Zambales has been one of the go-to destinations for weekend warriors coming from Manila for years. Located in San Narciso, Zambales, Crystal Beach Resort is among the top resorts in this part of Luzon. They have a range of accommodation options from basic rooms and dorms to more comfortable air-conditioned rooms that can cater to different types of travelers. And if you’re the type to rough it out, camping is also an option here!
Crystal Beach Resort may not be new to campers, but for Hannah and I who haven’t really pitched tents, this beach resort was a great experience on our first foray into camping. Okay, we didn’t really do camping in every sense of the word. We tried glamping at the resort and we loved our whole experience. So if you’re also looking for a beach resort near Manila or you’re looking for a camping trip, Crystal Beach Resort might be the destination for you too.
In this post, we’ll share with you all the important details you need to know to plan your trip here. We included the rates, things to do, and some tips to make your planning easier.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Going from Manila to Crystal Beach Resort takes around four to five hours by land travel. It is easily accessible whether your traveling by private transportation or commuting. If you’re driving, it could take a bit less especially if you leave early to avoid the heavy traffic.
Private Car
Nowadays, it’s a lot easier to navigate as long as you have a smart phone and data connection. You can either use Waze or Google Maps to find your way. Just type in Crystal Beach Resort as your destination and you’re good to go.
- Enter North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Then, take the exit going to Olongapo City.
- Turn right to Rizal Highway. Drive until you reach Burgos Street.
- Make a left turn to Burgos Street and then turn right to Canal Road. Drive along Olongapo – Bugallon Road.
- Continue driving. You’ll pass by Subic Town, Castillejos, and San Marcelino.
- Once you reach San Narciso, turn left after the Municipal Hall. Follow the road sign going to Crystal Beach Resort.
Travel Time: 4-5 Hours
Parking Fee: FREE. If you are planning to go car camping (4×4 vehicle), camping fee applies.
Public Transportation
If your only option is to take public transportation, don’t worry because it’s still very accessible by bus. Victory Liner has plies from Manila to Zambales regularly. Here’s how you can commute from Manila to Crystal Beach Resort.
- Board a bus bound for Iba or Santa Cruz and get off at San Narciso Town Proper. Here are the usual bus terminal locations: Pasay, Cubao, Sampaloc, and Caloocan. Victory Liner and Cisco Bus Co. have routes from Manila to Zambales. You can board a Victory Liner bus to Zambales at their terminals in Caloocan, Cubao, Sampaloc, and Pasay. Meanwhile, you can go to Five Star Bus terminal in Cubao and Pasay to take a Cisco bus. Fare depends on which terminal you’re coming from.
For the bus schedules, you may check our Manila to Zambales Bus Schedules & Fares article.If you are coming from La Union, Clark, or Baguio, you may also check our How to Get to Zambales post.
- Ride a tricycle to Crystal Beach Resort. Once you get off the bus, you’ll see a tricycle terminal. Just tell the driver to take you to Crystal Beach Resort. The ride takes about five (5) minutes.
Travel Time: 4-5 Hours
Fares
- Bus (Manila to San Narciso): P350-400/person
- Tricycle (San Narciso TownCenter to Crystal Beach Resort): P50/ride
Crystal Beach Resort Rates
Overnight Room Rates
There are different types of accommodations here. If you want a more comfortable stay, book one of their rooms. They have rooms good for up to six (6) pax if you’re traveling with family or friends.
2-PAX CAPACITY
- Standard Couple Room
P4,450 - Couple Room
P7,200
3-PAX CAPACITY
- Deluxe Double
P8,650 - Premier Queen
P9,250 - Premier Double
P9,250
6-PAX CAPACITY
- Standard Double
P13,350 - AC Dorm
P13,350 - Deluxe Dorm
P13,350 - Standard Fan Dorm
P12,950
NOTE: These rates are inclusive of breakfast and entrance fee for each guest. Please note that they also require a P1,000 security deposit per room.
Camping Rates
If you’re on a budget or you just want to go camping, that’s also an option here. Whether you’re bringing your own tent (or camping car) or you’re thinking of renting one, Crystal Beach Resort has a Kampsite for you!
