Liwliwa quietly captures your attention from the moment you arrive. Nestled in San Felipe, Zambales, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a weekend escape that feels authentic and unhurried. Morning in Liwliwa feels calm, with sea breeze and coffee in the air. Afternoons are best spent walking along the beach. Night falls softly, and the beach empties just enough for you to savor the sound of waves and the cool evening breeze.
You don’t need a strict itinerary when in Liwliwa. The town moves at its own pace, so all you need is to rest, sleep, explore food spots, and try a few activities like surfing or late-afternoon ATV rides in between. Days here naturally follow the flow of the waves.
This Liwliwa itinerary covers three days and two nights. It is perfect for a quick weekend surf trip, a casual food crawl, or both. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to rediscover the town’s charm, this guide will help you make the most of your stay.
How to Get to Liwliwa
Getting to Liwliwa is straightforward but part of the fun. From Manila, take a provincial bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Liner departs multiple times daily from Cubao or Pasay. Express bus fare from Manila is PHP600. The journey usually takes four to five hours, depending on traffic. If you’re coming from the north, Dau Bus Terminal is a must-stop. From there, you can catch buses bound for Olongapo Bus Terminal. Then transfer to buses heading to Iba or Sta. Cruz. Victory Liner also offers direct trips from Baguio to Olongapo throughout the day, just check their website for the updated schedule.
Ask to be dropped off at San Felipe town, right across from the Public Market. From there, a short tricycle ride will take you to the Liwliwa beach. Tricycle ride is Php100.
If you’re driving, take NLEX then SCTEX toward Subic, exiting north to San Felipe. Roads are mostly well-paved, and signs for Liwliwa signal your weekend escape is near. Weekends are busier, so leaving early helps you avoid traffic and reach lunch by the beach.
Cash is essential, though GCash is widely accepted at many restaurants via QR codes. If you plan to use cash, do a cash withdrawal before arriving, as ATMs are scarce. Signal is intermittent, but the small town is easy to navigate.
LIWLIWA ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival and First Taste of Liwliwa
Arriving around midday, check in and settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to unpack, relax, and enjoy the comforts of your stay. Once settled, head out for your first bite of Liwliwa’s food scene. Lunch at Mommy Phoebe’s is a warm introduction. Bagnet kare-kare is rich and comforting. Adobong pusit balances tender squid with a slight tang. A pako salad keeps the meal light and fresh.
Spend the afternoon on the beach. Beginners can try surfing with local shacks, while others relax on the sand. At sunset, Taco Joint serves tacos and drinks like Jarritos or horchata while the sky turns soft shades of orange and pink. For dinner, you can check-out Agoho Restaurant, side by side with Roxy’s Pizza. Great pizza and some meals, perfect with their locally brewed beers to cap the night.
Day 2 – Surf, Food Exploration, and ATV Adventure
Morning starts early for surfers catching the sunrise. The beach has beginner-friendly waves, and the soft morning light makes each roll feel gentle. Breakfast at Hide In or Rise Café fuels the day. Hide In’s “Tapa ni Lola” is tender and flavorful. Rise Café’s matcha espresso offers a comforting punch.
Late afternoon is ideal for an ATV ride along the coastline or inland trails. Sand beneath the wheels and the wind on your face reveals a fresh perspective of Liwliwa beyond the waves. For a slower pace, explore the village or hop between local cafés for a casual afternoon. Sestra Liwa is a cool hangout spot, where board and card games keep the group entertained. Our friendship almost ended over a heated round of Uno No Mercy.
Evening in Liwliwa is chill. Grab a walk on the sand, talk with your friends, or just relax and watch the day wind down. For dinner, another option is Agos ng Liwa. Agos serves all-day breakfast favorites and hearty plates like smoked beef belly.
Day 3 – Slow Morning and Departure
On the last day, you’ll realize that Liwliwa isn’t in a hurry, and neither are you. Watch the beach slowly come back to life along the shore, or take a short swim. Breakfast at Huno Eats offers fresh, colorful options that energize you for the trip back. Before leaving, stop by Kaka Coco for coconut-based ice cream in a shell, a sweet note to end your trip before taking a tricycle back to San Felipe town proper.
LIWLIWA ITINERARY: Where to Eat
Liwliwa’s food scene is surprisingly diverse for a small town. Mommy Phoebe’s serves classic Filipino comfort dishes like bagnet kare-kare and adobong pusit. Taco Joint offers flavorful tacos and Mexican-inspired fare. Roxy’s Pizza features thin-crust pies with house-made sauces. Agoho Restaurant is a cozy spot known for European-inspired dishes made from scratch, including fresh breads and sauces.
Check this FULL LIST OF PLACES TO EAT IN LIWLIWA.
Hide In and Rise Café are ideal for morning fuel, while Agos ng Liwa and La Zerena provide hearty lunches and dinners. Honu Eats delivers refreshing smoothie bowls, and Sestra Café invites slow afternoons with coffee, fruit drinks, and board games. Of course, Kaka Coco ice creams are delectable. Each spot feels personal and welcoming.
LIWLIWA ITINERARY: Where to Stay
Luna and Sol Beach Resort provides beachfront bungalows and huts. Its charming seaside vibe suits couples or groups seeking comfort while staying close to the beach. Aluntala Hostel caters to solo travelers or budget-conscious adventurers with shared dorms, clean facilities, and social spaces. Both options capture Liwliwa’s relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. Other guesthouses and small resorts in town offer a variety of styles for different budgets, all within walking distance of the beach.
Liwliwa invites you to slow down. Mornings offer coffee and gentle waves, afternoons are perfect for the beach or local treats, and evenings reveal small, memorable gatherings. Follow this Liwliwa itinerary or let the town’s pace guide you. Sleep, eat, surf, ride, and enjoy the calm charm that makes Liwliwa unforgettable.
