Nagsasa Cove Chronicles
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| Nagsasa Cove under the setting sun |
In summary, overnight at Nagsasa Cove is one of the best nights of my life. And it's one of the best
beaches to experience nature. Personally, it's the only beach I've ever truly connected with nature. Even with the multitude of people huddled in bonfires scattered on the whole stretch of the beach, there was stillness and peace. And a quiet that you would yearn for every once in a while. I wouldn't mind going here every year. I can say that this is my favourite beach… so far.
We have explored and enjoyed trekking Mt. Pundaquit, relaxed and feasted on the beautiful and refreshing sceneries of Anawanging Cove. Now, I will tell you about the marvel that is Nagsasa Cove. Let me continue from where I left you in my Mt. Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove Traverse Chronicles entry.
Day 1
The boat ride took 40 minutes but we didn't really noticed it because there was beauty everywhere you look. The feel of the mountains, the sea and rock formations were significantly different bathe under the setting sun. It was one of those magical scenes that only the perfect timing and nature can provide. It was gorgeous.
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| Smiling and hoping we get there before dark |
The boat ride took 40 minutes but we didn't really noticed it because there was beauty everywhere you look. The feel of the mountains, the sea and rock formations were significantly different bathe under the setting sun. It was one of those magical scenes that only the perfect timing and nature can provide. It was gorgeous.
1700 Nagsasa Cove. At first glance, under what little light we still had, it was a twin of Anawangin Cove. I expected less people here but both beaches had the same adequate amount of people. Thankfully, it wasn't crowded at all. The encampment here feels more restrictive than in Anawangin. I saw four different campgrounds divided by bamboo walls which made it look smaller than it is. They say that it's for added security and so that caretakers can look after our things better. It was fine for me. Having a more secured place gave me peace of mind. Besides, we'll be able to go around the grounds better knowing that our things are safe.
We arrived at Nagsasa Cove an hour before the sky went dark. Enough time to make camp and to build our makeshift cooking area. It was already late so all of the camping area and tables near the sea were taken. I thought that those were the spots were I want to camp. Wouldn't that be your first choice too? Well, it's funny sometimes how we get the things we want even before we know we want it. I loved the spot were we ended up camping. This is our view.
Let me describe the encampment so you would know what to expect. There are around 12 opened huts with tables and benches. The overnight registration here cost P100 per head and renting a hut would only cost P100 for the whole group. There is a water source at the back of the camp. I was informed that this is coming from the mountains and that the locals here use it as drinking water. We've used this to cook our food along with the firewood that they sell for P150. There are also 3 comfort rooms and 4 separate areas where you can take a bath. A store is also situated at the back. They have most of the things that you might need. They even have tomato sauce and cold colas. Of course, the prices are almost doubled here.
I've always loved lying down on the ground and looking at the sky. So my description of the camp wouldn't be complete if I don't show you how the trees and the sky might look like if you lie down on the sand.
Now that you are familiar with the site, let me proceed with our day. Just like I said, we arrived just before the sun completely left the sky. So we had to hurry build our camp and our makeshift cooking area. We dug on the sand, bought firewood, got a barbeque grill from the area, made our camp while being distracted and just staring every now and then at the glorious sun diving into the horizon.
I've always known that you should always handle machetes with great care. But this was the day that I found out personally that you should never really hold a machete unless absolutely necessary. If you absolutely have to wield a machete here are two things to keep in mind: 1) Never ever strike a wood with your hands still pressed on the wood no matter how much dexterity you have -- or think you have. 2) Always make sure that the machete will hit something and would never swing outside your sight. I've almost lose my thumb and cleaved my right leg because I didn't know these two things. Thankfully, I've always asked and prayed for protection and safe travels. I am blessed to come out of this encounter in one piece.
We only explored a little of this place. We focused on building our little world in the corner of the encampment. When the fire for cooking was already stabled, it was time for the ladies to show off their cooking skills, while we build our bonfire on the beach! I will also never forget the kindness of our boatman Jonard or locally known as Nognog. He helped us chop the firewood when we were too busy doing others things and even gave us fresh fishes that we later cooked in our bonfire. Thank you very much!
We arrived at Nagsasa Cove an hour before the sky went dark. Enough time to make camp and to build our makeshift cooking area. It was already late so all of the camping area and tables near the sea were taken. I thought that those were the spots were I want to camp. Wouldn't that be your first choice too? Well, it's funny sometimes how we get the things we want even before we know we want it. I loved the spot were we ended up camping. This is our view.
