Dawal Beach Resort

One of the better resorts in terms of amenities and accommodation this side of Zambales, we chose Dawal among its neighboring resorts for an overnight stay before hopping on a boat that took us to Potipot Island the following day. They usually require a 50% downpayment but since it was a last minute trip, they agreed for us to pay upon arrival. We got two standard rooms at Php2200 per night good for 4 adults but if the beds get uncomfortable or is too small to fit everyone, you can opt to pay an additional Php200 for the extra bed.

We could have gotten a family room since we are a group of ten but we worry about having just one bathroom and spending so much time waiting for everyone to their thing.

Our rooms are located on the third floor of the building which was alright only if they did not use tiles on the stairs which tends to get slippery at times. Definitely not kid friendly.

This is what a standard room looks like. Two queen-sized beds with air-conditioning, a cable TV, a bathroom with the littlest water pressure making the shower head a decoration and a mini dining area with no ref. Really just the basics that you need for an overnight stay, if more than that, I'll probably have second thoughts.

While our room was okay, the other room where half of the group stays comes with two cockroaches in the wall, or was it also a decor?

Resort amenities include a kiddie and adult pool, billiard tables and a restaurant which takes forever to serve your orders. The night we arrived, we had to wait an hour and 30 minutes for the Sinigang na Baboy, Pritong Lapu-Lapu (we ordered Sweet and Sour) and Crispy Pata. Good thing we bought some chips and bread in Subic which entertained the kids while waiting for dinner.

The one thing I love about this place is its close proximity to Potipot Island -- just a mere 5-minute boat ride from the resort's beach front. I bet my swimmer friends can swim their way there, but that would be an entirely different story.

As they say, you get what you pay for. Maybe we'll just bring our own tents and stay in the island next time we come back.

~o~o~o~

Dawal Beach Resort
Uacon, Candelaria

Zambales, Philippines
Tel.: (63919) 573-0952 / (63920) 665-1577

Potipot Island, Zambales

With the fuel surcharge and airline taxes getting higher and higher, flying out of town for vacation is something we plan months ahead, enough time to wait for better deals with airline promo fares. Last minute trip is not an option, unless we're driving.

I've known of this tiny island off the coast of Uacon, Candelaria in the town of Zambales for a long time but never really had the chance to see its beauty firsthand. One day over lunch, my friend A and I were having a discussion on the best beaches we've ever been to in the Philippines. My top three include El Nido, Caramoan and Boracay. Then I heard she said Potipot!

And so a day after my quick R&R at Thunderbird Resort at Poro Point, I was back on the road for a two-day trip to Zambales with friends and colleagues. We arrived at Dawal Beach Resort tired and hungry as a zombie around 9pm, that's a 6-hour trip via NLEX and SCTEX from Manila. It's THAT far.

We woke up early the following day and looked for the boat we hired that will take us to the island. Round trip boat ride is Php400 for a maximum of 6 passengers which can be arranged at the resort. Since there's no store in the island, make sure that you have everything you need like food, water and ice (a hot commodity on a summer day) before leaving.

Dawal is the closest beach resort with just 5 minutes boat ride away to Potipot Island.

Since the island is a private property, there's an entrance fee of Php100 for day trippers while overnight fee is Php300 per person.

The tree house is the caretaker's home in the island. I hope they build some more for tourists as well as I would love to experience sleeping in one.

If you are staying the night and don't have a tent, you can rent this kubo for Php300.

There are also tables that you can use free of charge.

A friend of mine went here last Holy Week and according to her, the place was full of vacationers with tents installed all over the island. I'm glad it was quiet and peaceful this time.

With its crystal clear blue waters and white powdery sand, Potipot Island should be included in CNN's Top 10 Best Beaches and Islands in the Philippines. 

Need proof? I'll let you be the judge.

So, do you concur?