming rates

How to Get to Potipot Island:

From Manila (Victory Mall Caloocan near Monumento), take Victory Liner bus to Sta. Cruz, Zambales and drop off along the highway going in Candelaria (Dawal, fare: PhP430.00) travel time is 6 hours. Rent a boat to take you to Potipot Island.

Boat to Potipot Island costs PhP400 for 6-8 persons but always depend on your negotiation skills

Entrance Fee to Potipot Island: PhP20 for adults less for kids. Overnight camping
costs more like PhP100.00 per head. Cottage rentals are available, you can bring food and drinks to the island.

Where to eat:
Floating Restaurant in Brgy. Uacon

UPDATED: April 2013

Labels: Beaches, Central Luzon, Hotels and Resorts, Islands, Resorts, Zambales

posted by GingGoy @ 10:19 PM,

48 Comments:

At Dec 15, 2008, 4:31:00 AM, Anonymous said...: www.puertodelmarbeachresort.com
At Feb 3, 2009, 9:24:00 PM, Anonymous said...: How do I get to Sun Bloom resort via public transpo? We will just ride a bus from Manila.

I heard we'll have to get off where Dawal is and just walk going to Sun Bloom. Is that true?

Thanks!
At Feb 3, 2009, 9:36:00 PM, GingGoy said...: pepper, the resorts there are just beside each other, you won't get lost. How to get to Potipot Island? board a bus to Zambales (e.g. Victory Liner) preferably going to Sta. Cruz that will pass by Candelaria. alight at Dawal Resort and walk to your destination resort. to get to the island, you need to gire a boat to take you there for about 10 minutes
At Feb 19, 2009, 4:39:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Thank you very much for the info! =)
At Mar 2, 2009, 10:54:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Just wanted to help Ate Mercy from Sun Bloom and the tourists who want to go to Potipot.

http://sunbloomresort.multiply.com
At Mar 6, 2009, 1:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hello, help naman please, we are planning on staying at Dawal Resort and we were wondering where can we eat outside Dawal, kasi mahirap magluto lagi and I'm sure pricey sa Dawal. Saan yung floating restaurant and estimated price of food there? Thanks!
At Mar 6, 2009, 8:32:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, ride a trike to get to the resto...no idea on updated prices though but it's a bit cheaper than manila as always
At Mar 12, 2009, 9:37:00 PM, Anonymous said...: ate ilan po ang total area ng putipot island? need lang po sa project namin> thanx po!!
At Mar 13, 2009, 9:34:00 PM, Anonymous said...: When we went to Sun Bloom Resort last 28 Feb 2009, we asked about the floating resto. According to Ate Mercy's caretaker, Kuya Allan, the floating resto is no longer there. Nasira daw sa typhoon last rainy season. I'm not sure if ginagawa un floating resto ngayon.
At Mar 19, 2009, 5:18:00 AM, Anonymous said...: can anyone give a rough estimate as to how much money one person would need?
At Mar 19, 2009, 10:27:00 PM, GingGoy said...: katrina, lots of details missing in your question here. boats rides to potipot are not that expensive (depends on your negotiation skills) since it's very near the beach and boatmen can leave you there and fetch you later.
At Apr 1, 2009, 5:37:00 AM, Anonymous said...: is there any transient houses aroud the area?
At Apr 1, 2009, 9:04:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, not that i know of. probably homestays as the area is getting popular
At May 6, 2009, 7:13:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Last weekend (2-3 May 2009), we went back to Potipot (and of course, we stayed in Sun Bloom). There were a few things we noticed:

1. There were a lot more trash compared to the last time we went there. [To the tourists, kindly bring your own trash bag and throw your trash bag when you get back to your resort].

2. People were so amazed to see live sea stars (a.k.a. starfishes) that they were taking them from their habitat and putting them under the sun to dry. [Please don't take those creatures home. They're meant to stay in the sea. If you keep taking sea stars, Potipot eventually would have none.]

3. People were stepping on the live corals. [Please don't step on the live corals, fishes live there and they lay their eggs there. If you keep stepping on them, they will eventually die. No corals = no fishes]

4. A lot of people were planning to catch the fishes swimming in the shallow waters. [Please don't try to catch them. Let Potipot keep those fishes.]

