NAGSASA COVE, SAN ATONIO, ZAMBALES | The 4 Elements of Life - Earth, Fire, Water and Air

NAGSASA COVE | San Antonio, Zambales

Nagsasa Cove, tucked in the heart of Pundaquit, Zambales, dubbed as one of the best camp spots in the north. It is approximately 5 hours away from Manila; combined land and sea transfers. The neigboring islands  - Anawangin, Camara, and Capones are in close proximity, if ever one decides to go on hopping. For people who are looking for a  cool spot, whether to camp for a few days or take a week of restoration - this should be on your list. Locals and exotic tourists find this place as haven of unending tranquility.  More so, an amazingly budget-friendly destination either for a solo happy camper or mad squads.

HOW TO GET TO NAGSASA COVE | 

1. Ride a bus bound for Iba, Zambales. Victory Liner Inc. serves daily trips at several stations. Buses at Monumento terminal departs at midnight, resumes its operation at 4 AM, hourly thereafter. The ones in Cubao depart at 4 AM, and at hourly intervals. Fare is Php 260; travel time takes about 3 ½ hours.
2. Get off at San Antonio, San Narciso town proper and hail a tricycle bound for Barangay Pundaquit. Fare is Php 30/pax; travel time takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
3. From Barangay Pundaquit, several boats are available that offer trips bound for Anawangin Cove, Camara and Nagsasa. You may hire a private boat or join groups (if available) bound for the same destination. Rate varies but usually it is a little less than Php 1500 if you go on solo; travel time takes 45 minutes.

P.O.I.N.T.E.R.S 

• ROUTE | The Manila-Olangapo route can be an alternative choice if Iba is unworkable. You may want to allot a few hours if ever you decide to take this route, as busses need to be filled first in Olangapo before leaving the terminal.
• EARLY BIRD | The earlier you leave Manila, the better. Prioritize an early departure to  avoid the traffic congestion, as several tourists and locals travel home to neighboring provinces in the north.
• STOCK UP | Ensure to pack all your necessities prior departure. Most commodities are either unavailable or sold at a very high price tag in the island. You may buy most of the stuff that you need at San Antonio town.
• GADGETS | Do waterproofing since the boat ride to Nagsasa can be likely rough at post noon. Soaked gadgets, anyone? NO DEAL.
• FEES | Entrance fee - Php 100/ overnight
• CALL A FRIEND | Mobiles are almost useless once the island of Nagsasa is reached, as there will be no phone reception of any kind. If ever you need to phone or text someone, do it just before you hop into the boat. Barangay Pundaquit is the last frontier where intermittent   signals are still available.
• TUGS TUGS | Nagsasa is a very secluded place, especially the campsite on the eastern wing. A festival of sound is a good idea maybe after you have devoured the island’s exclusivity for the whole day. Bonfire party after dinner with your favorite playlist in the background, anyone? DEAL!

No electricity.

No wifi.

Just you and your imaginary baby.

Put on your favorite bikini.

It’ll be all good, honey.

AND, AS ALWAYS, GET LOST!

THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF LIFE | Earth, Fire, Water and Air

E.A.R.T.H | From Ruins to Beauty

The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 could have had almost wreck the beauty of Nagsasa. Several marine lives, natural landscape and woodlands had been impaired, if not were totally eradicated. Years later, a rebirth transpired within the bounds of the cove: There were plants that had been sprouting from the ground, fishes had been swimming again, and land wreckage had been converted into a unique paradise. Today, countless Agoho trees shade the entire shoreline of Nagsasa, extending up to the backwoods while immaculate ashes drape its brim. And, just like an old proverbial expression, "you really can't put a good man down".

The sweeping campsite of Nagsasa

Tail end of Nagsasa's sandbar 

F.I.R.E | Chasing Sunrise

If the timing is right and if a good weather is granted, you'd be able to catch the first few rays of the sun peeping through the sky and behind the mountains. The slicing of the clouds is wondrous but quick. it is like a teaser. Let some seconds pass, and it'll be all up and hidden. Find time to stop and watch this moment, or set up your camera to do the trick for you.

The climate is almost always sunny for the most part of the year, making Nagsasa a favorable destination  for those people who are craving for a tan. Visitors are mostly coming between the months of November - May. Weekdays are still your best bet if you really want to avoid the crowd, but the island is normally uninhabited come sunday afternoon.

Sunrise is like our Jon Snow.
Mainit, inaabangan at nagbabalik.

W.A.T.E.R | Serenity

The untroubled waters of Nagsasa completes the serene feels of being an islander. It is also very ideal for snorkeling and swimming, as you won't have to worry being dragged to the deep slopes. Children as young as three or four were seen enjoying basking in the sun and along the streams of the cove, just in front of the campsite. These flowing knee-deep streams generally serve as tubs of campers. During late afternoon, a few locals are gathered to catch fishes on the shallow part of the sea: daily catch are either being sold to visitors or used for their personal consumption.

Untroubled water

Fishing| Napakarangal na trabaho

A.I.R | A Breather

You have to remember that Nagsasa is a bare island - a simple beautiful terrain. Neither electricity nor any internet reception is available on its territory. I do not know how to put this into words, but I'd say it anyway. NAGSASA IS A BREATHER. If ever you would want to escape life or let not life escape you, do see Nagsasa.

CAMP VIBE | Good Vibe

The best accommodation of choice or by force would be camping. You won't need any premier rooms, as the whole seacoast is all yours. Set up your camping gears, and make use of the ashes as your carpet. Wooden tables are provided for an al fresco dining experience. Al fresco dining, you ask? I say why not, baby :p The beachfront is roomy enough to assemble your veranda; trees are generally scattered in the area, find a pair and tie your hammocks. 

If you know how to start a fire, set up a bonfire at night and meet the stars under the moonlight. Turn on the speakers and play your favorite song, as the milk make galaxy on top of your coffee, beers warming your body, and delicious skewers getting ready. 

Hammock na posero

I will be seeing you again, Nagsasa.

Okay? Okay.