On the Edge of Paradise – Anawangin Cove, Zambales, Philippines

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis

Tranquil, is calm and beautiful. Three words that best describe Anawangin Cove, Zambales. No electricity, no fancy hotels, no phone reception- just you and nature. It will free you from the agitation of mind and spirit. It will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, Anawangin Cove is a perfect package- the charming beach, the mountains, the river, and the bustling forest, it is the place for you to witness a thousand miracles.

Anawangin is a cove with a white sand beach surrounded by low hills not too far from the shore. Anawangin Cove is located in San Antonio, Pundaquit, Zambales.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Travel agency

• DLC Travel and Tours/ Clique Travel Services

We availed 2D1N Anawangin Tour for only P1,499.00.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
*Manila-Zambales-Manila via Hi-Ace Van Aircondition Transport
*Tour to Anawangin
*Tour to Capones Island
*Sightseeing on Camara Island
*Trekking to Hilltop (Anawangin)
*Trekking to Lighthouse or Capones Whitesand (Capones)
*Environmental Fee
*Entrance Fee/Overnight Stay Fee
*Roundtrip Boat Transfer with Steward/ Bangkeros
*Assistant/Staff
*Tour Guides
*Set of Bonfire
*Tents
*Enough supply of ice
*Charcoal (Uling for Cooking)
*Grill, Casserole, Laddle, palayok, Chopping Board, Knife
*Free Use of Camp Tables/ Chairs
*Distilled Water
*Free Drop By at Royal Subic Bay Duty-Free
*Gas/Toll Fees/ Driver/ Driver Meals/ Accommodation
ALL IN TOUR PACKAGE NO HIDDEN CHARGES

Do it Yourself

• From Baguio City:

1. From the Terminal of Victory Liner- ask for a bus going to Olongapo. The fare is about ₱450.
2. Upon arrival at Olongapo, ride a Victory Liner bus going to Iba or Sta Cruz. Both trips will pass by San Antonio. Travel time is about 2 hours.
3. Drop off to San Antonio Public Market. You can buy your food here for the whole stay at the cove.
4. Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach. The fare is ₱30 per person.
5. From Pundaquit Beach, hire a boat. A small boat can carry 5 to 6 persons which can be rented for ₱1,500 to ₱2,000. NOTE: Ask for a discount.

• From Pasay, Cubao or Caloocan:

1. From the Terminal of Victory Liner- ask for a bus going to Iba, Zambales. The fare is about ₱270. The travel time is 3.5 to 4 hours
2. Drop off to San Antonio Public Market. You can buy your food here for the whole stay at the cove.
3. Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach. The fare is ₱30 per person.
4. From Pundaquit Beach, hire a boat. A small boat can carry 5 to 6 persons which can be rented for ₱1,500 to ₱2,000. Big boats can carry 10 to 15 people which can cost you ₱3,000- ₱4,000. NOTE: Ask for a discount.

Note: The entrance fee to the cove is ₱100 for overnight and ₱ 50 for day tour.

WHAT TO DO THERE?

• Camping

The place where you can install tents is spacious, their camping area is covered by evergreen pine trees.

Tents are provided by the travel agency, upon arrival, we set up our tent. We had the freedom to choose where to set it up. After that, we cooked food for lunch.

• Beach Bumming

The beach is refreshing, it perfectly matches the hot weather. As for me, I submerged myself in the beach, I don’t mind being sunburned or “baka umitim ako lalo” since I was born “maitim” already and it will ruin the fun, I just want to enjoy the beach. (Haha!)

• Trekking

For you to see the panoramic view of Anawangin Cove, you need to have a mini hike to the peak of Mt. Anawangin. The walk is not hard, it’s just simple, but of course, tiring. It is a 20-minute or less trek.

• Viewing the Sunset

Before the peaceful night awaits, wait for the sunset along the seashore.

• Others:

Activities like Diving, Island Hopping to Capones or Camara, and trekking the mountains of Pundaquit (4-6 hours) are some of the fun-filled activities you can do in the cove.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

1. No electricity.
2. No cellphone signal.
3. Don’t expect a luxurious travel experience. Everything you see and experience on the island is like a survival game, but an enjoyable one.
4. ADVENTURE
5. FUN

TIPS and NOTES:

1. Explore the area. Don’t just stay in your tents. We explored the leftmost part of the island and this is what we saw:

2. There are sari-sari stores and swim gear rentals on the island but they have expensive prices. Better bring your own.
3. The people/ boatmen/ store owners are hospitable and trustworthy. There are also caretakers assigned to watch over the camping area whenever you are away for the beach activity or during nighttime.
4. Enjoy the Bonfire. Have some S’mores 🙂

5. Take lots of photos for memories.

WHAT TO BRING?

• Food supply (you can buy in the San Antonio market)
• Hydration
• Spoon/Fork/Plate/Cup
• Clothes
• Swim Suits
• Swim Gears
• Mosquito Repellant
• Travel Pillow/ Sleeping Bag
• Camera (best is to bring an underwater camera)
• Flashlight
• Powerbank
• Toiletries
• Grill/ Charcoal/ Matches/ Items for cooking (it was provided since we availed a tour promo)
• Plastic Bags for your garbage. REMEMBER: Leave nothing but footprints.

Anawangin is one of my favorite getaway places, it is charming. I love how I witnessed the thousand miracles Anawangin Cove has to offer.

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