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. ghels

    Hello everyone,
    plano nio bang mapuntahan ang mga sumusunod na lugar na ito para makapag relax at mag enjoy. Let me assist you so all you need to do is call or txt me.GHELS 09065279503

    1.) Anawangin Cove
    2.) Talisayen Cove
    3.) Nagsasa Cove
    4.) Silangen Cove
    5.) Capones and Camara island

    Thank you and God bless.

  2. rodel villanueva

    Magandang araw po”!

    Ako po ay nag-aanyaya na bisitahan at makita ang ganda ng aming lugar,
    tulad ng, Anawangin, Talisayin, Nagsasa, at Silanguin Cove.. Nariyan pa ang kaayaayang linis
    at linaw ng tubig sa Capones at Camara island…
    Sa mga gusto/nagnanais pumunta, tawagan lang po ako sa mga numerong ito:

    SMART: 09394139000
    SUN: 09328695408
    TALKnTXT: 09078145375

    Ako po si RODEL VILLANUEVA taga PUNDAQUIT araw-araw po ang serbisyo namin,

    SALAMAT PO and GODBLESS!

  3. Shella

    Hello!…good morning/ good eve po para sa mga gustong bumusita sa anawangin cove…
    Package:
    4-9 persons 500perhead
    10-above 450perhead
    Inclusions:
    Tent, entrance, ice, water, bonfire, uling, island hopping…
    For more info. Or inquiries pls.contact 09173809125 / 09094989480

  4. ghels

    Hi po,

    We would like to inform you that we are offering tour packages going to anawangin , nagsasa cove and to nearby island. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.
    09065279503 and look for Gerlie. Thank you

  5. neph

    magandang araw,

    sa mga may balak mag anawangin ngayong nalalapit na holiday.. contact nyo lang kuya poling or si nanay josie .. 09193910016 /09198437370 maaasahan at mabait…

  6. Nanay Josie

    Magandang araw Po.
    Sa mga ng nanais mag outing / mag trekking
    Papuntang
    Anawangin cove
    Capones island
    Camara island
    Talisayen cove
    Nagsasa cove
    Agnaem cove
    Silanguin
    Nais po naming I offer sa inyo Ang aming serbisyo. Complete and hustle free service .
    Please contact us :
    Nanay Josie
    Amazing pundakit
    09998827832 o 09193910016
    Maraming Salamat po.

  7. Hello Anawangin Enthusiast,
    Summer is fast approaching and ZAMBALES has a lot of awesome BEACHES and COVES to offer to chill and relax. And if you are planning to visit again and for the first time the below listed attraction, let us do the honor of assisting you to make your summer tour hassle free.

    1.) Anawangin Cove
    2.) Talisayen Cove
    3.) Nagsasa Cove
    4.) Silangen Cove
    5.) Capones and Camara island

    All you need to do is txt or call
    LIEZEL NIEVA
    09172022692 / 09995959623

    Thank you and God bless.

  8. Pretty close from Manila and very serene. Anawangin is indeed “The Gem Of Zambales”.

  9. Che

    Good day,
    i would like too invite everyone to try visiting our own attraction here in Zambales.
    For a hassle free tour, i would like to offer you our packages.
    For more details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. 09183717878 and look for Che.
    Thank you.

    1. gemma

      we’re planning to go in zambales this coming saturday April 19, 2014, can u give me ur package pls..ty

  10. liza

    Hello po,
    Sa mga nagnanais po na magbakasyon o magrelax, Tara na sa Zambales para makita ang kakaibang ganda ng Anawangin, Nagsasa at iba pang malapit na lugar dito.
    We offer Boat tour packages para hassle free ang inyong trip. Kaya tawag o txt na po para sa karagdagang inpormasyon. 09486964471, ako nga po pala si LIZA. salamat po.

  11. ghels

    hello po,

    we offer tour packages for Anawangin, Nagsasa, Talisayen, Silanguin, Capones and Camara island. So inquire na sa 09065279503 and look for Gerlie.

  12. hi there,
    planning to visit Zambales this summer?
    For cool tour packages and discounts, feel free to get in touch with us.

