Anawangin: Start of LAKBAY Pinas

The South China Sea waves were mountainous. Our small boat would plunge down on the back of the wave, hit the bottom and would bury its bow into the upcoming wave. The waves were splashing against us, filling the air with spray. Sweating like pigs, grasping tightly to the side of the boat's body and praying so hard every time the huge waves bash our small boat as if it was about to swallow us in a few seconds. It was a mere 20 minute boat ride but it felt like eternity.

 Camara Island

Vicente Camara was the first Filipino Governor of Zambales, appointed by Gen. Aguinaldo in 1898. His term ended upon his surrender to the Americans in 1901. The Camara house is one of a kind built from the strongest local hardwoods, such as molave, yakal and narra. Camara himself together with Ginzaburo Hanaki designed the house with materials personally chosen by the former in 1912. Design was based on the need for ventilation, steep roof made of nipa for coolness. Floor-to-ceiling windows added more ventilation to the house. The main staircase and jambs are made of single, unjoined molave hardwood. During the war, it was used as headquarters by the Japanese. Gen. Yamashita visited the house during the war years. In its yard, the first Caimito, Java Mango, and Mangosteen trees in Zambales were planted.

Be mesmerized by the view of Camara Island with the blue green waters surrounding it while your outrigger boat is approaching the island.

This lesser known island is actually two islands separated by a white sandbar that is only visible during low tides and disappears during high tides.

The rock formations here and the part of the shores filled with pebbles are also good subjects for photography.

Capones Island

This rugged island remains to be my favourite. Although the beach in Capones Island is not good for swimming because of its pebbles and huge waves, the huge rock formations and lush green surroundings here are very scenic. Climbing the cliff will give you an impeccable view of the island and the South China Sea.

At the back of the island, you can also trek the old colonial lighthouse - Faro de Punta Capones for some photo opportunities. There are locals guarding the lonely sentinel, they would certainly appreciate if you bring them extra snacks or magazines to read to ease their boredom.

The Faro (Lighthouse) de Punta Capones on the Island of Grand Capon is a significant lighthouse of the first order. Its light guides ships entering and leaving the port of Manila and Subic Bay. The lighthouse also warns navigators of the rocky shores surrounding the Island of Capones. As a warning beacon, it serves together with the lights situated in the islets of Los Frailes, and Los Jabones as a series of warnings due to the dangers of the surrounding seas as well as the islands close proximity to shore, thereby making the seas very treacherous to unseasoned navigators. As a navigation guide, this lighthouse serves the main artery for ships heading towards China, which therefore makes it a very busy and important shipping route.

Anawangin

      The most famous of the three islands is Anawangin. I stayed here overnight before having island hopping at Capones and Camara.

The beach, were surrounded by yellowish and greenish rolling hills and pine trees up on its grayish-white sand clear blue green waters! The sands of Anawangin Cove are mostly volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo which is also responsible for the pine trees that surrounds it. The eruption basically gave the cove a make-over, reason why some parts of the beach also drops suddenly because the ashes beneath the waters are being moved by the strong current.

Lagoon behind the Cove

One of the main attractions in Anawangin is the clear swamp surrounded by pine trees with a backdrop of rolling tangerine and green hills. But to get to the most picturesque view of Anawangin Cove, you have to hike up the hill on the left side.

These islands used to be secret hideaways of mountaineers but they have now attracted thousands of local tourists. With its rise to fame, they need to be taken care of by the local government, its people and the visitors for the benefit the future generation. Small acts like not leaving your trash in the island will surely help protect them.

Since this is my first out of town trip as a backpacker, surely I enjoyed being with nature to feel the serenity. This time I promised to myself to start my idea of “Amoeba – Lakbayan”

Way Points

By Land

Ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Lines has scheduled trips to those destinations. From their terminal in Sampaloc, it will cost you around P270.00, don’t forget to tell the cashier that you are up to San Antonio only. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.

From San Antonio, ride a tricycle to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, standard rate is P30.00 per passenger.

From Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, in San Antionio, Zambales where a banca to Anawangin can be rented for P1500.00, round trip. It is a 40-45 minutes boat ride.