Mt. Pundaquit | Trek to Anawangin Cove

Last April, after visiting Romblon, Zambales was my next destination according to my planner.  Just one week interval and here we go. . . . Earth Day on Mt. Pundaquit then going to Anawangin Cove. That was my first trek here in Northern Luzon.  After few hours of travel, we've witnessed the real beauty of the province.

Early in the morning, the confirmed attendees met at Victory Liner Cubao - EDSA Southbound.  That was my first time to meet the other members of Batang Hamog Mountaineers.  I already knew some faces, but then this is the first time that I'll be joining them to this extreme adventure.  Anyways, from Victory Liner Cubao, we travel few hours going to Victory Liner Bus terminal (Olongapo City).  Then, waited the other group which will be coming from Baguio City.  So, so save time, while others are waiting for them, we bought everything first at the market, near the terminal with our Gapo Guide, Narayan.  We also took our breakfast in the nearby food chain.

Mt. Pundaquit and Mt. Anawangin is the perfect way to visit Anawangin Cove, well, this is just for  trekking enthusiasts.  While walking on the flat surface in the entrance by the mountain, you can see its gorgeous scenery that awaits to be discovered.  Mountain's entrance is just ten minutes from the shore of Brgy. Pundaquit; the trail passes across grasslands and shrub lands in the area.  On the trail, you will witness the virgin floras that will inspire you!


 photo taken on the summit of Mt. Pundaquit

The time I reached the summit, I saw the gorgeous Zambales. From afar, the white sand beache stretches on the shore of San Antonio. The breeze is cool, the air is fresh, the surroundings is covered with green grass and trees, the color of the water changes as the waves running towards the shore.

According to my research, the name Anawangin came from the Ilokano word "nuang" which means carabao and I think that's the reason why I kept seeing Carabao's poops on the trail.  The trail also has river like rocky area, bamboo, trees or even ornamental plants like a garden. 

The trail descending from the summit was a bit challenging because my shoes don't have spikes and no other way to control my pace but to descend running, that was few meters. Photo above is a wide river, since it's summer time, no water on this river, you can enjoy walking on the boulders, you can feel the fresh air and green trees around the area.

After the heartaches, skin aches, foot aches and other aches, we finally reached the Final Destination - Anawangin Cove.  It was a tiring day, but when I saw the area, I was amazed! The shore has white sand, crystal clear waters and the breeze was cool, making the ambiance really energetic. Pitched the tents and started socials. In the evening, the people were walking by the beach, having night parties, and night swimming.

What to Bring | Hiking to Pundaquit is a bit challenging because it depends on the season. Be reminded of the following: YOURSELF with confidence, camera, trail water, trail food, sun block, Arm warmer (for summer,) cap or umbrella (during summer.)

Setting your expectations | In Anawangin Cove camp site, there's water source, comfort rooms and shower rooms.  If you want to buy snacks? there's sari-sari store but the price is gold. I suggest, you buy everything first before going to the island.

How to Get Here, Here's what we did | We rode in one of the buses of Victory Liner Cubao (EDSA Southbound) going to Victory Liner Station in Olongapo City, Zambales.  The, we rode in an Ordinary Bus to the Municipal Hall of San Antonio, Zambales. Then, rode in a tricycle going to the shore, travel time was within 15 minutes. Drivers already know the jump off.