For a holy-week getaway, we Traveled to San Antonio, Zambales with a plan to have 2Nights 1 Day camping in one of the Coves in Pundaquit. Upon reading some reviews, most recommended to go either in Nagsasa Cove or Talisayen Cove since Anawangin Cove is expected to be the most crowded as it is the nearest among the three options. Since it was a DIY trip, we planned to decide where to camp upon arriving in Pundaquit where the boats await passengers going to the coves.
Around 9 AM, we started the travel from La Trinidad, Benguet to San Antonio, Zambales via TPLEX & SCTEX.
Along the way:
We dropped by at Subic Bay at 1 p.m. for 20 mins photo ops.
We had our lunch for around 30 mins along the way from Subic to San Antonio, Zambales
Tip: Bring Rice para tipid then just buy ulam along the way 😀
We arrived at San Antonio Public Market at 3 PM where we bought frozen foods to Grill for Dinner, then proceeded to Pundaquit.
- Before entering Pundaquit, you have to pay Php 20.00/head.
- Pay parking: Php 200.00/day (we paid Php 400.00 for 2 nights parking)
We canvassed first for best boat offer before we settled with Kuya Nini who agreed to bring us to Nagsasa Cove with Side trip in Talisayen, Anawangin Cove & Capones Island upon departure (although we were not able to go in Capones-dahil maalon sabi ni Kuya 😂 ).
- Boat Fee: Php 3, 000.00 (Back & Fort) for a group of 6 (5 Adults 1 Kid)
Pundaquit to Nagsasa cove (March 29, 2018, 5:30 PM)
We arrived at Nagsasa Cove around 6:40 PM, the main area was crowded & full, there was even loud videoke so we chose to go at the left most part (facing the cove) of the Cove where there are less campers and a bit peaceful. We set up our tent and just cooked viand for dinner since we have left over from the cooked rice brought 😃 , we then rest as we were too tired.
- Entrance fee: Php 130.00/head/night. (We paid Php1, 200.00 *discounted* for 5 Adults, Kid-Free)
In the morning we spent our time cooking, swimming and picture taking. We planned to go hiking however, the sun was too hot in the afternoon thus some of us just rest around 1 PM, and two of our companions went to check the Cliff Diving area.
Around 5 PM, we climbed a rock formation near the mountainside
close to our camping area; it was a perfect spot to view the whole cove.
March 31, 2018
Cliff Diving before departure:
>Conquering my fear of heights. I was able to do it, after 30 mins of encouragements from my companions & other jumpers whom I think, felt the same 😂. I Felt like my heart & mind stopped functioning for a moment , haha!
Departure:
'Till Next time Nagsasa Cove
Talisayen & Anawangin Cove Side Trip
Beach Valleyball in Anawangin Cove
Around 1PM we started to travel back to Baguio via Alaminos, Pangasinan. We arrived at Baguio at 10 PM since we took the route passing Bauang, La Union & adding the traffic at Sual, Pangasinan.
Experience Review:
- The water in Nagsasa Cove is shallow, good for Kids, although there
are deep areas for swimmers too.
- The water is super clean, except for some tourist who just threw
their garbage, (It was nighttime when we arrived, so we used flashlight
looking at the water then my brother saw a napkin floating 😄).
- The view was fantastic, especially when you hike at the top of the
mountains.
- The Cliff diving is worth to try.
- Sand is grayish.
- Be prepared for any change of weather, it rained the 2nd night of
our stay.
- Aside from the comfort room -that has no fresh water for shower
that time- & solar panel providing lights at night, there was no other
amenities in the area where we stayed. Still it was worth the experience.
- Just prepare everything you need, prices there are expensive (e.g. one
egg=15/each).
- The whole experience was wonderful, it was really for those who wanted to have a real camping & adventure experiences away from the comfort of our homes.
- Our group motto through-out our travel is to ENJOY. In every travel, there are good and unfortunate ones however, it only depends to each person to stay positive, learn from the experience & enjoy the beauty of nature.
