Had we not been prevented by the weather, my friends and I would have been able to travel to Anawangin Cove, Camara Island, Capones Island, and Nagsasa Cove. We have only been to the latter instead.
Anawangin and Nagsasa are both majestic coves that were formed after destruction. These coves used to have a different landscape, but it all changed after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. As Terry Tempest Williams said, “Beauty is transformed over time, and not without destruction.”
HOW TO GET TO ANAWANGIN AND NAGSASA
The jump-off point to either Anawangin Cove or Nagsasa Cove is Barangay Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. From Manila, catch a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba, Zambales, and get off at San Antonio Market. The bus fare is around P250.
If you are from Mt. Pinatubo in Capas, Tarlac, you may ride a bus bound for Olongapo City, and from Olongapo City, catch a bus going to Iba, Zambales. If you cannot ride a bus going directly to Olongapo City, alternatively, you can also follow this route: From Capas, Tarlac, catch a bus going to Dau – Mabalacat, Pampanga Terminal (P45). Then, catch another bus bound for Olongapo City Terminal (P140). Lastly, take a bus from Olangapo City Terminal to San Antonio, Zambales (P58).
Once you reach San Antonio Market, take a tricycle to go to Barangay Pundaquit. The fare is P30 per person.
TOUR PACKAGES
Anawangin Cove boat rental only
1-4 pax – ₱ 1000 (group rate)
5 pax above – ₱ 200 per person
Anawangin Cove w/ island hopping (Camara and Capones island)
1-4 pax – ₱ 1500 (group rate)
5 pax above – ₱ 300/person
Nagsasa Cove boat rental only
1-4 pax – ₱ 1800 (group rate)
5 pax above – ₱ 400/person
additional ₱ 100 each for island hopping
Anawangin Cove with island hopping ALL-IN Package
₱ 1200 per person ; minimum of 8 persons
INCLUSIONS:
Boat Rental
Tent
Entrance Fee
Water
Guide Fee
Ice
Bonfire
4 Meals
Nagsasa Cove with island hopping ALL-IN Package
₱ 1400 per person ; minimum of 8 persons
INCLUSIONS:
Boat Rental
Tent
Entrance Fee
Water
Guide Fee
Ice
Bonfire
4 Meals
Disclaimer: These fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Additional info: If you will only avail the boat rental package, guide fee would be an additional fee of P450 and tent rental is P300.
You may contact Precy at 0929-383-2877 or 0917-321-7899 for more information.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARANGAY PUNDAQUIT
If you happen to reach Barangay Pundaquit at night, you will no longer be allowed to ride a boat going to Anawangin or Nagsasa. You will have to wait the next day to travel.
When my friends and I reached Barangay Pundaquit, we chanced upon this super affordable hut inside DG Paraiso Restaurant. It only costs P800 pesos and the hut can already fit 6 persons!
FOOD EXPENSES
If you decide to do a DIY trip to save even more, you can buy fresh ingredients from San Antonio Public Market. My friends and I bought fish and vegetables and simply borrowed a Styrofoam cooler from our guide. The three of us only spent P300 for three meals during our overnight stay.
Also read: Why The Typhoon Made My Stay In Nagsasa Cove More Special
