Travelling Beyond Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves

I don’t know how to swim but I love the waters! Perhaps my inability makes me more attracted to places and to experiences that are associated with my fears. My cousin, Minnie, introduced me to this place called Anawangin in Zambales. What I discovered brought me to wanderlust to witness its mystery and quaintness. This marks my commitment to keep Lakbay Backpackers as my company and for those who wish to travel and explore with others without spending too much. Besides, "travelling isn't just about money but courage" (Paulo Coelho).

There were several attempts to organize the adventure to Anawangin, but to our disappointment, the weather did not conspire. It will be best to check the weather a week before your adventure.

This time, I made all the necessary arrangements, prepared everything that we should bring for the camping, and oriented my friends what to bring and what to expect. My heart was filled with great anticipation again despite the unfortunate events, so I kept praying that my stars will align for this adventure.

We left Baguio City at 1 a.m. After just one stop of the van we hired, we reached San Antonio at 6 a.m. We went straight to our boatman’s house where we had breakfast. We left San Marcelino at 7:30 a.m. The water was calm and the weather was not so hot.

We passed by Camara Island, the favorite shooting venue for moviemakers. Then we went to Capones Island. We were not able to go up the lighthouse, standing on a mountain of limestones, because we could not go across (Okay, we can’t swim!). So we just took some photos of the lighthouse that seemed looking down at the new guests.

Then off we went to the other side of the island. The water was aquamarine and there were big boulders. The pebbles were shiny, smooth, and white. We were told to see the mountaintop. 

When we reached the top, we gasped in awe. It was breathtakingly beautiful! The cove was sparkling in splendor against the rays of the sun.

  

While on top of the mountain, one can only close his eyes, smile, breathe, and enjoy the moment’s tranquility. It was majestic. We were the only ones in the island that time. We just feasted our eyes on the expanse of the horizon and the vastness of the West Philippine Sea. Tourists usually go snorkeling in this area. Just bring your own stuff.

After a few minutes, we can already see pitched tents from afar on an island with Agoho trees that look like Pine trees. Finally, we were about to land on Anawangin Cove!

Upon paying P50, we went to explore what was in the cove. It was an ordinary park as compared to what we have in Baguio (though Baguio parks are free of charge for everyone). Besides, for local travellers, P50/head is exorbitant when all you do inside is to take photos of the trees or just cool yourselves for a few minutes. Anyway, tourists have the option not to enter the fenced area. 

Since we did not really intend to stay in the cove, we decided to go to Nagsasa Cove. It was quite a long 45-minute boat ride. I was lulled by the cool breeze in the sea and the roaring sound of the motor boat. When I opened my eyes, I was bewildered by the sight of the green and yellow green mountains against the blue waters and accentuated by pristine sands that border the cove. It was picture perfect!

 After brunch, we walked around to explore the area. We were led to see the Nagsasa falls by 5 children, whom we met while they were swimming in the river. We were just enjoying traversing the river, walking through a narrow pathway with grasses even taller than we are, enduring the searing heat of the sun (when I checked my watch it was 11:40a.m), and just taking photos of the rustic environment. It was more than an hour of hiking, so it was exhausting.

 

 If you plan to go hiking, be in your proper attire, bring bottled water, umbrella or cap, and make sure you are physically fit. NO complaining or whining – it affects others’ spirit.

                                 

The place looks like a small basin of water that cascaded from the waterfall. It was teeming with fish. One of the children said they never catch the fishes because they believe these are guardians of the place. Out of exasperation and exhaustion, we underestimated and even mocked what we have just reached. Then something happened that made us realize how ingrate and rude we were. We were enlightened that we should give utmost respect for nature and everything in it – not only through actions, but also in words through an expression of appreciation and gratefulness to the creation and to its Creator.

After an hour, we went back to our place. It was unfortunate that my sandal got worn out. I really admired the skills of the children who made every possible remedy just so I wouldn’t walk unclad. They know how to live with nature and adapt with it. It gave me another thought: Life must be simple and be grateful for what you have.

People there have their communal meal. They prepare the food together and eat together. It was such a beautiful scene to behold. There’s no need to halt, take a photo of the food, and upload it on Social Networking Sites before eating, like most of us do just to feel gratified with our meal. It was indeed a banquet.

Nagsasa Cove is the best place for romantic hermeneutics. The sunset is a marvelous sight and calm down, take a deep breath, and delight in the beauty of colors.

At night, when all you hear is the barking dog, conversations, and footsteps, you don’t need to worry if it’s safe to just sleep in the tent. Just make sure your bonfire is away from the tent, your food is kept safe, and your trash is placed out of reach of dogs and cats.

  


Early morning coffee along the beach is a simple pleasure yet it’s incomparable. It’s like tasting the best coffee every time facing the shore with subdued colors of the sky blended with the fog on the calm teal waters. It’s a great new day! 

Strolling along the beach, we reached Camp Bira-Bira, the rocky side of the cove. A folk told us that the place was named Nagsasa because it was filled with “sasa” or local cogon grasses. But in the WWII, the place became a firing site of the Americans so it burned these “sasa.” However, until now there are still a lot of “sasa” submerged in Mt. Pinatubo ashes when it erupted. Even when you only intend to sit along the shore, you will be enticed to take a dip into the warm, clear, and calm waters. It was an exquisite moment. 

Going back to San Marcelino was another story. The waters started to get rough and frightened us as it shakes the small boat we were in. We were like riding on a horse that is unpredictable. All we did was pray that we reach our destination safe.

I felt like we were a small fish in a big sea. The only difference is that, even a small fish can swim but we can’t. I asked why the boat is too small. The boatman answered, the boat is used by fishermen, but not supposedly to fish tourists.

I bet there are other unpopular or hidden places in the country that are worth exploring. One down! Thanks, Nagsasa Cove!

Expenses: (2 Days 1 Night in 3 Islands; Good for 8 people): P2656.25/person

Van Transfer from Baguio to Zambales and v.v ------------- 9,500

Boat transfer (Camara-Capones-Anawangin-Nagsasa)------- 5,000

Tent, kitchen utensils rental --------------------------------      500

4 Backpacker Meals (drinks, fruits, fish, ice, etc.)---------  4,300

Entrance fees, tour guide fee ------------------------------   1,650

Cottage Rental ----------------------------------------------       150

Firewood ----------------------------------------------------       150

                                                                      TOTAL      P21,250