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| Nagsasa Cove under the setting sun |
Let me describe the encampment so you would know what to expect. There are around 12 opened huts with tables and benches. The overnight registration here cost P100 per head and renting a hut would only cost P100 for the whole group. There is a water source at the back of the camp. I was informed that this is coming from the mountains and that the locals here use it as drinking water. We've used this to cook our food along with the firewood that they sell for P150. There are also 3 comfort rooms and 4 separate areas where you can take a bath. A store is also situated at the back. They have most of the things that you might need. They even have tomato sauce and cold colas. Of course, the prices are almost doubled here.
I've always loved lying down on the ground and looking at the sky. So my description of the camp wouldn't be complete if I don't show you how the trees and the sky might look like if you lie down on the sand.
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| Laid back on the sand |
Now that you are familiar with the site, let me proceed with our day. Just like I said, we arrived just before the sun completely left the sky. So we had to hurry build our camp and our makeshift cooking area. We dug on the sand, bought firewood, got a barbeque grill from the area, made our camp while being distracted and just staring every now and then at the glorious sun diving into the horizon.
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| Desiree fixing her tent |
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| This huge open hut just cost us P100 |
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| Joanne, diligently learning how to set up a tent |
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| Ranier trying to build a fire. Old school. |
We only explored a little of this place. We focused on building our little world in the corner of the encampment. When the fire for cooking was already stabled, it was time for the ladies to show off their cooking skills, while we build our bonfire on the beach! I will also never forget the kindness of our boatman Jonard or locally known as Nognog. He helped us chop the firewood when we were too busy doing others things and even gave us fresh fishes that we later cooked in our bonfire. Thank you very much!
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| What is a beach party, without spaghetti? |
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| Fresh fish on the open fire |
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| Barbeques, spaghetti, the sand, the surf, the sea and open fires. |
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| The view of the sky taken from my point and shoot camera. I need a DSLR someday. |
And there we were, with our backs on the soft sand. Some were curled towards the warmth of the bonfire. The sea breeze was gentle and cool. The combination was so perfect that all of my companions drifted off to the world of the dreaming. I struggled to stay awake. I skirmished to remember every detail of that night, watching the sparks take flight from the fire, seeing the waxing and waning of the surf illuminated by the resplendent moon. I tried to commit to memory the field of stars that were above us and the dancing of flames from several bonfires. This filled the beach with a multitude of lights swaying from all directions. I took in the scent of the sea and the coolness of the air and the whole world in front of me, for I knew that from then on, I will always remember that night as one of the best night of my life.
Day 2
0800 Wake up
call. The main agenda for today is to explore Nagsasa Cove. Everyone was intent in doing this that we forgot breakfast. We went to the right side of the cove, facing the sea. It was advised by the boatmen that there would be more sights to see here. We would've risen earlier to go on a trek to the small falls near the cove but the boatmen also said that it was almost dried at the moment. They told me that there is also a big falls that is more than an hour away. I didn't opt to take this since we initially planned to go to Capones Lighthouse and since I saw how beautiful Nagsasa Cove is. I was determined to enjoy the beach, the rock formations, the sea, the sandbars, and the lake that used several mountains as its backdrop and the enchanting horizon. It was a wonder to behold.
Along the way, we saw a small shark that looked like it has been washed ashore for quite sometime. It was about an arm long and has the same features as the gentle giants of the sea. The Whale sharks that I've encountered in Donsol, Bicol. The white spots were also very prominent in its body. I'm not entirely sure what family it belonged to since there were visible teeth and I've never seen a Whale shark that has visible teeth. I could be wrong though. I have to check this out when I visit the Whale sharks of Oslob, Cebu.
I wonder how this small shark got there? Is the sea near Nagsasa Cove their natural home? Maybe it is a baby whale shark and their checking out the Northern parts of Luzon where they can make a new home. They love the weather here in the Philippines, afterall. I was sorely tempted to take it home but I decided to leave it at the hut where we stayed. I hope they display it and perhaps someone more knowledgeable would find it and explore the answers to my questions.
We arrived at the sandbar that the locals have mentioned but at this time, it was only visible when the waves recede. Still, it was a nice experience to walk here.
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| Commence exploration |
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| The sand between the lake and the sea |
Along the way, we saw a small shark that looked like it has been washed ashore for quite sometime. It was about an arm long and has the same features as the gentle giants of the sea. The Whale sharks that I've encountered in Donsol, Bicol. The white spots were also very prominent in its body. I'm not entirely sure what family it belonged to since there were visible teeth and I've never seen a Whale shark that has visible teeth. I could be wrong though. I have to check this out when I visit the Whale sharks of Oslob, Cebu.
