The province of Zambales, located between the South China Sea and the Zambales Mountains, is about a 3-4 hour drive from Manila. It is second largest province of the Philippine island of Luzon, with an area of 3,700 square kilometres. However, the population density here is one of the lowest in the country - only 170 people per square kilometre. Zambales is known for its plantations of mango trees that bloom from January to April. The mango fruit grown here are even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "the sweetest in the world".
Another attraction of Zambales that attracts crowds of tourists is its 173 km of perfect sandy beaches with coral reefs, interesting diving spots and surfing opportunities. The province hosts colourful festivals and celebrations all year round. For example, in January there is religious festival "Fiesta Pun Bato", which attracts up to half a million people! They gather here to honour the memory of Ina Pun Bato, known also known as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of Peace and Travel, whose icon is believed to be the oldest image of the Virgin Mary in Asia. The Poon Bato district of the town of Botolan, where the icon was kept, was completely destroyed during the eruption of of the Pinatubo volcano in 1991. However, the icon was rescued and transported to the nearby village of Lub Bunga, where the festival is held today.
In April, the capital town of Ilba hosts the Mango Festival, and in May, the town of Botolan hosts the Domorokdok festival, which translates as “dance”. As part of There are various street dancers' competitions, agricultural exhibitions, sandcastle-building championships, and beauty contests.
The island of Capones is famous for the lighthouse built by the Spanish in 1800. And in the the town of Cooby Point, located in the free port area of Subic Bay, there are numerous casinos, hotels, beach resorts, parks and other tourist infrastructure.
In the province of Zambales every tourist will find something to do. To do diving is worth travelling to the towns of Candaleria, Masinlog, Cabangan or San Narciso. An excellent place for surfing is the coast of San Felipe. Santa Cruz is famous for its Sagrada Familia caves, in Botolan you can go hiking to mountain waterfalls, and in the town of Palauig it is worth climbing Mount Tapulao, the peak of which rises above the surrounding area at an altitude of 2037 meters.
