Anawangin Travel Guide: Zambales Weekend Gateway

Anawangin

About Anawangin

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 changed the landscape of Central Luzon and among the changes it brought is the emergence of coves on ash and sand mixture, one of which is Anawangin Cove.

Anawangin Cove is in the town of San Antonio in the province of Zambales, facing the South China Sea. It can be reached via half an hour boat ride from Barangay Pundaquit or San Miguel, or via a four to six hours trek of Mt. Pundaquit.

Anawangin
Anawangin’s panoramic scene

It used to be mountaineers’ secret getaway after a climb, today it is an open secret. Anawangin Cove, along with Talisayen, Nagsasa and Silanguin, is now a famous camping getaway of tourists from all walks of life.

The placid Anawangin River that flows from Mount Balingkilat to the roaring South China Sea adds beauty to what is already a sight to behold. Through the years, the hidden cove has maintained its allure and serenity that can be attributed to its remoteness.

Experience a back-to-basic living and fall in love with this secluded cove. With no electricity and mobile signal, Anawangin is your perfect weekend getaway.

Anawangin
A haven for nature and landscape lovers

How to Get to Anawangin

Bus: Manila to San Antonio (Zambales)

To get to Anawangin from Manila, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales via Olongapo. Victory Liner has scheduled trips to these destinations. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio. Fare starts at P270, travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX.

Upon reaching San Antonio, transfer to a tricycle to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, standard rate is P30 per person, you may opt to add some tip since it is quite far.

Boat to Anawangin

Boats can be chartered at Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit going to Anawangin, rate starts at P1,000 for Anawangin – Capones round trip good for maximum of four persons. Travel time from Pundaquit to Anawangin is roughly 45 minutes.

Pundaquit Boat Rate (As of 2020)

Destination Small Boat Rate (1-4 person) Big Boat (Minimum 10 person)
Camara P1,000/boat P150/person
Capones P1,200/boat P200/person
Anawangin P1,200/boat P200/person
Talisayen P1,700/boat P300/person
Nagsasa P2,000/boat P400/person
Silanguin P3,000/boat P600/person

Note: Side trip – additional P100

Anawangin
Where river meets the sea

Where to Stay in Anawangin and Pundaquit

Since there is no commercial establishment in this island, you may bring a tent or camping equipments (plus foods and drinking water) if you are planning to stay there overnight. Just tell the boatman your planned date and time of return to San Miguel/Pundaquit.

If you are not into camping, you can have a day trip in Anawangin and stay overnight in Pundaquit or San Miguel where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found.

Accommodations in Pundaquit

Lalyn's Home in San Antonio

Lalyn’s Home in San Antonio
Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,000 PHP (4 Guests)

DG Paraiso Restaurant

 DG Paraiso Restaurant
Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,500 PHP (4 Guests)

Here are other accommodations in Barangay Pundaquit and San Miguel.

Casa San Miguel Bed & Breakfast
Evangelista St., Brgy. San Miguel, Zambales
Contact No: +639178382752

Megan’s Beach Resort
Contact No: (047)6210507, (047)9133784, +639194808520
Email:[email protected]

Nora’s Beach Resort
Contact No: +639182788188/+639196374917

Punta De Uian
Contact No: (047)2522692/+639188888426
Email: [email protected]

Wild Rose Beach Inn
Contact No: +639106615613
Email: [email protected]

Things to Do in Anawangin and Nearby Areas

  • Camping
  • Trek to Mt. Pundaquit, Mt. Nagsasa, Mt. Cinco Picos or Mt. Balingkilat
  • Surfing (Bring your own board if you will be surfing in Anawangin, otherwise you can surf in the nearby Crystal Beach with surfing equipment for rent)
  • Skimboarding (Bring your own skim board)
  • Island and Beach Hopping in nearby Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island, Camara Island, Talisayen Cove and Silanguin Cove
  • Sidetrip to Capones Island and see the century old Capones Lighthouse
  • Explore Palauig, Potipot, Masinloc, San Narciso or Liwliwa (San Felipe)
  • Check out Anghalo Falls in San Felipe
  • Taste the sweet mangoes of Zambales
  • Trek to Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake via Botolan
  • Enjoy arts and music at Casa San Miguel
Capones
Capones Lighthouse

Anawangin Itinerary (Sample)

