Anawangin Travel Guide: Zambales Weekend Gateway

Anawangin

About Anawangin

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 changed the landscape of Central Luzon and among the changes it brought is the emergence of coves on ash and sand mixture, one of which is Anawangin Cove.

Anawangin Cove is in the town of San Antonio in the province of Zambales, facing the South China Sea. It can be reached via half an hour boat ride from Barangay Pundaquit or San Miguel, or via a four to six hours trek of Mt. Pundaquit.

Anawangin
Anawangin’s panoramic scene

It used to be mountaineers’ secret getaway after a climb, today it is an open secret. Anawangin Cove, along with Talisayen, Nagsasa and Silanguin, is now a famous camping getaway of tourists from all walks of life.

The placid Anawangin River that flows from Mount Balingkilat to the roaring South China Sea adds beauty to what is already a sight to behold. Through the years, the hidden cove has maintained its allure and serenity that can be attributed to its remoteness.

Experience a back-to-basic living and fall in love with this secluded cove. With no electricity and mobile signal, Anawangin is your perfect weekend getaway.

Anawangin
A haven for nature and landscape lovers

How to Get to Anawangin

Bus: Manila to San Antonio (Zambales)

To get to Anawangin from Manila, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales via Olongapo. Victory Liner has scheduled trips to these destinations. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio. Fare starts at P270, travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX.

Upon reaching San Antonio, transfer to a tricycle to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, standard rate is P30 per person, you may opt to add some tip since it is quite far.

Boat to Anawangin

Boats can be chartered at Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit going to Anawangin, rate starts at P1,000 for Anawangin – Capones round trip good for maximum of four persons. Travel time from Pundaquit to Anawangin is roughly 45 minutes.

Pundaquit Boat Rate (As of 2020)

Destination Small Boat Rate (1-4 person) Big Boat (Minimum 10 person)
Camara P1,000/boat P150/person
Capones P1,200/boat P200/person
Anawangin P1,200/boat P200/person
Talisayen P1,700/boat P300/person
Nagsasa P2,000/boat P400/person
Silanguin P3,000/boat P600/person

Note: Side trip – additional P100

Anawangin
Where river meets the sea

Where to Stay in Anawangin and Pundaquit

Since there is no commercial establishment in this island, you may bring a tent or camping equipments (plus foods and drinking water) if you are planning to stay there overnight. Just tell the boatman your planned date and time of return to San Miguel/Pundaquit.

If you are not into camping, you can have a day trip in Anawangin and stay overnight in Pundaquit or San Miguel where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found.

Accommodations in Pundaquit

Lalyn's Home in San Antonio

Lalyn’s Home in San Antonio
Pundaquit,San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,000 PHP (4 Guests)

DG Paraiso Restaurant

 DG Paraiso Restaurant
Pundaquit,San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,500 PHP (4 Guests)

Here are other accommodations in Barangay Pundaquit and San Miguel.

Casa San Miguel Bed & Breakfast
Evangelista St., Brgy. San Miguel, Zambales
Contact No: +639178382752

Megan’s Beach Resort
Contact No: (047)6210507, (047)9133784, +639194808520
Email:[email protected]

Nora’s Beach Resort
Contact No: +639182788188/+639196374917

Punta De Uian
Contact No: (047)2522692/+639188888426
Email: [email protected]

Wild Rose Beach Inn
Contact No: +639106615613
Email: [email protected]

Things to Do in Anawangin and Nearby Areas

  • Camping
  • Trek to Mt. Pundaquit, Mt. Nagsasa, Mt. Cinco Picos or Mt. Balingkilat
  • Surfing (Bring your own board if you will be surfing in Anawangin, otherwise you can surf in the nearby Crystal Beach with surfing equipment for rent)
  • Skimboarding (Bring your own skim board)
  • Island and Beach Hopping in nearby Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island, Camara Island, Talisayen Cove and Silanguin Cove
  • Sidetrip to Capones Island and see the century old Capones Lighthouse
  • Explore Palauig, Potipot, Masinloc, San Narciso or Liwliwa (San Felipe)
  • Check out Anghalo Falls in San Felipe
  • Taste the sweet mangoes of Zambales
  • Trek to Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake via Botolan
  • Enjoy arts and music at Casa San Miguel
Capones
Capones Lighthouse

