Westnuk

They say Westnuk is one of the Philippines' best kept secrets and I must agree. It still makes me wonder why not a lot of people know about this treasure when it's just a couple of hours away from Manila.

Why I love this place: it's cheap, accessible and not filled with tourists. The beach is still unspoiled as of writing this post and I've been going here for about four years already.

To some people, the downside is you bring and cook your own food (if you want to stay at the beachfront accommodations). Rooms are dorm type with less than desirable bathrooms but if you're used to camping then this shouldn't be a problem.

Last time I went here with our NMFtv family in 2015, they already expanded by adding more comfortable rooms BUT you'd have to take a bus to and from the hotel area to get to this beautiful cove. No thanks, I'd rather sleep in the less comfortable area if it means this view is just a few steps away from my room.

Starting (is that even the appropriate word) the grill was a bit of a challenge for us. So make sure you practice grilling the old school way at home with charcoal or bring someone who knows how to work a grill! Oh, and what's a beach trip without r… — Starting (is that even the appropriate word) the grill was a bit of a challenge for us. So make sure you practice grilling the old school way at home with charcoal or bring someone who knows how to work a grill! Oh, and what's a beach trip without red tender juicy hotdogs? We feasted on these for breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner.

Oh and you get to pass by the inactive Bataan Power Plant to get to the beach. It's open for tours but I've never tried it. Maybe we'll get to do this on the next visit to Westnuk!

Since you're in Bataan already, might as well check out another attraction in the area -- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.