There are two camping packages here: Ultimate Camping and Pleasant Camping. Ultimate Camping costs P799 per person and covers the entrance fee and a camping spot. If you want to add breakfast for your stay, avail of the Pleasant Camping package.
NOTE: These rates are for those who are bringing their own tents. If you want to rent one, you’ll have to pay an additional cost for a tent for two with a set of bedding. However, we highly recommend buying your own tent if you can because it would be cheaper in the long run especially if you think you’d go on more camping trips in the future.
CAMPING RATES
- Ultimate Camping
P799/person
Inclusions: entrance fee and camping spot - Pleasant Camping
P1,250/person
Inclusions: entrance fee, camping spot, and complimentary breakfast - Tent Rental
P1,200/night
Good for 2 Pax
They also have a glamping tent, which was what we availed of during our trip. The glamping tent is a bigger tent that accommodates two people. It has a double-sized mattress and beddings plus an electric fan, light/lamp, and electrical sockets where you can charge your gadgets. There’s also a cooler you can use during your stay. The glamping package also includes toiletries and complimentary breakfast.
GLAMPING RATE
- Glamping Tent
P3,750
Good for 2 Pax
Inclusions: entrance fee, double sized mattress & beddings, toiletries, electric fan, and complimentary breakfast
CAR CAMPING RATES
If you’re bringing your car, here are their car camping rates:
- Ultimate Car Camping
P1,000/person + P500 per car/night
For 4×4 Vehicles
Inclusions: entrance fee and camping spot - Pleasant Car Camping
P1,450/person + P500 per car/night
For 4×4 Vehicles
Inclusions: entrance fee, camping spot, and complimentary breakfast
Day Tour Rates
If you only have limited time, Crystal Beach Resort also offers day tours. For P700 per person, you can have access to the resort from 6AM to 6PM. This also includes a P200 consumable voucher that you can use for food and drinks at their restaurant.
- Day Tour Rate: P700/person
- Inclusions: entrance fee and P200 consumable voucher for food and drinks
- Schedule: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Cabana Rental: P2,000
Good for up to 5 Pax
Things to Do
Swimming
Of course, what else would be on top of the list of our things to do when on a beach destination? Swimming or chilling at the beach! Similar to many beach destinations in Zambales, Crystal Beach does not have a fine white sand. Instead, it has a fine grayish-black sand that glistens under the sun. The water here is shallow, but quickly gets deeper. The waves can be strong too so if you’re a non-swimmer, it’s best to stay close to the shore.
Volleyball/Basketball
If you’re into sports, you can also play volleyball or basketball at the resort. This is perfect if you’re on a trip with a group of friends who have the same love for sports. You can rent a volleyball or a basketball for P100 per hour.
Surfing
Speaking of waves, Zambales may not be as popular as a surfing destination as other places like La Union, Baler, and Siargao, but the swells here are great too. Here in Crystal Beach, you will find Quicksilver Surf Camp. They offer surfing lessons for beginners, but you could also rent a surf board if you’re an experienced surfer. Surfing lesson rate is P600 per person for an hour.
Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking
If you’re not into surfing but you still want to do some water activities, you can check out other water activities here. You can either rent a kayak or a stand up paddle. These are a bit more chill but still fun activities you can enjoy.
Kayak: 1-seater, P350/hour; 2-seater, P700/hour
Stand Up Paddle: P350/hour
Coffee by the Beach
Inside the resort, you will find a coffee shop right by the beach called Waves Coffee. They offer various coffee and non-coffee drinks that you can enjoy while sitting by the beach and watching the waves. For more refreshing drinks, they also serve slush and flavored soda. Their drinks are priced at P135 to P185.
Acoustic Night
On weekends, Crystal Beach Resort has acoustic nights. If you’re going camping or staying overnight, this is a free activity you can enjoy at night. Sit under the stars with your friends, family, or loved ones as you get serenaded by talented local musicians.
Take Photos
We know taking photos is like second nature to most of us now and we don’t need to tell you this. But we enjoyed taking photos around the resort that we feel like this deserves a spot in this list of things to do here. The image of the beach and its blue waters with the backdrop of the mountains of Zambales is stunning. In addition, the rows of Agoho trees by the resort’s camp grounds give it a very unique vibe. So make sure your phone or camera has lots of space to store photos (and videos)!
