Archive for March 2015

It was once an unknown place where people go when they want peace and tranquility. Now Anawangin in Zambales and its neighboring coves are probably one of the most popular destinations in the North. A great weekend destination since it is just a few hours away from Manila.

Nagsasa Cove

How to get there

If commutting from Manila, you can ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales from the bus stations in Pasay, Caloocan, and Cubao. Tell the conductor the drop you off in San Antonio. Fare is PhP 250.00. Another option is to take a bus bound for Olongapo (fare is PhP 200.00) then take another bus going to Iba. The travel time from Manila - San Antonio is around 3 - 4 hours. When you're in San Antonio, take a tricycle to Pundaquit (fare is around PhP 20.00 each). From there you can contact your boatman to fetch you.

If by private vehicle, take NLEX and exit in San Fernando then continue to drive straight toward Bataan Provincial Highway then turn right to Dinalupihan Exit to take SCTEX you'll then reach Olongapo and then Zambales. There are available parking areas on Pundaquit beach, where you can leave your vehicle for PhP 100.00.

Pundaquit Beach

When you reach Pundaquit beach, you will be taking a 45-minute boat ride to get to Anawangin. Usually, the boat transfers come together with an Island Hopping. For PhP 500.00 per person, you'll have the transfer to the cove (Anawangin or Nagsasa), with Camara and Capones Island Hopping. They also include a 5-gallon drinking water, cooler with ice, cooking utensils, tents, firewood, and charcoal. You can also ask a mini gas stove, but they'll charge an additional for that.

Capones and Camara Island

*When you reach San Antonio, make sure to buy all things that you need in the market. Prices in the coves are surprisingly high.
*If you want to hike Mt. Pundaquit, you can tell your boatmen to deliver your stuff in the cove.

WHAT TO BRING

Tent for overnight camping (They charge PhP 200.00 for small tent rentals, pretty expensive just for a rental)
Cooked or canned foods (Don't bring foods that easy to spoil)
Paper plates and cups
Sun protection (sunblock, sunglasses, rashguard, hats)
Insect repellant lotion
Flashlight, candles or lamp (there is no electricity in the cove, but I heard a videoke machine!)
Extra charcoal and firewood (firewood costs PhP 200.00 in the cove!)
Garbage bag (Clean as you go, please!)

First stop, Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove

Anawangin is probably the most popular among the coves in Zambales. It is the nearest cove from Pundaquit and the most visited one. Compared to Nagsasa, this cove is smaller so it's a little crowded here in peak seasons. At the center of the cove is a small shallow lake. Entrance fee is PhP 50.00 for day-tour and PhP 100.00 for overnight. There are also restrooms and shower rooms in the cove, as well as "sari-sari" stores (just expect that prices are higher than usual).

Sands of Anawangin, mostly from Mt. Pinatubo's ashes

Small stores and souvenir vendors in front of the beach

Huts and tents in the cove

Shallow lake at the center of the cove

Carabao skull display in a small store

Summer pine trees!

Nagsasa Cove

Not far from Anawangin is Nagasasa cove. A bigger cove than Anawangin but have the same beauty. There is also a small waterfall here that you can do a side trip. Same entrance fee of PhP 50.00 for day-tour and PhP 100.00 for overnight. Restrooms, "sari-sari" stores are also available here.

On the way to Nagsasa Cove

Sitio Nagsasa

Nagsasa Cove

Huts in the beach front

Directional arrows

Climbing Mt. Nagsasa

View from top

Capones Island

Well, we didn't have the chance of exploring this island because of our boatmen's "schedule conflict", Anyways this is where Capones Lighthouse is located. It's also a big island, with creamy-white sands. No entrance fee here.

Capones Island

Just went here very quickly

The lighthouse is on the other side of the island

Activities

Camping and Bonfire
Beach Volleyball (court and ball can be rented)
Swimming, Skimboarding (bring your own skimboard) and Cove/Island Hopping
Hiking in Lighthouse in Capones, Waterfalls in Nagsasa or Mt. Pundaquit

Expenses

Roundtrip Bus Fare Manila San Antonio-Manila: PhP 500.00 (per person)
Roundtrip Tricycle San-Antonio-Pundaquit-San Antonio: PhP 40.00 (per person)
Boatride with Freebies: PhP 500.00 (per person for group of 6)
Entrance Fees: PhP 50.00 (Anawangin - daytour), PhP 100.00 (Nagsasa - overnight)

Without food, the total expense is PhP 1,190. You can have a relaxing weekend without spending too much. Just remember to be a visitor, not a tourist. Take only selfies and leave only footprints.

Cheers from Zambales!

For first time climbers, there are a lot of mountains you can choose that is just near Manila. One of them is Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu Batangas. Just a few minutes away from Tagaytay. The name of the mountain was derived from “Bato sa Ilao” (Illuminated Rocks).

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu Batangas

How to get there

By public transportation, If you're in Manila, take a bus in Pasay going to Nasugbu and ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at Evercrest Golf Club. This is where Caleruega is also located, so you can make a side trip after. You can also take a jeep bound for Nasugbu if you are already in Tagaytay. There are tricycles at the entrance that can take you to the jump-off point (probably cost PhP 20.00 per person) or just walk.

If you're taking a car, just the same route. There is available parking lots for PhP 100.00. The road to the starting area is rocky that is not suitable for cars and too small for SUVs or vans so you need to walk or ride a tricycle again for PhP 100.00 (max of 4-5 pax).

Rough roads, only motorcycles and tricycles can go through

What to Bring

There are stores at the drop-off point, but it's better to bring your own since the prices are a little higher than usual.

Lots of water or sports drink

Sun protection like sunblock, sunglasses, scarf and hats

Snacks/Food

Flashlight (if you're hiking at noon)

First-aid Kit

Nasugbu Trilogy

Registration Area

You can do the climb with or without a guide. But if you are a first time climber, I suggest getting a guide since there are cliffs and narrow trails that you are not familiar with. You also help local make a living. Guides costs start PhP 200.00.

Start of trail

Mt. Talamitam is seen along the trail

There are two trails you can take. The old and new trail. The new trail is much easier than the old trail and would take you 2-3 hours back and forth hike. In summer, the trails are very dusty, so I highly suggest to wear hiking shoes (don't wear slippers/sandals like we did LOL) and muddy during rainy seasons. There's also not many trees or shades along the trail. There is a total of 10 peaks. The registration area is at peak 1 (camp 1) where you will need to pay PhP 20.00/pax (PhP 30.00/pax for overnight camping).

On the way to Peak 1

Peak 1

Still a long way to go

You can hike in the morning or afternoon. We chose to hike in the afternoon to catch the sunset. We started at 4:30 PM and got back around 6:30 PM. Some peaks don't have a sign.

Peak 4

Campsite near the old trail

Peak 6

Narrow trails with cliffs

Climbing up with a rope

Look at this guy, hiking with slippers LOL

Almost there

At the summit (camp 10), there is a small hut which is a store that sells water and other drinks and even halo-halo. You'll reward yourself with a magnificent view of Batangas and a stunning sunset if you hiked in the afternoon. So if you're thinking to go on your first climb, I suggest this mountain. Enjoy, and remember to leave no traces.