Zambales: Capones Island

The neighboring island of Camara is the Capones Island, one of the best attraction in Pundaquit because of its Spanish-era Lighthouse that lies on top of the island.

There are two ways to get to the lighthouse:

• On the Eastern shore of the Island (much safer way since waves are calm), a 45 minutes trekking will be done on the island’s grassy hills and rocky cliffs. I would suggest that you go on this route if you want to bring your slr/cameras since the other route is too risky to bring that.

Eastern shore 

• On the Southwestern shore of the Island, a 20 minutes trekking will be done but strong waves and rocky shore won’t make easy to the tourist to get off in their boats.

Southwestern shore 

Since we didn’t know the two routes, our boatmen dropped us on the southwestern shore,I and my friend dared to bring our camera to the island. It was too risky bringing cameras as huge waves crashed the seaside full of rocks. We got some injuries but at last, the cameras were safe but a little wet.

On the island, it was a bit difficult to walk because the pathways to the lighthouse are composed of rocks. Tips, I would require you to bring water and wear durable slippers. You can also bring your phone since there are cellular signals in the Island.

From the rocky shore, walked on the stone stairs and here’s what you can see - a golden cogon grass which add a dramatic effect in the place with a scenery of blue sky and ocean. J   

Before reaching the lighthouse, we entered a forest-like that led us to the gate of the lighthouse.

Reaching the peak of the lighthouse is the highlight of the island which give us a 360 degrees view of the coast of Zambales. A perfect and amazing view. J

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Zambales 2012: Anawangin, Camara, Capones, Nagsasa

How to get there:

Going to Anawangin Cove, Camara, Capones, Nagsasa Cove, Talisayin Cove and Silanguin Cove is very easy.

From Manila:

To go to San Antonio, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Liner has a scheduled trips in those destination. Then, Get off at the town of San Antonio. Travel time is 3-4 hours via NLEX and SCTEX.

Alternative route is a bus bound to Olongapo. Victory Liner has also scheduled trips here. Then, ride a Non-airconditioned bus (Victory Liner) from Olongapo to Iba, travel time is 1 hour.

From San Antonio, you can shop for other necessities here in their public market beside the municipal hall. Then, ride a tricycle to Pundaquit.

Our Contact Person: Mang Johnny,               +639202224687        . He will fetch you in San Antonio.

What to do:

·         Island Hopping: (Camara, Capones, Nagsasa, Anawangin Talisayin Cove and Silanguin Cove) 

·         Trekking (Anawangin and Capones)

·         Swimming

·         Photography

·         Star gazing

·         Bonfire. In Nagsasa, they offer bonfire for 100 php. 

Tips:

·        Bring flashlights and extra batteries in your camera since there are no electricity and network signal
      in Nagsasa and Anawangin Island.

·         Camping fee in Nagsasa is 100 php while in Anawangin is 50 php.

·         Hire a local guide to the Nagsasa Waterfalls.

·         Bring enough water and foods.

·         You can rent a kerosene lamp in Nagsasa Cove for P80.

·         Bring a water proof case for your gadgets.

·         Hire Mang Johnny, he also offer their house to take a bath after your trip. 

      Contact number:             +639202224687      

Itinerary:

Day 1

1100PM – 1200AM: Assembly – Victory Liner Pasay
1200AM – 0245AM: Manila to Olongapo
0245AM – 0430AM: Breakfast in Olongapo /Wait for bus to San Antonio

0430AM – 0530AM: Olongapo to San Antonio

0530AM – 0630AM: Wait for Mang Johnny/Meet boatman/Shop for other necessities

0630AM – 0645AM: San Antonio to Pundaquit

0645AM – 0700AM: San Antonio to Camara

0700AM – 0730AM: Explore Camara

0730AM – 0800AM: Camara to Capones

0800AM – 0900AM: Explore to Capones Lighthouse

0900AM – 1000AM: Capones to Nagsasa

1000AM – 1200 PM: Rest and Lunch

1200PM – 0400PM: Free Time

0400PM – 0600PM: Explore Nagsasa

0600PM – 0700PM: Prepare Dinner

0700PM – 0730PM: Star Gaze

0730PM – 0830PM: Dinner and Bonfire

0830PM – 0900PM: Prepare to sleep

Day 2
0700AM – 0800AM: Breakfast
0800AM – 0900AM: Packup 
0900AM – 1000AM: Nagsasa to Anawangin

1000AM – 1230PM: Trek

1230PM – 0130PM: Swim and explore Anawangin

0130PM – 0215PM: Anawangin to Pundaquit

0215PM – 0300PM: Wash up

0300PM – 0315PM: Pundaquit to San Antonio

0315PM – 0400PM: San Antonio to Olongapo

0400PM – 0430PM: Late Lunch

0430PM – 0730PM: Olongapo to Manila

Individual Cost:

P 218.00 / pax – Bus from Manila to Olongapo (Victory Liner)

P   44.00 / pax – Non-airconditioned bus from Olongapo to San Antonio (Victory Liner)

P   25.00 / pax – tricycle (San Antonio to Pundakit)

P 500.00 / pax – Boat ride (Round Trip)

P 100.00 / pax – Tent

P 100.00 / pax – Entrance Fee, Nagsasa Cove

P   25.00 / pax – tricycle (Pundakit to San Antonio)

P   44.00 / pax – Non-airconditioned bus from San Antonio to Olongapo (Victory Liner) 

P 218.00 / pax – Bus from Olongapo to Manila (Victory Liner)

P 719.50 / pax – Miscellaneous

P1993.50 TOTAL

Breakdown of miscellaneous (good for 4 pax):

P 475.00 – Toiletries

P 882.75 – Food

P   32.00 – fare (for shopping)

P   90.00 – fare (taxi to Victory Liner)

P 316.00 – breakfast (Chowking)

P   83.00 – rice grains

P   25.00 – ice

P 100.00 – bonfire

P 200.00 – tip to boatman

P 630.00– lunch (KFC)

P 45.00 – candies

P2878.75 TOTAL

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Zambales: Camara Island

Camara Island is situated in Region 3: Pundaquit Zambales. It is our first stop-over since it is the closest and accessible island in the shores of Pundaquit and less than 15 minutes to travel. The island is like a giant rock in the middle of the sea. It has superb rock formations and white sand. As of its rock formations it is not hard to find scenic spots for a great photo shoot. 

My favorite rock formation.

The water is so clear. 

I dunno what's this. :) 

7 o'clock in the morning but there are a lot of tourists already.

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