Nagsasa and Anawangin Coves Place guide

Nagsasa and Anawangin Coves in Iba, Zambales offer fine beaches and picturesque nature views to weary city residents. Trip Guru recommends these coves to hurried travelers and adventurers who wish to have a short but stand out holiday just outside Manila.

Both Anawangin and Nagsasa feature white sand beaches and clear waters. In addition to their postcard-perfect views, the locations are made more notable by flourishing agoho trees. The trees, with their pine-like appearance and the fine white sand under their canopy, give the coves the illusion of having a cold climate. Travelers can also enjoy a short trek to the nearby marsh, waterfalls, and pine forest.

There is no signal in the coves, so feel free to keep yourself engaged with the beauty of nature during your stay. Make the most out of your getaway by snorkeling, watching the sunset, having dinner by a beach bonfire, stargazing, camping out, jogging in the morning, and birdwatching. You can also check out Capones and Camara islands on the boat ride back to Pundaquit Beach. As an act of courtesy to the environment and to the friendly locals who call the coves home, travelers are encouraged to be responsible with their trash.

Anawangin and Nagsasa coves are, in fact, found on the island of Luzon. However, there are no roads leading to either location. The coves can only be reached via a 30-minute boat ride or a 6-hour trek through the Pundaquit range.  From Manila, you can begin your journey to the coves by taking a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba, Zambales. The trip costs about PHP 270 and takes about 2.5 to 4 hours. Once you get to the municipal hall of San Antonio, you can take a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach, the jump off point for the coves. Boats to Nagsasa can be rented by 4 people for around PHP 2000, round trip. There are no accommodations in the area, so travelers can either pitch a tent on the beach or go back to Pundaquit for the night.  Don’t forget to inform your boat driver of your accommodation plans, just to be safe.