I wonder how this small shark got there? Is the sea near Nagsasa Cove their natural home? Maybe it is a baby whale shark and their checking out the Northern parts of Luzon where they can make a new home. They love the weather here in the Philippines, afterall. I was sorely tempted to take it home but I decided to leave it at the hut where we stayed. I hope they display it and perhaps someone more knowledgeable would find it and explore the answers to my questions.
We arrived at the sandbar that the locals have mentioned but at this time, it was only visible when the waves recede. Still, it was a nice experience to walk here.
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| The beautiful landscape in standstill |
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| Happy Joanne! Hugging the view again! |
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| That's me climbing rocks |
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| Joanne sometimes has this funny expression. I don't really know what she's thinking. |
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| Again, climbing rocks |
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| The two ladies laughing and swimming in the clear waters of Nagsasa |
1000 And so we left the ladies in their entertainment and head back to our camp to prepare our Lunch. We picked a few firewood along the way, never expect to find any of them on your stay here since it's scarce and some of them are wet. It was our turn to cook. And when Ranier does it. He do it Master Chef style.
Around this time, you can also trek to the Waterfalls especially if it's the rainy season. But like I said earlier, we've decided to enjoy Nagsasa Cove to the very last moment.
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| Ranier having just developed a new technique of cooking using bamboo sticks |
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| The two ladies chilling while waiting for food |
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| Special fried rice, meat loaf and then some |
Around this time, you can also trek to the Waterfalls especially if it's the rainy season. But like I said earlier, we've decided to enjoy Nagsasa Cove to the very last moment.
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| This is our camp |
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| The sound of the waves and the winds, relaxation at its finest |
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| Lost at sea |
1500 By this time, we had to break camp and leave the island if we want to be able to go to Capones and Camara. We prepared to leave and paid the registration. We said our farewells and "see you soon"s to Nagsasa Cove.
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| with the kindest, most accommodating boatman, Jonard/Nognog |
1530 Board Boat. Attempted
to go to Capones and Camara but the waves were so huge that I thought there was
a professional surfing competition being held. Our boat was too small to brave the waves. I was informed that a bigger boat would be able to take them on. But we were only four, and the bigger the boat, the larger the cost. In any event, I will remember this for when we go back here. If you've already been to Anawangin Cove and have explored Nagsasa Cove and you really really want to go on an island hopping even if you are only using a small boat, the best time to do this is early in the morning. You have to leave by 7AM and hope that the winds and waves will be kind to you. One of the things that you should also know is, if you are riding a small boat. You would never escape getting wet. It's better to just wash up when you get to Brgy. Pundaquit.
The island hopping attempt was foiled. But it wasn't just a simple boat ride. It was a magnificent show of nature. The trip from Nagsasa Cove to Brgy Pundaquit was filled with beautiful rock formations, secret coves, mysterious caves that begged to be explored and the mountain ranges of Zambales. Even from the distance the constant sight of Capones Island was tempting and kept on reminding me that we should go back there... and we will. One of the things that surprised me is a flying fish. I know it's a normal sight when you are riding a boat, but this one is awesome. I saw it fly/glide from the highest point that looked like more than 12 feet! I thought they only knew how to jump and skip on the surface of the water. This is the first time that I've actually seen one that seemingly flied. It was only for an instant and it surprised me that I had to look at my companions to confirm what I saw. I've seen a group of jumping wild Tunas and Dolphins before, but this was even cooler!
The island hopping attempt was foiled. But it wasn't just a simple boat ride. It was a magnificent show of nature. The trip from Nagsasa Cove to Brgy Pundaquit was filled with beautiful rock formations, secret coves, mysterious caves that begged to be explored and the mountain ranges of Zambales. Even from the distance the constant sight of Capones Island was tempting and kept on reminding me that we should go back there... and we will. One of the things that surprised me is a flying fish. I know it's a normal sight when you are riding a boat, but this one is awesome. I saw it fly/glide from the highest point that looked like more than 12 feet! I thought they only knew how to jump and skip on the surface of the water. This is the first time that I've actually seen one that seemingly flied. It was only for an instant and it surprised me that I had to look at my companions to confirm what I saw. I've seen a group of jumping wild Tunas and Dolphins before, but this was even cooler!
1630 Brgy.
Pundaquit. Walked to Ma'am Alice's house. Wash up. Paid the boat fee . Don't forget your to tip your boatman, they work really hard and are very kind to their passengers.