Anawangin Itinerary (Sample)

DIY weekend camping itinerary

Day 1

0500H : Departure from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales
0930H : Arrival in San Antonio
0930H – 11:00H: Market to buy necessary camping supplies, foods and other equipments, bring packed lunch or buy from the market, proceed to Pundaquit or San Miguel via trike to ride the boat
1100H – 1200H: Pundaquit or San Miguel to Anawangin
1200H – 1400H: Setup camp, fix stuff, lunch
1400H – 1800H: Explore, swim, photo ops
1800H – 2000H: Wash-up, prepare dinner
2000H – 2100H: Dinner
2100H onwards: Bonfire, Night party, Socials

Day 2

0600H: Wakeup Call
0600H – 0800H: Breakfast, fix-up, break camp
0800H – 0900H: Anawangin to Capones Island
0900H – 1000H: Trek to lighthouse (if first timer, you need a guide, may balon sa taas, you can take a shower to freshen up :D)
1000H – 1100H: Photo ops, explore, rest in the light house
1100H – 1145H: Lighthouse to the boat
1145H – 1215H: Capones to San Miguel / Pundaquit
1215H – 1500H: Lunch, Shower / Fix up / Trike to San Antonio
1500H – 2000H: San Antonio to Olongapo / Food trip in Olongapo / Olongapo to Manila

Anawangin
Mornings by the beach

Budget / Expenses

Here’s the estimated expenses for a group of four:

Manila to San Antonio Bus – 270
Anawangin Entrance Fee – 100
Food & Miscellaneous – 500
Boat Share – 300
Trike Share – 70
San Antonio to Olongapo Bus –  120
Olongapo to Manila Bus –  215

————————————–

Approximately P1,575 / person

Tips

  • Since this area is facing the open waters of the South China Sea, the water is generally rough any time of the year specially during afternoon.
  • Camping fee in Anawangin is at P100 per person.
  • There are small stores in Anawangin that sells water, chips, candles, canned goods and other basic goods.
  • No mobile signal and electricity in the area

*First published: 23-Aug-2009 | Updates: 12-Apr-2012; 27-Jan-2018; 20-Aug-2019; 06-Mar-2020

To go to Pundaquit, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Lines has scheduled trips to those destinations. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio. If you are coming from their terminal in Sampaloc, it will cost you P220.00 (~$5.25), don’t forget to tell the cashier that you are up to San Antonio only, or they will charge you the full fare to its destination. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX.

From San Antonio, ride a tricycle to Barangay Pundaquit, standard rate is P20.00 (~$0.5), you may opt to add some tip since it is quite far.

By Air/Water

By ferry, take a Mt. Samat Express (Contact No: 551-5290) ferry ride to Subic in CCP. It is an hour ferry ride to Orion Bataan, for around P250.00 (~$6.00) . From there catch a bus to Subic for another hour or less and then a bus to Iba, Zambales, passing to San Antonio.

By air, charter an aircraft to International Subic Airport, Castillejos Airstrip, or to Iba Local Airport.

Where to Stay:

Since there are no commercial establishments in this island, you may bring a tent or camping equipments (plus foods and drinking water) if you are planning to stay there overnight. Just tell the boatman your planned date and time of return to Pundaquit.

