An-awe-wangin

San Antonio, Zambales, home to the lovely coves: Anawangin, Talisayin, Nagsasa, and Silaungin, is just approximately 4-5 hours away from the Metro and is just 30 minutes away from my hometown San Narciso. Whenever people learn that I'm from Zambales I'm often asked if I have been to Anawangin. With much shame and regret I would answer, "No, I haven't". Over the past years, Anawangin and the other coves have gained popularity and became one of the top picks for quick getaways. I intended to know why so I finally gave in.

What started as a drunken conversation eventually turned into an impulsive getaway. While some of us were still terribly hungover, we packed the leftovers from the night's party and hit the road. We didn't have any concrete plans until we're in Pundaquit. Lucky enough, one of my cousins have a friend there who happens to have boat rentals. 

After some discussions and more haggling, we finally came up with an itinerary. Since we went on a sunday and some of us have works the following day, we opted for just a day tour. (Funny that I have to use the term "tour". I sounded like a tourist for a moment there. Hmm. )

Le Cousins at Capones Island.

First off, Capones Island. What others didn't know is that there are two entry points to the island. If you want to see the old lighthouse, just tell your boatman to anchor your boat on that side of the island. Otherwise, they would take you to the opposite side. Just like what happened to us. Another lesson learned. 

This side of the island wasn't that bad, though. It's a long stretch of white sand beach. The sand's not as powdery as the other islands in the country but we didn't mind. The patterns of the wall caught my eye. Mix of browns, greens and some grays, very earthy. On both ends of the island, you'll see an array of rocks in all sizes imaginable. That would've been my spot if we stayed longer. Sadly, we only stayed for half an hour.

Touch down Anawangin! 

Alright, first impressions. The waters looked more inviting to me than that of Nagsasa and Talisayin. Read my post about Talisayin Cove here.  It's a lot smaller compared to the other coves, though. I finally understood why many people refer to this cove as "tent city". I expected it to be crowded but I didn't expect it to be this crowded. 

Carefree weekends, Bro! 

To stray away from the crowd, we went to a quick hike to the view deck. There are no guides for this but  worry not,  the trail's easy. No diverging paths whatsoever. Just follow the path until you reach the top. From here you'll see the entirety of Anawangin, it's shore and the lagoon opposite to it. Mountain, beach, lagoon and agoo trees, I just love the contrast of colors, very vivid. 

The unknown cove on the opposite side of Anawangin

After admiring the view and some photo ops, we started the descent. As soon as we reached our table, we had lunch and of course, some more beer. Ha-ha. Though we only stayed for the afternoon,  I'm guessing that an overnight camping would have been as fun. :)

P.S terrible hangover + tipsiness + 30 mins boat ride = Not a good idea. 

TIP BITS: 

1. Boat rides can be very pricey since the cove has gone overwhelmingly popular to tourists. If you want to save, better be in groups, the more the cheaper. The locals are friendly so feel free to haggle but please, please,  do it humbly and politely. I've seen tourists shouting and even threatening the locals just to get a discount. Tsk.

2. There are small stores in the cove but commodities are sold in much higher prices. Better yet,  bring and cook your own food. Water and coolers with ice are already included in some boat packages. Grillers are free to use, too. 

3. To save more, you can bring your own tent or hammock so you won't need to rent one. Tent rentals costs approximately 300 Php per night. 

4. If you want to push your getaway further, try trekking to the cove via Mt. Pundaquit. Guides are available at the jump off point. If you want to trek but still want to go island hopping, no problemo. Trek your way to the cove then  by boat, take a side trip to the islands on your way back to Pundaquit. :)

Photo Credits to Aunt Emy for our group pictures and Cousin Irma for my solo pictures.