Zambales Series Part 2: Cinco Picos Dayhike Traverse to Silanguin Cove

One of the exciting portions of a climb event  is when you get the chance to have a side trip. How many of you wants to do more than one specific thing in an outdoor trip? No wonder anyone would not refuse a treat after tiring ascents and descents. No one would say a "no" to relax  or try something more. It may be a beach, falls, spelunking and other opportunities to maximize the trip. As mentioned in the first part of this Zambales series, this province offers a great deal of adventure --- climb and dive! trek and swim! drink and shrink! (what is "shrink?" hehe)

Indeed, it was a great weekend for us. After learning in our pre-climb meeting that Cinco Picos traverse can be done in one day and the other half of the trip would be spent at the beach, i felt a real excitement. I was anticipating a very "hayahay" event. (hayahay is a Bisaya term to depict comfort or refreshing mode).

I was already hearing the so called Cinco Picos back in 2011 during the early days of my hiking career (yes, career!) I told myself, it must be famous and it sounds cool. Yet I wasn't able to scale it, maybe because my heart was caught by other climb invites and that it is not yet an A-list to my invisible not-so-concrete bucket list.

They say it should be climbed during the rainy season. They say Zambales mountains are better be climbed during wet season. You will eventually agree that this can be true.

Alright, I ought to say it ----- the mountains are obviously bald, of grassland feature and really encourage a trek that is very direct to too much sun exposure.

The itinerary therefore was arranged to start very early to lessen the time spent when the extreme heat of the sun has finally spread.

a breathtaking view of sunrise at the jump off point in Sitio Cawag

We arrived in Olongapo at around 3am. We started late. We only began the trek right after the crack of dawn so we have witnessed the sun rising so beautifully from the east at the very jump off point.The first part of the traverse was a real kind of hiking.. a rolling trail surrounded by mountains. The first ever stop for rest was in Pinaglabanan river. I was amazed by the serenity that the river brings. The place is so relaxing but of course we have to resume and continue the trek. 

One of our companions, Qitter, who also owns majority of these wonderful pics

We passed by dry rivers and so we went up and down of their rocks . I believe they were still dry since we are just approaching the rainy season. They still have some evidences of dry and hot summer.

The steady hiking continued and it was all tall grasses that we’ve seen. But I was amazed when we finally spotted the sillhouette of the five peaks from afar. These five peaks depict the very name of the mountain – Cinco Picos.

It must be the climate change! As early as 6:45am, the sunlight has scattered evenly and it was a kind of really irritating hot feeling to our skin. We stopped by another river where the last water source can be found. Beyond that point were all assaults already. The big challenge: the intense heat of the sun. There came a point that I was pissed off. That kind of tiring feeling but you cannot stop since there are no trees to provide a good shade. It was also dehydrating trekking at such long open trails. I was  only getting myself stressed out when I look and imagine Balingkilat next month. How much more difficulty are we going to suffer there with this kind of a sunny trek? I was planning to back out, honestly.

look at this grassland trail...

Going on with the trail, on our uppermost right side is the Subic Base while on the other side is all mountains including the mentioned giant Balingkilat. The dark clouds started to form. Half of us reached the first peak and we had an early lunch there. It was getting foggier and foggier then eventually started to rain. It was better and more managebale than such super sunny trek that we had earlier. Although, i found it a little annoying since it was indeed a long heavy rain.

Foggy view of Subic Base on my left whiile continuing my trek up Peak 1

See you in July Mt. Balingkilat!

We intended to wait for the others at first but since it was getting colder and the rain seemed not stopping, they decided to resume the trek. Yet i was a worrying "Ate" since the last half of the group included my two siblings and two of their friends. Although I was pretty sure they are alright as the tail/sweeper of the group was buddy Dennis, so I believed they were safe. All I had to do was to wait for them at a portion of the descent  where there was a huge rock and a shrub which seemed to cover me up. I’ve almost fallen asleep while standing there over a heavy pouring down of heavens. I was facing the side where Silanguin cove can be viewed already. Although we had a one-second glimpse of it on the first part of the descent, i think it could have been a perfect view if such nimbus clouds weren't there. I was praying then to let the rain stop but at the same time thankful because at least it must be easier to do the trek than managing the extreme heat of the sun. The trail is not so technical, it's just of course a little lengthy.

