Anawangin & Nagsasa Cove Camping Overnight

Anawangin and Nagsasa are two of Zambales' most striking coves, secluded crescents of grey volcanic sand backed by forests of agoho pine trees that famously sprang up after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Reachable only by boat from the village of Pundaquit, they offer a back-to-basics camping escape just a few hours from Manila, with no resorts or roads, only the sea, the pines and the stars.

This overnight trip starts with a boat ride from Pundaquit, often passing rocky Capones and Camara islands along the way, with a chance to stop for photos or a swim. You'll pitch tents on the beach, swim and snorkel in the clear shallows, hike to ridge viewpoints over the coves, and gather around a bonfire under exceptionally dark, star-filled skies. Meals are typically grilled by the shore, and the simplicity is exactly the point.

With its surreal pine-fringed beaches and total disconnection from the city, the trip is a favourite weekend reset for Manila travellers. Pack light, bring water and essentials, and be ready for basic facilities in exchange for one of Luzon's most memorable camping settings.