Coming from Anawangin in Pundaquit, San Antonio, I passed by Iba, reputed to be the resort town of Zambales. I checked out several resorts, thinking I could stay in one for the night, before heading to Pangasinan, my next destination.

And truly, there are a lot of resorts. One right after the other. I decided to visit some.

BAKASYUNAN Resort and Convention Center is huge, probably the largest in Iba. Room rates start at P1,500 for 2 persons, with dormitories accommodating 15 persons for only P7,000 per night. There are beach front accommodations that are the first to be booked – – a beachfront room for 6 costs P4,500.

these beach front rooms are the most popular

but I like these a/c nipa huts better

the tree house goes for P2,500 for 2

When I visited, there were several groups of guests in different nooks of the resort, practising what seems to be their performance for the night, apparently all attending a seminar or a convention of sorts.

Bakasyunan is at Sitio Lawak, Barangay Amungan. Contact person is Grace Bacarro at 047-8113234 or mobile number 0919 6760445. Website : http://www.bakasyunanresort.ph

My personal favorite is PALMERA GARDEN. It is smaller, and cozier. The Bahay Kubo restaurant is popular even among the locals. There is also a restaurant right on the beach, called PARA SA ATIN.

photo from their brochure (lost my battery when I wnated to take photos, yikes !)

Rooms are at P2,200 per night for 2 persons, while aircon beach cottages are priced higher at P2,350.

Contact PALMERA GARDEN at 047-8112109 or via mobile numbers 09174641377 and 0919 8502549. Visit their website: http://www.palmeragarden.com

I also drove into HERRA’s  but found the place to be rather too ordinary, and is the resting point of salesmen who are able to park their trucks or vans in its huge property. Rooms go for P1,500 per night.

P1,500 per night

I was told Tammy’s is popular. Drove to this section and found out it was at a near dead-end and it was rather difficult to maneuver form there. This is a building, although the restaurant that overlooks the shore is interesting.

Tammy's

Right next to Tammy’s is LINDAMAR BY THE SEA. The place offers nice and cheap accommodations, but does not have a restaurant. An aircon room for 3 persons is only P1,200 per night.  LINDAMAR can be booked by email: lindamar_bythesea@yahoo.com, or by phone 0908 3681004, 024332155.