Anawangin Campin'

5/2/2011

Where: Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales
Who: Mr & Mrs Wanderlust, Karel, Chard & Aaron
When: Summer Getaway of 2011
What: Nature trippin, beach bummin, and camping under the bright night sky hearing the waves at night. Perfect!

Anawangin is a crescent shaped cove in San Antonio, Zambales that has gained popularity over the past few years as a camping ground for groups who are into beach, adventures, and being in a remote place for a while. Anawangin Cove is famous for the lush pine forest surrounding its white-sand beach and crystal clear waters. Rugged mountains add to the mystic landscape of Anawangin Cove.

How to get there:

By Private Vehicle:

1. Head to NLEX. I like passing the new Mindanao Avenue route. Passing through EDSA then turning right at Balintawak is always a bottle neck because its such a narrow one lane road with all the buses.

2. Head to the end of NLEX past the Dao exit then head for the SCTEX.
3. Follow the signs to the SCTEX.
4. Be sure to head towards Subic which is heading to the right. do NOT head towards Tarlac.
5. Exit at Subic. Pass through Subic and head for the gate at the extreme end of Dewey Street.
6. Exit Subic. You should see the Olongapo Public Cemetery in front of you. Turn Left.
7. Stay on the road. You will be passing through a number of towns on the way including; Subic Town, Castillejos, the San Marcelino. (you might also see some signs heading towards Iba).
8. When you reach San Marcelino, at the public market you will see an intersection. If you head straight you will be headed towards Iba. You should turn left to San Antonio.
9. When you get to San Antonio, head straight till you see the Municipal Hall and the Church. At the end of the main road you should turn LEFT.
10. Follow the signs headed to Pundaquit. The streets are parallel and perpendicular to one another so you should find the road.
11. When you reach Pundaquit Beach… I suggest you keep on following the road till you see parking areas to your left. Park the car then inquire about boats to Anawangin. Parking is (well, used to be the last time we were there) around P50 for the day.

By Public Transport:

1. Take a bus to San Antonio, Zambales. The prices may have changed, (2011) t'was P250/person for Victory Liner from the Pasay City Cubao and even Sampaloc stations.

2. When you get to San Antonio, you can take a tricycle to Pundaquit. If you are a big group you probably might be able to negotiate for a jeep at the town center to bring you to Pundaquit.

3. Get a boat from Pundaquit and this is where negotiation skills come into play,. The bigger the group the lower the price because you have others to share the cost.

Where to stay:

Sorry, but for all the princesses out there, its either you just have a day tour on the island and go back to San Antonio or Pundaquit beach for your hotel or resort. But if you want to spend the night in Anawangin cove, you have to camp, and has also basic facilities such as common public bathrooms and toilets.

So if you are still up for the adventure, all you need to start on is your to bring list for camping.

What to do:

1. Camping / Tent Accommodation - This means you have to bring and prepare your own food, etc.
2. Climb the hill - You can choose to hike to have a better view of the beach from above.
3. Star Gazing - This of course can only be done at night and with clear skies, so many stars.
4. Beach bumming

Pricing:

Transportation - Bus - Fare from Manila ~300PHP
Transportation - Boat from Pundaquit Beach to Anawangin back & forth - DEPENDS but range from 1,500 - 3000 PHP depending on size of boat, and other agreements.

Food - Limited food on the island and is suggested you bring your own.

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