Updated 2025 • Compare DIY vs group tour for Anawangin & Capones Islands. See real costs, sample itineraries, and travel tips for your perfect weekend island escape.
๐กQuick Answer:
“If you’re traveling with friends (2–6 people), DIY is the best way to explore Anawangin and Capones — it’s cheaper, more flexible, and gives you that raw island vibe that makes Zambales unforgettable.”
๐ Why I Wrote This: My Anawangin & Capones Adventures
My first trip to Anawangin Cove and Capones Island was with a group of mountaineers years ago — back when there were no resorts, no cottages, and just pure wilderness. We pitched tents, cooked over charcoal, and watched the stars with the sound of the waves crashing nearby.
I loved it so much that I went back — this time DIY style with two of my closest friends. No tour groups, no fancy setup — just us, a rented boat, and our weekend backpacks.
Anawangin’s pine-framed beach and Capones’ historic lighthouse still have that rustic charm, even in 2025.
๐ Getting There — DIY via Public Transport (Commuter Style)
1. From Pasay or Cubao take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or San Antonio, Zambales.- Estimated fare (2025): ₱400 – ₱500 (one-way)
- Travel time: ~4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Estimated fare: ₱100 – ₱150 (one-way)
- Travel time: ~15–20 minutes.
- Estimated private boat cost: ₱1,200 – ₱1,800 (one-way) or higher if renting whole trip solo.
- Option: If you join a small shared boat, costs may drop significantly (see DIY Shared group option).
- Set up your tent or rent camping gear (if you didn’t bring your own).
- Pay entrance and environmental fees (~₱150-₱300).
- Camp overnight, swim, hike, explore.
Notes & Tips
- Bus departure: Recommend leaving Manila early morning or late at night (for overnight ride) to maximize your day on the islands.
- Boat scheduling: Weather matters! Mornings tend to have calmer seas — ideal for arrival and return.
- Gear & supplies: Since you’re solo, bring your own essentials (tent, mat, lamp) to save on gear rental.
- Cash: Bring small bills and coins. Remote beaches may not accept cards or mobile pay.
- Communication: There may be no mobile signal on Anawangin or Capones. Inform someone beforehand of your itinerary.
๐ Some boatmen also offer island-hopping stops at Talisayen or Nagsasa for an extra ₱500–₱700.
๐️ What to Expect at Anawangin Cove
Anawangin’s beauty lies in its contrast — pine trees beside the beach, volcanic gray sand, and calm waves perfect for swimming or kayaking.
When we camped, we arrived early morning, pitched our tents near the pine grove, and spent the day swimming and exploring. The small hill at the right side of the cove gives a great panoramic view — perfect for sunrise or sunset photos.
๐ Highlights:
- Camping by the beach under pine trees
- Bonfire and stargazing at night
- Morning trek to the viewpoint
- Swimming in calm, clear waters
๐️ Camping Fees (2025):
- Entrance Fee: ₱150–₱200/person
- Overnight Camping Fee: ₱100/person
- Tent Rental (optional): ₱200–₱300
๐ก There’s no electricity, so bring a flashlight and power bank.
๐️ Exploring Capones Island
From Anawangin, we took a short 20-minute boat ride to Capones Island, famous for its Spanish-era lighthouse and rugged beauty.
The island is rocky, so wear sturdy sandals or aqua shoes. The short hike up to the lighthouse takes about 15–20 minutes, but the view — a mix of turquoise sea and cliffside greens — is worth every step.
๐ What to See:
- Capones Lighthouse (built in the late 1800s)
- Clifftop ocean views
- White sand cove on the western side
- Great photo spots for sunrise and sunset
๐ธ If you visit early, you can have the lighthouse all to yourself.