Most tourists, however, stay in Pundaquit where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found. You can have a room for as low as P1000.00/~$25 (or even lower). For Lakwatsero’s compilation of hotels in Barangay Pundaquit click here:

Activities:

  • Trek to Capones Lighthouse: If you are coming from the east side of Capones Island, you have to trek for an hour or less, to a rocky shore, passing to an unfinished building and statue of Mama Mary. I suggest you have someone with you who knows the place since the trail up has no signage and you may get lost. But if you are coming from the other side of the island (where Marimar shot some scenes), the lighthouse is already visible so it is easier to reach the place passing through a field, this side of the island however has rocky shore and some huge waves making it impossible for bancas to dock.
  • Camping: Just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply.
  • Swimming, Snorkeling and Diving: Just bring your own equipments.
  • Island Hopping: You can visit the nearby Camara Island.
  • Aquatic Sports in Barangay Pundaquit: Jetski is available for rent.
  • Visit Pundaquit Falls: Walk along the beach southward towards the Pundaquit river. If your resort is too far north of the river, you can take your vehicle and get back to the main Pundaquit road and head southward until the road ends by the river. From the river, it is only a short walk by the seashore until you reach the end of the beach where there is a cliff and a smaller river (or a big stream, you might say). This small river comes from the falls, so, technically speaking, just follow the river upstream for about a hundred meters and you will end up at the foot of the falls. But remember, you may have to cut your own trail or walk along the shallow portions of the stream to get there. As you explore the falls, it gets more interesting as you climb from cascade to cascade. This falls is worth going to only during the wet season (or a little after the wet season) when there is plenty of fresh flowing water filling up the numerous “tubs” along the stream. Too little flowing water during the dry seasons makes this falls nearly stagnant, dirty and even stinky. (Source: waypoints.ph)

Lakwatsero Experience:

Lakwatsero has been to Capones in 2008. Watch out for the narratives of his travel in “My Travels”.

Comments

  1. Hello po,

    We would like to inform you that we offer boat and tent rentals.
    For inquiries and reservations just call or txt us.

    Contact persons: Liezel Nieva or Dindo Nieva
    Contact number: 09172022692
    Blogsite: http//dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

  2. […] 4. Travel Guide: Anawangin Cove […]

  3. shella

    hello po sa lahat ng gustong magpunta ng pundakit…
    nag-o offer po kami ng boat ride sa anawangin at nagsasa

    boat ride from pundakit to anawangin 4 persons 1200
    with capones island and with free ( 1 tent )

    nagsasa cove 4 persons 2000
    with capones and with free ( 1 tent )

    try nyo po mag-eenjoy po kayo
    CONTACT US AT: 09173809125 or 09094989480

    para po sa nais magtanong kung package po kami
    hindi po kasi minsan mas napapamahal po sa package….thanks po

  4. amazing pundaquit boat tours

    We are offerring packages going to anawangin cove, …

    here is our package going to anawangin:
    P 600 per head for 9- 10 persons
    P 650 per head for 8 persons
    P 700 per head for 7 persons
    P 750 per head for 6 persons
    P 830 per head for 5 persons
    P 720 per head for 4 persons
    P 800 per head for 3 persons
    P 1100per head for 2 person

    *****************ALL IN– FOOD NALANG ANG KULANG*******

    Inclusive of the following:
    -round trip tour to anawangin
    -island hopping to camara and capones island
    -hatid sundo san antonio town to pundakit
    -entrance fee in anawangin
    -tent
    -ihawan, cooking utensils and cooler will be provide for free..
    -shower before and after is free

    Visit our fb acct: anawangin-amazing pundakit boat tour

    for other concern text me or call at 09198437370 & o9267510519 look for Anthony…for further discount feel free to call us

  5. dindo

    dindo January 6, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    Hi Campers,
    If you need assistance, Boat, tents and etc.
    Please let us know by calling or texting us.
    We’ll try our best to assist you.

