Zambales
Pristine coves, camping beaches, island hopping, and surfing spots just hours from Manila.
Highlights
Famous crescent-shaped cove with fine volcanic ash sand and pine-like agoho trees, perfect for camping under the stars.
Quieter alternative to Anawangin with pristine beaches, clear waters, and stunning sunset views ideal for peaceful camping.
Explore Capones Island with its historic lighthouse, Camara Island's rock formations, and Talisayen Cove from Pundaquit.
San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe offer consistent waves year-round for beginner to intermediate surfers.
Top Attractions
Anawangin Cove
Beach & CampingA secluded crescent-shaped cove 185km from Manila, famous for its unique landscape of volcanic ash sand and agoho trees creating a pine forest-like atmosphere. Perfect for overnight camping with basic facilities.
Tip: Bring camping gear or rent on-site. Book boat transfers in advance during peak season. Environmental fee applies. Best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Nagsasa Cove
Beach & CampingA more peaceful alternative to Anawangin, featuring picturesque hills, clear beaches, and spectacular sunsets. Less crowded with a serene atmosphere perfect for nature lovers and campers.
Tip: Bring all camping supplies as facilities are more basic than Anawangin. Sunset views are spectacular. Combine with Anawangin in a day trip or camp at both.
Capones Island
Island & LighthouseSmall island featuring a historic Spanish-era lighthouse with panoramic views. Clear waters perfect for snorkeling with diverse marine life and coral formations.
Tip: Climb the lighthouse for 360-degree views. Bring snorkeling gear. Usually included in island-hopping packages from Pundaquit. Watch for strong currents.
Camara Island
IslandScenic island with unique rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling spots. Less visited than Capones, offering a more secluded experience.
Tip: Best for snorkeling and photography. Bring underwater camera. Usually part of island-hopping tours. Limited shade, bring sun protection.
Talisayen Cove
BeachHidden gem with pristine white sand beach and turquoise waters. Less developed and quieter than Anawangin, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Tip: Bring food and water as no facilities available. Best combined with other coves in island-hopping tour. Great for swimming and relaxation.
San Antonio Surfing Beaches
SurfingSan Narciso, San Felipe, and San Antonio offer consistent waves year-round for beginner to intermediate surfers.
Tip: Best waves during habagat (southwest monsoon) season June-October. Surf schools offer lessons for beginners. Liwa Beach is popular for surfing.
Pundaquit Beach
Beach & Jump-off PointMain jump-off point for island hopping and cove tours. Quiet fishing village with local charm, offering boat rentals and tour packages.
Tip: Negotiate boat rates in advance. Register at barangay hall. Early morning departures recommended. Parking available for private vehicles.
Potipot Island
IslandSmall island in Candelaria with white sand beaches and clear waters. Perfect for day trips with swimming, snorkeling, and beach activities.
Tip: Entrance and environmental fees apply. Bring food and drinks. No overnight camping allowed. Best visited during calm weather.
Where to Stay
Camping experience with tent rentals available on-site. Basic facilities with communal comfort rooms and outdoor showers.
Ideal for: Campers, Adventure seekers, Budget travelers, Groups
₱300-800/tent/night
Tent Rental at Anawangin
Basic tents with sleeping mats. Bring own camping gear or rent on-site.
Tent Rental at Nagsasa
More basic facilities than Anawangin. Quieter atmosphere.
Simple lodges and guesthouses near the boat jump-off point. Basic amenities with fan rooms and shared bathrooms.
Ideal for: Budget travelers, Early boat departures, Island hoppers
₱500-1,200/night
Pundaquit Beach Lodges
Fan rooms, basic amenities, walking distance to boat area.
Local Guesthouses
Simple accommodations with local hospitality.
Beachfront resorts and surf camps with air-conditioned rooms, restaurants, and tour services. Good balance of comfort and value.
Ideal for: Families, Surfers, Weekend getaways, Comfort seekers
₱1,500-3,500/night
Beachfront Surf Resorts
AC rooms, restaurant, surf lessons, board rentals.
San Antonio Beach Resorts
Pool, restaurant, tour desk, comfortable rooms.
Surf-focused accommodations with direct beach access. Includes surf schools, board storage, and beachfront dining.
Ideal for: Surfers, Beach lovers, Active travelers
₱1,800-4,000/night
Liwa Surf Camps
Beachfront location, surf lessons, board rentals, restaurant.
San Narciso Beach Resorts
Comfortable rooms, beach access, tour arrangements.
- Dry Season (November-May): Best for camping, island hopping, and beach activities with calm seas and sunny weather.
- Surfing Season (June-October): Southwest monsoon brings consistent waves for surfing, though seas can be rougher for island hopping.
- Peak Season (December-April): Expect crowds at Anawangin and Nagsasa, especially on weekends and holidays. Book boats in advance.
- Weekdays: Much quieter at popular coves. Better rates and more peaceful camping experience.
- From Manila by Bus: Victory Liner from Pasay, Cubao, or Caloocan to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales (4-5 hours, ₱300-500). Get off at San Antonio.
- Tricycle to Pundaquit: From San Antonio town to Pundaquit jump-off point (15-20 minutes, ₱50-100 per person or ₱200-300 charter).
- Boat to Coves: From Pundaquit to Anawangin (30-40 minutes, ₱1,500-2,500 per boat for 5-6 people). Nagsasa is 10-15 minutes further.
- Private Car: 4-5 hours from Manila via NLEX-SCTEX-Subic exit, then coastal road to San Antonio. Parking available in Pundaquit (₱50-100/day).
- Island Hopping Packages: Full-day tours covering multiple islands typically ₱1,800-2,500 per boat (5-6 people). Includes Capones, Camara, and coves.
- Boat Rental: ₱1,500-2,500 per boat (5-6 people) to Anawangin/Nagsasa. Island hopping packages ₱1,800-3,000.
- Camping Fees: Anawangin environmental fee ₱100-150/person. Tent rental ₱300-800/night if not bringing own.
- Accommodations: Budget lodges ₱500-1,200, mid-range resorts ₱1,500-4,000 per night.
- Food: Bring supplies for camping. Restaurants in San Antonio ₱150-400 per meal. Limited options at coves.
- Surfing: Board rental ₱300-500/day. Surf lessons ₱800-1,500 per session.
- Budget Estimate: ₱2,000-3,500 per person for 2D/1N camping trip including transport, boat, fees, and food.
- Bring camping gear or rent on-site. Sleeping bags, flashlights, and portable chargers essential as electricity is limited.
- Pack all food and drinking water for camping. Limited stores at coves. Bring trash bags and practice Leave No Trace.
- Sun protection crucial: sunscreen, hats, rash guards. Strong sun exposure on beaches and boats.
- Book boats in advance during peak season and weekends. Weather can affect boat operations, especially during monsoon.
- Respect local communities and environment. Follow camping rules, dispose of waste properly, and support local businesses.
- Check weather forecasts before traveling. Rough seas can cancel boat trips. Have flexible plans during rainy season.