Anawangin Adventure
The popularity of the Anawangin skyrocketed in 2009 (I think). It was a place where one could be very close to mother nature, near Metro Manila, and budget friendly. Tucked in Pundaquit, Zambales, Anawangin boasts a powdery beach with pine trees.Won't you die of curiosity upon learning that there are "pine trees" by the beach?
How to get there
We had our own vehicle. We simply followed the directions in this website.
"Coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX and take the San Fernando Exit then head southwest the road to Olongapo. Before you reach Olongapo town proper, there is a shortcut route that will take you inside Subic Base Metropolitan Authority or SBMA which you may want to take to bypass the traffic and a few winding roads pass Olongapo’s busy street.
As soon as you exit SBMA, head northwest and you will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino and then the Town of San Antonio. Once you are in San Antonio, it’s advised to ask the locals for the way to Pundaquit as it’s a bit complicated having no street signs in the area. Locals will be glad to answer you for directions.
A fool proof way to ensure you won’t get lost, hire one of the many tricycle drivers to take you there on a convoy. If you made your reservations, mention the name of the resort beforehand so they know exactly where you are going."
Left Quezon City at around 4am. We didn't get lost.
Itinerary
There are two options for the standard itinerary:
Option A
Day 1: Pick up in Pundaquit, Anawangin (camp there overnight)
Day 2: Camara, Capones, drop off- Pundaquit
Option B
Day 1: Pick up in Pundaquit, Camara, Capones, Anawangin (camp overnight)
Day 2: Pick up from Anawangin, then drop-off to Pundaquit.
Typical Anawangin boats have no roof.
We chose Option A. We got our boats from Manong Jay (09206236084) at Php 1,200/boat. Maybe we could have done better with the price. The trip to Capones Island costs an additional Php 300 on top of the boat cost (Php 1,200 + 300 = 1,500/boat) . The trip to this island is subject to weather restrictions.
Boat ride going to Anawangin Cove
Trip to Nagsasa will cost Php 2,000 for the boat. Nope, we didn’t do this.
What to do
LOTS OF PICTURE TAKING. How can you not camwhore with these?
The other side of the beach with the Halo-halo stand.
Anawangin Alps
Welcome to Anawangin Tent City
Almost dried-up swamp.Gather some firewood for the bonfire.
Anawangin dog peeing. (LOL)
Sunset.
The trekking trail is not gentle to begginers, but it is not deadly either. It is manageable enough. The Havaianas can make it, but with some minor slips along the way. Just be careful.
Rocks rocks rocks. The trekking adventure begins
Top view
The other side
The Budget
Some Notes:
I was informed that the trees there are not "Pine Trees" per se. Not the ones that grow in Baguio. They are actually "Aguho". Note that the tree trunks are not as wide as the pine trees in Baguio.
The Sand is loose. It is physically taxing to walk from one side of the beach to another. And it makes it hard to play frisbee (we tried).
Cell Signal: Send your last pre-trip txt message in Pundaquit beach. For there is absolutely no signal in Anawangin
Sadly, Manong Jay told us that the waves were too strong that day. Hence, byebye Capones Island. We didn’t go to Camara Island either. Not much to see there daw.
 |
| Tall trees by the beach |
How to get there
We had our own vehicle. We simply followed the directions in this website.
"Coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX and take the San Fernando Exit then head southwest the road to Olongapo. Before you reach Olongapo town proper, there is a shortcut route that will take you inside Subic Base Metropolitan Authority or SBMA which you may want to take to bypass the traffic and a few winding roads pass Olongapo’s busy street.
As soon as you exit SBMA, head northwest and you will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino and then the Town of San Antonio. Once you are in San Antonio, it’s advised to ask the locals for the way to Pundaquit as it’s a bit complicated having no street signs in the area. Locals will be glad to answer you for directions.
A fool proof way to ensure you won’t get lost, hire one of the many tricycle drivers to take you there on a convoy. If you made your reservations, mention the name of the resort beforehand so they know exactly where you are going."
Left Quezon City at around 4am. We didn't get lost.
Itinerary
There are two options for the standard itinerary:
Option A
Day 1: Pick up in Pundaquit, Anawangin (camp there overnight)
Day 2: Camara, Capones, drop off- Pundaquit
Option B
Day 1: Pick up in Pundaquit, Camara, Capones, Anawangin (camp overnight)
Day 2: Pick up from Anawangin, then drop-off to Pundaquit.
Typical Anawangin boats have no roof.
We chose Option A. We got our boats from Manong Jay (09206236084) at Php 1,200/boat. Maybe we could have done better with the price. The trip to Capones Island costs an additional Php 300 on top of the boat cost (Php 1,200 + 300 = 1,500/boat) . The trip to this island is subject to weather restrictions.
Boat ride going to Anawangin Cove
Trip to Nagsasa will cost Php 2,000 for the boat. Nope, we didn’t do this.
What to do
LOTS OF PICTURE TAKING. How can you not camwhore with these?
The other side of the beach with the Halo-halo stand.
Anawangin Alps
Welcome to Anawangin Tent City
Almost dried-up swamp.Gather some firewood for the bonfire.
Anawangin dog peeing. (LOL)
Sunset.
The trekking trail is not gentle to begginers, but it is not deadly either. It is manageable enough. The Havaianas can make it, but with some minor slips along the way. Just be careful.
Rocks rocks rocks. The trekking adventure begins
Top view
The other side
The Budget
Approximate Cost/pax | ||
Boats | 1,500 x 3 = 4,500/13 | 350 |
Gas for cars with toll fees | 450 | |
Camping fee | 100 | |
Share for food, disposable utensils, group water | Is this amount reasonable? 13 x 300 =3900 | 300 |
TOTAL | 1,200 |
Plus your own personal expenses. Example: buying cold drinks from gas staions or in sari-sari stores in Pundaquit. Pasalubong: None that I know of Do allot some for tip to your boatman.
Some Notes:
I was informed that the trees there are not "Pine Trees" per se. Not the ones that grow in Baguio. They are actually "Aguho". Note that the tree trunks are not as wide as the pine trees in Baguio.
The Sand is loose. It is physically taxing to walk from one side of the beach to another. And it makes it hard to play frisbee (we tried).
Cell Signal: Send your last pre-trip txt message in Pundaquit beach. For there is absolutely no signal in Anawangin
Sadly, Manong Jay told us that the waves were too strong that day. Hence, byebye Capones Island. We didn’t go to Camara Island either. Not much to see there daw.
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