5. If people are feeding the fishes, please don't swim where the fishes are. You can check them out underwater but please don't swim right through the fishes. You're disturbing them.

To the owner of the island (if you're reading this), kindly do something about these. We're paying Php50 (day tour) or Php100 (overnight) to be on your island. You can put posters/tarps on the island to remind people what not to do. You can impose rules like these. You can even ask the rangers to penalize tourists who do these horrible things.
At May 6, 2009, 8:22:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, thank you for the update and warnings. appreciate it. the hisland has become an expensive place. i heard it's owner of potipot island is a general or government official
At Feb 23, 2010, 10:16:00 AM, Anonymous said...: we're planning to go there sometime soon, is it ok to just put up tents instead of renting a hotel room? does the island have facilities like CR and tables? Are they for rent (tables chairs) and if so, how much?
At Feb 23, 2010, 2:57:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, there's an "entrance fee" of P100 (updated information supplied by an officemate of mine who went there recently). Cottages and CR/toilets also available. No info on tables rental rates but yes, they can be rented.
At Mar 21, 2010, 9:04:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hello,do u have an idea as to how it is in the island during holy week? do you think it would be crowded? what are the feedbacks from the boatmen?
At Apr 24, 2010, 10:48:00 AM, Anonymous said...: pano po papuntang POTIPOT from Baguio? thanks..
At May 11, 2010, 4:20:00 AM, FERLyn said...: I'll be there this weekend. i just hope na di pa polluted yung island.
At May 28, 2010, 9:36:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I just went there yesterday so here is the update:

You want to got to Potipot via Commute? Ride a VIctory Liner bus at Caloocan and Sampaloc branch only!!!! as in only kasi doon lang yung biyahe!!! anyway ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz via Iba. Tell the conductor or driver to drop you at Dawal Resort or whatever resort you opt to go.

OK food? at Dawal they open their restaurant around 6 AM. Napa aga kasi kami around 5 AM mas mura daw food sa Isla Vista Resort thou may mga asong gala na tambay doon around 5 dogs na humabol sa amin so no choice Dawal kami kumain. Food cost ? around Php 99.00 filipino breakfast na tapsilog , longsilog etc with a choice of hot choco, coffee/ cold ice tea/ cold juice. Then ala carte viand cost Php. 160 above. Rice cost Php. 20.00

Okay if you go to the Island and you plan to overnight be sure to bring 4 bottles or more of COLD drinking water. I f you an bring ice. BETTER! btw that 4 bottles (1 litre) : for two people - I don't know about you pero ganun sa amin
kasi nakaka dehydrate talaga. Also SUN BLOCK!! HATS!! and things like: cards, goggles, books, mini fan (battery powered), lots of food, flash lights, garbage bag, tent if you like and pale pang igib sa poso hindi pa kasi maayos water system sa Island so walang water sa shower room.

Boat rent : Php. 400/ maximum of 6 people (balikan na yan/roundtrip)

Entrance fee sa Island: Php. 300 for overnight

(they don't sell food, drinks sa Island only cigarette for Php. 60.00 a whole pack)

that's all I can share.

Madumi ba Island? hmmm slight so please be responsible with your own trash may mga blue garbage drums naman. For us we clean our spot muna before we set the tent.

ANd so kung uuwi na kayo via commute just wait sa highway may dadaaan dun mga Caloocan bus or Sampaloc bus (Ordinary and Aircon). Huwag na kayo pa uto sa mga tricycle driver na malapit lang terminal sa Sta. Cruz... well malapit nga pero one way or another dadaan yun bus sa harap ng labasan hehehe sayang pamasahe niyo papunta terminal eh that cost Php.150 - tricycle -

Ang difference ng mag intay ka at sumugod sa terminal ay simple lang -- pag nag pa uto ka bawas budget mo ^_^ .