    Contact Person: Dindo or Liezel Nieva
    Contact Number: 09172022692
    Blog site: http;\\dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

  6. rodel villanueva

    Hi”Happy New Year to All!
    para po sa lahat na nais bumisita sa Annawangin,nagsasa,Silangin Cove at Capones Island,
    maari lang po na tumawag/magtext sa mga numerong ito:
    Smart:09394139000
    Talk n text:09078145375
    Sun cell:09328695408
    ako po si Rodel Villanueva taga Pundakit po ako,arawaraw po serbisyo nmin,,,

    Salamat po and God Bless;;;

  7. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    SPECIAL PROMO FOR ANAWANGIN Tour Packages
    WITH FREE SNORKELING OR LIGHTHOUSE TOUR

    PACKAGE A
    >>>>P1200/head minimum of 12pax and above..
    >>>>> P1300/head minimum of 10-11pax
    >>>>>P1500/head minimum of 8-9pax
    PACKAGED INCLUDE:
    *Roundtrip AIRCON Van transfer all in
    *boat tour anawangin, capones camara island OR/ snorkeling
    *2 days 1 night stay in anawangin-entrance fee-
    *TENT FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    *gogles for snorkeling-cooking utensils
    *cooler na with ice pa
    *Mineral water(2container)
    *Bonfire woods 1seT
    *KITCHEN UTENSILS(kaldero, kaserola etc)

    We also offers boat package only for those commuters or with their own vehicle…

    Package B Rates
    P 500 per head for 10 pax above
    P 550 per head for 8 -9pax
    P650 per head for 6-7pax
    P550 per head for 5 pax
    Inclusions:(Pick up point: Town proper of San Antonio, Zambales)
    *Boat ride to Anawangin (round trip)
    *Island hopping (Capones / Camara Island)
    *Entrance fee / Environmental fee
    *TENT USAGE FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    *GOGLES FOR SNORKELING
    *cooking utensils (ihawan, kaldero,kutsilyo,pitsel,etc)
    *cooler WITH ICE pA..

    Additional 400 per head for food (4meals)MIN OF 8PAX
    FOR MORE INFO look for ALAN ARLANTICO: Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555 please TExt or call for immediate response..
    DIRECT BOAT OPERATOR PO KAME SA ANAWANGIN O PUNDAQUIT KAYA MAKAKASIGURADO PO KYO NG MURA , MAALAGA AT MAGANDANG SERBISYO……..

  8. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    SPECIAL PROMO FOR ANAWANGIN Tour Packages
    WITH FREE SNORKELING OR LIGHTHOUSE TOUR

    PACKAGE A
    >>>>P1200/head minimum of 12pax and above..
    >>>>> P1300/head minimum of 10-11pax
    >>>>>P1500/head minimum of 8-9pax
    PACKAGED INCLUDE:
    *Roundtrip AIRCON Van transfer all in
    *boat tour anawangin, capones camara island OR/ snorkeling
    *2 days 1 night stay in anawangin-entrance fee-
    *TENT FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    *gogles for snorkeling-cooking utensils
    *cooler na with ice pa
    *Mineral water(2container)
    *Bonfire woods 1seT
    *KITCHEN UTENSILS(kaldero, kaserola etc)

    We also offers boat package only for those commuters or with their own vehicle…

    Package B Rates
    P 500 per head for 10 pax above
    P 550 per head for 8 -9pax
    P650 per head for 6-7pax
    P550 per head for 5 pax
    Inclusions:(Pick up point: Town proper of San Antonio, Zambales)
    *Boat ride to Anawangin (round trip)
    *Island hopping (Capones / Camara Island)
    *Entrance fee / Environmental fee
    *TENT USAGE FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    *GOGLES FOR SNORKELING
    *cooking utensils (ihawan, kaldero,kutsilyo,pitsel,etc)
    *cooler WITH ICE pA..

    Additional 400 per head for food (4meals)MIN OF 8PAX
    FOR MORE INFO look for ALAN ARLANTICO: Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555 please TExt or call for immediate response..
    DIRECT BOAT OPERATOR PO KAME SA ANAWANGIN O PUNDAQUIT KAYA MAKAKASIGURADO PO KYO NG MURA AT MAGANDANG SERBISYO……..MAG INGAT PO SA MGA TOUR OPERATOR NA GUMAGAYA NG PACKAGE NAMEN DAHIL DI NAMAN LAHAT NG NAKASULAT SA INCLUSION NILA AY NAIPROPROVIDE NILA.

