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