A supposed to be greater view of Silanguin Cove view while descending from Peak 1

These are the amazing peaks of Cinco Picos

Finally, buddy and “my angels” (my siblings and their friends) arrived and we continued the trek passing by some dry rocky river crossings. We had already viewed the beach and we knew we were approaching the seashore yet it’s not what happened. Our restless yet tired feet were further challenged by another series of a long steady trek – grassland, dry rocky river, grassland, dry rocky river, then finally sand.. and behold, our smile almost reached our ears upon seeing the shores only to find out that the resort that we’ve reserved was another one or two kilometers to trek in order to finally arrive.

Silanguin Cove and the Zambales mountains

So here we are and finally arrived at our destination after the traverse, Silanguin Cove, Yeah! There were some raining moments from time to time but as we could observe the angry dark clouds just stayed at the peaks of the mountains.

I like Silanguin Cove better than Nagsasa. Maybe it's because it's not like the former that is overcrowded. Silanguin Cove is more serene for me although it is an additonal 1-hour boat ride from and to Brgy. Pundaquit.

i wanna sing.. "there's a rainbow ALWAYS after the rain!"

Swimming, laughing, diving, eating fresh seafood, picture taking--- all the good things that beach life can offer.

By the way, we were able to add more yummy food to our table by asking the caretaker of the resort to cook some fresh fish for us.

'found so many dogs there, but found this one the most "gwapo" hehe

I must also commend the kindness of the local guides to us. They had been reliable and dependable companions throughout the memorable traverse.

Here are some important information:

Entry Point: Sitio Cawag, Subic, Zambales
Exit Point: Silanguin Cove, Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales


(Actual Itinerary: We only hit 1 peak as we couldn't  continue due to heave rain, we opted to descend after Peak 1)

Day 1
1000 Take  Olongapo-bound bus,Victory Liner Pasay
0300 ETA Olongapo, eat breakfast at the nearby Chowking/Jollibee
0400 Take pre-arranged Jeepney to Sitio Cawag
0500 ETA Sitio Cawag
0530 Start Trek
0600 ETA Pinaglabanan River
0700 Grassland trek onwards
0830 Last water source before the Assault
1030 Reach Peak 1
1100 Lunch (before Descent)
0200 ETA Silanguin Cove
0300 Tidy up/swimming
0600 Dinner
0800 Socials
1030 Lights off


Day 2

0600 Breakfast
0700 Visit Lake side of the cove*
0800 Swimming/Beach Bumming
1200 Lunch
0200 ETD Silanguin Cove
0400 ETA Brgy Pundaquit
0430 ETD San Antonio; take Olongapo-bound Ordinary Bus
0545 ETA Olongapo
0630 Take Manila-Bound Bus at Viclory Liner
0900 ETA Manila

*According to the guide, a falls that is just 1-hour trek from Silangan Cove can be found and visited

I would like to share with you the lake they've found even if I wasn't able to see it personally. Here's what I've grabbed.

Thank you peeps for making this a wonderful and fun trip!

                                   

Now looking forward to the last leg of of this series: Mt. Balingkilat Dayhike. I am really hoping for a favorable weather and that the event shall push through.

Photo Credits: Qitter Vhostek and Reign Chyng

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Zambales Series Part 1: Nagsasa Cove

Zambales Series (Behind the Title)

I am not too fond of swimming... I am not even into water sports... but since I am exposed to outdoors, beach side trips, and any form of travel that may involve water activities, I am very much willing to learn. (though I’ve got no guts and time yet). Unless I finally learned it, I would forever be just making myself wet and stationary in the middle of the sea or a pool. Worst thing is, that I would be just always be pulled by the tour guide just to move and survive snorkeling. Eh kung akyatan na lang, kaya? haha.. Bakit ba, nasusurvive ko pa rin naman so far ang river crossing ah(LOL, baluktot na katwiran) Hehe.. okay, fine! promise, I will strive to learn how to float and enjoy the deepest treasures of the sea. (rolling eyes)

And here you go! A lot of beachineering and trekking activities can be done and found in one of the gems of Central Luzon!!! – Zambales. ^_^ The eastern part of this province that is 60% composed of mountain range along with various coves and inlets are widely visited by many especially during summer, .

Have you heard about Pundaquit in Zambales? This barangay in the town of San Antonio is either the entry point or exit to various hiking and beach activities in Zambales. I’ll tell you more about it.