    Contact person: Dindo
    Contact number: 09172022692/09995959623

    Thank you and God bless

  13. Hello anawangin enthusiast,

    Wanna visit Anawangin, Nagsasa cove and the nearby island?
    Call or txt na for more info and discount.

    Contact person: Liezel Nieva/Dindo Nieva
    Contact numbers: 09172022692/09995959623

    Thank you and God bless

    Dindo

  14. Hello everyone! Experience the beauty of anawangin nagsasa cove. Its summer time!!! For more info just call or text this number 09266584153 thank you!

  15. Amazing Pundaquit Boat Tours

    AMAZING PUNDAQUIT BOAT TOURS

    Experience the beauty of Zambales and its islands… We take you there by boat and spend a night or two in Anawangin’s camping site , gaze thru the beauty of the Nagsasa cove, walk thru Camara island’s white sands and visit the lighthouse in Capones..it’s an adventure you won’t forget..

    VISIT OUR FB ACCT: anawangin-amazing pundakit boat tour

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

    1. Lei

      Hi! I am interested. What are your deals? Thanks!

      make up games

  16. Amazing Pundaquit Boat Tours

    Experience the beauty of Zambales and its islands… We take you there by boat and spend a night or two in Anawangin’s camping site , gaze thru the beauty of the Nagsasa cove, walk thru Camara island’s white sands and visit the lighthouse in Capones..it’s an adventure you won’t forget..

    VISIT OUR FB ACCT: anawangin-amazing pundakit boat tour

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

  17. hi everyone,
    if you are looking for a boat and tent to rent, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Contact person: Liezel Nieva
    Contact numbers: 09172022692/09995959623

    Thank you and God bless.

  18. affordable package tour and boat rate po ba ang hanap niyo?
    Tawag or txt na po for more info.

    Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA
    Contact numbers: GLOBE 09172022692 / SMART 09995959623

    dindo

  19. Rodel Villanueva

    Magandang Araw Po”
    sa lahat po na nagnanais pumunta ng Annawangin,Nagsasa,Silanguin,Capones at
    Camara Island,maari nyo lang po akong tawagan/text sa mga numerong ito,
    Smart;09394139000
    Talk n Text;09078145375
    Sun;09328695408
    Ako po si Rodel Villanueva taga Pundakit po ako,

    Maraming salamat po”’

  20. anawangin cove bangkeros

    How to Get There
    Zambales is 3 to 4 hours away from Manila to Brgy. Pundaquit.
    Just go to one of Victory Liner stations and get yourself a ticket to Iba, Zambales or Sta. Cruz, Zambales (Php 251.00).
    When nearing the town of San Antonio, tell the conductor to drop you off the town’s public market. Then ride a tricycle going to Mt. Pundaquit (Php 30.00 per head) which is 25 to 30 min tricycle ride. Upon reaching Mt. Pundaquit, rent a boat ride.

    OTHER OPTION: EASIEST WAY

    CHEAPEST Anawangin Tour Packages
    WITH VAN TRANSFER ALL INCUDED EXCEPT FOOD
    ===>>>>>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 from EDSA TO ANWANGIN 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:
    *Boat ride to Anawangin (round trip)
    *2 days 1 night stay in anawangin-entrance fee-
    *Island hopping (Capones / Camara Island or snorkeling)
    *TENT USAGE FOR YOUR GROUP CAPACITY
    *GOGLES FOR SNORKELING
    *cooking utensils (ihawan, kaldero,kutsilyo,pitsel,etc)
    *Mineral water
    *cooler WITH ICE pA..
    Additional 400 per head for food (4meals)MIN OF 8PAX

    FOR MORE INFO : Smart: 09185595597 or 09399398456 TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555 TExt or please call for immediate response…

    1. janice victor

      hi.. can you please text me the details of your tour? we’re planning to go there on Nov. 2 and 3. group of 14 adults and 2 kids. we already have a van. so basically, need namin is tour na lang po with island hopping and utensils & tent usage na din po. thanks. btw here’s my number.. 09423626240. thanks!

