2018 • 06 • 20

More detailed budget travel guide here: NAGSASA COVE ON A BUDGET 2019: Travel Guide & Itinerary

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.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Clark International Airport (Pampanga); Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)

By Land

1. From Manila, board a bus bound for Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales (P270-360). Travel duration is around 5 hours, depending on traffic.
2. Get off at San Antonio Public Market and ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Travel duration is 15-20 minutes.
3. 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, most people book 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.

 
Other Alternative: For hikers, they opt to traverse Mount Nagsasa going to Nagsasa Cove. The hike may take 5-6 hours, depending on your pace.

 

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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 (P1200)

Talisayen Cove Only (P1500)

Silanguin Cove Only (P2500)

Anawangin + Capones Island (P1300)

Anawangin Cove + Capones Island + Camara Island (P1800)

Nagsasa Cove + Capones Island (P2100)

Nagsasa Cove + Capones + Camara Island (P2400)

Capones Island + Anawangin + Nagsasa + Camara (P3000)

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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.

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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.
• 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.

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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.

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Where to Stay

If camping is not your thing, you can stay in Pundaquit. Remember to book your hotel in advance, especially during peak season. But if you want to extend your trip to Subic, here are some of the top accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• ACEA Subic Bay. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Crystal Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• The Lighthouse Marina Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Segara Suites. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Subic Resorts