2018 • 06 • 20

Another camping spot favorite in San Antonio, Zambales besides the famous Anawangin Cove is Nagsasa Cove. The two share many similar features, but Nagsasa Cove still has its serene rugged appeal which is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Embraced by the picturesque hills, the once rocky coast and rough appearance of Nagsasa has been softened by the presence of Agoho trees and the volcanic ash that covered the area when the Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

How to Get to Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

Nearest Airport: 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 (P270-360). Travel duration is around 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 Nagsasa Cove 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 (P50-60). Alight at San Antonio Public Market and take a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Rent a boat going to Nagsasa 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.

For a more challenging route, some travelers, especially hikers, opt to traverse Mount Nagsasa going to Nagsasa Cove. The hike may take 5-6 hours, depending on your pace.

Entrance Fee and Other Charges

Entrance Fee: P50 (day trip); P100 (overnight)
Camping Fee: P400-500 (tent rental)
Cottage Fee: P100 (Nipa Hut/day); P200 (Nipa Hut/overnight)
Nagsasa Boat Rate: P1800 (day trip, good for 4 pax)
Other Boat Tour Package Rates: Rates are per boat (small boat can accommodate up to 4 pax)

Anawangin Cove Only – P1,200

Talisayen Cove Only – P1,500

Nagsasa Cove Only – P1,800

Silanguin Cove Only – P2,500

Anawangin + Capones Island – P1,300

Anawangin Cove + Capones Island + Camara Island – P1,800

Nagsasa Cove + Capones Island – P2,100

Nagsasa Cove + Capones + Camara Island – P2,400

Capones Island + Anawangin + Nagsasa + Camara – P3,000

Don’t Miss

The breathtaking vista of Nagsasa Cove from a viewpoint on a nearby hill. From this vantage point, you can also view the quieter beach located on the other side of the hill.
Camping and stargazing. If you like roughing it out, spend the night here with your equally adventurous friends. Bring guitar, Frisbee disc, volleyball, board games, or playing cards to keep you occupied and fight boredom.
Swimming! The water is shallow during low tide. While enjoying the view from the hill, I saw a group of teenagers wading through the shallow water to a low cliff jumping spot. But if you are doing this, please be extra careful.
Explore further. You can trek to Nagsasa falls.
Wade through the scenic inlet and have a mini photo session with your friends.
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.
It can get crowded during summer, but not as much as Anawangin.
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. Observe proper garbage disposal.

If You Have More Time and Budget

Explore other nearby coves and islands including Anawangin 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, Casa San Miguel, Pundaquit Beach, and many others.

Where to Stay in Zambales

Youhan Beach Resort. Photo provided by the resort via Agoda.

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!

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Watch Related Videos on YouTube

You can watch our 10 Best Beaches in Zambales video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.

Updates Log

2024.04.25 – Updated Where to Stay section

2018.06.20 – First uploaded

NAGSASA COVE, ZAMBALES: Important Travel Tips