ZAMBALES: What to Do? Where to go?

If you're looking for a place to unwind and relax that is near the Metro. Zambales is the place for you.

San antonio Zambales is just a 3-4Hr Bus ride from Manila and 15-30 min tricycle ride to Pundaquit (Jump off point to Anawangin Cove) in San Antonio Zambales. We departed Manila at around 6am. We rode the Victory Liner Bus on their terminal at Cubao bound for Iba, Zambales. Tell the Conductor to drop you off at San Antonio. We arrived at around lunch time at the San Antonio Public Market. 

You can contact Kuya JR Agasa (boatman) - 0917 380 9104 . He'll arrange the boat for you. His wife was the one who accommodated us. It was carefree for us even though they have many guests at that time. She was very kind and very accommodating.
Make sure to contact them days before you decide to go to Zambales. They have many tour packages you can choose from.

But on the other hand, you can arrange tours and boats at the hotels in the area if you're not going to stay overnight at the beach.

Things to do:
1. Island hopping or/and Cove hopping? lol - Anawangin Cove, Nagsasava Cove, Capones Island, etc.
2. Swimming, of course.
3. Camping - You can bring your own tent or you can rent from kuya JR. They have tents for rent for 300/2nights.The tent is good for 2 persons.
4. Trekking - You can reach Anawangin Cove by trekking Mt. Pundaquit for 5 hrs with it's open trail. There's also an open trail at Nagsasa Cove if you haven't had enough at Mt. Pundaquit.

Things to Bring :
1. Just a few pair of clothes. You're going to the beach. So pack light.
2. You can buy foods and other goods once you arrive at the San Antonio public market. Buy lots of water! (you can also ask Kuya JR to bring you water if ever you underestimated your consumption when you're already at the Coves)
3. Bring mosquito repellant if you're going to camp overnight.
4. Bring matches, lighters, lamps and etc., for there are no electricity available. Although Nagsasa Cove have electricity now, it will only last for up to 12MN. So you can charge your phones! yey! 


Our first Stop: Nagsasa Cove

We decided to visit here first because it is the farthest  from the 3 places that we're going to visit. The waves were rough when we went there because we arrived at Pundaquit around 12 noon. So you better go there earlier. ;)
We stayed here for one night. And as i've said, there is a running electricity from 6pm-12mn.
There's also a store here but expect it to be more expensive than the market price.
Overnight Fee was around 500 Pesos per Cottage, not per person.

Nagsasa Cove at Sunrise. We walked the shore and it was so peaceful. There is actually a tiny lake nearby if you walk farther towards the mountain.

You can climb the hill at Nagsasa Cove and enjoy this view, too! :)

"Kalikasan ay ating pagyamanin sapagkat ito'y biyaya mula sa poong maykapal"

Look how clear the water is. And the Stone! how gorgeous!

Next Stop: Anawangin Cove!

We we're picked up by our boatman around 8am. He was on time! I'm quite impressed. 

Anawangin cove is just a 15 min boat ride from Nagsasa Cove. You can take pictures on the breathtaking view of the islands on the way.

We went on a weekend, so obviously, it was packed with tourists! The beach side we're already full so we ended up at the back. But it was fine, the back was full of trees and there was a small lake/lagoon just steps away from where we chose to stay. It was kinda hot though. But nevertheless it was so much fun! We stayed here for 1 night which cost us another 400 Pesos. (100 Pesos per Person)

You'd never miss this rock formation once you get to Anawangin Cove. You can walk or swim to reach it. There were a lot of couples hanging around this area because it was "exclusive" and there's a lot of "openings" or "spots" where you can sit, relax and just have a talk with your friends if you're tired on swimming around. 

Third and Final Stop: Capones Island

Here in Capones island stands the Old Lighthouse, where you can climb up and see the breathtaking view of the South China Sea and other islands in the area.

Our boatman caught a squid while we were on a hike to the Lighthouse. So Fresh! I was thinking on how delicious it would be to grill it. lol

Upon entering the gate. Yes, there's a gate upon entering the Lighthouse's main building. 

As you can see, there were other tourists when we came here. The trails we're full of hiking tourists. It was scorching hot! But the hike was really fun! You should never miss it!

The breathtaking view on top of the Lighthouse! The hike was all worth it. Trust me. :)

One of the islands is shaped like a shoe! :)

This was the front side of Capones island. Some tourists decided to spend their day swimming on this side of the island.

That ends our trip to Zambales. It was fun and relaxing. And oh! make sure to bring sunscreen! :)

Thanks for having the time to read! :)