If there is a phrase that I would use to describe our recent escapade to Zambales, that would be “prolonged excitement”. We purchased travel vouchers from Metrodeal way back in June 2015. However, we were able to avail of the trip just this December, after numerous cancellations due to inclement weather.
The package is inclusive of boat transfers, tents, cooking wares, mineral water, and environmental and camping fees – all for Php 799.00. I’d say it’s a sweet deal!
Itinerary
From Victory Liner Cubao bus station, we boarded an Olongapo-bound bus at 3:00 AM. At about 6:30 AM, we reached the Olongapo terminal and then hopped again onto an ordinary bus en route to Iba. Our agency told us to wait for our guide at San Antonio Municipal Hall so we got off in front of it at 7:30 AM. We took our time to buy food and other necessities from the wet market located at the back of the hall.
Upon briefing and submission of documents to our tour guide, we rode a tricycle to Pundaquit beach, which will be the jump-off point of our island hopping. We were advised to change into our swimming clothes as we might get wet along the way.
Capones Island
First stop: Capones Island. I have read blog posts about the islands and coves in Zambales so I already know that there is an abandoned lighthouse in Capones. Big waves welcomed us as we approached the island so we were told that the boat cannot dock near the beach. We needed to swim if we wanted to explore the island. The boat stopped from a good 15 meters and then because no one attempted to go down, they tied a rope that we could hang on to as we made our way to the rocky beach. I was the second one to go down because even if I was scared, I wanted to see for myself what the Capones Lighthouse looks like.
And as if the swim to the beach was not enough of a challenge, the ascent to the lighthouse was so steep we needed to stop several times to catch our breaths. Nonetheless, when we got beyond a forested area, we were greeted by a breathtaking view. The lighthouse in all its glory! Too bad I wasn’t able to take a photo.
Anawangin Cove
After our challenging feat on Capones Island, we were brought to Anawangin Cove. We had the chance to take a rest while enjoying the beach and the view. We did not swim though, since we opted to wait until we get to the final stop to do just that.
Nagsasa Cove
It was past lunch when we finally reached Nagsasa Cove. We rented a cottage and ate the ready-made lunch that we bought earlier at 7-eleven. Our boatmen pitched our tents and provided us with mineral water. After resting and soaking up the surroundings, we started preparing our food for dinner. It was still very early but we didn’t like to be left with little time and lighting, so we decided to cook everything we needed to cook. Just before sunset, we had the time to enjoy the beach. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take pictures because our cameras and phones ran out of juice.
The next day after breakfast, we maximized our time by roaming around as we were set to leave Nagsasa at 10:00 AM. We trekked up a hill just to be able to take a better view of the cove. It was indeed a picturesque beauty!
Budget
- Metrodeal Voucher – Php 799.00
- Cubao to Olongapo – Php 212.00 (Victory Liner aircon bus fare and insurance)
- Olongapo to San Antonio – Php 44.00 (Victory Liner ordinary bus)
- San Antonio to Pundaquit Beach – Php 30.00 per person (tricycle)
- Camping fee – Php 30.00 per person
- Cottage rental – Php 100.00 (to be divided among the whole group)
- Food – Php 1,800.00 (to be divided into a group of four)
- Pundaquit Beach to San Antonio – Php 30.00 per person (tricycle)
- San Antonio to Olongapo – Php 40.00 (via ordinary bus)
- Olongapo to Cubao – Php 212.00 (Victory Liner aircon bus fare and insurance)
Total: Php 1,872.00 per person
Notes/Reminders
- The budget may still be reduced depending on the number of people sharing the costs.
- There is zero cellular signal on the island.
- There is a Victory Liner bus en route directly to Iba/Sta.Cruz which leaves at 5:00 AM. If you have plenty of time and want to have a lesser hassle, then you can board that one. But if you are time-restricted, just like us, you would have to ride the 3:00 AM bus to Olongapo to avoid getting late.
- It would help if you were physically and emotionally ready when you hike up to the Capones lighthouse as well as to the hill in Nagsasa.
- If you hired a travel agency, be sure to bring your printed vouchers and some written SOPs that will also serve as a contract. Communicate with them in advance!
- “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.”
And that's it!
These islands and coves in Zambales offer not just scenic and breathtaking views, but also raw and beautiful experiences. I can say that this was a great weekend, indeed! We were isolated, as in with zero communication from everyone at home, but it was all worth it. I’m looking forward to my next adventure. Tara!
