Jess Roams Around Zambales

Booked a trip from Cebu to Clark and just planning to have a chill vacation at La Union. But due to typhoon, we decided to head to Zambales which is just 3 hours ride from the Clark airport. So here is a simple trip we had but a very extraordinary place to explore.

Transportation

Booked a trip at Cebu Pac from Cebu going to Clark Airport

1. From the airport, we rode a bus going to Olongapo. The Bus is just few meters away and no need to ride a van going to DAU Terminal. Duration of the ride is 1 hour. Fare: 200 PHP.
2. From Olongapo Terminal, rode a bus going to San Antonio. Duration of the ride is 2 hours. Fare: 58 aircon bus
3. Tricycle from San Antonio to Pundaquit resort. Fare 30 PHP

Since we arrived at night and the trip going to San Antonio will took us 2 hours and the accommodation at Olongapo is way cheaper than at the San Antonio, we decided to just stay at Olongapo. We bought some biscuits and chips since the goods at Pundaquit is expensive. I recommend to buy some stuffs at Olongapo specially when you are on a tight budget.

Places we visited

We didn’t book our accommodation and island hopping tour ahead as the trip was just planned. Good thing the tricycle driver asked us if we have already booked and told us to inquire to the boatman first.

Camara Island

Walking in between 2 islands facing each other and where the waves on opposite direction kisses each other. Can you imagine that? The place is a beauty indeed. White and fine sand, calm waves, rocks that are grouped perfectly. But I hope we do our part in making the island clean. Dispose our garbage properly instead of leaving them on the island or any acts that can damage the place. Not just in this island, but everywhere we go.

 Capones Island

Swimming in the clear water while big waves washes the worries away plus, a breathtaking view of the mountains will surely leave you in awe. This place has a lighthouse, but we weren’t able to look at it as the boatman told us that it is still under renovation.

Owning this place 💓

Anawangin Cove

The famous cove and boatman told us not to stay too long at the previous 2 islands as Anawangin will surely make us want to stay longer. Tall pine like trees instead of palm trees, but they are actually agoho trees, crystalized black sand instead of the usual white sands. There are no roads leading to Anawangin. It is only accessible by 30 minute boat ride from Pundaquit or by 6 hour trek through hot open trails thru Pundaquit range. Love this island and will surely be back to this place again. Locals never lie when they told us we would want to stay longer to this place.

You can stay at the island for a night but don’t expect there will be a fancy resort. Bring a tent or rent a tent. There are plenty of CRs at the place but don’t forget to bring some food. For us since it was raining, we just decided to stay at Pundaquit.

          Entrance Fee: 70 PHP

          Rent a tent: 250 PHP

          Stay overnight: 120 PHP
          Boat ride from Pundaquit: to the 3 islands: 1500 PHP

Black crystallized sand due to Mt Pinatubo's eruption 

Since it is off season, they only have instant noodles in the store

I fell in love with this place and this one is my favorite! It's amazing in actual I swear

Spring water feeding the sea

Baguio Feels

Nagsasa Cove

1 hour boat ride from Pundaquit and you’ll arrive to the beautiful island, Nagsasa. The place was huge and in the left most part facing the sea, you can climb up to see the breathtaking view. The sand is also black same as in Anawangin and locals told us that it was due to Mt Pinatubo’s eruption that lava spurred down to this place. You can also find a marsh same as in Anawanign but the view is much bigger, and it feels like you are in abroad just seeing the pine like trees. In the right most part of the marsh, the water becomes hot. Don’t panic same as what we felt that time as the heat was normal as per the local due to some volcanic structure of the place. You can also visit Nagsasa falls and the duration of the trek is 4 hours.

          Entrance Fee: 70 PHP

          Rent a tent: 250 PHP

          Stay overnight: 120 PHP
          Boat ride from Pundaquit to Nagsasa Cove: 1800 PHP

stairs at the beginning of the trail

the climb was not that hard but the heat of the sun makes it a bit challenging

finally reached the top

in awe with the beauty of nature

when the picture cannot give justice to the beauty of the place. It feels like you are at the other country feels.

When I wanted to get near but the water becomes hot 😅

exploring the other side of the place

Pundaquit Falls

Just few meters away from the Pundaquit beach and just ask the locals where it is. Or you can follow the streaming sound of the water. Boatman told us if we want a guide but it was just near and we are out of budget. No entrance fee and the refreshing water will really cool you after a sunny trip to the islands.

waterfall jumping

Pundaquit Beach

Ending our day with a beautiful view, the sunset.

Accommodation:

Olongapo

Sunshine Lodge – if you are on a tight budget, then you can try staying for a night at this place. We looked and stopped by at this place and the whole vicinity reeks of cigarette smoke. The room was not that pleasant to stay, and the CR is also in bad condition just by looking at it. But who cares if you are just staying for a night right?

          Price: 600 per night good for 2 persons

City Inn – just a few meters away from the bus terminal. The place was clean and comfy and good enough to stay for a night. They also have TV and wifi. Our first choice was actually Sunshine Lodge but chose to just stay at this place coz of a way too different atmosphere and the difference of price was not that big.

          Price: 800 per night good for 2 persons

just took a photograph when we are already in the bus ✌

Pundaquit

Pub n Surf – Beachfront and a good place to stay. There is also restaurant at the place but quite pricey.

          Price: 1,300 PHP good for 2 persons (Discounted price) original price during peak season is 1,800 PHP

we also tried to eat at this place which is just a few meters away

when we already knew what BLT means 😂

Tip💡: Not sure if it will be a good idea to go to this place on off season but for me, it was the best. No crowd and you can really enjoy the islands to yourselves. Accommodation at Pundaquit was expensive I must say. Maybe because I was used to the cheap accommodations especially those in Visayas and Mindanao. But during off season, you can haggle to get big discounts. The only thing that you’ll be worrying is the bad weather though.

for more pics on our travel, you may check #JessRoamsAround #JessRoamsAroundZambales on Instagram