How to Get to Magalawa Island in Zambales

To read all blog posts about Magalawa Island, please head to the link below:
Magalawa Island
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My friends and I originally scheduled our Magalawa Island trip for March 12-13, the same weekend when the Japan earthquake/tsunami was at its worst. Because of that, our parents have forbidden us from going, plus I had to leave for Boracay after that so the schedule was moved several times until we decided to make it May 21-22. Too bad Daena wasn't able to make it. It was the four of us when we did the Cagbalete trip in 2009. When the day finally arrived, Peter, Koryn, Joan and I didn't get much sleep at all since we were all so excited to explore another white island somewhere in Zambales. The last time my husband and I enjoyed a white island in the same region was when we went to Potipot island. We just hoped it wasn't as far as Potipot.

We left the house at 2:30 am, expecting to arrive in 7-11 near Quezon Ave. MRT at 3:00 am. Unfortunately, there was a huge traffic jam in Edsa caused by some road construction being done. Thirty minutes turned to an hour until at last, we were already with our friends. We slept for the most part. Peter, on the other hand, had to make several stops to rest since he hasn't really slept yet and to make sure we were following the right directions Koryn printed out for us.

Here's how to get to Magalawa island: (I got the link from Koryn's email:http://www.facebook.com/notes/magalawa-island/how-to-get-to-magalawa-island/412075288687)

For those bringing their own car:

From Metro Manila, take NLEX or Northern Luzon Expressway then go to Subic Freeport Zone via SCTEX.

The Kalaklan gate is closed at this time, so exit at the Main Gate passing by Olongapo and Subic town proper. Go all the way to Iba, passing by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narcisio, San Felipe, Cabangan, and Botolan.

Go through Iba passing by Iba Market. Go straight and remain on the right side of the road at all times. You will pass by Amungan Triangle then Banlog Triangle.

After Banlog Triangle, just go straight. You will pass by Mt. Tapulao signage, Zameco Electric Cooperative then you will cross the Brgy. Salaza bridge.

A short distance after the bridge, you will see the sign "Welcome to Pangolingan". Slow down after this and watch out for a rough road corner on your left. Take that road. You will see the Radyo Veritas station. This is the road going to Bgy. Luan which is about 20-30 minutes of slow drive.

There are free parking spaces in Oslet Armada fish dealer compound. From there, you take a boat that will take you to Magalawa Island. Boat ride takes 10 minutes and costs Php100 per person round trip.

For commuters:

From Manila, take a Victory Liner bus going to Santa Cruz, Zambales. Have the driver drop you off at Brgy. Pangolingan corner Radio Veritas Road. There are lots of tricycles waiting there. Take one going to Oslet Armada fish dealer compound in Bgry. Luan. Fare is Php25 per person. Then take a boat to Magalawa island.

Have a safe trip!