Pundaquit » Recreation

Island Hopping in Zambales

JL — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:18:42 +0000

Being almost parallel to the view of the two islands, Pundaquit is the perfect jump off point to visit Camara island and Capones island. It is recommended to leave early morning and pack your breakfast so you can have a picnic at Camara island.

Capones island is another 15 to 20 minutes boatride away from Camara and offers a lot more shaded area where you can spend the rest of the day or go on a short trek up the lighthouse and enjoy the view of Zambales and the horizon facing the China Sea.

To know more about island hopping in Pundaquit:

» Read more about Camara Island
» Read more about Capones Island
» Read more about Boat Rates and Fees

Trekking Mt. Pundaquit

JL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:57:35 +0000

Although there’s not a lot of flora and fauna to feast your eyes on, nature lovers will still delight on the strikingly erratic landscape of Zambales. The best way to admire the beautiful scenery is by trekking through the panoramic backdrops. Only be sure to take a guide with you if you wish to venture out for the first time. If you do not have a definite path, you may very well end up walking the whole day and circling areas that are virtually uninhabited.

First time hikers must be wary most of dehydration and heatstroke. Zambales is a relatively safe place with friendly, accommodating locals and a low crime rate; but it’s still best to keep your guard up. You should always hire a guide to accompany you as the forests of Zambales has some interesting animals like wild Carabaos, Boars, Cats, Chickens and Lizards. Your guide can help you if in case you come face to face with these animals and he will be carrying necessary gears to protect you with this uncommon encounter.

When you go out into the coves, beaches and outer islands, your cell phones will be useless. There’s also no telephone lines or electricity. Be sure to leave your itinerary (estimated time of departure and arrival) with someone reliable people, so in case you get lost, they can alert the local police as to your destination or whereabouts.

Here is a list of things you may want to bring with you:

Water
Snacks
Sunscreen
Hat/Visors
Shades
Flashlight
Sweater
First aid kit

Wear sneakers or hiking sandals instead of rubber slippers, as the former will provide the proper support your feet will need. Some parts may also be slippery and the proper footwear will give you more traction. Opt for light cotton shirts instead of heavy fabrics. For some, it’s more convenient and comfortable to wear shorts, but cargo pants or jogging pants are better suited for areas that have higher weed growth and mosquito infestation.

Here are some of the photos from those who have trekked the mountains and terrains of Pundaquit and its neighboring islands, coves and hills.

Camping in Zambales

JL — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:48:03 +0000

Your camping adventure in Pundaquit may turn out to be different than what most people who stay on top of mountains or foot of famous hills or valleys. Pundaquit offers campers a place closer to the ocean. A night of camping near shore offers a lot of memorable things to do and share with your friends.

The most common camping area in Pundaquit is at the shores and behind the banks of Anawangin Cove. The place has been popular to tourists coming mainly from Manila and spending a night or two with their tents set up just a few meters from the shore. With fresh water available from a nearby poso (artesian well) and a kerosene lamp at the caretaker’s hutt, the only thing you’ll need to bring is your tent, food, water and some clothes to survive a few days and nights.

The fee for an overnight stay is P150 per head and you do not need to pay for the boatman’s fee. Caretakers will only charge visitors and tourists.

Here’s a checklist of things you might consider bringing with you to get the most out of your trip:

Clothing (both for swimming and trekking)
Towel (big and small)
Tent and Blanket
Water (Always bring extra)
Food (This I always bring extra)
Snacks (More of these for me)
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen and sanitizer
Sunnies and hat
Lamp (if you will be a group)
Flashlight and matches
First aid kit
Knife and compass

If you decide to go walking along the banks or go trekking along the nearby forrest and hills, make sure you do not leave your valuables (money, mobile phone, jewelries, camera) in your campsite. Bring them with you and always make sure that you are in the view of other people or the caretaker.

Anawangin’s Campsite from our contributing photographers:

Fishing in Zambales

JL — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:31:37 +0000

Fishing is a livelihood to a lot of locals in Zambales. The Philippine watercraft, also known as the “banka”, can accommodate two anglers bottom fishing and trolling. Quite slow and narrow compared to fishing boats, so get ready to occasionally get wet during the ride.

Bottom fishing can bring in a variety of snappers, jacks, trevallies and groupers. Trolling on the otherhand can get you the pelagics such as Dorados, Skipjacks, King Mackerels, Wahoos and occasional billfish species.

We recommend the followiing bait/lures and terminal tackle for fishing:

Bottom/Drift Fishing: Water dept in good fishing areas are around 70-80 meters deep so 2-4 oz sinkers or jigs will help you reach the bottom. Size #2 to #6 hooks, 20-40lbs (mono during the day and wire at night) leaders and 12-20lbs main line (best if braid) are ideal. Fresh or live shrimp during the day and fresh squid or small sardines at night.

Trolling: 9cm to 14cm (CD9-CD14) diving lures in dark silver/black (cloudy), shiny blue and green flavors (sunny) has worked best for me. A short wire leader (6-24 inches) is a must on a minimum of 30lbs setup.