DIY weekend camping itinerary

Day 1

0500H : Departure from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales
0930H : Arrival in San Antonio
0930H – 11:00H: Market to buy necessary camping supplies, foods and other equipments, bring packed lunch or buy from the market, proceed to Pundaquit or San Miguel via trike to ride the boat
1100H – 1200H: Pundaquit or San Miguel to Anawangin
1200H – 1400H: Setup camp, fix stuff, lunch
1400H – 1800H: Explore, swim, photo ops
1800H – 2000H: Wash-up, prepare dinner
2000H – 2100H: Dinner
2100H onwards: Bonfire, Night party, Socials

Day 2

0600H: Wakeup Call
0600H – 0800H: Breakfast, fix-up, break camp
0800H – 0900H: Anawangin to Capones Island
0900H – 1000H: Trek to lighthouse (if first timer, you need a guide, may balon sa taas, you can take a shower to freshen up :D)
1000H – 1100H: Photo ops, explore, rest in the light house
1100H – 1145H: Lighthouse to the boat
1145H – 1215H: Capones to San Miguel / Pundaquit
1215H – 1500H: Lunch, Shower / Fix up / Trike to San Antonio
1500H – 2000H: San Antonio to Olongapo / Food trip in Olongapo / Olongapo to Manila

Anawangin
Mornings by the beach

Budget / Expenses

Here’s the estimated expenses for a group of four:

Manila to San Antonio Bus – 270
Anawangin Entrance Fee – 100
Food & Miscellaneous – 500
Boat Share – 300
Trike Share – 70
San Antonio to Olongapo Bus –  120
Olongapo to Manila Bus –  215

————————————–

Approximately P1,575 / person

Tips

  • Since this area is facing the open waters of the South China Sea, the water is generally rough any time of the year specially during afternoon.
  • Camping fee in Anawangin is at P100 per person.
  • There are small stores in Anawangin that sells water, chips, candles, canned goods and other basic goods.
  • No mobile signal and electricity in the area

*First published: 23-Aug-2009 | Updates: 12-Apr-2012; 27-Jan-2018; 20-Aug-2019; 06-Mar-2020

To go to Pundaquit, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Lines has scheduled trips to those destinations. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio. If you are coming from their terminal in Sampaloc, it will cost you P220.00 (~$5.25), don’t forget to tell the cashier that you are up to San Antonio only, or they will charge you the full fare to its destination. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX.

From San Antonio, ride a tricycle to Barangay Pundaquit, standard rate is P20.00 (~$0.5), you may opt to add some tip since it is quite far.

By Air/Water

By ferry, take a Mt. Samat Express (Contact No: 551-5290) ferry ride to Subic in CCP. It is an hour ferry ride to Orion Bataan, for around P250.00 (~$6.00) . From there catch a bus to Subic for another hour or less and then a bus to Iba, Zambales, passing to San Antonio.

By air, charter an aircraft to International Subic Airport, Castillejos Airstrip, or to Iba Local Airport.

Where to Stay:

Since there are no commercial establishments in this island, you may bring a tent or camping equipments (plus foods and drinking water) if you are planning to stay there overnight. Just tell the boatman your planned date and time of return to Pundaquit.

Most tourists, however, stay in Pundaquit where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found. You can have a room for as low as P1000.00/~$25 (or even lower). For Lakwatsero’s compilation of hotels in Barangay Pundaquit click here:

Activities:

  • Trek to Capones Lighthouse: If you are coming from the east side of Capones Island, you have to trek for an hour or less, to a rocky shore, passing to an unfinished building and statue of Mama Mary. I suggest you have someone with you who knows the place since the trail up has no signage and you may get lost. But if you are coming from the other side of the island (where Marimar shot some scenes), the lighthouse is already visible so it is easier to reach the place passing through a field, this side of the island however has rocky shore and some huge waves making it impossible for bancas to dock.
  • Camping: Just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply.
  • Swimming, Snorkeling and Diving: Just bring your own equipments.
  • Island Hopping: You can visit the nearby Camara Island.
  • Aquatic Sports in Barangay Pundaquit: Jetski is available for rent.
  • Visit Pundaquit Falls: Walk along the beach southward towards the Pundaquit river. If your resort is too far north of the river, you can take your vehicle and get back to the main Pundaquit road and head southward until the road ends by the river. From the river, it is only a short walk by the seashore until you reach the end of the beach where there is a cliff and a smaller river (or a big stream, you might say). This small river comes from the falls, so, technically speaking, just follow the river upstream for about a hundred meters and you will end up at the foot of the falls. But remember, you may have to cut your own trail or walk along the shallow portions of the stream to get there. As you explore the falls, it gets more interesting as you climb from cascade to cascade. This falls is worth going to only during the wet season (or a little after the wet season) when there is plenty of fresh flowing water filling up the numerous “tubs” along the stream. Too little flowing water during the dry seasons makes this falls nearly stagnant, dirty and even stinky. (Source: waypoints.ph)

Lakwatsero Experience:

Lakwatsero has been to Capones in 2008. Watch out for the narratives of his travel in “My Travels”.

