Crystal Beach Resort in Narciso, Zambales is perhaps one of the most popular resorts in the area, and it’s easy to understand why. Aside from the fact that the resort can accommodate hundreds of guests, there are also quite a number of spots that most people would refer to as instagrammable.
One of the popular spots for photos
With only my curiosity as the main driving force for visiting the resort, I came with almost no expectations. Since we were visiting on a weekday and we were only planning to pitch our tent, we decided to go straight to the resort as walk-in guests. The very first thing I noticed was how organized the flow was, from parking your car to checking in, it’s quite obvious how over the years they’ve already come to refine the whole process.
We brought our tents so we only had to pay Php 550 per person which came with a Php 250 stub that can be used to purchase food and drinks at their restaurant. Unfortunately, most items on their menu are quite pricey, so we decided just to use the stub for breakfast to maximize its worth. We each paid an additional Php 30 on top of the stub amount to avail of their buffet breakfast.
Crystal Beach Accommodations
Crystal beach resort offers different types of accommodations – tent pitching, glamping, fan rooms and air-conditioned rooms. Not all rooms have their private restrooms, so that’s one thing guests will need to take note of. One thing I found unappealing was how everything felt so disorganized – campsites and cottages scattered in different areas with only the glamping tents fenced within their own area. But since I’m a person who appreciates a more systematic layout, other people may find charm in all that chaos. The good thing about this is, cottages are far enough from each other which will give guests a better sense of privacy.
Accommodation Rates
For a complete list of their rates, refer to their website.
Sample accommodation costs are as follows:
- Day Tour – Php 350/person (Php 150 consumable)
- Overnight
- Tent Pitching (own tent) – Php 550/person (Php 250 consumable)
- Tent Rental – Php 750/person (Php 250 consumable)
- Glamping – Php 2,550 for 3 pax inclusive of breakfast
- Cottages/Rooms range from Php 1,700 to Php 8,500 form 2 to up to 10 persons
Jungle Hostel
If you prefer staying close to the shore, Crystal Beach is also offering another type of kubo type accommodation. Each kubo will cost Php 1,700 per night for 2 persons inclusive of breakfast.
How to Book
- You can book directly through their website — http://www.crystalbeach.com.ph/stay.php
- Or you can also book via agoda so you can earn points
- Or email them at [email protected] (we’re not sure how fast they respond).
Food Options
- Guests are allowed to bring in food for cooking in the resort. You’re not allowed to bring in rice cookers though but they have a grilling area where guests can prepare meals, just bring charcoal.
- They have corkage fees for alcoholic drinks, per bottle or per case.
- If you don’t want to cook, you can just order food at their restaurant, the food isn’t cheap though. For everything else, there’s a small store near the entrance selling snacks.
- Leave the resort and explore the stores/restaurants outside.
How to get to Crystal Beach via Public Transporation
- Take any Victory Liner bus bound for Iba
- Tell the conductor to drop you off San Narciso, Zambales (near San Sebastian Church)
- Take a tricycle going to Crystal Beach Resort (Php 15 per person, or minimum Php 30)
Notes:
- Most accommodations are not located near the common restrooms. Make sure to ask the resort which rooms are close to common restrooms if you need a restroom nearby.
- For those without free breakfast but with a Php 250 consumable stub, you can upgrade to buffet breakfast by paying an additional Php30.
- Crystal beach resort only allows a maximum of 400 campers. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, make sure to reserve your slot.
Crystal Beach Resort Photo Gallery
