Before I begin, here is a video on Best Islands of Zambales - Anawangin Cove, Capones Island, Camara Island, and Canoe Beach Resort
Video Credits: Travel Now Asia via Youtube
Travel makes me feel alive. I always see to it that I travel locally at least once or twice a year. I want to do it as often as I can. However, the problem is money and time. My salary is not enough to cover all of my expenses. I am suffering from a chronic disease, and half of my salary proceeds to my maintenance medicines and other things. That is why right now, I am looking for new ways to make money online so I can support all of my needs and help my family as well. Zambales is one of my favorite travel destinations in Central Luzon, Philippines. It is only a few hours away from Manila which makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and leisure.
Where To Go in Zambales
Zambales has a total of 13 municipalities, and 1 urbanized city which is called Olangapo City. If you want to visit it, continue reading this post.
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Anawangin Cove
Image Credits: thepoortraveler
There are many tourist spots that you can visit near Metro Manila. It is surrounded by provinces with scenic views. Zambales boasts some of the most beautiful islands in Luzon, and one of these is Anawangin Cove. Anawangin Cove is located in San Antonio, Zambales. San Antonio is loved by many because of its accessibility and remarkable beaches. However, it is not stretched by white powdery sand, but with volcanic ash, which makes it stand out from the rest. You can stay in Anawangin Cove overnight by renting a cottage or Kubo. Make sure to bring some mosquito repellant, tent and water bottles to name a few.
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Capones Island
Image Credits: inquirer
Capones Island or Grand Capon is yet another island you can visit in Zambales. It has white sand beaches that are favorable for camping and swimming. There are no establishments on the island, so if you want to stay overnight, you have to bring your tent as well as food and water supply.
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Camara Island
Image Credits: nicerioadventures
Camara Island is 20 minutes away from Pundaquit. It is a perfect place to take photos. They say that swimming is not safe because of the shifting of sands. A lot of rocks, too, so better bring a pair of aqua shoes. The best time to go to Camara Island is during the summer season because the waters are calmer.
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Casa San Miguel
Image Credits: inquirer
The once sleepy town of San Antonio, Zambales is now gaining its popularity because of the beautiful beaches in the area. After enjoying the beach, you can visit a retreat house called Casa San Miguel. It showcases the rich heritage of the town. Also, you can see some displays of the Ming Dynasty and other things.
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Subic Bay Freeport
Image Credits: Wikipedia
Subic Freeport Zone is my go-to place in Zambales. I have been there a few times, and I won't ever get tired of visiting this place. If you are a food lover, there are many cafes and restaurants to try here. One of my favorites would be Texas Joe.
Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else."
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Botolan Resettlement Site
Image Credits: topsimages
If you do not like hitting the beach, you may go to Botolan Resettlement Site. You can interact with the people in the Aeta Village. They were relocated in Botolan when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991. You can go hiking, too, to see a fantastic view of Mount Pinatubo's crater.
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Silanguin Cove
Image Credits: thepoortraveler
People who want to avoid the crowd in Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove may go to Silanguin Cove. It is quite far from Pundaquit, though. It does not have a white sand beach, but it has a nice backdrop.
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El Kabayo Waterfalls
Image Credits: playintourist
One of the most accessible waterfalls in Subic Bay is El Kabayo Waterfalls. From the entrance, you have to hike which will take about 20 minutes. There are picnic tables in the area. You can bring in some cooked meals or get some raw food and have it cooked by the caretaker.
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Nagsasa Cove
Image Credits: thepoortraveler
Nagsasa Cove is considered as the twin sister of Anawangin Cove, but Anawangin is more crowded compared to Nagsasa Cove. But as time goes by, Nagsasa Cove is getting more popular. It may not boast a stretch of white powdery sand, but you will love the scenic mountains for sure. Take note that there is no mobile phone service in the area, but if you want some quiet time and relaxation, consider going to Nagsasa Cove. The best time to go here is from December to April. Besides camping, you can do cliff-jumping and swimming.
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Potipot Island
Image Credits: freelancermariagrace
Two weeks ago, I went to Potipot Island with my newfound friends. It has been in my bucket list for a long time. That is why I am so happy that I was able to tick it off from my bucket list. It was a 4-5 hour travel time from Manila to Candelaria, Zambales via private car. We stayed in Dawal Beach Resort, and I enjoyed every sunset that I witnessed. Then on our second stay in Candelaria, we went to Potipot Island. The sand was kind of soft, and powdery. However, the local government should put more efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the island. But overall, I enjoyed it.
Here is yet another video you need to see before I say my final thoughts on Awesome Spots in Zambales | A Few Hours Drive From Manila
Video Credits: Chief Makoi via Youtube
Final Thoughts
Besides this list, there are other places you can go to in Zambales such as Capones Lighthouse, Mt. Tapulao, Ina Poon Bato, Ramon Magsaysay's Ancestral House, and The Hellships Memorial among others. Make sure to pack everything you need specifically if you will camp out in one of the islands mentioned above.
Thank you for reading, guys! God bless us all!
Written by: freelancermariagrace for Bitlanders
