Summer is raging here in our corner in the Philippines. There are times when it feels like we’re being baked in the heat, and being out in the middle of the day almost feels like torture nowadays. But while a lot of people prefer the cool weather of Tagaytay or Baguio, for me and some of my friends, we opted to bake under the heat of the sun – while in the water. :p
So I’d seen this Metrodeal travel package to Anawangin Cove several times in the past, an overnight camping trip to the island with a side trip to Camara, and all for the cheap price of P888. I’ve always been the backpacker traveler, and camping is one of my ideal way to go. Roughing it, sleeping on the ground, under the moon and the stars, no AC, perhaps complete darkness and silence in the middle of the night – perfect, right?
So anyway, after seeing that specific Metrodeal page a few times and pondering whether I should go, I gathered a few of my friends, bought 6 vouchers for us, and finally booked the trip.
A Few Basics
The tour provider was MDJC Travel Services, and the package included a round-trip boat ride, tent for 2 pax and a set of Monobloc table and chairs, and 1 lunch and 1 dinner with disposable utensils. Travel to Zambales isn’t part of the package, but the travel agency partners with a van provider that offers a round-trip rate of P700 per pax. There’s also a P100 camping fee, which is another exclusion.
The Travel
So we were picked up at Boni Pioneer around 1am (there were 16 of us in the van), and we were in Zambales around 5am. We stopped over in a 7-11 store to buy stuff (water, snacks, etc.), and then proceeded to the port, where we were asked to change to our swim clothes.
First Stop: The Camara Island Side Trip
Camara is a small island with large rocks that make for a great photo backdrop. We stayed there for around 30 minutes, posing for photos while the sun wasn’t completely up yet.
One highlight of our side trip was meeting three ladies who were dressed up like fairies, wearing the same dresses with flowers crowned on their heads. Of course, we couldn’t not take photos with them. We could only hope we’d remain as fun as these ladies when we grow older.
The Main Destination: Anawangin Cove
After about 30 minutes, we were off to the main island to start the adventure. We were all excited to be in the water and to finally enjoy the summer. So here are some facts:
- The place was great. The sand was white grayish, not as fine as in Boracay but just as wonderful. And the sea was pristine – in some parts bluish, in others greenish, and it was the perfect summer beach water.
- There were a looot of people. I expected a great number of beachgoers and campers, but even the crowd that I saw in photos online did not prepare me for the size of the crowd in the island – perhaps around a thousand campers. But it didn’t feel that crowded actually, and we got past the initial shock in no time.
- The easy and fun part: The staff set up the tent. The lunch and dinner provided were ‘sulit’ and good, actually. They cook the meal right in the island and serve them hot, so yay!
- The not-so-easy part: The experience gave us a semi-true camping experience, despite the 2 meals already prepared and provided for us. Because other than those services I mentioned, we were by ourselves for the most part. We had to create a bonfire to heat water for coffee and noodles. And when it got dark, we had to provide for our own light because the only available lamp posts were located in common areas like the bathroom area. As for the rest, each to his own. It was exciting, to a certain extent. And it was a good things my friends were ready (I was sort of not, haha!). But we survived!
First day, we went swimming. Went climbing the rocks on one end of the cove for some photos, enjoyed dipping in the water, and had fun catching up and pondering about our own lives while peeling and eating Indian mangos. We met a few people, but we mostly stuck to ourselves to have fun.
During the night, we made bonfire (or at least the guys did), drank beer, continued our stories, blasted some music, and had a fit laughing while watching two of my friends grooved to some loud beats. Then we slept soundly to the sound of hushed conversations in the background from all the other campers surrounding us.
In the morning, we woke up early to climb the mountain on the other end of the cove. It was a steep climb, but mostly manageable. The red soil stained our sweaty palms, and there were a few times when some of my friends stumbled and slid because of slippery inclines, but we reached the top mostly in great shape. That’s when I saw that on the other side of the mountain, there was another cove. Or perhaps it’s actually a bigger cove, with the mountain creating some sort of divide in the middle.
This is the other side of the mountain, another cove in itself. There doesn’t seem to be anyone in there, though.
View from the top of the mountain. You could see a lake in the island (right side), which adds another interesting feature to the place.
Breathtaking. Simply breathtaking.
It was breathtaking up there, with the cold breeze blowing on our hot skin and the world below looking small and insignificant. For a little while, I felt detached, existing only in that plane, and feeling like I had a teeny tiny grasp of what really is the important thing in the world, until that feeling was drowned by the voices of all the people around me trying to enjoy the view. It felt heavenly, and flitting, like all good things are, perhaps.
But here’s another good thing we encountered up there – a guy proposing to a girl on top of the mountain, with all their friends holding signs that read ‘Will You Marry Me?’ It was a good climb.
Upon getting back to shore, we decided to take one last swim before the boat comes to fetch us at 11am. And so we said goodbye, traveled back to Manila, and went back to our daily schedules.
Last Notes
Have some cash ready when you travel to Anawangin. Some basic items can cost a little more than usual in the island. A block of ice costs P60, and a bundle of wood for fire costs around P150. Small tip: go out of the camping grounds and find stores along the shore – these items are a bit cheaper there.
Kitchen utensils such as pans may be borrowed, but there’s a deposit fee of P200. Bring some matches, or maybe charcoal, as well as dishwashing soap and sponge. And of course, drinking water.
There are several comfort rooms and shower rooms, and there are separate areas for men and women. However, expect that you’ll have to experience waiting in line at one point or another, especially if there are many campers.
Most importantly, don’t let all these small inconveniences take the fun out of your trip. Make the most of it. Happy summer. 🙂
In the Footsteps of the Sun 