Comments

  1. Mar

    I would like to ask if you have packages for 2 person.
    going to anawangin and capones for 3-4 days?

    1. amazing pundakit

      good day.
      hi im joan, i am offering to you our packaged going to anawangin and to nearby island..

      here is our package rate:

      P 600 per head for 9- 10 persons
      P 650 per head for 8 persons
      P 700 per head for 7 persons
      P 760 per head for 6 persons
      P 600 per head for 5 persons
      P 650 per head for 4 persons
      P 760 per head for 3 persons
      P 1010 per head for 2 person
      *****************ALL IN– FOOD NALANG ANG KULANG*******
      Inclusive of the following:
      -round trip tour to anawangin
      -island hopping to camara and capones island
      -hatid sundo san antonio town to pundakit
      -entrance fee in anawangin
      -tent
      -ihawan, cooking utensils and cooler will be provide for free..
      -shower before and after is free
      -free parking for 1 vehicle, succeding with charge.(1 day)

      ******additional 100 per night per person for extension*******************************

      Visit our fb acct: anawangin-amazing pundakit boat tour

      for other concern text me or call at 09193910016/ 09228788756/09193123992
      look for joan or nanay josie

  2. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    HULING HIRIT SA TAg-INIT
    Van Package from Manila-Anawangin-Manila with FREE SNORKLING
    P1300/head minimum of 12pax and above..
    P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax..
    P1600/head minimum of 8-9pax..
    Inclusions: Driver, toll fees,gas, parking fees ,
    boat ride to anawangin and island hopping,
    ENTRACE to anawangin, TENT,
    1set of bonfire, cooler with ice,
    mineral water 5gal, 2packs of uling,
    1pack of woods for bonfire, kitchen utensils,
    snorkeling at Camara or Capones Island….

    Additional 400 per head for food(4meals BUFFET STYLE)
    for more info contact us at: Smart 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555

  3. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    HULING HIRIT SA TAG INIT
    Van Package from Manila-Anawangin-Manila with FREE SNORKLING
    P1300/head minimum of 12pax and above..
    P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax..
    P1600/head minimum of 8-9pax..
    Inclusions: Driver, toll fees,gas, parking fees , boat ride to anawangin and island hopping, ENTRACE to anawangin, TENT,1set of bonfire, cooler with ice, mineral water 5gal, 2packs of uling, 1pack of woods for bonfire, kitchen utensils, snorkeling at Camara or Capones Island.

    Additional 400 per head for food(4meals BUFFET STYLE)
    for more info contact us at: Smart 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555 —

  4. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    Van Package from Manila-Anawangin-Manila with FREE SNORKLING
    P1300/head minimum of 12pax and above..
    P1400/head minimum of 10-11pax..
    P1600/head minimum of 8-9pax..
    Inclusions: Driver, toll fees,gas, parking fees , boat ride to anawangin and island hopping, ENTRACE to anawangin, TENT,1set of bonfire, cooler with ice, mineral water 5gal, 2packs of uling, 1pack of woods for bonfire, kitchen utensils, snorkeling at Camara or Capones Island.

    Additional 400 per head for food(4meals BUFFET STYLE)
    for more info contact us at: Smart 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095 Sun: 09223753555 —

  5. mmm mukhang maganda nga dyan at malapit lapit pa sa Manila… We are planning to go to Caramoan but malayo layo siya… Mmmm will go to Anawangin instead… Excited much!

    1. Hi po,
      Baka wala pa po kayo contact na boatman.
      Txt or call lang po for further details.
      salamat po….

      Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
      Contact number: 09172022692
      Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

      Dindo

    2. Denz Cruz

      “Special Promo Anawangin Package

      San Antonio, Zambales

      P1,599 per person 2 days 1 night

      Itineraries:

      First day
      Manila Departure Time: 2 am
      Pundaquit Arrival Time : 6 am
      Pundaquit going to Anangawin: 6 am to 7 am
      Trekking to Light House
      Overnight Stay

      Second Day
      Island Hopping
      Anawangin to Camara: 8 am
      Camara to Capones Island: 11 am
      Pundaquit Departure Time: 5pm
      Manila Arrival Time: 9:00 pm

      Inclusions:
      Manila to Anawangin transport (airconditioned)
      Anawangin to Manila transport (airconditioned)
      Boat transport to 3 Islands ( Anawangin, Camara, Capones Island)
      Photography
      Entrance Fees
      Overnight Stay Fees (Waived)
      Cottage
      Assistant/ Guide
      Set of Bonfire
      Tent
      Ice Bucket with Ice
      Charcoal (Uling for cooking)
      Grill, Caserole, Laddle,
      Free Use of Camp Tables/ Chairs
      Flash light / Lamp
      Lighter/ Match
      4 Distilled Water ( 6 Liters each)

      For Inquiries and Travel Arrangement you may contact us at [email protected] or Landline (02) 267-6232 or Mobile +639194082629 / +639328474466″”

  6. Rodel Villanueva

    Magandang Araw po!