DOn't!!! ride the mini bus!!! more than 7 hours biyahe mo noon.
At May 29, 2010, 4:07:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, thanks for the detailed update. comments like yours are most welcome.
At Sep 13, 2010, 7:57:00 PM, Anonymous said...: pde ba pumunta direct sa potipot island mgrerent n lng kmi boat since balikan lng nmn kmi ng fren ko.. pra bawas sa budget na din po sana...
At Sep 19, 2010, 2:46:00 AM, Unknown said...: may nare-rent ba sa hotel na tent at magkano?
At Sep 21, 2010, 9:18:00 AM, Anonymous said...: magkano na po overnight stay sa potipot island?
At Sep 27, 2010, 11:49:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Ganda ng place...went there sept. 25-26, 2010 overnight..we enjoyed the island...nilibot namin..ganda sa may wood..sa mga stone..the view..grabe di ko ito pinangarap pero totoo....tulips
At Jan 19, 2011, 2:58:00 PM, Anonymous said...: another good place to stay at is Potipot Gateway Resort...They will be launching an reef rehabilitation project pretty soon...watch out
At Mar 22, 2011, 5:36:00 PM, Anonymous said...: we are planing to go potipot island but which is more preferable to stay at?package trip or commute?and is it advisable to stay overnight at the island?

does the floating restau still exist?
At Mar 22, 2011, 5:41:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, i don't recommend spending overnight on potipot island unless you have a big group, better be safe. i will ask a friend from candelaria for the latest information on potipot island
At Apr 10, 2011, 1:25:00 AM, Anonymous said...: me and my friends we're planning to stay at potipot overnight, i just want to ask if it is okay not to rent a room in dawal resort, or any of the resort near there but will rent a boat to potipot?

thank you in advance guys.
At Apr 11, 2011, 9:49:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, of course. the beach front of dawal is public area
At May 10, 2011, 8:06:00 PM, Anonymous said...: is there a private parking near the island? balak kasi naming mag stay overnight sa island kaso pano ung oto namin??
At May 11, 2011, 9:33:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymou, better iquire from nearby resorts for overnight parking rather than leave your car somewhere.
At May 11, 2011, 9:05:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hello pahingi naman po ng info coz we are planning to go to potipot.sa dawal ba talaga ang bababaan to ride a boat para makarating sa potipot..magkano ang entrance sa island if di naman overnyt ang stay?tnx
At May 11, 2011, 9:09:00 PM, Anonymous said...: saan po a matatagpuan ang potipot gateway resort?
At May 15, 2011, 2:14:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi everyone.i really love to visit potipot island.can somebody tell me the info such as expences going there?im coming from manila,how much is the bus going to zambales that i can arrive to sun bloom resort or any other resort near that?how much is the accommodation on those resort near the potipot island?how much is the boat going to potipot island for 2person?how much is for overnight stay in the potipot island?is it possible to stay there for 2days for example only in the island?is there some accommodation there or some restaurant for our food in the island?coz i like only styay in the island i dont like to go back to those resort near to the island then 2mrw of that i go back to island again.im planning to go there with my wife so we would like to spend all of our 2days in the potipot island so we can use the bach and that nice place.sorry if my comment is so long but plz answer all my questions kindly if uve been there and u know these info coz they r important for me to know.and if u have any contact from the person in the potipot island that renting accommodation there in the island plz let me have that also.will w8 for ur kindly reply.tnx and god bless all.
At May 15, 2011, 2:15:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi everyone.i really love to visit potipot island.can somebody tell me the info such as expences going there?im coming from manila,how much is the bus going to zambales that i can arrive to sun bloom resort or any other resort near that?how much is the accommodation on those resort near the potipot island?how much is the boat going to potipot island for 2person?how much is for overnight stay in the potipot island?is it possible to stay there for 2days for example only in the island?is there some accommodation there or some restaurant for our food in the island?coz i like only styay in the island i dont like to go back to those resort near to the island then 2mrw of that i go back to island again.im planning to go there with my wife so we would like to spend all of our 2days in the potipot island so we can use the bach and that nice place.sorry if my comment is so long but plz answer all my questions kindly if uve been there and u know these info coz they r important for me to know.and if u have any contact from the person in the potipot island that renting accommodation there in the island plz let me have that also.will w8 for ur kindly reply.tnx and god bless all.
At Aug 14, 2011, 12:57:00 PM, jessss said...: may masasakyan ba sa cubao papuntang sta cruz? and magkano pamasahe? how much are the room rates for overnyt stay? thanks
At Nov 9, 2011, 6:42:00 PM, Raymond said...: May iba pa po kayong option maliban sa resort nila Grace Armada na yan. May camping area po sa harap ng isla kung saan mas malamig at may mga cottage din. Nakapunta na ba kayo ng Anawangin or Nagsasa cove? Parang ganun din ang style. Mahangin din at mas maganda ang Magalawa Island hindi naman sa nagyayabang...
Kung gusto niyo pong i-try na pumunta tawagan niyo po ako sa Manila at tutulungan ko po kayong magcoordinate sa caretaker na isla na uncle ko din na si Uncle Mulo. Ito po yung landline number ko sa Maynila (02)983 0432 or sun number 09222688111 or smart number 09475181409 hanapin niyo lang po si Raymond (ako po yun).