Massage
Many of us travel to relax, and if you want to achieve peak relaxation while you’re in Crystal Beach, you can avail of their massage services. This can be a great way to end your day after spending time swimming or doing water activities. Their body massage costs P600 per hour.
Sunset Watching
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to catch the sunset here since we arrived around 7:00 PM after an island hopping trip in San Antonio. Although we missed it at Crystal Beach, we were able to catch it at Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio. And it was gorgeous, so we know for sure that Zambales sunsets will have you in awe. So when you visit Crystal Beach Resort, don’t miss seeing the colorful hues on the sky during sundown.
How to Book
Booking a stay at Crystal Beach Resort is simple. You can find deals and discounted rates on booking websites like Agoda!
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE! CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT
Another option is to go to their official website for reservation. You may also contact them or send inquiry through their mobile number, email, or official Facebook page. Payment, whether cash or card, can be done upon arrival at the resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to eat?
Crystal Beach Resort has an in-house restaurant where you can dine during your stay. Their menu includes various Filipino dishes and desserts. They also serve pasta, burgers, and sandwiches if you’re looking for a light meal or snacks. For drinks, they offer coffee, fruit shakes, and cocktails. Another option for drinks is Waves Coffee, which is the coffee shop right by the beach.
Can I bring outside food?
Yes; however, the resort charges corkage fees. This policy applies for both outside catered food and non-alcoholic drinks. Meanwhile, alcoholic drinks are not allowed. But of course, if you’re going camping you can bring chips and raw food, provided that you have your own gas or butane stove or rent a griller at the resort. You must also bring your own cookware, tools, and dining ware.
Are there showers and toilets for campers?
Of course! The resort has a separate area for toilets and another area for showers. You will find these right next to the restaurant.
Do day tour guests have access to showers too?
YES! Day tour guests also have access to the shower and toilet areas which also serve as the changing room.
Are pets allowed?
YES! Crystal Beach Resort is a pet-friendly accommodation. However, keep in mind that they remind guests who are bringing their fur babies to bring their own linens if the pets sleep on the bed or bring a pet bed if they sleep on the floor. A few other reminders include ensuring your pets are vaccinated and that they will not be aggressive towards other pets and guests. And lastly, make sure to clean up after your pet!
Tips and Reminders
- Leave Manila early. Although Zambales is close to Manila, it still takes four to five hours to get there. We highly recommend leaving Manila early to avoid heavy traffic. It is also advisable to do this if you’re commuting because travel time is usually a bit longer when you’re taking public transportation compared to driving your own vehicle.
- Wear your footwear when walking on the beach. The sand on the beach is fine, but it gets really hot during daytime that it hurts to walk on it barefoot. So, remember to keep your flip-flops or aqua shoes on when walking on the beach.
- Use sun protection. It’s always a must to keep your skin protected from the harmful rays of the sun, so make sure to use a sunscreen. We highly recommend getting one that is reef-friendly. Go for a brand that doesn’t contain chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens.
- Stay hydrated. Stay hydrated during your trip especially on hot summer days. Bring your trusted water bottle to avoid getting bottled water. This doesn’t just help reduce waste but also saves you a bit of money.
- Remember to leave no trace. As the saying goes, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints.
Crystal Beach Resort Contact Information
- Official Website: crystalbeachresortzambales.com
- Mobile Number: +63 915 008 7625 | +63 962 834 0495
- E-mail: hello@crystalbeachresortzambales.com
- Facebook Page: Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales (@crystalbeachresort)
- Instagram: @crystalbeachresort
San Narciso Emergency Numbers
Here are some of the hotlines of the Municipality of San Narciso in Zambales:
- Municipal Police Station
Mobile: +63 998 598 5508 - Bureau of Fire Protection
Mobile: +63 961 286 3884 - Ambulance Service
Mobile: +63 947 330 2300 - MDRRMO San Narciso Zambales
Mobile: +63 950 856 2297 - ZAMECO II
Mobile: +63 939 938 9794
Updates Log
2024.08.15 – First uploaded
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