Zambales being only 3 hours away from Manila, Pundaquit however, is another 30 to 60 minutes away from the first city which is Olongapo. Traveling to Pundaquit is not as hard as it looks, compared to traveling towards the beaches South of Manila. The North has all the scenic roads and interesting people you’ll see along the way. That’s enough reason to make daytrippers and backpackers feel more relaxed, laid back and away from the rat race and hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.
TRAVELING VIA PRIVATE VEHICLE:
Coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX and take the San Fernando Exit then head southwest the road to Olongapo. Before you reach Olongapo town proper, there is a shortcut route that will take you inside Subic Base Metropolitan Authority or SBMA which you may want to take to bypass the traffic and a few winding roads pass Olongapo’s busy street.
As soon as you exit SBMA, head northwest and you will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino and then the Town of San Antonio. Once you are in San Antonio, it’s advised to ask the locals for the way to Pundaquit as it’s a bit complicated having no street signs in the area. Locals will be glad to answer you for directions.
A fool proof way to ensure you won’t get lost, hire one of the many tricycle drivers to take you there on a convoy. If you made your reservations, mention the name of the resort beforehand so they know exactly where you are going.
TRAVELING VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
The best and most advisable public transport at the moment is taking a bus to San Antonio Zambales and riding a tricycle to the town of Pundaquit. Victory Liner has their schedules posted on their website and there are currently 5 bus stations in Manila with everyday trip schedules towards Sta Cruz and Iba Zambales.
Go to one of the Victory Liner bus stations and get yourself a ticket to either a bus going to Iba Zambales or Sta Cruz Zambales. Both trips will pass by the town of San Antonio. If you are carrying lots of stuff like a sports bag or fishing gears, ask the conductor to have them deposited at the bus’ compartment and make sure you say you are going down at San Antonio Municipal Hall.
All conductors are well trained and are keen to remind you that the bus is nearing the town of San Antonio and you will be dropped off in front of the town proper near the public market. Tricycle are everywhere almost 24 hours a day. Most of the time, they will call your attention from every direction and ask you to take their vehicles for the ride. Just call the nearest one and say the resort you made reservations at and add Pundaquit (Poon-da-kit) and they’ll take you there for only P60 for every 2 passengers and an extra P30 for an extra head. Travel time is 10 to 15 minutes.
Note: If you are going by bus during the evening or before midnight, it’s best to call the station’s ticketing office to reserve you and/or your friends a seat.