Palauig is known for the Magalawa Island by the beach lovers, Mount Tapulao by the hikers, and Bagsit River by the adventure-seekers. It is the second town after the capital of Zambales, Iba. I honestly haven't really heard of it before I met my partner. But it's a beautiful and peaceful place and should be on your next travel destination, once the pandemic is over.
One secret gem of the area is the Salasa River. The locals go there to wash their clothes, have a picnic, and of course, swim! The owners of the land near the river recently started developing the area with a goal to make it a tourist spot. They used the bamboos that are naturally growing there to make tables and chairs, as well as a floating kubo (nipa hut), which I think would be the main attraction of the place. I wasn't able to take a picture of it, I'm still getting a hang of taking important pictures for my blogs. 馃榿 They only have one for now, as they've only started setting up the place last December 2021, but I think it has a lot of potential. They don't have an official Facebook page yet, but they posted about it using a personal page. Check it out here.
The shallow part of the river is a nice spot for kids to play, and the deeper part can be for grown ups and kids who can swim. It's a magnificent place for relaxation and being in nature. Since they're still establishing the place, they're just starting to build the comfort rooms when we were there. Good thing none of us had to go number 2 while we were there. 馃槵 I forgot to take a picture of the beautiful bathroom walls they were making using weaved bamboo panels. It's a true work of art!
It was my partner's idea to go there with Mark, Carole, and their kids. I've met them a few months ago but we were only able to get to know each other the last few days we were there. They helped us sort the goods for the survivors of the Typhoon Odette, as mentioned in my older post. That moment gave us the opportunity to bond and know each other on a deeper level. And I'm grateful to have met them. Their family's story is an inspiration.
We were supposed to travel back to Olongapo City on January 9th, but because Zambales and Olongapo are in alert level 3 since then - only people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to enter the borders - we were forced to go home a day earlier to avoid the hassle. My dad, sisters, and nephew picked us up so they also joined us in our river adventure. My sisters took a thousand selfies with the same poses, which is essential in every outing 馃槀; the kids enjoyed the water so much; Rebo and I had fun chatting with Mark and Carole while eating, of course!
I'm so excited to see what this place would look like the next time we visit. Hopefully, we can go back in a few months. I'm not sure how the pandemic restrictions would ease with the spike in positive cases happening. Crossing my fingers that the surge ends soon, so we can all roam outside again...free. Until my next story!
*Pictures are all mine unless stated otherwise.
