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.

A year ago, I was invited to an all-expense-paid day tour to the bigger yet lesser-known brother of Anawagin Cove ---Talisayen Cove. According to one of the locals, the cove derived its name from talisay  (or commonly referred to as lugo tree or umbrella tree), which used to be abundant in the area. It took us more or less an hour of boat ride going to this cove as it's farther from the shores of Pundaquit. 

The features of Talisayen is very similar to that of the other coves of San Antonio: clean and calm waters, light gray sand, and the plethora of agoo trees.  Talisayen doesn't have a lagoon unlike Anawangin or waterfalls unlike Nagsasa, but it does have a wider shoreline. Perhaps twice as wide as Anawangin. 

The rocky side of the cove, en route to the view deck. Nice spot to have a pictorial. He-he. From here you'll reach the view deck in about five minutes as the trail is just short and easy. 

Compared to Anawagin and Nagsasa cove, Talisayen have a concrete view deck. It's like a huge balcony atop the hill. This is a double-edged sword, though. With the balcony, there's no need to worry if you'll slip or if you're standing too close to the cliff. On the other hand, it also altered the natural structure of the hill.  Either way, the azure sea was truly a sight to behold. 

(c) Shella Limos

If you're trying to relax and avoid the crowd then this is the cove for you. What makes it favorable over the other coves is its quietude. It's not as commercialized and crowded as the others. Also, if you're not into camping, cottages are available for rent. 

Just a friendly reminder, the waves are stronger in the afternoon. So if anyone in your group is faint-hearted, I suggest you guys leave earlier when the sea's calmer. Remember, the cove is an hour or so away from Pundaquit, so it'll be one hella of a boat ride.

With a 7am-10pm work schedule, hours of talking non-stop, you can just guess how bored and drained I was. I felt the need to go go somewhere quiet, peaceful, and just isolate myself from all the hustle and bustle. Yes, I desperately needed a break! 

In came Seollal (Lunar New Year), one of the few (emphasis on few) holidays that our company recognizes, and thus my first solo camping trip. It's almost a year since then. 

I went on a friday so I got the whole resort to myself. The stillness of the surrounding was de-stressing in itself. I was finally able to relax without anyone nagging me, plus I got to pitch my tent whenever I want. Hehe. By noon the following day, this side of the island already resembled a tent city. 

I went solo but was I really alone? No, I wasn't. Some of the guests were really friendly and easy to get along with. We shared stories about anything under the sun. Not bad for a first timer, eh? 

Before I went camping, a  Korean friend told me that watching the day break on Seollal will bring you luck the entire year. Good thing, I woke up just in time even though I lacked sleep for days. Ha-ha.

Right then and there, I fell in love with the sunrise that I almost forgot the take a picture.  I have seen a hundred sunrises in this lifetime but this was different. The way the cloud burst while the sun slowly peeked through the mountain, it was overwhelming. I can't even describe it enough. 

So, did the Seollal sunrise bring me luck? I believe so. :)

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How to get to Magalawa Island:

(1) Ride a bus/UV express bound to Iba/Sta. Cruz and ask the conductor or driver to drop you off at Radio Veritas in Palauig. If there are no direct trips to Iba from your area, you may ride a bus/UV express bound to Olongapo. From there, ride another bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz.

(2) From the drop off point, ride a tricycle going to the port. Be sure to tell Manong driver  which resort you'll be staying at as there are different pick up points for the resorts. 

(3) While enjoying the bumpy trike ride, contact the resort's boatman, so he can pick you up at the port.