2025 Travel Guide, Bangka Rates, Tips & Real Talk
🏕️ Anawangin & Capones Islands: My First Camping Trip, Real Talk & Tips
When I first visited Anawangin and Capones Islands, I joined a group of mountaineers my work friend knew. I was young, open to adventure, and didn’t think twice—even after being told there would be no phone signal, electricity, or proper toilets. That didn’t bother me at all. I grew up with none of those luxuries, and I could live without them again. The bonus? We had a car—so transporting all our camping gear wasn’t a problem.
📍 Where Is Anawangin Cove?
Anawangin is part of San Antonio, Zambales, just 4 to 5 hours from Metro Manila. It’s only accessible by boat or by trekking — and that’s part of the charm.
🎒 First Camping Experience
We brought our own tents and personal gear. I didn’t have a tent, but thankfully a kind colleague let me borrow one. With a tent slung over one shoulder and a backpack on the other, we met the group.
It was my first time joining people outside my usual circle, and my first time with mountaineers—fun, respectful, and environmentally conscious. I noticed how disciplined they were, especially in caring for nature. My friend said, “That’s how mountaineers are,” and I admired them for it. 🏔️
They told us not to bring food and just contribute a small amount. The guys handled everything—from shopping at the market to preparing and cooking our meals. We were pampered! All us girls had to do was pitch our tents, change into swimsuits, and dive into the water.🌅
It was a carefree cycle: swim, eat, laugh, swim again. With nature as our backdrop, time slowed down. We stayed in the water until sunset, helped set the dinner table, and then swam some more. I don’t remember what time I fell asleep, but I do remember the calming soundscape of crickets, waves, and rustling leaves.🏕
🌴 Quick Stop at Capones Island
Capones is just a small islet near Anawangin — so tiny you can walk around it in one go! It’s mostly exposed to the sun with no trees for shade, so we ended up hiding behind giant rocks to cool off. 🪨🌞
There’s an old lighthouse on the island — it looks quite historic and photogenic, though I’m not sure if it’s still accessible for climbing. 🏯
What stood out for me was the sandboarding! 🏄♂️ One of the guys in our group brought his own board and even tried to teach me. It was a quick ride — fun, but so short I didn’t even get to learn the basics (LOL). Still, it made for a cool story and a lot of laughs.
🛶 I Came Back for More
Four months later, my friend and I invited another colleague and returned—this time commuting! I was excited. For me, commuting is part of the fun.
We packed light and brought home-cooked food like adobo and rice to avoid cooking at the campsite. We met early at Victory Liner Terminal in Pasay, bound for Iba, Zambales.
🚍 How to Get to Anawangin (DIY Style)
Step 1: Bus from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales
- From Pasay or Cubao, ride a Victory Liner bus to Iba or Santa Cruz, Zambales
- Get
off at San Antonio Public Market
Step 2: San Antonio to Pundaquit
- Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach, the jump-off point for island hopping
Step 3: Boat to Anawangin Cove
- At
Pundaquit, rent a boat to Anawangin or for island hopping
⛵ Boat to Anawangin with Capones stop
🌊 The Scary-but-Real Boat Story
On our second trip, the boat suddenly stalled mid-sea. My heart dropped. We clung to the boat as the bangkero smiled calmly—clearly used to this. I scanned the distance thinking, “Can I swim to that mountain?” 😅 Thankfully, the boat restarted after a few tense minutes. Lesson: Always wear your life vest and go for experienced boatmen.
🧭 Suggested Overnight Itinerary
Day 1
- Early morning bus to Zambales
- Buy supplies in San Antonio
- Head to Pundaquit & ride boat to Anawangin
- Set up camp
- Swim, trek to viewpoint, chill
- Bonfire & stargazing
Day 2
- Sunrise walk
- Island hopping to Capones, Nagsasa, Talisayen
- Head back to Pundaquit by noon
- Late lunch in San Antonio or Olongapo
- Travel back to Manila
🏝️ What to Bring to Anawangin Island
✔️ Tent and mat
✔️
Drinking water
✔️
Power bank
✔️
Snacks/meals (food stalls limited)
✔️
Flashlight
✔️
Trash bags (Leave No Trace)
✔️
Swimwear & dry clothes
✔️
Personal meds & toiletries
✔️
Patience 😄 (Especially on crowded weekends)
📵 Important: There’s no signal in Anawangin. Before your boatman leaves, agree on exact pickup time for the next day.
🏖️ What to Do in Anawangin
🌊 Swim and chill by the
beach
📸
Watch the sunset (it’s magical!)
🚶♀️ Trek to the viewdeck
🔥
Bonfire nights
⛺️
Sleep under the stars
🛶
Side trip to Capones Island – white sand & lighthouse
This is camping time! No hotels, just beach camps.
