Click here for Intro Video. ---------- Click Here to go to the online magazine, which can be downloaded to your phone or gadget, The Municipality of Botolan was established in 1572, making it, along with Masinloc and Subic, the oldest established areas in the province. By area, it is the largest municipality and contains some 735 square kilometers and a population of almost 60,000, but by, population to area, it is one of the least populated. Botolan was also an important area for the Spanish where they had a large trading port at the Bucao River, then known as Puerto Ginto (Port of Gold) for the gold that was mined in the adjoining Mt. Binoclutan. This mine was operated by the Spanish, the Americans (1898 – 1946, then known as the Johnson Mine) and the Japanese during World War II and is still mined by locals to this day. Unfortunately, the expansive wharf system, built of adobe stone was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the subsequent lahar flows and flooding which continued for some years after the eruption.
Mt. Pinatubo - Beaches - Outings - Binoclutan Falls - Tuka Tukal Falls - Bucao River - Bancal River
Beaches: Botolan was one of the earliest established beach resort areas in Zambales. There are two major beach areas, to the South of the town are the Binoclutan and Porac areas, resorts here are situated along the National Highway and easily accessible from the National Highway, most just a short walk. Almost all have large land areas and are well equipped for outings and plenty of parking. The best known of these is Rama International Beach Resort, often referred to as "Zambales Favorite Resort".
Outings: Botolan is a very popular area for Company outings and special occasions, many of the resorts specialize in Beach Weddings, seminars, parties etc.
Waterfalls: There are two spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls in Botolan. The easiest to access being the Binoclutan Falls, just a short hike from the Binoclutan resorts area, you will find friendly locals willing to show you the way, please reward them in an adequate manner. They can also show you the side tracks around each of the falls, so as to avoid risking climbing the slippery rocks. The other is the Tukal Tukal falls, which in local dialect means "Stairway". A truly spectacular formation, but requires about a one hour 4 X 4 ride from Camp Kainomayan, located in San Juan and developed by the Botolan Tourism Office, followed by a one hour hike to reach the falls proper, Botolan Tourism office have also developed toilets, change areas and a covered picnic area at the falls. Tukal Tukal Falls. River destinations: There are 2 major river systems in Botolan.
The Bancal River, also effected by lahar, but not quite as badly. The Bancal River hosts 3 Eco parks, Adventure Park, near the Bancal River bridge offers floating Kubo's for picnics, kayak and paddle boat rental and is operated by the Botolan Municipal Tourism office. Deway Deway Eco park, nearer to the ocean and Mango Grove, operated by ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamiya Foundation, Inc., which is the philanthropic arm of the ABS CBN Broadcast Network, which is located Northern upper reaches. Camp Kainomayan: Located in San Juan, on the new road that will soon link Botolan to Capas Tarlac. It is operated by the Botolan Tourism Office. This site is the jump off point for tours to Mt. Pinatubo and the Tukal Tukal falls. It also offers a restaurant, paint ball range, rock climbing wall, zip lines, a swimming pool, obstacle course and an ATV track with ATV's for hire.
FESTIVALS: There are two major festivals in Botolan each year. Domorocdok Festival, celebrated each May, with street dancing and all sorts of talent competitions, plus a display of all the local goods and industries of the area.
DIRECTORY: ..(By Municipality / City, North to South)
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