As I come close to the waters of Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, my eyes go huge and my reaction is "Wow... Look at that water... it's blue!"
As we get on the boat, I see several islands from a distance, I remember that our trip was to visit Camara and Capones Island then camp out at Nagsasa Cove.
1st stop: Camara island
There isn't much to say since we didn't stay too long. We we're too excited to see Capones island so we moved forward quite quickly.
2nd stop: Capones Island
To get ashore Capones Island, we had to swim about 5ft or so of water because the boat cannot get close enough because of the rocks.
There's also a bit of a hike to get to the famous Light House at the top of the island.
Last stop and Camp site: Nagsasa Cove
It takes about an hour and a half of boat ride from Capones Island to Nagsasa cove and around an hour from Pundaquit to Nagsasa cove.
It's nice that the beach is clean. It's very well taken care of by the locals.
There is also a water fall that you could trek to if you have the time. Our boatman advised us that the charge for the guide was 100php per pax and the walk would take about an hour. He also mentioned that we could go snorkeling at "Coral beach" if we had the gear for it.
Things you have to remember:
- The island has little source of electricity so it would be best to bring candles, flashlights and lamps. You could also rent solar lights from your bangkero for 100php.
- There are little cottages for rent for 100php but they are only for eating; none to sleep in. It would be best to bring your own tent or rent one for 250php.
- There are bathrooms, comfort rooms and sinks available with clean running water. I believe this is where your 100php "entrance fee" goes to.
- It would be best to buy everything you need at San Antonio because stuff at Nagsasa is expensive. Drinking water costs 300php per gallon when you could get it for 50php only. The wood for your bonfire is 200php when it's only 100php in town.
Things to bring:
- Set of clothes, slippers, etc. (waterproof everything)
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Portable Speakers and power banks
- Jacket/blanket/pillow
- Flashlight/headlamp/candles/matches/lighter
- Mess kit/eating utensils
- Personal stuff (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Umbrella/hat
- Sunblock
- Cook-set/charcoal
Estimated budget (2 days; 1 night)
P260 / person: Bus fare from Caloocan to San Antonio, Zambales
P30 / person: Tricycle fare from San Antonio to Pundaquit
P500 / person: Boat ride from Pundaquit to Nagsasa Cove (Camara and Capones)
P100 / person: "Entrance Fee"
P30 / person: Tricycle fare from Pundaquit to San Antonio
P98 / person: Bus fare from San Antonio to Olongapo
P202 / person: Bus fare from Olongapo to Caloocan
P300 / person: Food/water/supply budget
Total: 1,520 to 1,800 per person
Itinerary (2days, 1 night)
Day 1:
- 03:00 Call time; Victory Liner Caloocan; Breakfast
- 04:00 ETD (Caloocan to Iba, Zambales bus)
- 08:00 ETA at San Antonio, Zambales; Buy food and supplies at the market
- 08:30 ETD (San Antonio to Pundaquit)
- 08:45 ETA at Pandaquit; Change to shorts and slippers
- 09:00 ETD (Pandaquit to Island Hopping)
- 10:00 ETA (Camara and Capones Island)
- 01:00 ETA (Nagsasa Cove) Eat packed lunch; Set up Camp
- 01:30 REST! Free time!
- 05:00 Wash up and prepare dinner
- 06:30 Dinner
- 07:00 Socializing; Bonfire; ETC.
- Lights out when you want to! ;)
Day 2:
- 06:00 Wake up; Prepare breakfast
- 07:00 Breakfast
- 07:30 Free time; Trekking to Waterfalls or Snorkeling
- 10:30 Prepare Lunch
- 12:00 Lunch
- 12:30 Pack up
- 01:00 ETD (Nagsasa cove to Pundaquit)
- 02:00 ETA (Pundaquit) Fix stuff and change to shoes/pants
- 02:15 ETD (Pundaquit to San Antonio)
- 02:45 ETD (San Antonio to Olongapo)
- 03:45 ETA (Olongapo)
- 04:00 ETD (Olongapo to Caloocan)
- 07:00 ETA (Caloocan)
You can contact kuya Rowel Cabasan (0916-6490847) for the boat rentals and fees.
