THE SECRET PARADISE OF NAGSASA COVE

Nagsasa, Anawangin and Silaungin Coves are the top destinations in Zambales. These are undisturbed paradise, where you can relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. They are even considered as one of the top spots in Central Luzon.

Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales

My officemates planned a trip to Nagsasa Cove which was set as early as December, and I feel welcomed being invited to join this trip (I’m a newbie in the company) and this could be a fresh start of the year.

NAGSASA COVE is a place where every beach goers, mountain climbers, backpackers and campers wants to spend a vacation with. Aside from being relatively close to Manila, this is a good itinerary if you want a cheap and a quick weekend getaway.

HOW TO GET THERE

Zambales is 2-3 hours from Manila, and the best way to get there is from Victory Liner Caloocan Terminal since they offer Iba/Olongapo Routes. In our case, we ride a bus going to Olongapo because most of the seats going to Iba were full, and from Olongapo Terminal, we ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales. When nearing the town of San Antonio, tell the conductor to drop you to town’s public market.

Victory Liner Caloocan Terminal

Carla and Jaycee at Town's Market.

Fruits c/o Russell, Mitosh and Rocelle

Group picture before heading to jump off. 

We arrived as early as 3:00am in the town’s public market. Make sure before you head to Pundaquit, buy all the necessary things you will need on your getaway. Foods, drinks, and other necessities could be found on the town market so better pack everything you need. We have to wait until 5:00 am for the market to open. It is also adjacent to the town’s municipal hall.

Jump off to Capones/Nagsasa Cove: Pundaquit Beach

Better wear your lifevest and prepare for a jump packed adventure in the middle of the ocean!

From the market, call a tricycle going to Mt. Pundaquit (Php 40.00 per passenger) which is a 30 minutes ride. And from there you will ride a boat going to your cove destination. In our case, my friend Abby is the one who organized the trip and she arranged a packaged tour. We just paid Php 750.00 each which these inclusions:

-Boat Ride to Nagsasa Cove with Capones Island sidetrip;

-Entrance fee for Nagsasa Cove,

- Tents

-Mineral Waters

-Plates, Spoons, Forks and Cooking Utensils

-Cooler with Ice

-Bonfire

-Cottage

If you are planning to visit Nagsasa Cove, I suggest to arrange for a packaged tour to minimize the hassle on your getaway. Everything will be provided and served, and all you have to think of is your food and your itinerary.

Capones Island: Paradise haven.

Glenn exploring the island.

Russell and Jaycee reunited.

Beach modelling Vista land edition.

The next Bench body model.

Mitosh, Rocelle, Glenn, Jo, Joy, Glenn G, Abby, Carla, Jaycee and Paolo

We started our trip going to Capones Island. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes from Pundaquit beach. If you dream to see a hidden paradise in the middle of the ocean, undisturbed, isolated and peaceful, you are talking of Capones Island. It is a 2-kilometer long bone-shaped volcanic mass located 4 kilometers off the coast of Brgy. Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. There are no commercial accommodations here or any structure except a Spanish light house that went into operation on July 16, 1890. – (Source: http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com)

From Capones Island, we headed to our destination, the Nagsasa Cove. Travel time is approximately 1-1.5 hours. We arrived at around 12:00nn to Nagsasa and upon approaching the shores, everything is paradise. Crystal clear beach, white sand, and huge mountains surrounding the area makes this a nature’s haven. The undisturbed cove is not crowded and a perfect place for a relaxing weekend.

We set up everything first, and prepared for our meal. Strolling, swimming, bonding: that’s what we did on our first day and we forgot all the stress and pressures from work and daily life. On our first night, we had our social time. We drank throughout the night, and we played the game I introduced: THE JACKASS. On this game, there are corresponding consequences, games, and privileges for every card. And throughout the night, we bested our lucks and we nailed it.

Arrival at Nagsasa Cove.

Meal preparation!

Nagsasa campers and island hoppers.

Jaycee, Rocelle, Carla, Mitosh and Jo

One of the best things you shouldn't miss on your night at Nagsasa Cove is the bonfire. Have some Marshmallows, hotdogs and bonding with your friends and you will call it a night. Take some time to lie down at the white sand and go for a star gazing. It is my first time to lie beneath a thousand stars in front of my eyes which is very uncommon in the city, sighting for shooting stars and appreciating the peacefulness of the place.

Night socials!

The JACKASSES.

In the dark we glow.

Marshmallow and hotdog party.

With Glenn, Mitosh and Carla

JACKASS!

Cheers for the friendship!

And another cheers for Jaycee! Bon Voyage!

On our second day, our last itinerary is trekking within the surrounding mountains of Nagsasa. We have rented a guide for Php 800.00. From there, you can see Mt. Balingkilat on the background. Mountain climbers even traverse Nagsasa Cove from Mt. Balingkilat making it one of the top destinations for mountaineers in Central Luzon. Trekking time depends on your phasing, but average time until you reach the Waterfalls area is around 1-1.5 hours.

Morning chef.

The BREAD ALA MAKI.

Si Princess Sarah at ang kamatis

Abby and Jaycee. We will miss you!

In front of our cottage.

Mt. Balingkilat in the background.

The great Mt. Balingkilat.

Rivers gone dry.

Edward Cullen shimmering in the sunlight

Hotness overload

Rock climbing at its finest

Lost? Pose and take a selfie. 

We headed back to the campsite and departed Nagsasa Cove at around 3:00 pm. We arrived at Pundaquit Beach at around 4:30pm.

Departure Time. :(

Going back to Pundakit.

VIDEOS TO REMEMBER.

This is a good year-starter and this place gave me some memories to look back to. Sad thing is that two of my friends whom I had this adventure with decided to search for their new venture, but I’m still looking forward for a more memorable travel with the group. Aside from this place, what makes it more memorable are the people whom you shared this trip with, and the bonding that made this trip worth remembering. I’ve met new friends, and I will always treasure this trip.

Sunset before we leave this place. 

Until our next adventures Russell, Glenns, Jaycee, Mitosh, Rocelle, Abby, Joy, Carla, Jo, and Paolo! 

P.S. We will miss you Abby and Jaycee!