The Coves of Zambales

In the heart of Pundaquit, Zambales lies 6 magnificent coves namely, Capones Cove, Camara Cove, Silaquin Cove, Talisay Cove, Nagsasa Cove and the famous camping haven Anawangin Cove. Each coves has its own beauty that can attract local and foreign tourist.
What To See
1. Capones Island = Four kilometers away from the town of Pundaquit, Zambales is the Capones Island located, it has two kilometers of long trench mixed white sand and corals that perfectly blend with its rocky surrounding. The only man-made structure that can be seen there is the old Spanish lighthouse (Faro de Punta Capones) that was built in 1890.

2. Camara Island = Camara Island share the feature with its nearby island Capones. Mixed white sand, corals and tranquil water. This island is also good place for day/overnight campers and rich in marine life.

3. Anawangin Cove = The famous camper's haven and mountaineer's getaway, Anawangin Cove has its own beauty sand mixed with ash from the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption plus bunch of pine tree makes this cove differs from the other 5 coves. This cove also gives a back to basic life experience because there is no way how to cook your food than an old method.

How to Get There: Manila to Pundaquit

1. Traveling via Private Car = Coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX and take the San Fernando Exit then head southwest the road to Olongapo. Before you reach Olongapo town proper, there is a shortcut route that will take you inside Subic Base Metropolitan Authority or SBMA which you may want to take to bypass the traffic and a few winding roads pass Olongapo’s busy street.

As soon as you exit SBMA, head northwest and you will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino and then the Town of San Antonio. Once you are in San Antonio, it’s advised to ask the locals for the way to Pundaquit as it’s a bit complicated having no street signs in the area. Locals will be glad to answer you for directions.

A fool proof way to ensure you won’t get lost, hire one of the many tricycle drivers to take you there on a convoy. If you made your reservations, mention the name of the resort beforehand so they know exactly where you are going.

2. Travelling Via Public Vehicle = The best and most advisable public transport at the moment is taking a bus to San Antonio Zambales and riding a tricycle to the town of Pundaquit. Victory Liner has their schedules posted on their website and there are currently 5 bus stations in Manila with everyday trip schedules towards Sta Cruz and Iba Zambales.

Go to one of the Victory Liner bus stations and get yourself a ticket to either a bus going to Iba Zambales or Sta Cruz Zambales. Both trips will pass by the town of San Antonio. If you are carrying lots of stuff like a sports bag or fishing gears, ask the conductor to have them deposited at the bus’ compartment and make sure you say you are going down at San Antonio Municipal Hall.

All conductors are well trained and are keen to remind you that the bus is nearing the town of San Antonio and you will be dropped off in front of the town proper near the public market. Tricycle are everywhere almost 24 hours a day. Most of the time, they will call your attention from every direction and ask you to take their vehicles for the ride. Just call the nearest one and say the resort you made reservations at and add Pundaquit (Poon-da-kit) and they’ll take you there for only P60 for every 2 passengers and an extra P30 for an extra head. Travel time is 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Get There: Pundaquit to the Coves

To get there, one must go to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, in San Antionio, Zambales where a banca to 6 coves can be rented.

Boat Rental: As of August 21, 2011

DAYTOUR BOAT RATES

ANAWANGIN COVE(drop and pick)

1.small boat—P1,500 (capacity of 1-4 pax)

2.big boat—–P3,000 (capacity of 5-8 pax)

3.big boat—–P3,500 (capacity of 9-12 pax)

4.big boat—–P4,500 (capacity of 13-16 pax)

•extra charges

1.plus P150/head side trip to nagsasa cove

2.plus P100/head side trip to capones island

3.plus P50/head side trip to camara island

4.Anawangin and Nagsasa entrance fee is P50/head for day tour ,P100/head for an overnight stay

GLOBE – 0927-875-9352

SMART – 0919-984-6964

SUNCEL -0923-695-3532

LANDLINE – (O47) 645-7588

LOOK FOR MS. GRITCH

Where to Stay:

My friends preparing our tent

Tents and Hammock are the main mode of accommodation in the island since are no commercial establishment present. As of now there are wooden table and bamboo house that can be rented for about P1,000 per night

Martin and Masoy taking their afternoon nap

Where to Eat:

Back to basic life..Yum..Yum

There are no high end resto or carinderia in the island, you must bring your own food. You can buy your goods before living Pundaquit, Zambales. There is a small store that you can buy some of your needs but too expensive. Some locals (Aetas) also sell Halo-Halo, Ice Candy, etc. about double the price here in Manila.

Things To do:

Anawangin is definitely Boracay‘s exact opposite in terms of development, but that doesn't mean you’ll run out of stuff to do during your stay. Here are some suggested activities you could do aside from lying in a hammock by the beach

1. Island Hopping = You can arrange sidetrips with your boatman if you want to go island hopping. Nearby are Capones and Camara Islands. Capones Island is known for its centuries-old Spanish lighthouse while Camara Island is a rock climbing destination. Inform your boatman in advance and clear the details with him since there is no cellphone signal coverage in Anawangin.

Survivor Anawangin

2. Swimming and Beach Bumming

The usual Jump Shot

3. Explore the Island

Lost Season 2...hehe

Cast of Tabing Ilog Batch  2010

4. Bonfire = Gather fallen twigs and light up a fire for warmth during the night. Bring a guitar so you can sing around the campfire. Just don’t forget to put it out when going to sleep.

Total Expenses: 

If you are looking for a survivor experience and a simple getaway but budget friendly this one is for you. You can spend as low as P2,000 (with island hopping Camara Island, Capones Island).

Example Expense Summary Report (Group of 5 person)

Cubao - San Antonio, Zambales - Cubao = P265.00 x 2 = P530.00 roundtrip via Victory Liner

San Antonio - Pundaquit - San Antonio = P30.00 x 2 = P60.00 roundtrip

Boat Rental = P3,000/5 person = P600.00 

Anawangin Cove Entrance fee = P100.00

Camara and Capones extra fee = P150.00

Food and other supplies = P2,000/5 person = P400.00

Total = P1,840 per person

Recommendation:

Budget = 10/10 a truly budget friendly getaway

Accommodation = 3/10 poor accommodation because the government wants it to be as secluded as it is

Experience = 10/10 best in the way you want to get back to the oldest method and close encounter with nature

Going Back Home

All in all its a big Yes!!!