Zambales - Nagsasa Cove, A Better Alternative to Anawangin Cove

If you think that you've seen it all in Anawangin, think again. Have you heard about Nagsasa Cove? Not yet? Let me tell you...

Nagsasa Cove is a beach that was created by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990's when volcanic materials landed to this beautiful cove. For me, Nagsasa Cove is definitely better than Anawangin. Just 20 minutes farther down from Anawangin Cove, it is one amazing beach perfect for camping! The beauty of this secluded paradise is that it doesn't get too crowded. There are only few campers and sometimes you’ll see no one but your group. It's a perfect place to spend a weekend getaway and commune with yourself and with nature.


It is home to some Aeta community who transferred there and took care of the area. The sand is just the same as Anawangin but it has longer and wider beach front. It also has an incredibly awesome backdrop of sprawling hills and mountains, a lake that reflects the amazing landscape of the surroundings and a small waterfall in the mountain side, just a few meters away from the beach.


As we set our foot on the fine sand of the cove, we were gladly welcomed by Ate Yolly, one of the few inhabitants in the cove. She offered us her area for us to pitch our tents and to use their make-shift cottages. They even kept on asking us what else do we need just to make us feel that we are so much welcome in their place. There's an overflowing source of fresh water, clean toilets, and a mini store where you can buy some necessities that you might need. Entrance fee to the cove is Php 100 pesos each.



DAY 1
We spent the whole afternoon swimming in the beach and preparing dinner. I suggest that you prepare dinner ahead of time because it's really hard to cook when it's already dark.

Preparing the dinner...


Swimming time...





After dinner, we had the socials for us to know more about each other, especially our guests. Everyone was given a chance to ask one question to everyone. For this trip, we had 3 guests and we welcomed them as new members of the group. We're glad to have them in the group! Kudos to the three of you!




DAY 2
After a hefty breakfast, we started to trek going to the waterfalls. It is just a 15-minute walk from the beach, passing through water streams with an amazing view of the mountain. A startling view of the cove and the mountains is a great reward as you climb up going to the waterfalls.





Few minutes later, a mini waterfalls welcomed us and we hurriedly swam in its cold clear water. Truly refreshing!






After about an hour, we went back to the shore and had some photo-ops and swimming before we decided to break camp and waited for our boat that will bring us back to Pundaquit Beach.

Trekking back to the shore...




Swimming and picture taking...






After break camp, we had one last photo with Ate Yolly before we bid goodbye to this lovely beach.


The boat ride going back to Pundaquit is not easy, as the waves went rough at high noon. We had to hold tight to the boat so as not to fall off. The sea water kept on splashing into us, as we travel back to the mainland. We expected this to happen, that's why we decided to just change to dry clothes when we reach Pundaquit beach. But, the unending smile in our faces never fades because of the exhilarating experience we had in Nagsasa Cove.



Upon reaching the mainland, we asked Ate Fe if she can cook lunch for us, we will just pay her the amount for the gas. Luckily, she agreed to our request. So, while we wait for the late lunch, some of us bathe in the bathroon and the others took a dip in the beach. By the way, they have a shower room with hot and cold water, just pay 20 pesos for it. If you don't want to shell out extra money, you can bathe at the deep well outside the shower rooms for free.

We used Ate's kubo to keep our things and to change into our dry clothes. We also had our sumptous lunch here, Filipino style! Hehehe! =D Thanks to Ate Fe and Kuya Jim for accomodating us! I highly recommend their services to all!

Getting out of Pundaquit is easy. Ride a tricyle going to the hi-way. Here, you have two options: (1) take a bus bound for Manila; or (2) bus going to Olongapo City then take a Victory Liner bus bound for Manila. We did the latter.



Beach camping at Nagsasa cove is really a worthile experience. I'm hoping that while reading this post, it gives you more option to explore and discover in the islands of Zambales. A lovely place to just hang out with your friends, talk everything and anything, relax, unwind and be with nature.

To read my previous post on how we got to Nagsasa Cove, click here.

Estimated summary of expenses:
550 - Bus fare to and from San Antonio Zambales
50 - Tricyle ride to and from Pundaquit beach
350 - Boat ride to and from Nagsasa Cove
100 - Entrance fee to Nagsasa cove
300 - Food expenses
10 - Guide fee to the waterfalls
1,360 - TOTAL