THE INVITE
One typical afternoon at work, my friend haze sent an instant message and asked me if I wanted to go with her and her coworkers to Anawangin in Iba, Zambales. Some of my colleagues already went to that place and posted pictures on their desktop, which made me all the more curious about the place. News also came to me that it's also a good place to have your pre-nups taken.
HOW TO GET TO ANAWANGIN (Iba, Zambales) from Victory Liner in Cubao
We went to Victory Liner along Edsa near Cubao on a Saturday morning. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it to the 5AM trip in Pasay and so we took a cab from Pasay to the Victory Liner along Edsa. While waiting, you can delight yourself in the tasteful aroma of the famed instant cup noodles (25PhP free with hot water and plastic spoon). As promised by the pretty lady in the ticket booth, the bus arrived at the terminal at 7:30AM (265PhP per passenger going San Antonio).
Stop-over in Olongapo, where you can buy goodies and food. Some vendors also have fresh buko pies (150PhP). There is also a Goldilocks bake shop, just in case you're craving for cakes and sweets.
As we were travelling, I saw the beautiful blue waters at BayView Beach Resort off the highway, near the National Rd. of Olongapo. There's also Johan's Beach and Dive Resort and Driftwood Resort along National Rd.in Olongapo City. Another place where you can stay in is the Subic Pearl Inn, also on the same road near the Olongapo City Police Office.
We got off at San Antonio around 1PM and took a tric ride (30PhP per tric) to Pundaquit (10-15mins.) where the boats are waiting. Pundaquit is the gateway to Anawangin were boats are available. You can look for Mang Jimmy and have a negotiable deal for his boating services. The boat ride from Pundaquit to Anawangin is for 15-20mins. It's best to get on the boat before 1PM to avoid bigger waves.
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| Tricycle Ride from San Antonio to Pundaquit is at 30PhP |
We got into the pink girly boat and put on life vests before heading off to the island. It was a thrill to hear the waves gushing to the shore, as if enticing us to follow them. The boat ride was roughly 20mins.so just enjoy the sparkling blue waters saying hello to visitors.
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Look for Mang Jimmy in Pundaquit for the boats
(negotiable price tour package,
including island hopping to Capones Island) |
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| Boat Ride from Pundaquit to Anawangin is for about 15-20mins. |
ANAWANGIN COVE
The island is everthing we expected. It has tents where the tourists can settle and tables for picnic. There was a water pump where you can clean and wash aside from the toilets available. There are aslo hammocks for sale which you can set-up on the trees to complete the relaxing feel of the new found haven. Anawangin is surrounded by blue waters and the people are not just hospitable but helpful as well.
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| Blue waters, white sand and pine trees |
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| Entrance Fee at 100PhP |
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| Tents for Rent in Anawangin at 400PhP |
ANAWANGIN STREAM and THE WHITE SAND SHORE
We went to a nearby stream and walked barefoot as we feel the embrace of the clear waters. The scenery of calming green mountains and pine trees seems out of the country, like in Marlboro Country commercial.
After that walk to remember, we reached the white sand shore and took the much awaited jump shots. One needs to walk barefoot along a whitesand beach surrounded by mountains and feel the friendly waves embracing your feet... These moments were unforgettably cathartic. These are valuable episodes you will carry in your heart, deserved and definitely worth the hours of expectation.
We walked back to where our pink boat dropped us, and settled on the grey sand as we watch the sun sink into the waters. The silhouette was breath-taking... and the atmosphere is serene. "It was good."
My friends dipped into the night sea while I stayed on dry ground, hehe. After less than an hour, we decided to go back, clean-up and have dinner. More stories in the following posts.
Anawangin Cove is studded with pine trees that sway with the wind. They serve as shelter and refuge for the campers. You will hear the strange sound, something like a gushing wind or a storm closing in to the island... which will give you goosebumps at first. My friends and I kept looking around wondering what the sound was, but after a while, you'll just get used to it. The sound of the pine trees dancing and gliding with each other will reverberate until evening... well until there is strong wind, you will keep hearing them sing. It's a humbling experience on how nature can just quiet your heart and silence your spirit, earning your respect for their voices.
