ANAWANGIN COVE: A Secluded Paradise ~ ZAMBALES

Serene, Secluded, Pristine - these are just some of the words that may describe best Anawangin Cove, the fast rising tourist attraction in San Antonio, Zambales. If sleeping with ants, fireflies and other insects doesn't bother you and if camping is a leisure to you, then Anawangin is your perfect getaway.

 What makes Anawangin a camper-backpacker-drawer?

This breathtaking landscape can be indebted to the cruel eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 that caused several physical changes in the map of Central Luzon. This however, after decades deemed to have brought many great things to the province. One of these is the emergence of many inlets and coves carpeted with ash and white sand mixture stretched on the shorelines that is continuously drawing campers and beach-goers, locals and foreigners, from all walks-of-life.

Approaching the shoreline of Anawangin Cove.

Meet Me There

I'll wait for you..

Morning breeze. Big waves will greet you in the morning as they kiss the mountain and the shore.

Anawangin Cove is one of the biggest and popular coves in San Antonio. It is located between Zambales Mountain Range and the South China Sea. Because of this terrain, the easiest way to reach Anawangin is by a pump boat from Pundaquit (or from San Miguel) which will take you 30-40 minutes. However, for those who wants more thrill, there is also a land route by trekking through the hot, open trails of Pundaquit mountain range. Trekking may take you 4-5 hours. It is said that Anawangin Cove is used to be a rewarding sight to mountain hikers after a climb. The remoteness of the vicinity, the wide shoreline and the enigmatic growth of tall pine trees flourishing around made it a perfect site for camping.

Imagine a back-to-basic living. NO ELECTRICITY, NO SIGNAL for 24 hours or more. Can you survive? 

1) The tents and the camping site. 2) Assembling the tents. 3) Tall pine trees that make beautiful nature sound when blown by the air. 4) Picnic table. 5) Grilling is fun, it will make you cry, too.[photo credit: Ton Lorenzo]. 6) Bonfire for light and heat. 7) One of the few stores in the camp site. 8) They sell basic necessities [including cigarettes] that cost significantly higher than in "Tindahan ni Aling Nena" [photo credit: Ton Lorenzo]. 9) Comfort Room facilities [photo credit: adventureaccounting.blogspot.com]

OTHER THINGS TO DO:

For some, staying at Anawangin can be a little boring. But hey! This is not your usual trip. You can stroll around and appreciate the surroundings. Another sight to behold is the Anawangin Lake surrounded by a pine forest and its water meets with the sea. It is best to see the lake in the morning when the sun is rising atop the mountain. The lake serve as mirror where the mountain magnificently reflects to its water - a must-see and must-capture for bloggers and photographers.

Reflection

Endless Love

Save Me

Here, you can feel that you are really close to nature. The waves, the trees and birds will be in harmony to play a wonderful music for you.

Pines Trees (also called Agoho Trees)

Calmness from within

Frustrated by not seeing the sun set, i woke up early the next day to catch the sun rise atop the mountain. And I satisfied myself with this shot.

Another must-do activity in Anawangin is mountain climbing. It is a very easy climb, i tell you. There is a clear trail and the best time to do climbing is between 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Once you reached the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking and picturesque view of the Anawangin Cove. You can see the white sand like a flat sheet of paper stretched on the shore, the pine trees, the meeting of the lake water and the sea, the beach and if you are lucky, the romantic sunset.

The lake water meets with the sea

A rewarding sight after the hike.

The other part of Anawangin Cove

Astig

the mountain hikers

 HOW TO GET THERE

FROM DAGUPAN CITY

The only bus line that offer trip to ZAMBALES is VICTORY LINER. Schedule of TRIPS to OLONGAPO is 3:00 and 6:00 am only. If you miss these trips, you can take a trip bound for STA. CRUZ and from Sta. Cruz, take a Victory Bus again bound for CALOOCAN. Tell the conductor to drop you off to SAN ANTONIO MUNICIPAL HALL. From Dagupan City, it will take you 5-6 hours ride. Then from SAN ANTONIO, 15-20 minutes tricycle ride to Pundaquit.

FROM MANILA

Take a VICTORY LINER Bus bound for IBA or STA CRUZ, ZAMBALES.  Tell the conductor to drop you off to SAN ANTONIO MUNICIPAL HALL. It is a 5-6 hours ride. Then from SAN ANTONIO, 15-20 minutes tricycle ride to Pundaquit.


TOUR PACKAGE

For this trip, we availed a tour package online from Lakbay something travel agency.. I forgot the name of the agency and the package price... LoL! The agency took care of our itinerary, 2 meals at Anawangin (Dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day). The food is just okay. 


Our trip: February 18 & 19, 2012
With: Pamela Mallorca, Sheryl Erpelo, Ton Lorenzo, Diony Castro, Aileen Columbino, Karen Reyes, Arlyn Bautista, Lowey Velasco & Melody Velasco



Credits: Wikipedia, adventureaccounting.blogspot, Lakwatsero Loves Pilipinas
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