A Perfect Summer Getaway: Nagsasa Cove

As promised, I will be blogging about the first few out-of-town trips I have experienced with the great people of our Outing Series group, comprised of colleagues from our organization back in the university. The very start of our wandering sessions was marked on the fascinating shores of Nagsasa Cove, tucked away from modern influence by the mountainous region of the province of Zambales. It all began when we got bored of the usual nights out in resto bars and get-togethers at some friends’ houses, and decided to move out of the box and explore beach destinations for a change. Thus the search for perfect summer getaways from Internet sources and word-of-mouth referrals commenced.

A perfect image of an awesome summer experience.

A few days passed from the initial brainstorming at our FaceBook group page and tons of suggested places were shared, mostly beaches and island locations (since we were originally planning to go to the sea for the summer). Finally, Nagsasa Cove was chosen among the candidates, beating its smaller but more visited neighbor, Anawangin Cove; the typical beach destinations of Laiya and Puerto Galera; and the Bicol islands of Caramoan, to name a few. March’s end came and we were off to a five-hour drive to the shores of Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. Since we were just beginning to explore out-of-town getaways, we decided to choose a vacation package offered by various agents and organizing groups across the web. For this time, we selected PinoyCaravan to be our guide in Nagsasa Cove.

Stopping over at a gas station in Pampanga, just a few minutes after sunrise.

The Outing Series peeps, preparing for the boat ride to paradise.

It was good to pick out organizers for a start since we didn’t want to be preoccupied with essential stuff such as meals and transportation during the trip; we just wanted to have pure sunshine-y fun. Travel packages come quite handy especially for those who just have no time to prepare except for things to bring, and whose outings are typically on weekends to get away from work or academic stress. For PinoyCaravan’s package, we got round-trip transfers from and back to Manila, boat transfers, camping essentials, main meals – most of the things necessary in an out-of-town trip. For a budget of P2,500, it was all good, considering the experience we had for the summer.

Pundaquit Beach, the jump-off point to the beautiful coves of Zambales via boat ride.

The enchanting sight of the ocean will leave you breathless.

Our van arrived at the shores of Pundaquit around 10am and transferred our belongings to the vessel bringing us to the cove. For over an hour we were gently rocked by the ocean waves, slightly showered by droplets from the rain clouds, and greeted by amazing rock formations, lush greenery on the mountain slopes, and stunning grey coasts of the region. From Pundaquit, we passed by the much raved about Anawangin Cove, the scenic Capones Island far out in the sea, and the less popular Agnain and Talisayin Coves, before arriving on the miraculous fine sands of Nagsasa Cove a quarter to noon time. Just a few minutes of settling down we found ourselves embracing the wonderful paradise we set our feet on, absorbing the refreshing views and enjoying the precious moment we were sharing together.

Out in the deep blue sea, a one-hour boat ride to Nagsasa Cove.

Giant rocks emerging from the sea along the way to the cove.

The highlands of Mt. Pundaquit from afar.

Finally arriving at the beach. A lot of travelers were already at the site when we came.

A very welcoming sign for the Outing Series. Summer has officially started!

Lunch time! Look at those generous servings of tasty food..

While we were having lunch, our trusty guides from PinoyCaravan set up the tents beside our cottage and informed us of our next activities for the day. After a bit of rest, we set off to the northern part of the cove, where a river coming from the mountains could be found. This trail eventually leads to a beautiful natural area with a majestic sight of a waterfall. However, due to the high tide during that time, the river water was chest-deep and the other group being guided by the organizers (there was another group who availed of the same package as us) didn’t want to proceed so we ended up turning back and missing out on the adventure. We swore we could’ve been able to push through, but all the same we went back to our campsite.

A moment of relaxation: this seemingly massage center is definitely a hit.

PinoyCaravan crew pitching the tents near our cottage.

A shallow stream on the northern shore.

The river leading to the mountains and a hidden waterfall area.

To make up for the missed opportunity, PinoyCaravan immediately brought the group to the southern portion of the cove, this time for a hike to the mountains for a captivating scene of the whole of Nagsasa, beachfront, mountains, sea and all. There were a lot of landings, each separated from each other by rough trails and steep climbs, and providing glimpses of nature, from distant valleys to boats floating in the deep blue sea. Around seven or eight resting spots later (and two members of our group less, they couldn’t climb any further) and a fast-paced climb induced by adrenaline rush for the last stretch, we found ourselves out of words (and breath) with a panorama worth the tiring trek. It was a marvelous sight to behold; Nagsasa Cove is truly a natural wonder one can have a taste of just about six hours from the Metro. We were definitely rewarded by the success of our first adventure-filled outing.

Hiking for an exquisite view. The trail is barely visible with all the grass around.

Nagsasa Cove. One could never get enough of a sight like this.

After going down the mountains (not an easy task either!), the sun has almost set down. There wasn’t a good enough view of the sunset even though we were directly facing the west from the shore because of too much clouds, but we were guaranteed amazing silhouette shots at the beach. Afternoon and early evening, apparently, were also the period for low tide, so we were able to swim away from the shore without the water getting too deep. We only went back to our cottage when it was already dim, and time for dinner. We also got to experience roasting marshmallows on a bonfire, which is what beach camping shouldn’t miss out on.