    Para po s lahat na gustong pumunta sa Annawangin,Capones at Nagsasa Cove,
    tumawag o mag text lang po sa numerong ito,09394139000 or 09078145375
    Lunes hanggang Lingo po ang serbisyo nmin,salamat po,,,!!!

  7. mheann

    hello poh im planning to go to anawangin this coming weekend plan po nmin umalis ng friday night we are in group of 8 can u give me a cheapest price for anawangin tour including capones and camara…balik po nmin ng manila is sunday

    1. @MHEANN

      Hi ma’am Mheann,
      Pag boat lang po yung 3 island = P2500
      Pag yung package po = P600/head

      Inclusions for package are the ff:

      1) Big Boat ride to Anawangin + Island hop to Capones and Camara Island
      2) 2 days and 1 night stay sa Anawangin
      3) Entrance fee
      4) Tent
      5) Transpo fron town to Pundakit and back
      6) Mineral water (5 gal)
      7) Ice
      8) Cooler
      9) Cooking stuff
      10) Kalan de uleng

      Txt or call lang po for further details.
      salamat po….

      Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
      Contact number: 09172022692
      Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

      dindo

      1. jaruh

        same case po kay ms. mheann..but the thing is 4 lng po kami..how much naman po kung ganun?

        1. @JARUH

          Hi there,
          Kung boat lang po, P1500 lang po
          Kung Package, P2600 po.

          Txt or call lang po for further details.
          salamat po….

          Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
          Contact number: 09172022692
          Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

          dindo

  8. Hi there,

    We offer boat tour packages to the ff destination:

    1) Anawangin
    2) Talisayen
    3) Nagsasa
    4) Silangen
    5) Capones and Camara island

    We also have trusty trekking guides.

    for further inquires, feel free to get in touch with us.

    Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
    Contact number: 09172022692
    Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

  9. Jennifer Ruado

    Beat the heat by having a break at the summer capital of the Philippines, BAGUIO! We may arrange your transpo and lodging. Please contact 09274375587

    Jennifer

  10. Jennifer Ruado

    Hi,

    Gusto ninyo ba ng summer getaway to Anawangin Cove? Heavenly experience. We can take you there by arranging your transpo, travel guide, lodging and food. Contact us at 09274375587.

    Minimum of 10 pax.

    Jennifer

  11. Joanne Cancy Ociones

    GOOD DAY!!!!

    Kuya Neph & kuya anthony, in behalf of my colleagues from Sitel Philippines, thank u thank u thanku so much for again the wonderful package and services you rendered during our Team Building, making it an unforgettable one,,,, Salamat po ulit sa inyong team!!!

    Thank you…..

    AMAZING PUNDAQUIT BOAT TOURS

    1. amazing pundakit

      Mam Candy,

      thank you so much for choosing us… we hope to serve you again…..

      amazing pundakit bangkeros

  12. Hello friends,

    If you are planning or interested in visiting The ff:
    *Anawangin
    *Nagsasa
    *Talisayen
    *Silangen
    *Capones island
    *Camara island

    As well as other activities like trekking…
    Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

    Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
    Contact number: 09172022692
    Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

  13. amazing pundaquit boat tours

    Good day…

    Experience the beauty of Zambales and its islands… We take you there by boat and spend a night or two in Anawangin’s camping site ,
    Gaze thru the beauty of the Nagsasa cove,
    Capones island white sands..

    So pack up and call us..091984373730 -anthony

  14. Rodel Villanueva

    Good Day!!
    kayo po ay malugod kong inaanyayahan sa aming bayan ng San Antonio,Upang tuklasin ang kagandahan at likas yaman ng Pundakit,dito nyo makikita ang iba’t ibang tanawin, tulad ng;
    Annawangin Cove
    Nagsasa Cove
    Silaguin Cove
    Capones Island at
    Camara Island
    Bukas po ang serbisyon namin mula Lunes hanggang Linggo.
    Pwede pamilya grupo maliit o malaki.
    Tumawag lang po o mag text sa numerong ito 09394139000 / 09078145375
    para sa karagdagang kaalaman.

