Description of the attraction
Zambales Province, located between the South China Sea and the Zambales Mountains, is approximately 3-4 hours' drive from Manila. It is the second largest province of the Philippine island of Luzon, with an area of 3,700 square kilometers. However, the population density here is one of the lowest in the country - only 170 people per square kilometer. Zambales is known for its mango plantations that bloom from January to April. The mango fruits grown here are even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "the sweetest in the world."
Another Zambales attraction that attracts crowds of tourists here is 173 km of ideal sandy beaches with coral reefs, interesting diving sites and surfing opportunities. The province hosts colorful festivals and celebrations all year round. For example, in January the religious festival "Fiesta Pun Bato" is held, which attracts up to half a million people! They gather here to honor the memory of Ina Pun Bato, also known as the Blessed Virgin Mary Patroness of Peace and Travel, whose icon is considered the oldest depiction of the Virgin Mary in Asia. The Pun Bato area of the town of Botolan, where the icon was kept, was completely destroyed during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. However, the icon was saved and transported to the nearby village of Lub Bunga, where the festival is held today.
In April, in the capital city of Ilba, the Mango Festival is held, and in May, in the town of Botolan, the festival "Domorokdok", which translates as "dance", is held. Within the framework of this festival, various street dance competitions, agricultural exhibitions, championships for building sand castles and beauty contests take place.
Capones Island is famous for its lighthouse, built by the Spaniards in 1800. And in the town of Cubi Point, located on the territory of the free port zone of Subic Bay, there are numerous casinos, hotels, beach resorts, parks and other tourist infrastructure.
In the province of Zambales, every tourist will find something to their liking. For diving, you should go to the towns of Candaleria, Masinlog, Kabangan or San Narciso. An excellent place for surfing is the coast of the town of San Felipe. Santa Cruz is famous for its Sagrada Familia caves, in Botolana you can go hiking to mountain waterfalls, and in the town of Palauig it is worth climbing Mount Tapulao, the top of which rises above the surroundings at an altitude of 2037 meters.
