By exploring Anawangin Cove on foot, we appreciated its charm and discovered why it was flocked by a large assembly of campers. But since we are after a relaxed atmosphere, less crowd and more breathtaking views, we chose Nagsasa Cove to spend a camping getaway. This is my first time to camp with my family so I want it to be special and memorable.

Nagsasa Cove is the farthest destination for island hopping coming from the barangay of Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. In getting there, visitors will pass the picturesque Islands of Capones and Camara and the coves of the famed Anawangin and Silanguin. Added attractions are the golden and glorious mountain slopes that are unique to Zambales.

The forty-five-minute journey coming from Anawangin to the calm and gentle world of the sea almost lulled us to sleep. It was gloomy weather but our boat ride was fairly smooth. 

We were so excited as the boat approached the sandy shores. We were brought by our boatmen to Pamimi Beach Campsite, the nearest resort coming from the jump-off point. We thanked them for the safe ride and for bringing some of our stuff. They will pick us the following day for island hopping.

We were welcomed by a quiet community, fewer people, and sparse Agoho trees. It’s not summer yet. The whole place is serene. There were nipa houses, wooden cottages, small sari-sari stores, and few tents pitched near the beachfront. I was thrilled with the thought that we will have the place exclusively for us for two days.

We hastily occupied the second cottage, put down our things on the table, and began pitching our tents excitedly. Later we attached the hammock to the trees.

Shen and Abu went excitedly to the shore to swim. Froi a certified mountaineer started cooking our lunch. It was almost 2:00 pm when we ate our simple and yet appetizing meal. After chatting, cleaning the table, and washing the dishes, we rested for hours. 

The best relaxation I had was stretching my feet in the hammock for undeterred leisure. It felt so good to embrace the peace and tranquility defined in this place. I mumbled to myself, Pao, our birthday celebrant will surely love this place. This is one getaway that will bring us back to Nagsasa Cove in the future.

The trek

By 4:00 pm we prepared to trek the hill on the Northern side of the cove. We walked on the vast and long stretch of gray sand. Just like what happened to Anawangin, Nagsasa had been covered also by a great amount of ash coming from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. But after two decades, both coves revealed their own natural charm that is now being feasted by venturesome campers.

The beach area had a mixture of sand and ash deposits. It was so fine and was good enough to walk barefoot.

There was an entrance fee of P10/head in getting uphill. We were amused to see those little Aeta kids collecting the money. We did not bother to ask them why there is an entrance fee when before there was none. Well, I hope this will help local tourism.

The trek was easy for there was a marked trail. But the soil was loose and we were only wearing slippers so we were a bit slow reaching the best spot for picture taking. Walking further, we were saddened to see burned cogon grasses that dominated the entire hills. According to locals, improper disposal of cigarette butts may cause the forest fire. Cogon grass ignites easily when it’s the dry season.

After a few more minutes of walking, we finally reached the vantage point. We were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire cove teeming with life. It was so amazingly beautiful. Just like my previous climbs, I finally felt fulfilled again. The sea was calm and the timid sun was hiding in the clouds. We enjoyed taking pictures of every corner of the cove and everything that caught our fancy.

Later we went down and immerse our bodies into the water, just like our little kids on the loose. It was clear and shallow, so safe for our younger buddies. I waited for the sunset, but the clouds cloaked the sky so I did not bother getting my camera and just frolicked on the water until it gets dark.

Froi, prepared again the food for dinner with the help of Marie. There was no electricity on the island. Our rechargeable lights and headlights helped us a lot during the night time tasks.

Again, dinner was heavy. Because our tummies were full, we went for a walk on the shore. There were resorts with crowded and noisy people. Those rambunctious souls didn’t mind disturbing their neighbors. I was thankful that we were far from them.

We went back to the cottage for some social activities. But since the gentle wind and the nighttime serenity were embracing our systems (me, Pao, Marie, and the two little kids) we were slowly soothed to sleep.

We can’t help but retreat inside our tents early leaving the boys with their happy conversation.

By 4:00 am I was awakened by a noise walking near our tent. When I opened the tent door, I was surprised to see Pao alone in the dark. He told me he was walking around savoring the tranquility of the place and enjoyed stargazing.  I went out of the tent and looked up at the sky. It was clear now and blanketed with millions of stars. After a few minutes of finding comfort in looking at the sky, we went back inside our tent and sleep.

My hubby and I woke up early to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, the hills obstructed the rising of the sun. Since we could not take a perfect sunrise photo, we savored the morning breeze by walking on the shore.

Froi and Marie cooked breakfast. Rice, scrambled egg, fried hotdog were our morning meal. By 7:00 am, we were approached by our boatmen that they will fetch us early because of their commitment to another group. Dismayed by our early check-out we decided to be fetched by 7:00 am so we can visit Capones and Camara Islands.

CAPONES ISLAND

The waves were so strong when we reached near the jump-off point in getting to the Lighthouse. Since kids can not cross the water, we skipped going up.

We will try our luck next time.

CAMARA ISLAND

Camara Island had less unfriendly waves compared to Capones that’s why we were able to swim in getting to the shore. Our boatman Raymart helped the kids crossed the water. The boys did not use the lifesaver anymore. The view was good for photo ops but it was not ideal to swim on the island because the waves were carrying us far from the shore and we were being slapped to big stones and lots of seaweeds. Quite scary to swim.

We swam back to our boat after being satisfied and decided to go back to the jump-off point so we can rinse.

Kuya Florentino was so kind enough to let us use one of the cottages for free. And even rinsing was free. As a reward, we gave him a tip of P500 and P300 each for the boatmen.

Time had ended

The delightful adventure with Mother Nature had ended. I was surprised when my hubby told me he wants to go back next year. He seldom finds beauty in one’s place. I was glad he enjoyed our camping getaway in Nagsasa. Same here, I want to go back too. Though I have no sunset and sunrise photos, I was fascinated with Nagsasa’s charm and tranquility. It filled my heart with peace.

This trip is for my kids too. Apart from spending quality time with them, I want them to see the simple life in one’s place, how to mingle with people, and to appreciate experiences with nature rather than material things and possessions.

Definitely, we will go back.

Notes:

• Every resort has comfort rooms.
• There are sari-sari stores that sell basic necessities but expect them to be higher than the usual price.
• There’s no electricity.
• No mobile signal.

Entrance fee: P100

Boat rate: P2,000 – large boat for island hopping to Capones, Camara, Anawangin, and Nagsasa. It can accommodate 5 to 10 persons

Mang Florante’s contact number: 0917-7391949

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