POTIPOT ISLAND - Candelaria, Zambales

Potipot Island is a small private island situated in Brgy. Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales and is accessible best via NLEX-SCTEX Subic Exit with a 5-hour drive.

Potipot Island

Our first visit to Potipot was on November 2009 -- when it is not yet known to the Metro people as a good place to spend a weekend.  We were the only overnight campers on that side of the island. The five kids were admitted for free while the adults paid the P200 per head fee.  For the 5-10 minute boat ride, we were able to negotiate a two-way fare of P50per head...

Since we were like alone in the island, we took pleasure in making the most of the island.  We considered it our own, a small paradise away from civilization while in solitude with nature.

In the island, everything is a “do-it-yourself” – from fetching water for personal needs, to pitching tent, to cooking food and so on.  There are no food and potable water in the island – so a galloon from the mainland is a must.

Since it was a “DIY” island, the caretakers left us alone to our needs.  That means the entrance fee is just a pass, no other meaning.  We attended even to our trashes because we want to help preserve the island. 

As the sun sets down, I noticed a beautiful sunset slowly unfolding from the other side.  I sneaked from the kiddos just to catch its beauty and to witness another magnificent view.  Just in time, the two lovers passed by completing the pieces of the beautiful landscape.  Before my eyes, I saw the horizon as it evolved from one color to the other... Truly a WOW.

On the next day, the kids were up early, eager for the sun to rise and start another day of fun and adventure.  Everyone else was busy on their own -- with some strolling to the other side of the island while some built sandcastles and made funny poses with starfish(es).   It was like no more tomorrow for the kids and kids-at-heart alike... amidst the punishing heat of the sun, we made the most of the day.

Please note however that like any other island in the Philippines, there are areas not advised for swimming but just an added beauty to its masterpiece.

P. S. On January 2010, we revisited the island but experienced a slight issue in the payment of entrance fees and arrangement of the boat ride.  We hoped that by now, they already came up with a systematic process to prevent guests being discouraged to revisit the island. 

Travel Date: November 2009