I was just “itching” to hit the beach last July,
that’s why I convinced my dear friends and travel buddies, Ma’am Queencea and
Ma’am Snaffy to accompany me to Zambales. I heard about the wonderful beaches,
red colored hills, and the roaring sea from friends who had been there.
Digging on the history of the coves of Zambales, I learned that these are the perfect proof of the many clichés we’ve heard before — the rainbow after the storm, the light at the end of the tunnel, or the phoenix reborn and rising from the ashes. Who would have thought that the beautiful coves were made by a disaster a couple of decades ago? They say that these beaches used to be rocky but Mt. Pinatubo dumped a good amount of volcanic ash that the place was absolutely unrecognizable. Years later, agoho trees started to grow, creating an evergreen forest of what seems like pine trees.
Digging on the history of the coves of Zambales, I learned that these are the perfect proof of the many clichés we’ve heard before — the rainbow after the storm, the light at the end of the tunnel, or the phoenix reborn and rising from the ashes. Who would have thought that the beautiful coves were made by a disaster a couple of decades ago? They say that these beaches used to be rocky but Mt. Pinatubo dumped a good amount of volcanic ash that the place was absolutely unrecognizable. Years later, agoho trees started to grow, creating an evergreen forest of what seems like pine trees.
It’s like Baguio and
Boracay in one place. This dark yet inspiring history makes these coves
very, very special. It is a reminder to everyone of the sheer beauty — and
immeasurable power — of Mother Nature. Going to these beautiful coves is a
challenge though because of the powerful waves.
The boatmen, with the help of other individuals on the beach, would keep the boat steady as guests go on board or offload. All the boats are carried, or pushed and lifted, to the highest area on the beach so they’re out of reach of the waves crashing on the shore. If local residents respect the power of these waves, guests should not be too smug in believing that they’re better equipped to handle the waves. One interesting reminder from the boatman — if your slipper falls off, do not be a hero and jump off the boat to retrieve the slipper; otherwise, you might just end up losing more than a slipper.
The boatmen, with the help of other individuals on the beach, would keep the boat steady as guests go on board or offload. All the boats are carried, or pushed and lifted, to the highest area on the beach so they’re out of reach of the waves crashing on the shore. If local residents respect the power of these waves, guests should not be too smug in believing that they’re better equipped to handle the waves. One interesting reminder from the boatman — if your slipper falls off, do not be a hero and jump off the boat to retrieve the slipper; otherwise, you might just end up losing more than a slipper.
Well, our first destination was Camara Island.
It's the first little island that you see once you're on the beach. It's only
about a 10 min boat ride in normally clear blue water. The sand is white and a
bit coarse but the scenery is amazing and makes for a good place to grill up
some seafood and hang with good friends. It is also nice to take a snorkel
around the reef because the water is so clear, although most of it is dead with
little fish life having been demolished by illegal fishing practices.
Capones Island on the other hand is the bigger of
the two islands and is a little further out. The island is thin and you can
cross from one side to the other in just a few minutes. Here you find a long
sandy beach with rocky water and the picturesque Light House. The island has
little mini-hikes where it's easy to climb and you can get a great view from
high up. If you're super adventurous, you can bring your own tent, get dropped
off and stay for the night, just you and your crew.
Of all the ashen coves
patching the coastline of Zambales, Talisayin and Nagsasa Coves were the quietest and so far, the
best. Aside from the fact that the sand was finer
and whiter, the sea much calmer and the wind much colder...there’s just few
people on this two island. There are also a lot of pine trees in Talisayin and Nagsasa Coves
in comparison with that of Anawangin.
Exactly how the pine trees started sprouting on these coves, I don’t know yet. I can’t even imagine pine trees growing in salty sand. What I know is that know that the scenery in these two island is picture-perfect because of the pine trees. Tall, single-stemmed pine trees stand firm above the shore and inwards to the mountains. The pine needles gracefully sway to the strong wind. And there’s the howling sound of the wind, high above the pine tree canopy. I fall in love with Talisayon and Nagsasa Coves. For me, these are Zambales' best kept secret!
Exactly how the pine trees started sprouting on these coves, I don’t know yet. I can’t even imagine pine trees growing in salty sand. What I know is that know that the scenery in these two island is picture-perfect because of the pine trees. Tall, single-stemmed pine trees stand firm above the shore and inwards to the mountains. The pine needles gracefully sway to the strong wind. And there’s the howling sound of the wind, high above the pine tree canopy. I fall in love with Talisayon and Nagsasa Coves. For me, these are Zambales' best kept secret!
Our last destination
was Anawangin Cove, the smaller yet more famous cove thanks to a name that is
easy to recall. Know though that it is an easy 45-minute ride from San Miguel
where we set off and 30 minutes away from Pundaquit. Its proximity makes it a favorite campsite for
many.
What is my impression of Anawangin Cove? Honestly, it is overcrowded and dirty. The beach is fenced and entering the fence would mean paying the entrance fee of 50 pesos per head. I hope that the local government would initiate plans to maintain the beauty of Anawangin Cove. I am talking about sustainable development and eco-tourism here.
What is my impression of Anawangin Cove? Honestly, it is overcrowded and dirty. The beach is fenced and entering the fence would mean paying the entrance fee of 50 pesos per head. I hope that the local government would initiate plans to maintain the beauty of Anawangin Cove. I am talking about sustainable development and eco-tourism here.
Basically, the trip to Zambales allowed us to
see a spectacular display of immense sea cliffs and sea caves, beautiful island
sprouting from volcanic ashes and roaring waves of the sea which is a clear testament
that speak volumes of just how magnificent, powerful, and pitiless Mother
Nature is.