I actually do not know why I threw the stick, but it was a good shot anyway.

And of course, the favorite silhouette shot of the group, credits to the one behind the cam.

Dinner’s served! Looking at the picture, you could say we’re not really hungry, right?

Gather ’round the bonfire, and let’s roast a few mallows! A great way to end the night.

The following morning we were supposed to try out the river path again after breakfast, but due to a minor problem from the organizers, we just proceeded to swimming and basking in the sun until noon time. Vendors eventually roamed near our campsite and extended their souvenir items to us, so we occupied ourselves with a little shopping as well. For myself I acquired a few key chains and a nifty set of bow and arrows at a bargained price, which I considered a one-of-a-kind takeaway item for a first. The locals who stay on the cove sell these indigenous items for a living, and they actually have a small sari-sari store (small-scale convenience store) near the campsites for visitors’ refreshment. A few moments later we were aboard the boat again, waving goodbye to the blissful beach and returning to reality hours later. We eventually felt worn out for a while and reminisced the adventure we just encountered through photos and social media updates (this we call the vacation hangover), but we were certain that this would mark the start of our search for more destinations to include in our bucket lists. And definitely, we would like to return and savor the overwhelming coasts of Zambales in the future. Three cheers for new beginnings!

Vast sea and beyond. Lost in thought at the moment, immersed in the summer paradise.

A few poses for the camera!

Ready for departure, eager for the next one. We are the Outing Series group.

More Information

1. Nagsasa Cove is another rising vacation spot next to the more well-known Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales. The main difference is in the size of the cove and distance from Pundaquit Beach. Anawangin is about half an hour to 45 minutes from the shores of Pundaquit, while Nagsasa is over an hour away. Silanguin Cove also offers pristine beaches, but is farther away from the mouth of Nagsasa Cove. To access these hidden treasures via the sea route, one should reach the coastal area of Pundaquit, twenty minutes away from San Antonio town proper, and hire a boat to these areas. You can arrange with the boatmen for your pick-up time from the coves as well, and since there is no signal in these areas, this settlement is crucial lest you want to wait for a random boat dropping by the area. Another more perilous option is to climb up the heights of Mt. Pundaquit for roughly five hours to Anawangin (unsure with Nagsasa), but this route, no matter how hazardous, is the most rewarding when it comes to the view of the cove from up high. To access San Antonio, one must drive to SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) along the National Road, passing Olongapo City and the towns of Subic and Castillejos before reaching the town proper.

2. Both Nagsasa and Anawangin are of minimal development (though the latter is becoming more commercialized, with a growing resort-like area). Cottages, cemented shower and toilet booths, and a sari-sari store are concentrated at the center of the cove, while the locals’ homes are situated farther from the beachfront or on the outskirts of the area. There is no electricity and cellular signal, meaning pure undisturbed holidays away from virtual connections.

3. While there are full meals provided by tour organizers, lone travelers can only feast on snacks and refreshments from the small store, as goods come from the mainland in Pundaquit only a few times during the day. One could probably get friendly with the locals and have a share with their meals, but we haven’t tried this survival method out yet.

4. Some say Anawangin Cove is better since there are a lot of travelers visiting, making it a vibrant beach destination, but others would prefer the more laid-back, quieter Nagsasa Cove. Moreover, since Nagsasa’s opening is farther and narrower from the shore, most people conclude that the waters are safer than in Anawangin. In my opinion, both spots should be tried out not to focus on comparison, but to experience what both coves have to offer to visitors.

5. PinoyCaravan was our organizer during our summer outing in Nagsasa Cove, although upon checking their status earlier this year we found out that they have seemingly “disbanded” without disclosing the reasons. Their website is “hacked” and their FaceBook page has been taken down as well. We haven’t heard from them since after our vacation. When we availed of their package last March 2012, the rate was at P2,300/head for a group of 11. You may try to contact them at pinoy.caravan@yahoo.com.

Update May 2015: PinoyCaravan’s website is back and up. They also have a landline number (+63 2 294-2960) and mobile numbers (Globe +63 915 603-7171 and Smart +63 999 693-7171), as well as an e-mail adress (info@pinoycaravan.com)

6. For further reading on the attractions, visit Pundaquit’s website here. Also, a guide and review for Anawangin Cove by Manilenio.com could be found on this site.

7. This first installment of The Outing Series was organized as Outing 101 for the group’s first-ever travel for 2012. The travel date for this entry is March 31-April 1, 2012. For more of The Outing Series’s adventures, please click on the following links: Outing 102 – Calaguas; Outing 102.5 – Baler; Outing 103 – Palawan; Outing 103.5 – Batad.

 

 

[Nagsasa 20120331]. A complete Outing Series group shot. Taken by our tour guide Mac.

Outing Series spelling out [I Love UP SHARP]. All members are alumni of the organization.

 

Thank you very much, dear reader. Now, a question for you to answer: [In which beach was your first memorable summer getaway?] Rave about your summer escapades below!

 

『lakbaykuno』