๐ฐ Realistic Budget (DIY, 2025)
| Item | Estimated Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Bus (Manila ↔ San Antonio) | ₱800 (RT) |
| Tricycle (Market ↔ Pundaquit) | ₱100 |
| Boat rental (shared among 3) | ₱900 |
| Camping + entrance fees | ₱250 |
| Meals & water | ₱400 |
| Tent rental (optional) | ₱250 |
| Total (2D1N DIY Trip) | ₱2,400 – ₱2,700/person |
⚖️ DIY vs Tour Package: Which One’s Better?
| Comparison | DIY Trip (My Way) | Joiner Tour Package (Common 2025 Offer) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₱2,000–₱2,700/person | ₱2,800–₱3,500/person |
| Group Size | 2–6 people (flexible) | 10–15 people (shared van & boat) |
| Transportation | Public bus + tricycle | Roundtrip private van from Manila |
| Boat Transfers | Directly arranged with locals | Included in package |
| Meals | BYO or cook at campsite | Usually 2 meals + drinking water included |
| Camping Gear | Bring or rent on-site | Tent + mat provided |
| Entrance & Fees | Pay separately | Usually included |
| Flexibility | High — choose your own pace | Fixed itinerary & schedule |
| Vibe | Quiet, more private, adventurous | Social, convenient, less hassle |
| Ideal For | Friends who like DIY adventures | Solo travelers or first-timers |
If you’re a small group (2–6 people), DIY is more budget-friendly and flexible — you control your time and spend less overall.
If you’re traveling solo or prefer everything pre-arranged, joiner tours are worth it for convenience and safety.
๐️ Sample 2D1N DIY Itinerary
๐ Day 1 — Manila to Anawangin Cove
- 4:00 AM – Bus to San Antonio
- 8:30 AM – Arrive in Pundaquit, take boat to Anawangin
- 9:30 AM – Set up camp, swim, and explore
- 4:30 PM – Short trek to viewpoint for sunset
- 7:00 PM – Dinner + bonfire night under the stars
๐️ Day 2 — Capones Island + Back to Manila
- 6:00 AM – Sunrise breakfast by the beach
- 8:00 AM – Boat to Capones Island
- 8:30 AM – Hike to lighthouse, explore the island
- 11:00 AM – Return to Pundaquit, quick lunch
- 1:00 PM – Head back to Manila
๐ What to Pack
- ๐ Dry bag & extra plastic for wet clothes
- ๐️ Tent, sleeping mat, and blanket
- ๐ Power bank / flashlight
- ๐ด Utensils & food containers
- ๐งด Sunscreen & insect repellent
- ๐ง 2–3 liters of drinking water
- ๐ Trekking sandals or aqua shoes
๐ก There’s no signal on most parts of Anawangin and Capones — perfect for a digital detox weekend.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
DIY Trip (Recommended for 2–6 people)
✅
Cheaper when shared
✅
Flexible and more adventurous
✅
Choose your own pace and camping spot
❌
Requires coordination & advance planning
❌
Limited facilities
Group Tour (for comparison)
✅
Hassle-free logistics
✅
Best for solo travelers
❌
More expensive per person
❌
Fixed itinerary
๐ธ Money-Saving Tips
- Bring your own tent & cook your own meals
- Travel with 3–5 friends to share boat costs
- Visit on weekdays for cheaper boat rates
- Pack refillable water bottles and snacks from San Antonio Market
๐ธ Budget Travel Tip
Bring a portable butane stove or share one with a friend. It saves time, lets you cook hot meals, and you’ll avoid overpaying for cooked food at the campsite (₱150–₱200 per meal).
๐ Details from Previous Trips
- On Capones Island: The lack of shade meant we used rocks for cover and sand-boarding became a fun extra. No accommodations, no shops, no signal — pure nature.
- On Anawangin: Camping under pine trees, waking up to calm water, trekking to the viewpoint — memorable. On my second trip, the smaller group made it quieter but we also hit a minor hiccup in the boat ride home (reminder: always agree pickup time).
- Boat ride safety: My second trip had a moment where our boat stalled mid-sea — life vests and experienced bangkeros matter.
- Market stop: Bought groceries in San Antonio before Pundaquit to save money and bring home-cooked adobo instead of relying on camp meals.
๐ Anawangin and Capones remind me why I fell in love with local travel — it’s not about luxury, it’s about simplicity. When you go DIY, every detail — from pitching your tent to cooking breakfast by the shore — becomes part of the adventure.
Whether you’re hiking up Capones Lighthouse, camping under pine trees in Anawangin, or simply floating in crystal-clear water with no signal and no deadlines, this Zambales escape reminds you that the best moments come from simplicity.
It’s a place to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature — the true spirit of lakwatsa.
๐ฟ Lakwatserang Ligaw Tip“When the wheels move early and the group is light, you’ll get the freshest beach moments and the tightest budget number. Board the first boat, grab the first campsite under the pines — memories are richer when you’re ahead of the crowd.”
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