How to get there

Commuting
Getting to Candelaria via bus is fairly easy. As of now, there's only one major bus line that travels from Manila to Zambales, and that's the Victory Liner. Most of the trips are from their Caloocan station.

Here's the schedule of trips, and the cost. I would, however, suggest that you call them to confirm. From experience, the schedule can be re-arranged, especially if you'll be travelling during peak season (summer, Holy Week, Christmas, New Year, All Saints Day, etc.)

Please note: When buying your ticket, say that you'll be going up to Candelaria only. It will cost less, of course (Php335, I think). The conductor will ask you where you'll be getting off, but you can just say "Bayan". The bus will stop in front of the munisipio (town hall), where tricycle that can take you around town are available.

From Caloocan to Zambales(Sta. Cruz)

* 5:30AM -------------- Php384.00 (one-way only)
* 7:30AM
* 8:30AM
* 9:30AM
* 10:30AM
* 12:30NN
* 3:00PM
* 8:00PM
* 12:00MN

On that note, I would also recommend that you get detailed instructions from the resort/place you'll be staying. Again, I'm used to traveling by car or by bus... and my stop is usually along the road.

Edit: As of October 31, 2007, trips to Candelaria via Victory Liner is Php335 plus Php5 insurance per person.

Driving
As I mostly commute, or someone else does the driving (while I'm asleep, hehe), I'll refer you to this article on Waypoints.ph for instructions on how to get to Candelaria, Zamables, if you're bringing your own vehicle.

From Manila, take the North Expressway and exit at San Fernando. From San Fernando, head southwestward all the way toward Olongapo City. Right before the city boundary of Olongapo, there is a bypass way via the Subic Base Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which you may want to take to avoid passing through the city. Take this bypass road through SBMA and exit at its Kalaklan gate then head northwestward to Subic town, Castillejos, Sn Marcelino, up to the T-junction near San Narciso.

At the T-junction near San Narciso, turn right and head north through the towns of San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, up to Iba. From Iba, head for Masinloc then towards Candelaria.

Source: Waypoints.ph