Anawangin is a bow-shaped cove filled with pine trees located in San Antonio, Zambales. This place is known for its sand mixed with volcano ashes from the last eruption of it's nearby mountain, Mt.Pinatubo. I heard that this became a sanctuary to people who wants to experience humble way of living and away from the city lights.I was extremely inquisitive and joined my friends to see for myself, the hidden paradise. 


My friend purchased a tour package for nly 1,500 php/per person.


Inclusions:

 - Island Hoping at Camara, Capones Island and Pundaquit Island
- Free use of Ice Box and Kitchen Utensils
- Free Charcoal ( they'll give it upon arrival)
- Free 2 Gallons of Distilled Water
-Entrance Fee on all Islands ( including Overnight fee at Anwangin)
- Free use of Tent
- Roundtrip Boat Transfers
- Roundtrip Transfer (Manila-Zambales-Manila)


There are a lot of travel tours that are offering competitive rates and everything is covered except the Food so we went shopping for our groceries and we're all set. We left Manila early in the morning and reached Brgy. Pundakit before noon. Travel time from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales usually takes 2-3 hours depending on what time you left. But because of numerous stop-over, it took us 4 hours.



We then proceeded to the barrio of Pundaquit where the parking area is located. We choose to skip the trekking part because of the time and from there, we took a boat ride for around 40 mins and reached the Island before dawn.

 


 We went to the other side of the beach, where you will see big rocks scattered around.



                                                     


Anawangin Cove is still a beautiful island but it was far from what it was before. A virgin Island, a place for soul searchers. My friends who has been there before even told me that it was far from it was before. It's sad that it happened, but on the lighter note it can still be considered as one of the must-see places in the Philippines. Who wouldn't want to stay away from the city lights, traffic and air pollution? No matter how you look at it, I bet you will still enjoy the simple way of life and the picturesque view in Anawangin most specially if you're bringing your friends with you.






1. You have an option for trekking or just go directly to the island. I advise you to try trekking for you to see the real beauty of the island and the West Philippine Sea from the mountains.


2.  Tour package is an option. You can plan your own itinerary.  But if you want to avail the tour packages. You can check  http://anawangintourpackage.blogspot.com/ ot www.sulit.com.ph

3. Tour package rates usually starts from 800 php ( depending on your length of stay and needs).

4. You can set up a bonfire on the island while drinking your favorite drinks or while putting marshmallow on the fire.
 
4. You may also include Island hopping in your itinerary so you can see the beauty of Capones Island ( where you can see the lighthouse and  Pundaquit Island (which is the best island for me amongst the 2)

5. You can rent a tent on the island, just approach the locals.

6. Souvenirs are available. There are locals roaming around and selling souvenir items.




DO NOT FORGET  to bring :

1. Lighter and Flashlight because there's no electricity on the island

2.  Extra money ( for souvenirs or if you run out of food)

3. Medicine Kit

4. Blanket and Pillows ( not included on the tent rental)

5. Mineral Water ( Yes, it is included in our tour package but we still ran out of mineral water)

6. Garbage Bag ( To cover your belongings while you're enjoying the boat ride and island hopping)

7. Padlock  (Lock your tents using a Padlock while you're enjoying the beach)


 Budget
 - 800 to 1,500 per head

Transportation
- via Van ( included on the tour package)
-  via Victory Liner Bus