My experience in Zambales , at the  Anawangin cove, Talisayin cove back in 2009 was exceptional. I am still thrilled with the great experience I had with people who share the same passion. To explore life. Life as usual will always be present with different challenges. I can imagine the joy out of trekking a mountain for five hours yet very challenging. However after each struggle , I  walked away with an understanding of life I have and my significance to the world. Last weekend I was really challenged with so many things and truly helped me improved and developed my love for the environment , history and culture how can we preserve it and also the desire to share all the things I recently explored and discovered. 

I was there almost three years ago and I thought  it’s the right time to revisit.

And it was epic! Our Weekend Trip to Mt. Pundaquit-Anawangin-Nagsasa-Capones was a blast

As we arrived Pundaquit Island , I knew it was very peaceful island. I only hear the voices of nature . Beautiful rolling mountains and the breeze blew through the pine trees. There were so many times when I had to pause for a while , in the middle of nowhere , blinded by rays of the sun, looking around and taking photographs. My God, it’s beautiful here. And I said to myself . Life is really simple and beautiful. After that moment it seemed our day was so perfect.

I realized that we have so many beautiful places to visit and protect . However,when we were approaching the summit of Mount Pundaquit I noticed a chunk of plastic candy and snack wrappers along the way. It is pretty obvious that there are so many of us do not know the word self-discipline. There are so many people on this world that are in need of guidance . We really have so many things to learn . This contemplation and realization is quite overwhelming. Sana lang po wag tayo magtapon ng basura kahit saan! I am very positive there is no possible way for me , as an individual to solve the huge problems of the country. I have so many suggestions in mind but I really don’t know where to start. Which really made me feel worthless.

In the mean time , here is the  glimpse of our trip last weekend.

Our Mission- To spend not exceeding our budget which is Php1600 and to explore  the following:

 Mt. Pundaquit traverse to Anawangin Cove ( a five-hour trek from Pundaquit to Anawangin)

 Capones Island Lighthouse sidetrip

( where I risked my life and my gadgets just to shoot in the island which I will never attempt again)

Did we make it? Abangan nyo bukas !

Day 1

03:00 am – assembly at Victory Liner, Sampaloc Terminal
04:00 am – Departure from Manila to San Antonio
07:00 am – ETA San Antonio; proceed to Brgy. Pundaquit
07:30 am – ETA Brgy. Pundaquit; start trek
10:00 an – Arrival at Mt. Anawangin summit
10:15 am – Start descent to Anawangin Cove
12:30 pm – ETA Anawangin Cove, late lunch at Anawangin Cove
01:30 pm – explore Anawangin cove, photo-ops
03:00 pm – boat to Nagsasa
04:00 pm – ETA Nagsasa COve, set-up camp, nagsasa beach
05:30 pm – prepare dinner
06:30 pm – dinner time
07:30 pm – free time, socials, bonfire

Day 2
06:00 am – Wake up, Prepare for Breakfast
07:00 am – Breakfast time
08:00 am – Explore Nagsasa, Phot-ops/Break camp
09:45 am – ETD, Nagsasa to Capones Island
11:00 am – ETA, Capones Island
12:00 nn – Explore Lighthouse
01:30 pm – back to boat
02:15 pm – ETD Capones Island to San Antonio
02:30 pm – Wash-up, prepare for departure
04:00 pm – San Antonio to Olongapo
05:00 pm – Early Dinner/Rest
07:00 pm – ETD Bus Olongapo to Manila
10:00 pm – ETA Manila

Budget Estimation (5pax)

Bus to San Antonio – P300
Guide fee – P100
Food – P300
Boat – (P1700) P340
Camping fee – P100
Bus to Olongapo – P40
Olongapo to Manila – P250

est Total – P1,430
safe budget – P1,500

Things to Bring:
Camping Materials – tent,
Canned goods – good for 2 days
Swimming gear, clothes (basta pangswimming)
Utensils/lutuan
sunscreen 

Eight young wandering souls, four fantastic places and one great adventure!

Getting to Anawangin and nearby islands is very easy. I strongly suggest you go on a weekdays because the cove and the rest of the islands get crowded during weekends.

One must take the Victory liner Bus either in Cubao or Edsa Monumento to Iba , Zambales. Fare is approximately Php260.00 or $6.06. Get off at the San Antonio Main town. Walking distance is the Public Market , pharmacy and other stores but please be aware that item sold here are expensive.

Ride a tricycle to Barangay Pundaquit. It costs Php30 or $0.70 and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

If you drive a car you can follow the same direction, there are parking areas in Barangay Pundaquit where you can park your vehicle.

You will be welcomed by the small fishing village where boats sail to prominent coves and island in Zambales . From Pundaquit , hire a boatmen that will take you to Anawangin, Nagsasa, Capones , Camara and a lot more. Boatride normally costs Php1000 or $23.31 to Php1500 or $34.97 depending on the space and will take you approximately 20-30 minutes to reach anawangin.

If you want more adventure , then you can also trek to Anawangin . You can hire guides in Pundaquit. Check my post about surviving Mount Pundaquit.

Kuya Mike really took good care of us. Let me know if you have plans so I can give you his number.