San Antonio, Zambales

Capones & Camara Islands From Afar!

I, together with my travel buddy (my youngest brother) happened to reach San Antonio, Zambales in Luzon, Philippines because of a planned island trip! We wanted to explore the famous Anawangin Cove and  hop both the Capones & Camara Islands that were situated in that same area. In order to get there, we had to pass San Antonio in Zambales because this was where the islands's two jump off points were located, the Pundaquit and San Miguel.

San Antonio is a municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. Politically subdivided into fourteen barangays which includes:

• Angeles
• Antipolo
• Burgos (Pob.)
• East Dirita
• Luna (Pob.)
• Pundaquit
• Rizal (Pob.) (Sentro Pueblo)
• San Esteban
• San Gregorio (Pob.)
• San Juan (Pob.) (Sitio Mabanban)
• San Miguel
• San Nicolas (Pob.)
• Santiago (Pob.) (Pamatawan)
• West Dirita

On Our Way To San Antonio, Zambales

Via Victory Liner Bus

San Antonio, Zambales was formerly a hunting region where ethnic group of hunters from the Northern towns of Zambales would hunt, gather & stay to rest. The first Ilocano families from Paoay area of Ilocos Norte who arrived there were the first ones who founded the first settlement that grew into what is now the town.

The town was used to be the site of the U.S. Naval Base - best known as the United States Naval Communications Station San Miguel. After Mt. Pinatubo's eruption in 1991, the Americans decided to leave, abandoning their military bases which is now used for educational purposes of the Philippine Navy and merchant marine.

Tourist Attractions:

• Pundaquit Beach - the fast-becoming surfing capital of Luzon
• Camara Island -
• Capones Island
• Anawangin Cove
• Nagsasa Cove
  

Getting There

The rock that caught 

my attention at a 

stop over station!

Zambales is only 3 - 4 hours away from Manila. You can get to it through a public transport or a private vehicle.

• Via Public Transport

It's best to take an air-conditioned Victory Liner Buses in going there. Terminals are located in Caloocan, Pasay, Cubao, Kamias and Sampaloc.

• For Iba or Sta. Cruz Bound Buses: Get a ticket for San Antonio. They all pass by San Antonio.

• For Olongapo Bound Buses: Reaching Olongapo terminal, take an Iba or Sta. Cruz buses then drop by San Antonio.

• Via Private Vehicle

Coming from Manila - Take the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX, the San Fernando Exit, then head southwest road to Olongapo.

ITINERARY

TWO DAY TRIP

  San Antonio + Anawangin Cove + Capones Island + Camara island

Day 1

• Departure From Manila
• Olongapo To San Antonio
• Buy Goods at San Antonio Market then proceed to Brgy. Pundaquit or San Miguel
• From Brgy. Pundaquit or San Miguel - Boat Ride To Anawangin
• Arrival To Anawangin Then Set A Camp
• Lunch At The Cove
• Explore Anawangin Cove & Rest
• Beach Bumming & Take Pictures
• Dinner & Bonfire & Rest

Day 2

• Breakfast & Sightseeing
• Pack - Up & Take The Rented Boat To Capones Island
• Trek & Visit Lighthouse - Take Pictures
• Head To Camara Island - Take Pictures
• Head Back To Brgy. Pundaquit/San Miguel - Clean & Bath
• From Brgy. Pundaquit/San Miguel - Return To San Antonio
• Lunch at San Antonio - Head To Olongapo
• Buy Pasalubong In Olongapo
• Head Back To Manila
• Arrival To Manila