Pundaquit's Charm

The name Pundaquit (poon-da-kit) I think is very fitting for the place, mainly because it is really nakaka-akit or charming. See, "akit" is synonymous to charm, or to fascinate, captivate and other similar words you can think of.  I hope you can see for yourself why I can say that the place is such. With this place so near, who can resist?

The view as you approach Nagsasa Cove. Simply breathtaking!

HOW WE GOT THERE

Zambales, specifically Olongapo city, is about 3 hours away from Manila. Pundaquit is a seemingly quiet and sleepy baranggay in the town of San Antonio, a fishing town about 30 minutes to an hour's drive away from Olongapo.

We took a car to get there, via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), taking the San Fernando exit towards the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) towards SBMA to Olongapo.

My dad knew his way to Olongapo and my sister’s boyfriend knew his way around so we didn’t have much of a difficulty finding our way to San Antonio. However, if it’s your first time, best to ask around for directions to Olongapo and San Antonio. Locals are generally helpful; or better yet, hire a tricycle driver to take you to your resort of choice.

You can also take the public bus. Victory Liner has trips to Sta. Cruz and Iba, Zambales, which you can take. Just make sure to tell the bus conductor you will get down at San Antonio town proper (think City Hall, Public Market, etc.). You can hire a tricycle to take you to your resort for as low as PhP 50 to as much as PhP 150, depending on the number of passengers and where your resort is.

WHAT TO DO THERE

Surf or body/boogie board! The town of San Antonio is very well known as a surf spot or jump-off point to other surf spots in the vicinity. You can ask around for board rentals or lessons form locals. This activity of course is dependent on the weather conditions. Best to go during the rainy season, possibly between months of July 'til November.

Go Camping. With Nagsasa Cove and Anawangin Cove just a boat ride away, who can resist the charm and adventure of camping? There are local guides who can assist and join you for a minimal fee. Make sure to agree on the rate and terms for the guide and the boat that will be bringing you to and from the camp spot before departing. Should you decide to just have a boatman bring you to the camp sites, make sure you agree on a pick-up time and get the boatman’s number for any emergency. Do not forget to bring enough food and water, plus do the earth a favor - bring back with you whatever it is that you bring to you when you go camping. Do not leave trash behind.

Seeing Capones and Camara Islands from Pundaquit

Island-hop to Camara and Capones Islands. These can be seen from the shorelines of Pundaquit and can be reached by boat. You can spend the day there or even camp if you’re brave enough to risk the tide and winds. You can ask your resort or hotel for boat rentals they trust and can endorse just to be sure.

Trek to the waterfalls or coves. If you’re into trekking or climbing, then this is the activity for you. You can trek to the Pundaquit Falls or to Anawangin Cove. Just make sure to have a local guide with you should anything unexpected happens.

Anawangin Cove

WHAT TO SEE

Anawangin Cove is possibly the most popular of the attractions in San Antonio. With the sea, the white sand, the pine tree-lined shore, and the beautiful mountain range as backdrop, who wouldn’t find this place beautiful? You can trek going there or take a boat ride, which will take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the water and weather condition. When we went, we found out that the area is already privately owned. However, it's still open for visitors for a minimal fee for the day. There are still camping areas for those who wish to stay overnight and some upgraded facilities for those who may not be able to do potty training in the woods.

Where freshwater meets saltwater at Nagsasa Cove

Nagsasa Cove is more secluded compared to Anawangin as it is farther. It will take you about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get there. The sand is light gray, unlike Anawangin, but the charm of the cove lies in its being secluded. The views are simply breathtaking. In this area is also the point where fresh water (of the mountains) meets saltwater (of the ocean) so the water temperature can get quite interesting in some parts. You can stay here and camp out for a minimal fee. They also have put up toilets for those who are not so comfortable going all out in the camping experience.

The Lighthouse at Capones Island was built in the 1800s and serves as a guide for vessels headed towards Subic Bay (or to farther Corregidor and Manila Bay). Another rather interesting sight.

The Coffee Shop's Jumbo Taco

WHERE TO STAY and EAT

We were only in Pundaquit for two whole days, mostly lounging around in front of our cottage and in Nagsasa, taking in the serenity and the view. Thus, we didn’t get to explore much. We stayed at Sam’s Resort (0919-7033597), a small family-run business. They have about 10 rooms, with 3 to 4 of those in native cottages. Ate Arlene and the rest of the family were very accommodating, and cooked for us at a very reasonable price. With San Antonio being a fishing town, make sure you sample the fresh seafood from the area. 

Capones Vista Resort's rooms facing the pool

You can also opt to stay at Capones Vista Resort or Punta de Uian, more upscale options compared to the smaller resorts in the area.

Make sure to drop by The Coffee Shop at Barrio Barretto in Olongapo City. It’s actually a restaurant and hotel, but they’re known for their mean tacos. One order can be good enough for two, but considering the trip, an order can feed a hungry soul.

C' Italian Dining: Home of the Panizza

On our way home, we also stopped at C’ Italian Dining over at the Perimeter Road in Angeles City (near the Friendship Highway). We’ve heard and read so many good things about it and they were saying it’s where the panizza originated. Heck, even Bonnie Bailey ate there. So we felt we had to try it for ourselves. The ambience was very warm and intriguing that you’ll want to look around. We ordered several kinds of soup and 2 kinds of panizza. We liked the overall experience of the ambience plus the food, though I wouldn’t exactly say we’d yearn to going back.

We weren't able to see Pundaquit Falls, Sinlanguin and Talisayin Coves. Soon, we hope to be able to go back and experience these places.

This 5-year old boy, only standing about three and a half feet in height amazed us as he ripped waves that afternoon.