Another camping spot favorite in San Antonio, Zambales besides the famous Anawangin Cove is Nagsasa Cove. The two share many similar features, but Nagsasa Cove still has its serene rugged appeal which is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Embraced by the picturesque hills, the once rocky coast and rough appearance of Nagsasa has been softened by the presence of Agoho trees and the volcanic ash that covered the area when the Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Nearest Airports: Clark International Airport (Pampanga) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)
By Land
- From Manila, board a bus bound for Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales (P360). Travel duration is about 5 hours, depending on traffic. You can check our MANILA to ZAMBALES Bus Schedules & Fares article.
- Get off at San Antonio Public Market and ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Travel duration is 15-20 minutes.
- From Pundaquit, rent a boat to take you to Nagsasa Cove or take an island hopping tour package if you want to go to other nearby islands or coves.
If you are coming from Olongapo, board a Victory Liner bus going to Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales. Alight at San Antonio Public Market and take a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40/head). Rent a boat going to Nagsasa Cove.
For a hassle-free trip and for those who want to experience camping, consider booking package tours offered by tour operators and agencies. Usual package inclusions are roundtrip transfers, camp food, entrance fees, tents, and boat transfers. Check itinerary and package inclusions first before booking.
For a more challenging route, some travelers, especially hikers, opt to traverse Mount Nagsasa going to Nagsasa Cove. The hike may take 5-6 hours, depending on your pace.
Where to Stay in Zambales
If camping is not your thing, you can find room accommodations in any of these nearby beach towns in the province: San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe. You may also opt to stay in Iba if the provincial capital is your next destination. Remember to book your hotel in advance, especially during peak season. Here are some of the top accommodations as rated by online users.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - YOUHAN BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PENTA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FUNTASEA HOTEL AND BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BOM DIA HOSTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- WHITE CASTLE BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MEGANS PARADISIO BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - PLAYA ALBA BEACH FRONT AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PALMS RESORT & BAR
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BAKASYUNAN RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Beach Resorts in Zambales article.
Find more Zambales Hotels!
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
On our recent trip to Nagsasa Cove in Zambales, we opted to book an island-hopping tour in advance. We paid P3,500 for the boat and made stops at the following islands and coves: Camara Island, Nagsasa Cove, Talisayen Cove, and Anawangin Cove.
Island Hopping Day Tour Itinerary (P3,500 for 4 pax)
- Camara Island
- Nagsasa Cove
- Talisayen Cove
- Anawangin Cove
If you want to go to just one stop, the boat rental from Pundaquit to Nagsasa Cove is P2,500, good for up to 4 pax.
We booked our island hopping tour with Nagsasa Cove Zambales on Facebook. They offer boat rental and tour packages to different coves in Zambales.
Here are their prices for tour packages in Nagsasa.
Nagsasa Cove – Tour Packages (2 Days, 1 Night Tour)
- Solo: P3,000
- 2 pax: P1,800/head
- 3 pax: P1,300/head
- 4-5 pax: P1,100/head
This above package includes:
- Rountrip boat transfer
- Entrance fee to Anawangin
- Island hopping to Capones
- Tent (for sharing)
- Drinking water
- Wood for bonfire
- Charcoal
- Use of cooking utensils
Don’t Miss
- The breathtaking vista of Nagsasa Cove from a viewpoint on a nearby hill. From this vantage point, you can also view the quieter beach located on the other side of the hill.
- Camping and stargazing. If you like roughing it out, spend the night here with your equally adventurous friends. Bring guitar, Frisbee disc, volleyball, board games, or playing cards to keep you occupied and fight boredom.
- Swimming! The water is shallow during low tide. While enjoying the view from the hill, I saw a group of teenagers wading through the shallow water to a low cliff jumping spot. But if you are doing this, please be extra careful.
- Explore further. You can trek to Nagsasa falls.
- Wade through the scenic inlet and have a mini photo session with your friends.
- Watch the sunset.
Don’t Forget
- Bring protection from the sun, especially during summer when it’s scorching hot: sunglasses, hats, rash guard, environment-friendly sunscreen, umbrella, etc.
- Wear protective footwear, especially during summer when the sun is really strong. The volcanic ash ground can feel like burning charcoal under your feet.
- Be mindful of other revelers. Keep your speaker volume at a minimum.
- It can get crowded during summer, but not as much as Anawangin.
- Have enough cash on hand. There are stalls where you can purchase snacks, drinks, ice, souvenirs, etc. But it is recommended to buy your food at San Antonio Public Market to save money.
- Bring your power bank to keep your cameras and phones charged. The mobile network signal is weak to none at all.
- Bring a first-aid kit, medicine, flashlight, insect repellent lotion, whistle, Swiss knife, rope, and other life-saving gadgets and tools. Advise your boatman/contact in advance if you are spending the night on the island, so they can prepare whatever is needed.
- Bring your own tent if you don’t want to rent. You can also bring your own portable stove for cooking.
- Don’t leave your things unattended.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Bring your trash with you if there’s no trash bin. Observe proper garbage disposal.
If You Have More Time and Budget
- Explore other nearby coves and islands including Anawangin Cove, Capones Island, Silanguin Cove, Talisayin Cove, and Camara Island.
- You can also hike Mount Pundaquit, Mount Nagsasa, or Mount Balingkilat.
- Other attractions are Capones Island Lighthouse, Casa San Miguel, Pundaquit Beach, and many others.
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Nagsasa Cove Travel Guide video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.05.16 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format and added photos
2019.07.24 – Updated to reflect changes in transportation fares
2018.06.19 – Updated to reflect changes in transportation fares
2018.06.01 – First uploaded
Written by: Astrid Alvarez
Additional Writing by: Hannah Manalo
Related Article: How to Get to Zambales
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