⛺ Camping Options:- Bring your own tent or rent on-site (₱300–₱500 per night)
- Entrance fee to Anawangin: ₱100–₱150
- Campsites usually offer:
- CR/shower access
- Small sari-sari stores
- Grilling areas
- Bonfire spots
🔦 No electricity at night — bring power banks, flashlights, and extra water.
🗺️ Island Hopping Spots (DIY Tour)
If you have time, make sure to do the island hopping package. We only went to Capones after Anawangin and that took us 2 days to fully enjoy it.
🏕️ Anawangin Cove
- Unique pine trees by the beach
- Great for sunrise walks, chill dips, stargazing
- Go
trekking up the viewpoint for IG-worthy shots
👉 Check my post about Anawangin and for more photos here >>
🏝️ Nagsasa Cove
- Quieter and more remote than Anawangin
- Perfect for peaceful swimming and kayaking
🏖️ Talisayen Cove
- More serene, fewer tourists
- Great for couples or solo travelers looking to write, paint, or reflect
🌄 Capones Island
- Famous for its lighthouse and rocky shores
- Perfect for photo ops and short hikes
- No
overnight stays, just a day visit
👉 Check my post about Capones and for more photos here >>
🍳 Food & Essentials (DIY Hacks)
- Bring your own food and water (cheaper and safer)
- Or buy fresh fish/ingredients at San Antonio Market before heading to Pundaquit
- Some camps offer cooking services (₱100–₱200) or meals for ₱150–₱200
- Bring snacks, rice, canned goods, and drinking water
📌 What to Bring for DIY Anawangin Camping
- 🏕️ Tent, sleeping bag/mat
- 🍱 Portable stove, utensils, cooler, food
- 💡 Flashlight/headlamp, power banks
- 🧼 Towel, toiletries, tissue, alcohol
- 🧴 Sunscreen, insect repellent
- 🧢 Hat, shades, extra clothes
- 🛟 Dry bag & waterproof phone case
- 🧻 Eco-friendly trash bags (Leave No Trace!)
🌙 Real Talk: Second Trip Was… Different 😅
With just us three, the vibe was quieter… maybe too quiet. We swam, explored a bit, but slept early—tired from the long trip. And sadly, this time the other campers were rowdier, shouting till midnight. Nature still gave me peace though: crickets, the rustling trees, and gentle waves.
The next morning, our boatman came as scheduled, but we had to skip Capones because one of us wasn’t feeling well. There was… a little tension (LOL), and the boat ride home felt sooo long!
🏞️ On the Way Back
Our boatman arrived as agreed, but my friend had a bad stomach cramp. Though my other friend and I wanted to explore Capones Island, we decided to skip it. The boat ride home felt long and awkward—one of those “I-want-to-laugh-but-can’t” moments.
🚍 How to Get Back to Manila
• From Pundaquit, ride a tricycle to San Antonio
Market
• From there, catch a Victory Liner bus bound for Pasay or Cubao
💰
Fare (2025): ₱400–₱450
💡
Travel early to avoid long queues on weekends
💬 Is It Safe?
Yes—but be smart:
✔️
Wear your life vest at sea
✔️
Don’t leave valuables unattended
✔️
Check the weather before going
✔️
Travel in groups when possible
✔️
Choose experienced boatmen
🌟 Pro Tip: Don’t always go for the cheapest boat. The extra ₱500 for a safer, sturdier boat is worth your peace of mind.
The charm of Anawangin Cove lies in its simplicity. No electricity, no signal, no frills — just waves, wind, stars, and stillness. It’s not for everyone, but for me, it's a grounding place where I can reconnect with nature and unplug from the noise of the world.
I’ve been there twice now — once with a wild, fun bunch of mountaineers, and again with just two friends and some home-cooked adobo. Both trips were wildly different, but each left me with memories I’ll never forget (and some sunburns too, LOL). 🏖️
Capones Island may be tiny, but it holds a special spot in my travel stories — from hiding under rocks for shade to attempting (and failing) sandboarding, it’s always worth the stop.
The crowd may change, but the cove remains magical. And I hope, for everyone’s sake, we all keep it that way — clean, quiet, and cared for. 🌿
🎒 Planning your own Anawangin adventure?
Got questions on where to ride, how much to budget, or what to bring?
💌 Drop a comment below or DM me — I’d be happy to share tips or help you connect with a bangkero!
✅ If you’ve already been, let me know how your trip went! Did you also get scared mid-sea? (Haha) Or did you meet new friends under the stars? Share your story below!
Let’s keep promoting local eco-travel — and make sure these hidden gems remain as untouched and soul-refreshing for the next wanderer. 🌊✨
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Great Post Menchu! Makes me want to go to Zambales!! Your pictures are so beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jamie! Please do visit not only Zambales but other beautiful places in my country. If ever you need help in planning, let me know :)
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