  9. hello naman po para po sa gustong mag punta ng anawangin at nagsasa cove!.

    pundakit to anawagin with capones 200 per head ( 10 to 15 persons)

    pundakit to nagsasa with capones 400 per head ( 10 to 15 persons)

    try nyo po mag-eenjoy po kayo
    CONTACT US at: 09173809125 or 09094989480

    Sa mga nais pong magtanong kung naka package kami….
    hindi po kami naka package…salamat po “,)

  10. hello po sa lahat ng gustong magpunta ng pundakit…
    nag-o offer po kami ng boat ride sa anawangin at nagsasa

    boat ride from pundakit to anawangin 4 persons 1200
    with capones island and with free ( 1 tent )

    nagsasa cove 4 persons 2000
    with capones and with free ( 1 tent )

    try nyo po mag-eenjoy po kayo
    CONTACT US AT: 09173809125 or 09094989480

    para po sa nais magtanong kung package po kami
    hindi po kasi minsan mas napapamahal po sa package….thanks po

  11. dindo

    Hi to everyone,
    Anyone who wanted to visit this place, please call nor txt LIEZEL NIEVA at 09172022692 and for further information as well. TENT is available as well.

    thank you and GOD BLESS,
    DINDO

  12. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    No hidden Charges
    Anawangin Tour Packages 1200….
    P1200/head minimum of 12pax &above..
    P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax
    P1500/head minimum of 8-9pax
    PACKAGED INCLUDE:
    Roundtrip Van transfer all in
    boat tour anawangin, capones, camara
    island
    -2 days 1 night stay in anawangin
    -entrance fee
    -TENT FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    -gogles for snorkeling
    -cooking utensils
    -cooler na with ice pa!
    -Mineral water 5gallons
    -Bonfire woods 1set
    -KITCHEN UTENSILS
    Additional 400 per head for food
    (4meals)
    for more info contact us at:
    Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095
    Sun: 09223753555

  13. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    Anawangin Tour Packages 1200….
    P1200/head minimum of 12pax &above..
    P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax
    P1500/head minimum of 8-9pax
    PACKAGED INCLUDE:
    Roundtrip Van transfer all in
    boat tour anawangin, capones, camara
    island
    -2 days 1 night stay in anawangin
    -entrance fee
    -TENT FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    -gogles for snorkeling
    -cooking utensils
    -cooler na with ice pa!
    -Mineral water 5gallons
    -Bonfire woods 1set
    -KITCHEN UTENSILS
    Additional 400 per head for food
    (4meals)
    for more info contact us at:
    Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095
    Sun: 09223753555
    TExt or please call for immediate
    response..
    we also offers boat package only for
    those commuters or with their own
    vehicle…
    For reservation required 10%
    downpayment:
    Metrobank ALAN ARLANTICO :3283328656168 Subic
    Branch
    or
    BDO :7700006382 Olongapo Branch,
    savings acct.

  14. rodel villanueva

    Hi’Good Day!
    sa lahat po n gustong pumunta ng Annawangin,Nagsasa, silanguin Cove at Capones Island,
    mag text o tumawag lang po sa mga numerong ito;
    smart:0939413900
    talk n text:09078145375
    sun:09328695408
    ako po si Rodel Villanueva taga Pundakit,Lunes hanggang Lingo ang serbisyo nmin
    salamat po,=) god bless…

  15. rodel villanueva

    Hi’Good Day!
    sa lahat po n gustong pumunta ng Annawangi,Nagsasa ,silanguin Cove at Capones Island,
    mag text o tumawag lang po sa mga numerong ito;
    smart:0939413900
    talk n text:09078145375
    sun:09328695408
    ako po si Rodel Villanueva taga Pundakit,Lunes hanggang Lingo ang serbisyo nmin
    salamat po,=) god bless…

