DIY Surf At Liwliwa

 July 2-3, 2015

Liwliwa is a popular surfing and skimboarding spot in Luzon. It is also one of the best places where you can just relax, enjoy the sand, sun and surf!

The place has a very "chill" vibe that you would just want to sleep and relax all day long. There are also huts that can be used for free near the beach if you just want to chill out.

The beach is characterized by black, crystal sand that is said to be a mix of lahar due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo more than a decade ago.

 But I find it quite peculiar that there are pine trees that are also near the beach.

You will also pass by this wonderful alley before reaching the beach.

How to get to Liwliwa:

1. Ride a bus going to IBA, Zambales via Victory Liner. Travel time is approximately 4-6 hours.

2. Alight at San Felipe Town. 

Walk across the street from this bus stop and you will find a queue of tricycles that can take you to Liwliwa.

3. Look for this sign across the rode in case there is no queue. Ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Liwliwa. Cost for the ride is PHP20/head.

If possible, choose a tricycle which has a door because the road is rough when it rains.

Where to stay:

1. Mommy Phoebe’s

Mommy Phoebe’s Place used to be just a mini restaurant but now she also offers accommodation. Her room costs PHP1000 which is good for 2 people but we got it for a discounted price of PHP800. You can also rent skim boards, surfboards and other camping things from her.

Here is her contact number:

2. Circle Hostel

Circle Hostel is a backpacker’s type of accommodation – common bunk beds/hammocks, common comfort rooms, and common sala. They provide lockers for you to keep your things safe; just do not forget to bring your own locks.

The place actually feels so cozy and you can even paint anywhere within their area.

 We even found Garfield chilling out at Circle Hostel.

3.  Kuya Bobot’s Place

Kuya Bobot’s place is located right across Mommy Phoebe’s place. Well his place is actually just a big empty lot where you can put a tent on. There are also common comfort rooms in the place. Surfboards are also for rent there. Cost of staying at his place is PHP150/tent.

Where to eat:

I think there are only two eateries in the area - Mommy  Phoebe’s and the one across Circle Hostel (I forgot the name of the place). Average meal costs PHP 100. Shakes are PHP40 each.

Surf board rental cost:

If ever you get bored in Liwliwa, you can just ride a tricycle going to main town and then ride a jeep/bus going to nearby towns. San Narciso has Crystal beach and San Antonio has Pundaquit beach.