By the way, Zambales Series is a self-proclaimed title for the benefit of my blog. And  to clarify, It just happened that for the 3 consecutive months starting May2013, my destinations turned out to be in Zambales province alone. With one destination a month, I had a beachineering in Nagsasa Cove in May, followed by Cinco Picos Traverse with beach side trip in Silanguin cove in June and finally, I would be doing Mt. Balingkilat traverse to Nagsasa Cove in July. This series started in Nagsasa and will end up in Nagsasa. Well again, it just happened that plans seem to turn out to be that way. And what I great series to start and end up with, I guess. (pero sort of "nakakaumay"-- same terrains, same bald mountains,same kind of sand, same boat ride.. same same! but still the same fun and enjoyment)

PART I: Beachineering in Nagsasa Cove

San Antonio is a town that is a very home to many beautiful beaches such as Anawangin, Nagsasa, Talisayin, Silanguin and Capones. And true enough, these beaches are” a-must-experienced” ones.

The sand is a mixture of both sand and ashes and a lot of Agoho trees are scattered all over the cove.

Nagsasa Cove is very popular along with Anawangin cove. I heard a lot about them. It became  favorite destinations for campers and beach fanatics.  They even say it became too commercialized now that it is continuously and increasingly known for its majestic beach and mountain views.

Taking the Iba Trip in Victory Liner, we were dropped off  at the town of San Antonio. From that point, it’s just one tricycle away going to Brgy Pundaquit. The boat ride from there must be pre-arranged. It takes an hour to arrive at Nagsasa. We passed by the Anawangin Cove (so it’s just 30-min ride from Pundaquit). By the way, upon dropping off in San Antonio, a nearby market is just few steps away and you can do some sort of shopping of all the food and things you need.

Here are what we did--- beachineering.. beach bumming.. bonding.. nonstop laughing.. food trip..  ihaw-ihaw party at night

SWIMMING

ikaw na!

anyare?

competitive!

the sea water, oh so tempting! 

A LOT OF PIGGING OUT

(muka namang walang pagkain? hehe)

balat na lang ang natira? LOL

BEACH BUMMING

hayahay ang buhay! ^_^

hey ya, let's play!

henna tattoo, anyone?

1, 2, 3 jump!

this is the real jump shot! LOL

CAMPING

our territory

Here’s a tip: For three reasons, it is advisable to take the earliest bus trip possible.

1)To avoid the morning traffic jam going to Olongapo
2) To prevent yourselves under too much heat of the sun during the boat ride (particularly for the conscious ones, I think it’s better to have early morning ride to Nagsasa)
3.)To maximize the time spent in Nagsasa

So don't you ever forget to apply sunscreen!

tinanghali kami! whew! alam na.. :-P

It has always been mountains for me. And for a change, we’ve agreed to do this weekend getaway. This event has been planned out as early as January 2013 so I’ve been really anticipating for this. This became a piece of summer for me this 2013: a  beachineering get together with my high school friends and climbing buddy, Dennis.

Below info might be of help to you. So here you go, sharing our itinerary and actual list of expenses:

Itinerary

Day 1

0400 Take Iba Trip in Victory Liner (Pasay, Cubao or Caloocan Terminal)

0800 ETA San Antonio

0900 Breakfast/ Buy provisions  in the nearby market

1000 Take Tricycle to Brgy Pundaquit

1030 Prepare for the boat ride

1230 ETA Nagsasa Cove

1230 Set camp

1300 Beach bumming/Swimming

0500 Prepare for dinner

0700 Campfire/Hotdog Party/Ihaw-ihaw Party

Day 2

0600 Wake up call/Early swimming

0700 Prepare for breakfast

0800 Resume swimming

1100 Prepare for lunch

0300 ETD Nagsasa Cove

0400 ETA Brgy Pundaquit, San Antonio

0430 Take provincial bus to Olongapo

0600 ETA Olongapo

0630 Take Manila-bound Bus (Victory Liner)

0930 ETA Manila

Actual List of Damages

>Bus fare to San Antonio -  260 

>Tricycle – PHP 30

>Boat (Round trip) - 500

>Food - 300 (for 7 pax)

>Tent Rental and Camping Fees -  300

>Bus Fare from San Antonio to Olongapo - 44

>Bus fare from Olongpo to Manila – 240 if via SCTEX, otherwise, 220

>For a total of: PHP 1,674.00 each

It is better to bring all the necessary food and other stuff as it would cost you a lot in the existing sari-sari stores there. They're pricey of course.

Other source of income for some roving local Aetas is selling some souvenir stuff such as hammock, key chains, etc. At the end of the day, they allow to have a barter exchange--- your excess food (unopened canned goods, etc) in exchange of their "for sale items"

According to a local there, (the one who took us there with his boat), prior to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, such area in Nagsasa used to be 4 meter-deep that he used to dive in.

What a great summer getaway! This has been the first part of the series… Watch out for the next: Mt. Cinco Picos Dayhike Traverse To Silanguin Cove

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