Journey to Nagsasa Cove

Hiatus mode is finally over! My itchy feet are back on track. Naka-recover na ako sa South Korea visa ko (ha-ha). Sabi nga ni Effie Trinket “Eyes bright, chin up, smiles on.” 

First 2014 destination: Nagsasa Cove!

I’ve been to Zambales on several occasions but always ended up skipping “the coves” (Anawangin, Capones and Nagsasa). Some says it’s no longer worth going because it’s getting crowded every year. Well, unfortunately, I don’t care. ;p

Anawangin, Capones and Nagasasa Cove are the most popular weekend getaway spots in Zambales. It continuously attracts overnight trippers and happy campers because of its serene atmosphere and charming landscape. Plus, it’s just 3 hours away from Manila.

Facing Pundakit are Capones Island and Camara. Amazing! 

Barangay Pundakit is the jump-off point to Nagsasa, Anawangin and Capones. To make life easier for us, we reserved accommodation in CanoeBeach Resort located in the said barangay. We also considered the safety of our private vehicle, that’s why booking a decent resort is a must. (Note: resort booking is optional.)

Boats are stationed in Barangay Pundakit going to Nagsasa, Anawangin, Capones.

My good friend Chey personally handled this travel. We mutually agreed to experience Nagsasa Cove - the farthest island of the three :D

Lezz Go!

We started traveling via private van at 3:30 AM, had breakfast at McDonalds Subic, and then proceeded to San Antonio public market to buy some food and camping stuffs. 

From San Antonio public market which is just along the main road, we took a left turn (across the market) to get to Barangay Pundakit. The rest was just a matter of asking the locals on the direction to Canoe Beach Resort (And thank goodness for Joseph's GPS na ayaw sumunod sa boses ko. ha-ha).

‘Twas about 9:30 AM when we reached Canoe. We had early check-in, took a few moments to settle down, and then off to Nagsasa!

Zambales water faces South China Sea. We experienced a pretty rough boat journey in 1 (excruciating) hour. Basang-basa ang buong pagkatao namin!;p

Passed by Anawangin. Ganda!

Nagsasa is pristine and uniquely beautiful. It is not as complicated as I thought it was. Not much populated. Clean area. Fresh air. Perfect!

Ahhh...atlast nakarating rin!

And so we started our island strolling....exploring...shooting....making good memories of friends....good food...good vibes...good times :)

aaah...beautiful!

We abandoned Nagsasa at 3:30pm. I was able to take a good nap while on board. Antok talaga ako. We reached Canoe at around 4:30 pm and waited for the sun to set.

The next morning, we explored the Canoe and left at 11am :)

How to get to Nagasasa:

Via private car – Take NLEX or SCTEX bound to San Antonio, Zambales. From San Antonio public market, take a left turn (across the market) to take you to Barangay Pundakit. 

Via public vehicle – Take Victory Liner bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Take the earliest time of departure as possible. Tell driver to drop you off to San Antonio. From San Antonio, take tricyle to Pundakit. 

Notes:

1. Contact a boatman prior your trip especially during peak/holiday season. Try Mang Pedring (09165254052; 09127504063). 

2. Entrance to Nagsasa is Php100.00 each day. Rental of bahay kubo/nipa hut is Php50.00. 

3. Bring your camping must-haves especially for the overnight warriors (tent, flash/headlight, sleeping bag, insect repellent, multi-tool knife, kitchen gears, water proof cases, etc.) 

4. Secure all your electronic gadgets before boat ride. Mababasa ýan I'm sure!

5. There's no electricity in Nagsasa. But a bunch of happy campers beside us were having a time of their lives karaoke-ing. ' Must be generator supply. 

5. W-A-T-E-R! Have enough supply. There's a sink installed to wash your stuffs. 

6. Bring cards, poker chips, or board games (talaga?!) Or better yet, explore the corners of Nagsasa. 

7. Make new friends and enjoy the outdoor experience!

8. Interested to check out Canoe Beach Resort? Visit their website http://canoebeachresort.net/