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Established in 1870 and with a population nearing 35,000, it boarders with Masinloc on the North and Iba, the Provincial Capital on the South. Along the boarder of Tarlac lays the highest point in Zambales, the 2037 meter High Peak.

Tourist attractions:

Mountains:
Mt. Tapulao at 2,037 meters is the highest peak in the Zambales Ranges. It's geographical name is in fact "High Peak", thus, you cannot find Mt. Tapulao on most maps, as it is the local name given by the Aeta Natives in reference to the "Tapulao (fire) trees" (Pine trees) that abound on its upper slopes. This is a great adventure with a very versified geography. At the base of the Mountain you have the headwaters of the Bagsit River, a geothermal area on which a Thermal Power Station was erected in Marcos times, but, like the Bataan Nuclear Power plant, was never commissioned. That road, though now much is washed out, also leads to the mines at the Tarlac area at the back of the mountain.
There is road access to the top via the old mining road, which was used to transport chromite from the mine near the top, as it is in poor condition it is best to hike the area, local guides are available. The trek starts in grasslands and at around the 600 meter elevation turns into lush rain forest. If one is observant, there are a number of game trails that can be explored also; however, beware of leaches, scorpions and snakes which abound in the area. Once through the rain forest, which ends at around 1800 meters elevation, you come into a forest of pine trees, on a clear day one can see a spectacular view of much of the Zambales coastline.

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Islands:

Magalawa Island, off the South most tip of Masinloc Bay, though still within Palauig is a small island with pristine waters and abundant with star fish and aquatic life, though privately owned, it is developing into a popular tourist destination.

 

Rivers:

Salaza River offers some spectacular scenery and at times is abundant with fireflies amongst the areas of Nippa Palms that abound along its banks.



Beaches:

The coastal areas also offer beaches, though this is an area that is still developing.

 

 

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DIRECTORY: ..(By Municipality / City, North to South)
Sta. Cruz.....Candelaria....Masinloc.. .Palauig. ..Iba ... .Botolan ...Cabangan... .San Felipe .. .San Narciso
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..San Antonio .. ..San Marcelino.. ...Castillejos .....Subic .....Olongapo City ....Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Other information:.
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Contact us: Email:
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© Zambales Guide Book 2020. Website by Roger J. Bound.
A project of Zambales Lifesaving Inc. to assist in the promotion of Zambales, in support of the Provincial Government of Zambales and those Municipalities and Resorts that assist in making Zambales a water safety concious tourist destination.

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