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Our Stay at Kwentong Dagat in Liwliwa, Zambales

Liwliwa in Zambales has been on my radar for months. Friends kept talking about their trips, saying that the beach community in Liwa is something worth experiencing. I got curious and finally decided to see it for myself.

Finding a place to stay in Liwliwa isn’t difficult since there are many options. Here are the top 70 resorts in Liwliwa, Zambales. However, it can get fully booked, especially on weekends and holidays. I wanted something that felt laid-back and different from the usual resorts, so I went for Kwentong Dagat—one of the most talked-about accommodations in Liwa.

Booking our stay at Kwentong Dagat

I checked their Facebook page, sent an inquiry, and was lucky enough to get an Abaca Room since most of their accommodations were already reserved.

The booking process was simple. They just needed my details, and after that, they sent payment instructions. Take note, payment upon arrival is not allowed. You have to pay at least 50% upfront, and the balance must be settled before check-in. They also require a ₱1,500 refundable deposit upon arrival.

They have a strict cancellation policy. If you cancel, you’ll only get 50% of your total payment back. But if you booked a discounted rate, there’s no refund at all.

How We Got to Kwentong Dagat

We didn’t have a car back then, so we commuted from Manila. We took a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. The trip took over five hours, and we got off at San Felipe Market. From there, we rode a tricycle to Kwentong Dagat, which was about a 10-minute ride for ₱150.

First impressions of Kwentong Dagat

Upon arriving, I could already tell that Kwentong Dagat is different from typical beach resorts in Zambales. There were no high-end facilities, no fancy reception desk—just a laid-back, rustic setup. It felt like a provincial beach home.

The check-in process was quick, and the staff immediately led us to our Abaca Room. It was just a short walk from the entrance.

Our stay in the Abaca Room

The Abaca Room was simple but well-designed. It had:

  • A queen-sized bed with a pull-out bed underneath
  • Air conditioning
  • A private bathroom
  • A small porch/balcony

My daughter Audrey was happy about the pull-out bed—she thought it was fun to sleep there. The room itself was cool, and the aircon worked well. Having a private bathroom was a big plus since I noticed that some guests were camping and had to use the communal restrooms.

Rates vary depending on the day:

  • Weekday (Mon-Thu): ₱2,988 per night
  • Weekend & Holidays (Fri-Sun): ₱3,588 per night
  • Extra Guest Fee: ₱1,188 per person

They also allow pets, but there’s a charge if you bring more than one.

Exploring Kwentong Dagat

After settling in, we checked out the rest of the beach resort.

They have an outdoor kitchen where guests can prepare their own food. However, utensils aren’t provided, so you have to bring your own. We didn’t plan on cooking, so we just used the kitchen to make sandwiches.

There’s a gazebo where they hold yoga and flow activities, but unfortunately, there was no schedule during our visit. It would’ve been nice to join a class, though.

The WiFi situation wasn’t great. They only have free WiFi at the gazebo, and even then, the connection was unstable. If you’re planning to work remotely in Liwliwa, this might not be the best place for you.

Beach and outdoor experience

One of the best things about Kwentong Dagat is its proximity to the beach. It’s just a short walk away, and we spent most of our time there. The waves were great for surfing, and we saw a lot of people taking lessons. If you’re not into surfing, you can still enjoy the shore, especially during sunrise and sunset.

At night, the resort had a quiet, relaxing vibe. There were no loud parties, just guests sitting around the bonfire or chatting in their huts.

Food at Kwentong Dagat

One thing that stood out about Kwentong Dagat is that their restaurant serves only vegan food. I’m not vegan, so I was curious about the experience. The complimentary breakfast included:

  • Lugaw with chopped scallions, toasted garlic, and calamansi
  • Pandesal with spreads like coco jam and peanut butter

The lugaw was surprisingly good, and I didn’t really miss meat. They also serve other vegan meals throughout the day, but since I wasn’t used to a full vegan diet, we also ate outside the resort.

Would I stay here again?

Honestly, I enjoyed our stay at Kwentong Dagat. It’s not for everyone—especially if you’re looking for luxury accommodations—but if you want a simple, peaceful place to unwind near the beach, this is a good option.

What I liked:

  • The beach is just a short walk away
  • The rustic, laid-back vibe
  • The Abaca Room was clean and comfortable
  • The staff was friendly and accommodating
  • Pets are allowed (with extra fees for additional pets)

What could be better:

  • No stable WiFi, so it’s not ideal for digital nomads
  • No utensils in the kitchen, so you have to bring your own
  • Vegan-only menu (great for some, but not for everyone)

Would I stay here again? Yes, but only for a short trip. If I were staying longer, I’d probably choose a place with better internet and more food options. If you’re heading to Liwliwa and want to try something different, give Kwentong Dagat a shot. 

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