Text by Lester Castaneda
Photos by Mie Botin
We craved outdoor activities and a break from our daily routine as our pandemic isolation eased. I’ve been looking for places where I can get to paradise quickly. They claim that the province of Zambales can provide the ideal nature adventure break. Anawangin Cove is said to be home to many magnificent natural attractions, and it is the ideal location for a budget-friendly adventure and road trip.
Anawangin is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Anawangin Cove has long been a top Philippine tourist destination.
How to Get There ( By Land)
Anawangin Cove is in the city of San Antonio, Zambales. You can take public buses from Tarlac to Olongapo and from Olongapo to San Antonio Zambales in about 5 hours. If you prefer to travel by car, as we did, the trip will take no more than 3–4 hours via SCTex. An early trip is preferable to take advantage of the scenery and cool breeze in the morning, which I only used to imagine while watching those shared experiences on YouTube and TikTok.
The destination and Adventure
Anawangin’s crescent-shaped cove has a pristine white sand beach and breathtaking scenery. The remoteness of the location has kept it relatively undeveloped, save for a few huts and deep wells. Anawangin will not disappoint if you want a white sand beach, a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, a simple way of life, no Internet, just you and nature. A pine forest and natural springs feeding from the sea are located behind the beautiful beach.
We spent two days at Anawangin Lake Resort. They provide lodging there, and there are other options nearby. However, we decided to pitch a tent because it was free and we were looking for adventure. Unfortunately were soaked because the weather refused to cooperate that evening. My recommendation is to bring a large, waterproof tent as well as portable necessities to meet your basic needs. Keep in mind that the area lacks a communication signal, cutting you off from your hectic city life. Because you’ll be traveling a long distance, bring prepared meals, a portable cooking set, and any other supplies you might need, such as a first aid kit. It is preferable to make a hotel reservation if you intend to bring children.
On our first morning, we decided to go trekking, which I consider to be my best experience. It’s difficult because of the steep trails, especially for beginners, but it’s worth a shot. Plus, it made me sweat and realize how much I need to do cardio exercises more often; I definitely lost weight on that trek. The exciting part is that when you reach the top, you will feel nostalgic and fulfilled as you see the entire view of Anawangin Cove. Truly a beautiful creation of God that you must experience and share. As you realize how beautiful nature is, you will realize that what they say is true: when you appreciate and breathe nature, you will be able to forget about all your worries and problems.
On our second day on the island, we spend time exploring and taking photos at Anawangin Lake. As I gazed out at the lake early in the morning, I was energized and beaming. It reminds me of the movies and photos we watch when we need a break from the hectic world around us. Our trip would not be complete without a swim at their beautiful beach. Then we start filling our phones with Instagram-worthy photos. Because there is no signal on the island, I took advantage of the opportunity to engage in physical activities and spend quality time with my partner. I can’t wait to return to this sanctuary because it gives me much-needed rest and allows me to reconnect with nature.
Things to Explore and Do In the Island
- Swimming
- Camping
- Trekking
- Snorkeling
- Boating
- Photo shoots
- Picnics
- Star Gazing
