Archive for the 'Attractions' Category

Surfing in Zambales

Published on December 26, 2008 in Attractions. 0 Comments

During the monsoon season, surfers from different parts of Manila and from North of Luzon, travel to their favorite surfing paradise. Pundaquit was a previous location for Stonemney’s seminars and from then on, locals have adapted to riding the waves and swells of nearby shores.

It’s common to see locals surfing in Pundaquit. As a matter of fact, some beach resorts and locals rent out long and short boards and will be more than willing to teach you the basics for a small fee.

Surfboards in Zambales Surfing in Zambales Waves of Zambales

The best time to visit Pundaquit for your surfing adventure is the rainy and typhoon season. Low pressure areas from the open ocean build up wind. This then build up waves that drive different heights of swells that can bring even professional surfer the thrill of visiting and riding the waves of Pundaquit season after season.

Nagsasa Cove Zambales

Published on December 23, 2008 in Attractions. 0 Comments

Nagsasa Cove is twice the distance of Anawangin Cove from the shores of Pundaquit Zambales. The place is inhabited but occasional Aetas who travel around and will be willing to accompany you if ever you decide to trek the hills and forests behind the cove or nearby mountains.

Streams and waterfalls run water down from the mountains and will sometimes be a better place to hang out as the water can be cooler compared to the water from the beach. But they dry out during the hot summer and dry seasons.

Nagsasa Cove Stream in Zambales 1 Nagsasa Cove Stream in Zambales 2 Nagsasa Cove Stream in Zambales 3 Nagsasa Cove Stream in Zambales 4

Nagsasa Cove is not as popular as Anawangin Cove, but both share the beauty and pristine silence of nature away from town. Very few people have seen this place, but those very few people will share their experience and will tell you that Nagsasa Cove is worth a visit.

Nagsasa Cove may not be as homie for campers compared to the development Anawangin Cove has. There are no facilities here nor mobile phone signal as well. Make sure you are referred by a friend or by us when you hire a boatman to take you to the cove or inform your resort’s caretaker you itenirary so they are aware of where you are going and time you will be spending out of the resort.

More pictures to follow!

San Antonio Public Market

Published on November 12, 2008 in Attractions. Closed Tags: , , .

The public market is not actually located in Pundaquit, rather it’s right beside the municipal hall of San Antonio, which is the last town before you reach your destination. It’s best that you buy your goods and water here before heading towards the town of Pundaquit.

The public market’s fresh fish comes from nearby fishing villages and are delivered as early as 6AM. Fish is cheaper here compared to Manila. Yellowfin Tuna meat can go as low as P120 per kilo (great for kilawin and sashimi) during the seasonal catch. Juvenile and other tuna species such as Skipjacks, Bonito and Yellowfin can go as low as P70 per kilo. Dorados, Snappers, Groupers, Shrimps and Squid are frequently available specially during the morning.

Continue Reading »

Anawangin Cove Zambales

Published on November 11, 2008 in Attractions. Closed Tags: , , .

The Anawangin Cove is by far the most popular destination for campers and beach goers alike. Just the mention of the name Zambales will ring a bell for those who have gone to the cove that a trip to Pundaquit is never complete without feeling Anawangin’s mixture of volcanic ash and white sand beneath your feet.

Anawangin is the nearest cove from the town proper of Pundaquit. It also is currently the most visited and developed amongst its neighboring coves. Owned by a local family who also lives in Pundaquit, they make sure that the place is well maintained  and the shores are regularly cleaned by it’s caretakers.




It is unfortunate that structures such as cement houses or buildings can’t be built behind its shores, due to the fact that seasonal rain and monsoon softens the ground beneath it and waves brought about by the typhoons can easily reach the main campsite. Also, a stream flows from the mountains and through it’s banks during the rainy season.

Anawangin is surrounded by mountains of rocks theoretically known to be formed by ages of volcanic activities in the past. But the most surprising phenomenon which has occured in the past years were the growth of pine trees just behind the banks of the cove. The seeds were brought there by the memorable erruption Mt Pinatubo together with the ash fall.

Entrance to the developed and guarded side of Anawangin is not free. This is the left side when you are facing the cove. The owner has made a business out of it by charging visitors a fee of P50 per head for a day trip and P150 for an overnight stay. This is a small fee to ask for people who wants to stay and make use of their manual freshwater pump (poso or artesian well) and also serves as income for the caretakers.

Anawangin Cove’s from our contributing photographers:





Things to remember:

  • The boatride from the Pundaquit shores to Anawangin will be around 20 to 30 minutes depending on water conditions. Always wear your life vest while you are at sea and remember to put on your sunscreen before going onboard.
  • If you plan to stay longer than 4 hours in the cove, bring extra water and food with you. Swimming, taking photos and even just plain walking along the shores will build you quite an appetite.
  • Campers and visitors should always never leave their trash behind. Plastic bags or wrappers that flow out to sea are mistakenly eaten by sea turtles and other marine life. Bring them back with you to your resort becuase Anawangin does not have the garbage collectors that we have in the Metro.
  • Don’t be stupid. Don’t drink at night and go swimming. A few people have lost their life because they did this. The current can swell differently during night and even during the day, always make sure you know and your friends know where you are.

Capones Island Zambales

Published on November 11, 2008 in Attractions. Closed Tags: , , .

Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit Zambales. The island is actually a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island aren’t that homie for the usual tourist mainly because of the sand and rock mixture from the crashing waves of the open ocean.

One of the best things to do on the island, aside from just hanging around and not being able to enjoy the beach, is go up and take a tour of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is at the back of the island when you’re facing the open sea. The steep steps up to the lighthouse is no walk in the park. So be ready and carry only what you need. If you do need to carry a lot of stuff like camera gears, make sure you put them in a sturdy bag with a strong strap and ask your guide (boatman or sometimes another local) to carry them for you.





Boat rides from Pundaquit shores to Capones Island will be about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the weather and water conditions.

Things to remember:

  • Always wear a life vest during boatrides. It may not be the latest fashion but even the most experienced coastguards wear them. Nobody can predict the ocean and wearing them is one of the clear signs you’re a smart traveler and in the worst case scenario, they will save your life.
  • If you don’t have waterproof bags for your gadgets, mobile phones or cameras, bring big ziplock bag or plastic bag with you. They’ll keep your stuff safe and dry. You’ll never know if when and where a big swell/wave or a rain cloud happens to be just passing by.
  • The sun’s rays are magnified a thousand times when they reflect on water. Protect your skin from UV rays and sunburn with at least SPF 30 sunscreen. You can also wear a hooded shirt and a visor/hat during boatrides to protect your scalp.
  • Don’t forget your shades or sunnies. They don’t just make you look good, they’ll also protect your eyes and make you feel comfortable enjoying the view of Pundaquit even if the sun is up with all its glory.
  • If you can bring a magazine or some extra snack with you, the people guarding the lighthouse will surely appreciate your generosity. It is quite lonely staying up at the lighthouse with nobody else to talk to.

Capones Island Zambales photos from our contributing photographers:




Camara Island Zambales

Published on November 10, 2008 in Attractions. Closed Tags: .

Camara Island is the closest island from the shores of Pundaquit Zambales. The island, like its close neighbor Capones, is also a big lump of rock with very little soil. Trees aren’t that many but because of the rock formations and angle of the island, it’s not hard to find shade and scenic spots for a great photo shoot.

The island has a great view of the open ocean. It has two sides separated by a white sandbar that becomes visible during the lowtide and disappears during the high tide. Big rocks that dwarf the tourists are plenty on this island. It won’t be long till you find yourself taking photos of them or with them and just be astonished by their size and weight.