Summer is that time of year to enjoy the outdoors. Some prefer the beach, like Boracay, Pagudpud or Anilao. Some prefer mountain climbing, like in Mt. Pulag. Others, especially those with kids, prefer to cool down in water theme parks like Splash Island. Those who are near Bagong Barrio, Pandi, Bulacan, have a new destination — the Amana Waterpark.

[See Map: Directions on how to get there. See bigger map.]

The Amana Waterpark boasts of having the biggest wavepool in the entire Philippines. It probably has a bit larger wavepool than that of Splash Island, although it can’t seriously challenge Splash Island when it comes to the variety of water slides and rides (as of now, Amana has a wavepool and a kiddie pool). Still, if you’re within the vicinity, a wavepool would really be enough to entertain the kids this summer. A swimming pool, by itself, would do the trick. A wavepool would definitely be better. (If anyone knows why they say “13 waves” to describe Amana, do tell us. I don’t know if that has something with the more established resort also in Bulacan: 8 Waves Waterpark in San Rafael.)

More importantly (for the budget-conscious, at least), Amana allows food and drinks to be brought inside (we received a subsequent clarification from Amana that only food and water are allowed). Alcoholic drinks are not allowed, and so are containers that are made of glass (also, as normally required in swimming pools, come ready with the proper swimming gear).

Amana opened its gates last month, March of 2009, and it is far from complete. There’s so much room for improvement for this place (let’s just leave it at that), though I didn’t mind the narrow, not-so-smooth road going to the resort — I always consider the journey part of the adventure in going places.

How much? Entrance fee (day swimming) is P250 for adults, and P200 for children (4 feet and below) and senior citizens. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Entrance fee (night swimming, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is P120 for adults and P80 for children and senior citizens. Some cottages, on the other hand, have the following basic rates: 8 persons – P600; 10 persons – P800; 30 persons – P1,500.

How to go there? Now that you know how much it costs, let’s talk about how to get there. From Metro Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLE) and go to Sta. Maria through the NLE’s Bocaue Exit (turn right after the exit ramp). Upon hitting a fork in the road (with PTT gas station at the middle of that fork), take the road going left. Then you’ll see the newly-opened Walter Mart. Turn left at the WalterMart intersection. After that, it’s a series of right/left turns, so just follow the streamers/directions along the way. If that fails, ask for directions: Bagong Barrio, Pandi, Bulacan. That’s where Amana Waterpark is found.

Go to Reviews.Visitpinas for reviews, ratings and details on Amana Waterpark (location, contact details, rates, operating hours, etc.). Or see the map and directions, click here.