      1. THINGS TO REMEMBER @ Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove!!!
        The following is a list of things that would make your stay in Anawangin a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable. Take note that some of these are optional and it’s really up to you if you want to bring them all. Before deciding which are necessary and which are not, always take into consideration that:

        *There are no resorts in Anawangin.
        *There is no electricity in the place.
        *There is no cellphone signal reception in the area.
        *Merchandise sold on the beach are very expensive.

        Anawangin Checklist

        *Cash – As mentioned, there are no ATMs near the place. All transactions will have to paid with cash.

        *Tent – This is the only form of accommodation in Anawangin. You may choose to sleep outside on a mat but remember that the weather is unpredictable and it gets really cold early in the morning.

        *Blanket – A light one should be sufficient.

        *Hammock – You may want to bring a hammock for relaxation. There are a lot of trees available for you to tie the hammock on to. There are also peddlers selling hammocks for PhP200-Php300 (depending on the season) with “free-installation”.

        *Clothes – Make sure you bring enough for your overnight stay. You may also want to bring a jacket during the Amihan season to protect you from the cold.

        *Goggles/Snorkel gear – There are fishes and sea flora but the place is really more of a swimming than a snorkeling place.

        *Sunglasses – The surroundings can get very bright.

        *Camera/Camera accessories – The place is very picturesque. You may want to bring an extra battery because there’s no electricity for charging.

        *MP3 player/Earphones/Portable speakers – Play music for extra relaxation.
        *Ziplock bag – To keep you belongings, specially gadgets, dry
        *Toiletries

        *Portable lamp/Candles – There are lightweight, cheap lamps sold in Ace Hardware/SM Workshop for less that a hundred bucks. Make sure to bring enough batteries as needed. You can bring candles for additional illumination.

        *Portable gas range/Butane – This will make cooking a lot easier. Portable gas ranges sell from PhP600 to PhP1500 in Ace Hardware/SM Workshop depending on the style/model. Butane canisters cost ~PhP60 in any hardware store.

        *Charcoal – In case you want to cook/grill, bring some specially if you don’t have a portable gas range.

        *Spoon/Fork/Plate/Cup – Bringing your own utensils, plates, and cups instead of using plastic ones bought from the grocery store is always best for the environment.

        *Food/Snacks – Don’t bring too much or too extravagant food. Remember that the place encourages the simple life.

        *Canned goods – Backup food is good to have. You may also live on a diet of canned goods in the place.

        *Can opener
        *Knife
        *Dishwashing liquid
        *Trash Bag – Make sure you bring a big trash bag to prevent litter from taking over the beautiful place. Trash bags can be left with the caretakers before you leave.

        There are a lot of items you can borrow from your boatman, especially if you already built a good relationship from multiple visits. Remember that they lend you stuff out of the goodness of their hearts but giving them a well-deserved tip would be much appreciated.

        Things to do in Anawangin Cove or Nagsasa Cove
        1. Camping. Show us what you learned during your Boy Scout/Girl Scout days.

        2. Island Hopping. Aside from Camara and Capones Islands, and Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves, there’s Talisayin and Silangin Coves as well.

        3. Skimboarding.

        4. Frisbee. Play frisbee ala-Derek.

        5. Photography. Now’s the time to hone your landscape photography skills. And why not bring along your model-friends for portraiture shots.

        6. Trek to Capones Light house. Take the longer route. Seriously.

        7. Trek Mount Pundaquit. Always consider the weather should you decided to do this, guys. Safety should always be a priority.

        8. Swimming. Obviously. 🙂 or Snorkeling (bring your gear)

        4 more info contact us @
        Smart:09399398456
        TM:09358118095
        Sun:09223753555
        Look4 Jen or Alan Arlantico
        https://www.facebook.com/AnawNagsasa/app_167969729896883 (Share us your FB comments!!!)

        1. SER ALAN MARAMING SALAMAT PO! ASTIG ANAWANGIN PACKAGE NILA!! Feb 15-16, 2014
          Request nyo mga mam at ser
          kuya HANSEL Driver cool na cool at mabait. . .
          AGAIN SALAMAT ULIT!
          ETO PO WEB PAGE NILA http://nagsasacove.wordpress.com/anawangin-cove-package/

Comments are closed.