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How to get to Anawangin Cove, Zambales

Posted by on Jun 3, 2012 in Beach, Roadtrip, Travel Tips | 40 comments

I’ve been asked several times recently how to get to Anawangin Cove from Manila. I decided to put a little post together with the very simple directions of how to get to Anawangin.

I will give you two options 1) by Private Vehicle and 2) by Public Transportation

Travel Times

Along with directions, I also get the question “how long does it take to get there.” That question of course depends on the following considerations:

1) What time of the day you leave Manila. As you guess there is a big difference when you start your trip at 5am, 7am, 9am, or any time after that. As the morning/day progresses your travel time will lengthen as more vehicles (specifically tricycles) occupy the road. Another
2) How fast you drive. I need not explain.

Depending on your answers to #1 and #2 above, the answer is… “it depends.”

For me, I like leaving Manila very early. And I drive very… very fast. So I can make the trip to Anawangin leaving Manila at around 5am in around 2 and a half hours. Give or take.

The Map

Having a visual of where to pass is always handy.


View Anawangin Cove, Zambales in a larger map

 

The Directions (by private vehicle)

1) Head to NLEX. I like passing the new Mindanao Avenue route. Passing through EDSA then turning right at Balintawak is always a bottle neck because its such a narrow one lane road with all the buses.

2) Head to the end of NLEX past the Dao exit then head for the SCTEX.

3) Follow the signs to the SCTEX.

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4) Be sure to NOT to head towards Tarlac. Be sure to head towards Subic which is heading to the right.

5) Exit at Subic. Pass through Subic and head for the gate at the extreme end of Dewey Street.

6) Exit Subic. You should see the Olongapo Public Cemetery in front of you. Turn Left.

7) Stay on the road. You will be passing through a number of towns on the way including; Subic Town, Castillejos, the San Marcelino. (you might also see some signs heading towards Iba).

NOTE: Depending on the time of day, from Subic to San Antonio, Zambales would take around 45 min to an hour.

8) When you reach San Marcelino, at the public market you will see an intersection. If you head straight you will be headed towards Iba. You should turn left to San Antonio.

9) When you get to San Antonio, head straight till you see the Municipal Hall and the Church. At the end of the main road you should turn LEFT.

10) Follow the signs headed to Pundaquit. The streets are parallel and perpendicular to one another so you should find the road.

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11) When you reach Pundaquit Beach… I suggest you keep on following the road till you see parking areas to your left. Park the car then inquire about boats to Anawangin.  Parking is (well, used to be the last time I was there) around P50 for the day.

12) This is where your negotiation skills come into play. Some charge per head, some for the whole boat. Don’t ask me what the cost will be… that is up to you. If you look at the comments page of this post, there is a guy who posted the boat rates. Bahala ka na.

13) Optionally, you could hike across the mountains to Anawangin. No, I have never done this, and will never do this. So I can’t help you here.

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The Directions (by public transportation)

While asked many times about how to get here via public transportation, I really have never done it. These directions are not out of experience, but through one of my best friends who grew up in San Antonio, Zambales.

1) Take a bus to San Antonio, Zambales. The prices may have changed, but as far as we know, it is currently P250/person for Victory Liner from the Pasay City or Cubao stations.

Depending on the time of day, the trip from Manila to San Antonio should take you anywhere from 2.5 hours to 5 hours.

2) When you get to San Antonio, you can take a tricycle to Pundaquit. If you are a big group you probably might be able to negotiate for a jeep at the town center to bring you to Pundaquit.

3) Get a boat from Pundaquit as staed at #12 above.

Enjoy.

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I’ve been to Anawangin Twice in past few years. You can review my blog posts for reference:

http://lakwatsero.me/2010/01/10/anawangin-cove-zambales-january-9-2010/

http://lakwatsero.me/2010/06/05/capones-island-and-to-anawangin-cove-zambales-june-1-2010/

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