Anwangin Cove is one of the most beautiful places I have visited. The picturesque view will leave you wanting for more. It's like you're in a different country.
The entire weekend would be enough to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the cove, as well as the other nearby islands. It's better to leave Manila on Friday before midnight and you'll arrive in Anawangin at around 7 or 8 in the morning.
Going on a solo trip, however isn't advisable. Grab at least one friend when going to the cove.
Going there is easy - even someone who doesn't have a very good sense of direction could safely arrive in that place. Take a cab going to Victory Liner bus station in Caloocan and get on the bus bound to San Antonio (Zambales). Tell the driver to drop you off to San Antonio (Landmark: San Antonio Municipal Hall.) Bus fare is between Php 200-300.
From the municipal hall, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Pundaquit. It's just a small village which serves as the drop off point to Anawangin (and Nagsasa, Capones, and Camara). Before hopping in, you can ask the driver if he could refer you to someone with a rent-a-boat business. You'll have 90% chance that they could give you a good referral - most of the drivers and fishermen are friends!
Once in Pundaquit, try to haggle for the boat price (which usually ranges between Php 1,000 - 2,000). It's a small boat that can accommodate around 5 pax. Mr. Fisherman/Boatman will take you to Anawangin and fetch you either at 5PM or on the following day (latest is at 7 o'clock). Additional charge will apply if you'll ask him to take take you to Camara and Capones.
Proposed Itinerary:
Friday:
11PM - ETD (from the bus station)
Saturday:
5AM or 6AM - ETA (San Antonio)
In case you're hungry, there's a small canteen in the area (taste is tolerable)
Your choice if you prefer to go island hopping on the very same day or just take a rest first, swim, and enjoy/explore/ the entire place. You can do the island hopping early in the morning on Sunday.
ETD (from Anawangin)
Saturday: 5PM or
Sunday: noon time
Should you want to have an over night stay in Anawangin, be sure to bring water, food, tissue or wipes, lighter, and flash light with you. Most of the Fishermen/Boat Owners also have the tent-for-rent business, so you can just tell them if you need one. A small tent is less than Php 500 that can accommodate 3 persons (or maybe you can bring your own tent). They'll also help you pitch your tent if you do not know how to.
Find a place that's either near the bathroom or somewhere with lots of trees.
All about Anawangin and Capones (View from the lighthouse: perfect!)
Local vendors also wander around to sell hammock (whose price becomes super lower, like less than Php 100 at around 5PM) and other souvenir items (key chains, pearl jewelries). There's also a small "store" in Anawangin that sells instant noodles (they'll cook it for you, disposable plate and fork included), bread, and softdrinks.
