Hey weekend warriors! If you’ve ever felt like the heat is too unbearable, you’re not alone. When that sticky air gets unbearable, there’s one place that people consistently talk about— Bulacan. And right at the top of Bulacan’s resort game is 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel in San Rafael.
I didn’t just rely on filtered photos and brochure promises. I wanted to experience the real deal— the kind of info you’d get from a friend who just got back, sunburned, satisfied, and a little tired from all the fun. So yes I went, I splashed, and now I’m reporting back.
Turns out, 8 Waves isn’t just a catchy name—it’s personal and special. The waterpark opened in 1998, from a vision to create a space for other families to enjoy. The name honors the owner’s eight kids and the eight types of waves the main pool supposedly creates. It’s a charming backstory that adds heart to the whole place before you even dive in.
The star of the show is that giant wave pool. Let’s get right to it— the wave pool is massive. With nearly 2,800 square meters, it’s one of the biggest in Asia, and the biggest I’ve personally flailed around in.
They boast “8 kinds of waves” with patterns like Diamond, Inverted, and V-Wave. Did I keep track of them all? Nope. And honestly, I didn’t care. Once that horn sounds and the water starts churning, the only thing on your mind is wheeeeee!—plus a little adrenaline if you're not the strongest swimmer.
There’s something about watching grown-ups giggle like kids, kids squealing with joy, and everyone riding the swell together. The vibe? Pure, chaotic fun. Pro tip: position yourself about mid-pool— not too shallow, not too deep — for the best ride.
Water quality? Respectable. Not spa-level crystal clear, but definitely cleaner than many similar resorts. And yes, T-shirts are allowed, which is a win for those of us who forgot our rash guards.
You could spend all day in the wave pool, but 8 Waves actually offers a surprisingly diverse lineup:
Kiddie Pool – Themed with a mini Noah’s Ark slide. It’s cute and super toddler-friendly.
Safari Pools with Slides – Family-friendly fun with a few gentle slides. Expect more smiles than screams here.
Lap Pool – For those who actually want to swim laps and not just splash around. A quiet zone in an otherwise energetic park.
Hydro-Jet Bubble Pools – Low-key massage spots perfect for chilling and chatting after a round of aquatic chaos.
The resort offers several shaded rental spots: bamboo huts, modern cottages, umbrellas— the usual suspects. They’re extra, of course, so budget ahead and book early if you're going on a weekend or holiday.
Food-wise, Neptune’s Diner (aka the foodcourt) has the basics covered— think burgers, rice meals, and drinks. Just a heads-up: 8 Waves has a strict no-outside-food policy. Alcohol, glass bottles, pets, even knives — are banned. There is a grilling area in the parking lot, but it’s BYO everything.
If you get tired of being pruned and waterlogged, there are other ways to pass the time:
Volleyball and billiards are on-site.
A souvenir shop in case you forgot your sunblock or want keychains.
The overall vibe leans family-friendly and upbeat. Think birthday parties, barkadas on a break, and a few couples sneaking in some kilig moments near the bubble pools.
Tips to Maximize Your Splash
Go on a weekday – Less crowd, more space.
Stick to proper swimwear – Rash guards, board shorts, swimsuits. Cotton shirts might pass, but don’t risk it.
Pack wisely – Sunscreen, water-resistant pouches, towels, and cash or card for food rentals.
Getting there takes time – Google says 1.5 hours from Manila. Real talk? Aim for 3-4 hours with traffic. Public transport works too—bus to Baliuag, trike to the park.
Consider staying overnight – Their on-site hotel is a solid option if you don’t want to rush.
Nearby Side Trips Worth Exploring
Got extra time? Don’t just head back home—Bulacan’s got a few gems nearby:
San Juan de Dios Parish Church – Beautiful old stone church with legit revolutionary history.
Malangaan Cave & Spring – Hidden nature spot with caves and spring-fed pools. Bring grippy shoes!
Biak-na-Bato National Park – Rich in history and hiking. Great for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
If you're after a fun-filled, water-soaked day with friends or family, 8 Waves is totally worth the trip. It’s not perfect— there are crowds, rules, and yes, it’ll cost more than some of the scrappier Bulacan resorts— but the experience feels safer, cleaner, and more thoughtfully run.
Would we go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with fewer bags and more sunscreen.
Been to 8 Waves? Got any tips or funny stories? Drop them in the comments— we’d love to hear them. Until then, stay cool and keep splashing!
Location: San Rafael, Bulacan
Facebook: 8 Waves Waterpark San Rafael
Website: 8 Waves Waterpark & Resort
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