The Philippines is not only home to beautiful beaches but also unique ones; Anawangin Cove is one of them. Instead of the usual sand, the beach of Anawangin is covered with volcanic ash dumped by Mount Pinatubo when it erupted in 1991. The beach is decorated with towering Agoho trees, looking like sentinels guarding the cove.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Nearest Airports: Clark International Airport (Pampanga) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)
By Land
- From Manila, board a bus bound for Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales (P360). Travel duration is about 5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Get off at San Antonio Public Market and ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Travel duration is 15-20 minutes.
- From Pundaquit, rent a boat to take you to Anawangin or take an island hopping tour package if you want to go to other nearby islands or coves.
If you are coming from Olongapo, board a Victory Liner bus going to Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales. Alight at San Antonio Public Market and take a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Rent a boat going to Anawangin Cove.
For a hassle-free trip and for those who want to experience camping, consider booking package tours offered by tour operators and agencies. Usual package inclusions are roundtrip transfers, camp food, entrance fees, tents, and boat transfers. Check itinerary and package inclusions first before booking.
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
On our recent trip to Anawangin Cove in Zambales, we opted to book an island-hopping tour in advance. We paid P3,500 for the boat and made stops at the following islands and coves: Camara Island, Nagsasa Cove, Talisayen Cove, and Anawangin Cove.
Island Hopping Day Tour Itinerary (P3,500 for 4 pax)
- Camara Island
- Nagsasa Cove
- Talisayen Cove
- Anawangin Cove
If you want to go to just one stop, the boat rental from Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove is P1,500, good for up to 4 pax.
We booked our island hopping tour with Nagsasa Cove Zambales on Facebook. They offer boat rental and tour packages to different coves in Zambales.
Here are their prices for tour packages in Anawangin.
Anawangin Cove – Tour Packages (2 Days, 1 Night Tour)
- Solo: P2,200
- 2 pax: P1,500/head
- 3 pax: P1,200/head
- 4-5 pax: P1,000/head
This above package includes:
- Rountrip boat transfer
- Entrance fee to Anawangin
- Island hopping to Capones
- Tent (for sharing)
- Drinking water
- Wood for bonfire
- Charcoal
- Use of cooking utensils
Don’t Miss
- The breathtaking view of Anawangin Cove from the top of a nearby hill. From this vantage point, you can also view the beach located on the other side of the hill.
- Camping. If you like roughing it out, spend the night here with your gang. Bring your guitar, Frisbee disc, volleyball, board games, or playing cards to keep you entertained.
- Swimming and sunbathing while reading your favorite book or listening to your jam.
- Explore further. If you like hiking, scale the surrounding peaks of Mount Pundaquit.
- Wade through the inland creek (except during dry season or summer) and have a mini photo session with your friends. The wooden bridge is a nice spot for picture-taking.
- Watch the sunset.
Don’t Forget
- Bring protection from the sun, especially during summer when it’s scorching hot: sunglasses, hats, rash guard, environment-friendly sunscreen, umbrella, etc.
- Wear protective footwear, especially during summer when the sun is really strong. The volcanic ash ground can feel like burning charcoal under your feet.
- Be mindful of other revelers. Keep your speaker volume at a minimum.
- Anawangin Cove in Zambales gets too crowded during summer.
- Have enough cash on hand. There are stalls where you can purchase snacks, drinks, ice, souvenirs, etc. But it is recommended to buy your food at San Antonio Public Market to save money.
- Bring your power bank to keep your cameras and phones charged. The mobile network signal is weak to none at all.
- Bring a first-aid kit, medicine, flashlight, insect repellent lotion, whistle, Swiss knife, rope, and other life-saving gadgets and tools. Advise your boatman/contact in advance if you are spending the night on the island, so they can prepare whatever is needed.
- Bring your own tent if you don’t want to rent. You can also bring your own portable stove for cooking.
- Don’t leave your things unattended.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Bring your trash with you if there’s no trash bin. Observe proper garbage disposal.
If You Have More Time and Budget
- Explore other nearby coves and islands including Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island, Silanguin Cove, Talisayin Cove, and Camara Island.
- You can also hike Mount Pundaquit, Mount Nagsasa, or Mount Balingkilat.
- Other attractions are Capones Island Lighthouse, Nagsasa Falls, Casa San Miguel, Pundaquit Beach, and many others.
Where to Stay in Zambales
If camping is not your thing, you can find room accommodations in any of these nearby beach towns in the province: San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe. You may also opt to stay in Iba if the provincial capital is your next destination. Remember to book your hotel in advance, especially during peak season. Here are some of the top accommodations as rated by online users.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - YOUHAN BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PENTA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FUNTASEA HOTEL AND BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BOM DIA HOSTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- WHITE CASTLE BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MEGANS PARADISIO BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - PLAYA ALBA BEACH FRONT AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PALMS RESORT & BAR
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BAKASYUNAN RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Beach Resorts in Zambales article.
Find more Zambales Hotels!
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Anawangin Cove Travel Guide video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.05.09 – First uploaded
Written by: Astrid Alvarez
Additional Writing by: Hannah Manalo
Related Article: How to Get to Zambales
Reminders
Hi. I would like to ask about the boat rentals. Is it good for two-way ride already?