ANAWANGIN AT OFF PEAK

Zambales coast taken from Capones island

Finally, I got to go to the beach! It's not during peak season, but at least, my inner merman got a well deserved break.

Capones island beachfront

The trip was early in the morning and the group I went out with met up at a burger joint along Quezon Avenue at dawn. By six a.m. we reached the Zambales coastline to board outriggers to Anawangin.

love that shoreline... Capones island

The boat ride would have taken just a few minutes but we went on a side trip to Capones island passing through Sapatos island along the way. We were a thrill seeking group of weekend travelers pursuing different career paths. But we were all one in seeking that few days of rest and recreation away from the demands of work. Either that, or we just needed to feel salt water and sand on our skin. High waves not withstanding.

Anawangin shoreline

But once we got to Anawangin, we all jumped off the banca, waves seeping up our thighs to set up camp. I knew I had to waterproof all my stuff so my dry pack was very handy. The good thing about travelling off peak is that we get to enjoy the place all to ourselves. 

Agoho forrest

The sand was mostly white in the islands we visited. Anawangin's coastline, however, is green and lush with Agoho trees that quite resemble pine trees. The barreling waves brought about by the weather system made swimming an adventure... like swimming in a washing machine! Oh, but what fun!

waterfalls in Anawangin

We trekked inland to swim  in a waterfall pool as well. Our young guides were only too willing to take us to some secluded spots earning a little pocket money for school on the side. The next morning was a trek up the hill to view the lovely coastline. I skipped this one, though. I wanted to luxuriate in the almost empty shower rooms that must be teeming with users on any given summer day.

There are areas that are privately operated as lodging sites. So there are choices as far as accommodations are concerned. If you're on a shoes string budget, camp out. There are also beach huts that go for P350.00/day. There are also open fire pits where one can cook but do the grocery in town lest you grow hungry. There's lots to do and see and before I knew it, the weekend was over...