Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves
Twin coves at San Antonio where pale volcanic sand meets agoho pine groves — reachable by boat from Pundaquit or on foot over the mountains; boat trips depend on sea conditions.
Zambales, Central Luzon · Philippines
Zambales
The laid-back coast northwest of Manila — the pine-lined coves of San Antonio, surf beaches at San Narciso and Pundaquit, Capones Island, and weekend beach towns an easy drive from the capital.
About Zambales
Coves, pines, and surf near the capital
Zambales stretches along the coast northwest of Manila, a string of low-key beach towns between the mountains and the sea. Its signature landscape sits at San Antonio: the coves of Anawangin and Nagsasa, where pale volcanic-ash sand meets groves of gnarled agoho pines — a landscape reshaped by Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption, reached by boat or on foot. Farther south, the surf towns of San Narciso and Pundaquit draw weekenders for beginner-friendly waves, island hops to Capones, and beachfront camps under the pines. Zambales is also the country's mango country. Close enough to Manila for a weekend and quiet enough for a slow one, it is the capital's easy escape to the sea.
Places & Experiences
Highlights of Zambales
San Narciso Surf Beaches
The province's surf strip — long, gentle beach breaks that suit learners, with board rentals and surf schools through the season.
Capones Island
A rocky island off Pundaquit with an old Spanish-era lighthouse and a shell-sand shore — a standard boat stop; landings depend on swell and local rules.
Mango Country
Zambales' famous sweet mangoes — orchards and roadside stalls across the province, best in season around the summer harvest.
Things to Do
What to do in Zambales
- 01
Take a boat to the Anawangin and Nagsasa coves for pine-lined sand
- 02
Surf the gentle beach breaks at San Narciso
lessons and rentals available locally
- 03
Sail to Capones Island and its old lighthouse, sea conditions allowing
- 04
Camp overnight on the coves and catch the stars above the pines
- 05
Pick up Zambales mangoes in season at roadside stalls
- 06
Watch the sunset over the South China Sea from the beach towns
Where to Stay
Where to stay in Zambales
01
San Narciso and San Felipe — surf-town resorts, guesthouses, and beachfront camps along the southern strip
02
Pundaquit (San Antonio) — simple beachfront stays at the cove boats' jump-off point
Travel Planning
Plan your Zambales journey
Getting There
- Zambales is reached by land from Manila — roughly 3 to 5 hours by bus or car depending on the town and traffic; travel times vary, so confirm current schedules.
- Olongapo and Iba are the province's main transport hubs, with buses running from Manila through the day; onward jeepneys and vans connect the beach towns.
- From Pundaquit in San Antonio, boats reach the Anawangin and Nagsasa coves and Capones Island; trips depend on sea conditions and current local arrangements.
- Within the beach towns, tricycles connect resorts, surf spots, and the highway; agree fares before setting off.
Best Time to Visit
Zambales is broadly a year-round destination, with the drier beach season typically from November to May and the wetter months from June to October. Surf season at San Narciso and Pundaquit generally peaks in the Amihan months (around October to March); cove boat trips depend on sea conditions in any season. Check current forecasts and local advisories when planning.
Travel Tips
- Cove boat trips depend on sea conditions; confirm current arrangements, fees, and landing rules with boatmen and local tourism offices
- The coves and islands commonly collect environmental or entrance fees; amounts change — carry cash
- Beach camping is popular at the coves — follow local rules on fires, waste, and water supply; take your rubbish with you
- Surf suitability varies by spot, season, and experience level — lessons and rentals confirm conditions locally
- Cell signal and services are limited in parts of the coves — plan supplies ahead
Plan Your Trip
Book your Zambales trip
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Where to Stay
Find Places to Stay in San Felipe, Zambales
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Group & Organized Travel
Planning a group trip to Zambales?
Organized travel in Zambales takes coordination — island logistics, weather windows, and local arrangements. Tell our team what you have in mind and we'll help you put a workable plan together.
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