Country : PHILIPPINES
Province : LUZON , ZAMBALES
POTIPOT ISLAND
Potipot has got to be one of the most accessible islands we’ve visited in the Philippines. From Uacon in Candelaria , Zambales and just a short distance off the main highway, one can get a motorized banca or outrigger boat and travel to the island in about 10 minutes. Potipot has also become more popular in recent years. We were fortunate enough to have traveled on a Monday; the place is said to be packed with tourists on weekends. Fortunately, the island is still relatively pristine. There are no resorts on Potipot itself although there are a few huts for rent should one want to stay overnight. There are basic toilets and shower rooms (but no showers – one has to fetch water from a deep well for bathing) as well as tables and benches for small groups that come with the entrance fee to the island.
Getting To Uacon, Candelaria
By private vehicle: To get to Uacon, Candelaria by car take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) all the way to the Dau/Mabalacat exit then continue on to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The route through San Fenando – Lubao in Pampanga is shorter but passes through a narrower road and congested town centers so we decided on using the SCTEX instead for speed and ease of travel. Travel the length of SCTEX to the Tipo Exit, pass through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and on to Subic Town. Take the national road all the way to Candelaria. You will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba, Palauig and Masinloc before Candelaria in that order. It’s about a five hour drive from Metro Manila. There are two things to remember so your trip doesn’t take longer than necessary:
1. After Castilejos you will reach a junction with a sign on the road going to the left pointing to San Antonio. Do not enter that road but continue straight on to San Marcelino and San Narciso to avoid passing by San Antonio which is the longer route (the road to San Antonio goes to Pundaquit and the destinations of Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves).
2. There is another junction after Iba and before Palauig. The road to the left goes to Palauig town proper. Do not take that but take the road inland (to the right) that bypasses Palauig town and goes straight to Masinloc and on to Candelaria.
By public vehicle: Ride a bus bound for St. Cruz, Zambales. Victory has buses that regularly ply this route. Get off at Barangay Uacon in Candelaria (Candelaria is the town just before Sta. Cruz). You can take a trike or even walk to the nearest resort or the beach where you can get a boat to Potipot Island.
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