Long Journey To Anawangin Cove

The Anawangin Cove is located in San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines. The place is known for its off white sand beach, fresh clean water, historical places and lush forest. I've been to Zambales several times but it was my first time to visit Anawangin cove.

Going to Anawangin cove is only a 20 minute boat ride from the town of San Antonio but we opted to take the long way in the rocky mountain of Mt. Pundaquit. We left the beach house very early in the morning and started to walk to catch the sunrise at the summit. We passed by streams, boulders, weeds and grasslands. The forest is said to be inhabited by "tamaraw" , a mammal similar to water buffalo and so we have to be cautious.

It's getting too late and we have to rush to the summit to catch the sunrise. We stopped once in a while to rehydrate, take pictures, feel the breeze while enjoying the greenery around.

And yes woohoo! We did caught the first light of the day at the summit and the feeling was wonderful. The view of the Anawangin Cove was breathtaking, which made us all eager to get down and find out more of what's in stored for us!

We went along valleys and rocks again, the streams were dry due to dry spell during summer and it was really a tough descending hike. I suddenly felt the heat of the sun burning on my skin and so we have to make it fast before we get fried.

At the sight of water flowing between tall pine trees, my exhaustion suddenly passed out. I know we're almost at the campsite and it made me regain my strength. The pine trees which crossed my path made me wonder how were these trees existed on a rocky mountain?

I made a small research about the existence of pine trees in the area. Mt Pundaquit was supposed to be a rocky mountain but due to the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo  , the seeds were thrown together with the ash falls, and through  the years these trees were spread throughout the island, the ash falls covered its beaches which made the place more incomparable.

 

We frolic in the beach for a while, ate lunch and enjoyed several ice cream on stick after the 4 hour trek. We pitched tent, took a nap and later took pictures around the place. Time came when the boatman arrived and told us we have to leave. So off we went to the boat and started to sail on the clear blue sea.

We passed by several huge rock formations and as I see them I can't imagine how these rocks were formed and can't count how many thousands of years before these rocks emerged from the oceanic abyss. My sudden encounter with a sea turtle that I saw wandering in the water or might be finding a place where it could lay eggs just vanished just before I could take snap on my camera. The splashes of waves on the boat added more thrill to the adventure before the boat docked on the shore.

Well it's time to get off the boat, I glanced at the water again and smiled and thanked the heaven for another memorable adventure.

How to get there? 
Take Victory Liner from Manila bound for Iba, Zambales, get off at San Antonio public market then take a motor tricycle going to Pundaquit. There are no roads for public transportation going to Anawangin, only boats have access to the cove, which can be easily rented in Pundaquit shore.
If you're planning to go on an overnight stay in Anawangin Cove, bring your tent, water, food, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent and camera! If you're planning to hike on Mt. Pundaquit just ask the locals and they can guide you.  HAVE FUN!

Canimog Island Hop

The beautiful and secluded island of Canimog is situated in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, Philippines. The municipality was named after a rich woman Dona Mercedes who was dedicated in helping the community especially the needy. The place is known for its group of island which are blessed with white sand beaches, fish sanctuaries, underwater natural resources and rock formations. And I was fortunate to visit one of its island... the Canimog.

Beach bum.

The adventure started with a 30 minute boat ride from the port which pumps adrenaline due to billows that we came across and I can't help but scream and feel the splash of salty water on my face. And when the boat docked on its shore, I was stunned by the beauty of the place. There were some villagers on the shore when we arrived and  helped us get off the boat.  They also help maintain cleanliness in the place and guide tourists around the island.

Long Canimog beach.

                                                                               
We pitched tent, frolic in the sea and waited for the tide to subside to get a view of what the villagers has been boasting about. When the water went on a low level, we went to the other side of the island and there we saw naturals pools! And within it were different kinds, colors, and shapes of corals in its crystal clear water. I haven't seen such an enchanting place and it was like I was in a mermaid's kingdom. We took a dip from one pool to another and even walk on coral bed!

Mermaid's haven.

Sadly we have to leave the place before the tide rises or we may never get back to boat. This island has something special to be proud of. The white sand beach, the natural pools, the corals, all of these comprises Canimog and it made me feel I'm a mermaid for once in my  life!

Mermaid walking.

Mercedes, Camarines Norte is approximately 350 kms south of Manila and 6 hour travel by land. There are commercial flights which takes about 45 minutes, air-conditioned buses which leaves Manila daily. Canimog Island is the neighbor island of Calaguas so if you have plans of going to Calaguas, why not try hopping onto Canimog!

NOTE: There are no lodging in Canimog Island, bring your tent and food if you're planning to stay overnight. 

Thank you for reading!