Camping in Anawangin Cove, Zambales

I visited the Philippines for the first time to meet my girlfriend and take the opportunity to explore the country. Not knowing how to plan the itinerary, I asked her to take charge and include a place where we could trek and, if possible, camp. Being a mountain lover while she adores the beach, we both find peace in these kinds of places. Initially, we considered trekking Mt. Pinatubo, but later realized that Zambales would be the perfect destination to combine both of our preferences. That’s how Anawangin Cove made its way into our itinerary.

Change in Schedule

We originally planned the trip for December 26, 2024, but as with most plans, things didn’t go as expected—it had been raining since the day I arrived. Unfortunately, we had to cancel. However, on December 27, the weather cleared up with a sunny sky, so we added it back to the itinerary. To give you an idea, Anawangin Cove, where we planned to camp, is about a 30-minute boat ride from Pundaquit Beach. If it rains, venturing out to sea becomes impossible due to the high risk of rough tides in such conditions.

Start the trip

So, finally, we have gotten a thumbs up from our camp organizer, whose number I have shared at the end of the blog. Since it's our first time, we didn't pack much; check out the list of things we packed. 

1. Swinwear
2. Blanket (Don't forget this)
3. Sunshades
4. Sunscreen
5. 2 pairs of clothes
6. Snack items to eat
7. Camera or phones
8. Hand Fan
9. A speaker
10. Tripod Stand
11. Selfie Stick
12. Towel
13. Brush
14. Paste
15. Soap
16. Shampoo
17. And a plastic bag to carry wet clothes

Note: Some of the items I’m about to mention might already be provided by the organizer if you’ve booked a package. Make sure to confirm with your organizer before packing. Here’s a list of extras I recommend bringing—or things I wish I had during this camping trip!

1. Own tent (though you will be given one by the organizer, but size varies)
2. Camp Chairs
3. Multipurpose Rope
4. Powerbank
5. Alcohol if you wish to
6. Musquito Repellant
7. Chargers
8. Tissues & Wet Wipes
9. Sanitizer
10. Waterbottle
11. Bottle Opener
12. Knife
13. Torch or flashlight, since there is no electricity
14. Anything to play, like flying disc, volley ball, throwball, etc

Warning: There won't be any cellphone signal, so forget about the internet and social media; just live the moment.  Just ensure to inform your close ones about your availability before you get on the boat in Pundaquit Beach.

If you're a couple, these items will be more than enough. However, if you're traveling as a group of friends or family, I recommend packing additional essentials based on your needs, along with these items. For groups, you can even cook your own meals on-site, as stoves and gas are available for rent (though I’m unsure of the exact cost). Another option is to rent a kubo or cottage for ₱2500, which includes a private toilet and kitchen. Since it was just the two of us, we opted for a camping tent that was already included in our package. Speaking of our package...

The package we opted for

🌊ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES TOUR 🌊

✅ 2D1N : 2,399 / Head 

3 MEALS INCLUDED + UNLI RICE  

📌 Package Inclusions:

• Round-trip Van Transfer (Manila-Zambales-Manila)
• 3 MEALS + Unlimited Rice 
• Round-trip Boat Transfer with life vest
• Campsite at Anawangin Cove 
• Island hopping at Capones Island (Subject to change due to weather conditions and such)
• Sight seeing at Camara Island 
• Tent
• Woods for bonfire
• Cooking utensils
• Charcoal
• Icebox with ice
• Drinking water
• Entrance fee
• Overnight fee
• Free use of Comfort Rooms at campsite
• Gas/Toll fees 

What can we do in the Anawangin Campsite?

🏝Anawangin Cove 

🏝Capones Island

🏝Camara Island 

💙 Optional Activities 💙

⛰ Trekking 

🍌 Banana Boat

🐉 Dragon Boat

🛸 UFO

🚣 Kayak

🏍 Jetski

💙 Occasional Events 💙

🔥 Fire Dance

🎆 Fireworks Display

🎭 Comedy Central

✨ Symphony of Lights

🌫 Fog Party

❄ Foam & Snow Party

💦 Wet wet Disco Party

💙 Amenities 💙

🥏 Takshapoo (Free)

🏊‍♀️ Swimming Pool 

It was 6 hrs drive from Manila, we started at around 11:30PM then halted in Subic for a refresher break, reached Pundaquit beach at around 6am. We are a pack of 8 people from Manila, 6 more people joined us in Pundaquit beach of the same organizer. Totalof 16 people together have boarded a boat and then travelled to the Anawangin Cove, its a 30 mins boat ride very refreshing to see the blue sea and clear sky, one of the best feeling you would experience. 

Pundaquit Beach Pics

At the Camp

Once we reached the cove, we were given bands to keep for entry to the swimming pool and trekking. Then later we were given the tent. So we relaxed for a while. 

In the picture on the right, you can see the tent provided to us. Initially, we were given a smaller one, but after requesting a larger option, we received this more spacious and comfortable tent. If you look closely at the details in both pictures, you can also spot the kubo and cement cottage I mentioned earlier. 

I don’t have pictures of the food, but if your organizer includes meals in your package, there’s no need to worry; they cook well, and the food is good. However, if you plan to buy food from the island management, keep in mind that the prices can be a bit high. It’s better to either cook your own meals or stick with the food provided by your organizer.

We didn’t participate much in the events and mostly kept to ourselves because this trip was more about us than socializing. After we arrived, we headed to the beach, played for a while, and then relaxed in the swimming pool. Around 1 PM, we had lunch, and afterward, we spent some time sitting by the beach, soaking in the serene vibes.

In the evening, we went trekking. The trek cost 50 pesos per person and was quite short, taking just about 15 minutes to climb up. It’s usually crowded during sunset because the view is breathtaking. Make sure to reach the top during the golden hour for some epic pictures. Check out our photos!

Later that night, we bought drinks from the shop nearby—it was 150 PHP for one beer. We enjoyed our drinks and had a good night’s sleep in the tent. Although we attended the comedy night, we didn’t film it and couldn’t wait long for the fire dance since we were too tired and decided to sleep instead.

 The next morning, on the 28th, we were told we’d leave at 9 AM. On our way back, we visited a couple of islands from the boat due to high tides, including Campones Island and another nearby island, before heading back to Pundaquit Beach. The boat ride took about an hour from the Anawangin Campsite.

Finally, the trip ended as we boarded our van and returned to Manila.

Recommendation

I recommend this trip for groups rather than couples or solo travelers. The more people, the more fun you’ll have! However, if you love photography, this is one of the best places to visit, just make sure you bring a good camera to capture those stunning views.

For more details, check out the Organiser's Facebook page.