  15. Roland

    Magandang araw sa inyong lahat,

    We are planning to go to Anawangin this April 28. We are a group of probably 10-12 people looking for a package with inclusions similar to this:

    Van Transfers: Manila-Pundakit-Manila
    Boat Rides (Island Hopping, If Possible)
    Entrance Fees (Overnight Stay)
    Tents
    Eating & Cooking Utensils
    Cooler, Ice & Drinking Water
    Charcoal
    Firewood
    Snorkeling Gear

    If you offer these services, please reply to this post or send me a message at 09062238050

    Maraming salamat!

  16. red

    magkano po kapag good for 2 persons lng? anawangin overnight stay and island hopping to (camara, capones).. salamat po.. next week po plan namin to go there.. 😀

  17. julz

    hi, we are planning this april 20 to go to anawangin, just a day tour to take prenup shoots.
    what time po earliest available boat ride and what time po best ang pabalik?

    1. The time of departure going there depends on what time you will be there in the morning. Earliest ideal time is when the sun is already up, past 6AM or around 7AM. Wag kayong masyadong magpahapon, malakas na masyado ang alon. 2PM would be ok 🙂

    2. @JULZ

      Hi po, baka wala pa po kayo boat contact.
      Available po ang service namin everyday.

      Txt or call lang po for further details.
      salamat po….

      Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
      Contact number: 09172022692
      Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

      Dindo

  18. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    WARNING PO SA MGA GUEST, PILIIN NYO PO MABUTI ANG TOUR PACKAGE NA IAAVAIL NYO..MARAME PO INSIDENTENG NANGYARI LANG NGAUN BUWAN NA UNG MGA GUEST AY DI NASUNDO AT HINDI NAASIKASONG MABUTI DAHIL SA DAMI NG KANILANG MGA GUEST…

    PILIIN NYO PO PACKAGE NAMEN AT SIGURADO NAMAN KAME NA HAPPY LAHAT NG GUEST NAMIN…

    Van Package from Manila-Anawangin-Manila with FREE SNORKLING FOR
    for only
    P1300/head minimum of 12pax only..
    P1400/head minimum of 10
    P1600/head minimum of 8

    Inclusions:
    Driver, toll fees,gas, parking fees ,
    boat ride to anawangin and island hopping,
    ENTRACE to anawangin,
    TENT,1set of bonfire,
    cooler with ice,
    mineral water 5gal,
    2packs of uling,
    1pack of woods for bonfire,
    kitchen utensils,
    snorkeling at Camara or Capones Island.

    Additional 400 per head for food(4meals BUFFET STYLE minimum of 8pax)
    for more info contact us at:
    Smart 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095
    Sun: 09223753555

    TExt or please call for immediate response..
    we also offers boat package only for those commuters or with their own vehicle
    for only 600 per head, same inclusion…

    1. Marion Ocampo

      hi goodafternoon. we are from lubao pampanga, i just wanna check what tour package that is best for us. we are 6-10 persons. our preferred dates are april 27-28 2012. please reply.

  19. Hi there,

    We offer boat tour packages to the ff destination:

    1) Anawangin
    2) Talisayen
    3) Nagsasa
    4) Silangen
    5) Capones and Camara island

    We also have trusty trekking guides.

    for further inquires, feel free to get in touch with us.

    Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
    Contact number: 09172022692
    Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

  20. Anawangin Cove Bangkeros

    Van Package from Manila-Anawangin-Manila with FREE SNORKELING
    for only
    P1300/head minimum of 12pax only..
    P1400/head minimum of 10
    P1600/head minimum of 8

    Inclusions:
    Driver, toll fees,gas, parking fees ,
    boat ride to anawangin and island hopping,
    ENTRANCE to anawangin,
    TENT,1set of bonfire,
    cooler with ice,
    mineral water 5gal,
    2packs of uling,
    1pack of woods for bonfire,
    kitchen utensils,
    snorkeling at Camara or Capones Island.

    Additional 400 per head for food(4meals Picnic STYLE)
    for more info contact us at:
    Smart 09185595597 or 09399398456
    TM: 09358118095
    Sun: 09223753555

    1. marlonsaquing

      are you available this coming april 27 to 29 2012. we are a group of 10 and we would like to avail your package. reply as soon as possible thanks

    2. Brew

      San Po ang pick up/drop point nio?

      saka paano po ang payment process?

      pwede po ba upon meet up po pag aalis na? just to make sure??

      thanks and more power

Comments are closed.