  16. ANA

    People expect good service but few are willing to give it.<3

    NO MINIMUM PAX 24/7 OPEN SERVICE JUST1 TXT AWAY COMPLETE TOUR PACKAGE (ANAWANGIN/NAGSASA)
    CONTACT US @
    SMART : 09099666885
    SUN : 09424902576
    TM : 09058212687 —ANA

    1. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

      CHEAPEST Anawangin Tour Packages
      ===>>>>>P1300/head minimum of 12pax and above..
      ===>>>>> P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax
      ===>>>>>P1600/head minimum of 8-9pax
      PACKAGED INCLUDE:
      Roundtrip AIRCON Van transfer all in boat tour anawangin, capones, camara island -2 days 1 night stay in anawangin
      -entrance fee
      -TENT FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
      -gogles for snorkeling
      -cooking utensils
      -cooler na with ice pa!
      -Mineral water 5gallons
      -Bonfire woods 1seT
      -KITCHEN UTENSILS
      Additional 400 per head for food (4meals)

      FOR MORE INFO :
      Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456
      TM: 09358118095
      Sun: 09223753555
      TExt or please call for immediate response..
      GROUP WHO LACKS IN NUMBERS MAY CONTACT US TO JOIN YOU IN OTHER GROUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      We also offers boat package only for those commuters or with their own vehicle…

      Package B Rates:
      P 600 per head for 10 pax.
      P 600 per head for 8 pax
      P700 per head for 6-7pax
      P600 per head for 5 pax
      Inclusions:
      (Pick up point: Town proper of San Antonio, Zambales)
      *Vehicle service from San Antonio to Pundaquit where the Boat ride station is located
      *Boat ride to Anawangin (round trip)
      *Island hopping (Capones / Camara Island)
      *Entrance fee / Environmental fee
      *TENT USAGE FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
      *GOGLES FOR SNORKELING
      *cooking utensils (ihawan, kaldero)
      *cooler WITH ICE pA..

  17. Denz Cruz

    Potipot Island Tour Package SPECIAL PROMO
    Candelaria, Zambales
    10 person minimum

    Option 1:
    2days 1 night- P1,990 per person
    Inclusions:
    • Van Transfer Manila-Zambales-Manila
    • Island tour to Potipot Island
    • Entrance Fee to Potipot Island
    • Lifevest/Bangkeros
    • Resort Airconditoned Room (Dormitory type @ Puerto Del Mar Beach Resort)
    • Tourguide
    Optional:
    Food Meals c/o Puerto Del Mar Beach Resort
    Breakfast-P100 per meal
    Lunch-P150 per meal
    Dinner-P150 per meal

    Option 2:
    2days 1 night- P2,149 per person
    Inclusions:
    • Van Transfer Manila-Zambales-Manila
    • Island tour to Potipot Island
    • Entrance Fee to Potipot Island
    • Lifevest/Bangkeros
    • Resort Airconditoned Room ( Double/Quadruple Sharing @Dawal Beach Resort)
    • Swimming Pool
    • Wifi
    • Tourguide

    *Departure Time depends on the request of client.
    *Island Tour Activity will be on the first day
    For Inquiries and Travel Arrangement you may contact us at [email protected] or Landline (02) 267-6232 or Mobile +639194082629 / +639328474466″

  18. Denz Cruz

    THE BEST ANAWANGIN PACKAGE. PLEASE ADD OUR FB ACCOUNT facebook.com/Iloveanawangin TO GET IDEA ABOUT OUR TOUR AND CHECK ON THE COMMENTS OF OUR CLIENTS. THANK YOU.

  19. dindo

    Thank you po Sir Mj na nagustuhan nyo po ang serbisyo namin, balik po kayo anytime, maraming maraming salamat po ulit…
    Anyone who wanted to visit this place, please call nor txt LIEZEL NIEVA at 09172022692 and for further information as well. TENT is available as well.

    thank you and GOD BLESS,
    DINDO

Comments are closed.