Friday, November 13, 2015

Anawangin, Camara and Capones Island trip

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Is this our last trip for 2015? I hope not.

Capones Island


We were planning to go to Dasol but due to some unexpected circumstances we decided to go to Zambales. It was our Wedding Anniv, my parents and brothers car break-in so it’s a family trip once again. We are driving Toyota Avanza and Innova with automatic transmission.

Sunset Jumpshot at Pundaquit


We left Quezon City at around 10:30 a.m. passing Nlex and Subic via Sctex then had lunch at Subic while we waited for my Brother. We got to Pundaquit by 3:30 p.m. We probably stayed an hour and a half so travel time if you have your own vehicle would be 3 to 4 hours.


We check Pundaquit Luxury and Megan's Resort but decided to stay at Canoe Beach Resort. Pundaquit Luxury is okay but it’s far from the beach, with Megan's it looks like it’s not well maintained.

Canoe Beach Resort has its own pool and the facilities are clean. They even have a restaurant with affordable price. We booked 2 rooms without hot shower. We didn't mind showering with cold water the rooms are clean, they have a restaurant, we feel safe.



Canoe Beach Resort


Our room

Playground Area

Our plan is to go to Capones Island but it’s almost dark so we scheduled it the next day. We talked to bankeros outside. Canoe Beach Resort offers Island hopping services but to save money and for haggling purposes you can look for bankeros outside. I love the ambiance in Canoe, mountains behind you and the breeze is perfect. Just bring insect repellents to avoid mosquito bites, Pundaquit has a forestry feel.



Beach front





I love the colors of the sunset

More sunset jump shot pics

Capones Island at the center and Camara at the right

Gorgeous Sunset


Island Hopping services


A sample of their menu


My Mom and Dad left the next day because of an emergency meeting and we went on Island Hopping by 6 a.m.

We passed around Camara Island and the tide is high so we didn't check it. Then we went to Capones Island, I love it. The sand is a bit white but what I found is they are actually sea shells. There are portions where the sand is fine but we stayed on the side where the kids can swim. The water is clear too and we were the only ones at the Island for about an hour. We asked about going to the lighthouse but we were told it was an hour trek so after swimming and taking a lot of selfies we hopped on the boat and went to Anawangin.


Camara Island
Photo from my Brother


Capones Island
Photo from my Brother

 Photo from my Brother

Capones Island
Photo from my Brother


Clear Waters
Photo from my Brother

Sand is a little white with seashells in Capones
Photo from my Brother


Anawangin is a popular camping site famous for the white sand that was formed by the lahar ashes when Mt. Pinatubo exploded. It’s also famous for the pine trees that would let you think you are in another country. The trip from Capones took about 20 mins and when we got there all my expectations went down.

To the campsite

Campsite


Excuse our selfie



We were not informed about the 50 pesos entrance fee which is fine but we didn't bring cash with us. Probably the bankeros faults but they told the Anawangin authorities so we got in and will pay later. The place is ordinary, my Brother wants to camp another day but we have kids and babies with us so we didn't entertain the idea besides I'm not ready for camping.

Staying here because of the shade


There were a lot of pine trees in the camp site but I didn't like the place. Responsible trash disposal were not followed by some so it was really unsightly. It looks good in the pictures but there are so many trash around. We went swimming and the water is oily. The sand doesn't look white too. There were even orange bubbles floating that looks like puke. It was supposed to be breathtaking because of the Mountain Ranges, Pine Trees and the Sea but I think Anawangin is exploited. I prefer Potipot Island and Capones. I'm being choosy or what or maybe we were on the wrong side I don't know. I really can't tell what's the buzz about or maybe because we were 6 years too late when it was becoming popular.



The view is still amazing





We went back to the hotel after a few dips and talked about extending our stay for another day and we did. After eating breakfast at around 10 am we ordered lunch to bring at Capones. We plan on setting up the tent and staying there until 5 p.m. Hooray!


Back to Swimming



We only have 1 tent because my Mom and Dad has the other one but it was still fun. We found a spot under the rocks and after pitching the tent we had our lunch. We were told by the bankeros that instead of hiking to the lighthouse they will just dock the boat near the lighthouse.

We just have to go back




Pitching of the tent

They move the tent




Our lunch


It was a little adventure and we checked the South part of the Island passing a wild path with tall grasses. I was afraid of going there with the thought of snakes but I conquered it and it was a sight. The sand is finer with lesser sea shells but the beach is rocky it’s probably similar to Blue Lagoon or Casa Consuelo's side in Pagudpud. Slim and I stayed a bit, the sand is softer so it was a better camp site with shades from the trees.

The south side
I really like it



Again, there are a lot of irresponsible campers or visitors who leave their trash on the island. We should take care of our environment to preserve places like this. I want my children to see this in the future.

We went back to our camp site and swim some more. By 5 we packed up and went to the boat. We were expecting to go to the light house but the bankeros didn't told us that it will be dark soon and it’s hard to go by the lighthouse since Capones doesn't have lights. We were disappointed because they didn't tell us earlier. The bankeros are good people but I don’t know if they are quite shy in telling us information


The kids jump to the pool right away when we got back. The kids have been swimming 2 days straight now. Swimming at the pool and swimming at the beach when we went to the islands and back to the pool.

After staying the night we went home the next day and had breakfast at this American theme restaurant/Car Wash place called Double Suds then went home. The food is good but expensive. There were foreigners having breakfast so I guess their target customers are foreigners. It looks like a sports bar with sport banners and an area for Billiards and Table Games,


Sample of their menu

This trip made me realize that Luzon is underrated. There are so many beautiful places in Luzon. I know it's nothing compared to Palawan or Boracay but I feel it's taken for granted. And what's good about Luzon is its within our reach, you can even travel by car.

 

**** Our bankero Kuya Rodel 09328695409 ****


ESTIMATED EXPENSES
Day 1


Toll Fees

TOTAL
Min Ave Exit
45

NLEX exit to SCTEX
173

SCTEX exit SUBIC
168

TIPO
22



408
GAS (Gas rate during this time is around 37 in Fairview)
1400
1400
ROOM
2500 x 2
5000
Lunch (for 5)
600
600
 Dinner (8 adults, 2 kids)
1220
1220


1820 (I don’t know how much my brother spent for Lunch since we meet in Subic)
Day 2


FOOD


 Breakfast (6 adults, 2 kids)
800

Lunch with BEER
1600

Dinner
1000



3808
ROOM
3000
3000
BOAT + Anawangin Entrance 50 each
3000 + (300)
3300



Day 3


FOOD


Breakfast
1000
1000



Toll Fees


Min Ave Exit
45

NLEX exit to SCTEX
173

SCTEX exit SUBIC
168

TIPO
22



408



TOTAL

21964






***Slim and I spent about 8000 for 3 days and 2 nights.  If you are a family of 10 you can budget 21000 but if you are with your friends of 6-8 you will spend about 3000 - 4000 each if you have your own car.***

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