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| Brgy. Pundaquit Beach |
1810 ETD.
Tricycle. Brgy. Pundaquit to San Antonio
1830 San Antonio
Municipal Hall. Dinner. If you arrive here earlier than we did, they say that there are a lot of canteens near in the market. Otherwise, the nearest food place will be 7-11 Convenient store. But we were determined to try the cooking skills of the locals at San Antonio so we decided to ask around some more. Just 10 minute walk away from 7-11 are a line of canteens. This would be behind the plaza on the left side when you are coming from 7-11. I think their specialty is goto. They refill their huge tub every 10 minutes because people kept on ordering them. Ranier and Joanne confirmed that the Goto was excellent. I wasn't able to try this anymore because I was already satisfied with my order of Sisig and Bicol Express.
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| I think they really loved their goto |
1930 ETD. Bus. Ordinary. San Antonio to Olongapo.
We've waited for a bus heading directly to Cubao. But it was a Sunday night so the waiting proved to be futile. All of the buses were already filled with some people already standing in the middle. It will be a four hour bus ride so we wanted to have a seat at least. We just decided on taking the Victory Liner Bus again bound for Olongapo.
2030 Olongapo Victory
Liner Bus Terminal. Same as the one in Cubao, Buses here leaves at least every 30 minutes or when the bus gets filled. Since it was the peak season, two buses bound for Cubao already left the terminal in just the 20 minutes that we were there.
2045 ETD. Bus.
Regular AC. Olongapo to Cubao.
2345 Cubao
Victory Liner Terminal.
Nagsasa Cove will always have a special place in my heart. I might go here once a year and introduce it to my other friends whenever I can. This place felt like home.
Nagsasa Cove will always have a special place in my heart. I might go here once a year and introduce it to my other friends whenever I can. This place felt like home.
Estimated List of Expenses in PHP:
201.5 Food and
supplies
212 Bus. Regular
AC. Cubao to Olongapo. 3AM First Trip
44 Bus. Ordinary.
Olongapo to San Antonio
54 Breakfast and Coffee.
7-11 San Antonio
125 Trek Guide - P500/4
50 Anawangin Cove
Registration. Day trip
37.5 Firewood - P150/Bundle
100 Nagsasa Cove Registration.
Overnight trip
25 Nagsasa Cove Hut
Rental. P100/4
400 Small Boat for
4. Anawangin to Nagsasa. Nagsasa to Pundaquit. P1600/4
50 Boatman tip (P200/4)
20 Tricycle.
Pundaquit to San Antonio Municipal Hall
50 Dinner at San
Antonio
44 Bus. Ordinary.
San Antonio to Olongapo
207 Bus. Regular
AC. Olongapo to Manila
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Total: P1620
Itinerary:
Day 1
0300 Assembly at Cubao
Victory Liner Bus Terminal
0330 ETD. Bus.
Regular AC. Cubao to Olongapo
0630 Olongapo
Victory Liner Bus Terminal
0645 ETD. Bus.
Ordinary. Olongapo to San Antonio
0750 San Antonio.
Breakfast at 7-11. Waited for service
0815 Wet Market.
Bought meat and condiments
0845 Brgy.
Pundaquit. Jump off
0850 Met with
Jong our guide for the trek. Start trek Mt. Pundaquit
0910 Dried River
bed
1000 Tree with
trail sign
1050 Summit. Took
our time to capture the moment
1130 Start descent
1245 Dried river
bed
1305 Forest
1330 Anawangin
Cove. Lunch. Explore Anawangin Cove and Rock Formation
1620 ETD. Boat.
Anawangin Cove to Nagsasa Cove. Paid registration
1700 Nagsasa Cove.
Make camp.
Prepare firewood
and makeshift cooking area.
Explore. Relax.
Dinner. Bonfire. Lied down at the beach
Day 2
0800 Wake up
call. Explore. Forget Breakfast. Swim. Climb rock formations
0800 Lunch. Lazed
around. You can trek to the Waterfalls especially if it's the rainy season
1500 Break camp.
Paid registration
1530 Board Boat. Attempted
to go to Capones and Camara but the waves were so huge that I thought there was
a professional surfing competition being held
1630 Brgy.
Pundaquit. Wash up
1810 ETD.
Tricycle. Brgy. Pundaquit to San Antonio
1830 San Antonio
Municipal Hall. Dinner.
1930 ETD. Bus.
Ordinary. San Antonio to Olongapo
2030 Olongapo Victory
Liner Bus Terminal
2045 ETD. Bus.
Regular AC. Olongapo to Cubao
2345 Cubao
Victory Liner Terminal
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