Ito po ang presyuhan doon sa campsite :

Boatpick up (2 way)
-- 100/pax-kung galing luan
-- 200/pax-kung galing masinloc

Entrance fee 100\pax overnight,

Cottage 1000\night (kasya 5pax)

-- If you like all Package Foods,Entrance, Boat Ride,Cottage, and also Van pwede rin po..

-- Bonfire ( 100 )

Kasama na po sa entrance fee ang paggamit ng cr at maintenance ng lugar. Ingat lang po na huwag magkalat masyado kasi po maliit lang po na isla yun at mahirap kung magka garbage-problem. You will be spending about 300 or less for food siguro. Maraming nabibilhan ng pagkain sa loob ng island. Puwede rin po kayong magpaluto for a small fee. No available rental of snorkel/mask/fins dun for now so its a good idea to invest on a good set nalang. Wala pa rin po available na rental ng tent pero malapit na po. Mag inquire nalang po kayo kung may available na pagtawag ninyo. Kung magdadala po kayo ng sarili ninyong tent ay libre na po ang puwesto kasi po kasama na po sa entrance fee yun kaya entrance fee nalang at boatride nalang ang babayaran ninyo.

Ang puwesto na kung san nakatayo ang resort nila grace armada ay may problema kasi lumalabas na nagsquat lang sila dun.Dahil dito tuwing pumupunta ang may ari ng isla na si madam L.Ruiz ay pinapasara nila pang samantala ang resort nila Grace Armada. Dahil dito ay kailangan mag ingat kayo lalo na kung hinihingan kayo ng deposit ni Grace Armada. Kung magkabulilyaso tulad ng nabanggit ko ay hindi niyo na makukuha ang deposit niyo.
At Nov 18, 2011, 3:33:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Raymond, what island are you describing in your above comment (Nov 9, 2011, 6:42 PM)? Thanks. What is the resort that Grace Armada is managing?
At Jan 3, 2012, 12:40:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Do we need to go to any beach resort before we could rent a boat?

Is there someone we could contact for boat rentals???

thanx!!
At Mar 2, 2012, 6:45:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Grace Armada's resort is at Magalawa Island, ok naman sila, mababait pa nga.
At Mar 27, 2012, 10:38:00 AM, Fab Bungay said...: hi maybe u can help me... last year kase, we went there. last august i guess.. and plano sana namin na jan ulit sa candelaria mag spend ng semana santa. the problem is, nawala namin yung contact number nung pinag-stay-an nmin. Trinidad beach near dawal... baka naman po pwede nyo maprovide yung contact number po nun.. nag browse po kasi ako, La Trinidad lang ang lumalabas. sa may Iba.

here's my number po 9177596674 9333411686

thanx ;)
At Mar 30, 2012, 8:54:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi
At Apr 2, 2012, 8:52:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Saan po ba pinaka best na resort near potipot island na pwede mag accomodate ng 25 persons?
At Apr 2, 2012, 8:52:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Saan po ba pinaka best na resort near potipot island na pwede mag accomodate ng 25 persons?
At Apr 16, 2012, 3:20:00 PM, Potipot Gateway Resort said...: Try checking out Potipot Gateway Resort. Here's the number 09175548554.
At Apr 16, 2012, 3:20:00 PM, Potipot Gateway Resort said...: We can. Check us out! Our website is http://www.potipotgateway.com and give us a call at 09175548554. See yah!

How to Get to Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales: Map, Beach Resorts, Rates

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