Nagsasa Cove – Zambales’ Quiet Escape
Nagsasa Cove: One word – Paradise
2022 Nagsasa Cove Travel Guide – Found in one of the quieter edges of Zambales, Nagsasa Cove is the perfect spot to find that much needed R&R. As a fan of shores and beaches, I am surprised why Nagsasa is a go-to destination in the province. This cove is home to a wide stretch of grey sand and has also one of the most iconic views of the cove itself.
Read also: Masbate Island Hopping
As part of our unit’s teambuilding, it was our first time as a group to go out despite our busy and crunched up schedules at work. One of the adventures of the trip to Nagsasa is the boat ride which took nearly 2 hours from Pundaquit in the town of San Antonio. The usual humid and crowded beach of Pundaquit greeted us while we waited for our transport going to Nagsasa. It was a warm and fine day.
Nagsasa is part of the many coves found in Zambales (Anawangin Cove being the most popular) that can be best visited during the dry season. Luckily, one of our officemates have a contact for our boat ride and our vacations modes were on.
During the trip, we were treated to the natural landscape of San Antonio. It literally was just like a painting coming to life with its contrasting colors and unspoiled greens. When we arrived in Nagsasa, the shore was not that crowded, unlike in Anawangin where there are more people visiting. The ‘tent cities’ behind the shoreline was the main highlight that made our stay more memorable. Tents sprawl within the area and I recommend this trip especially to groups who just want to have fun. There are also cottages that can be rented so you can put your food and other stuff while having fun in the cove.
Basic Information about Nagsasa Cove
Nagsasa Cove is not ‘that’ secluded but what I like about the place is that there is no cellphone signal in the place. Though there is one resort that offers WiFi services (for a fee), I would still choose to disconnect from the busy city life.
The average temperature in the cove is from 24 – 32 °C. There are also some food stalls in the area – but I recommend that you bring your own food to lessen your expenses. The currency in the place is the Philippine Peso (Ph₱: $1 = ₱50). Do not worry, too, as there are numerous public toilets in the area but on a first-come-first-served basis. The main language spoken in the area is Filipino.
There is a view deck on the southern portion of the cove where you can see a 180-degree view of the shoreline. This is also the perfect spot to see the sunset in the West Philippine Sea. Nagsasa Cove is best visited during the dry months of December – April. It is also in these months where temperatures in the Philippines are the coolest.
How to get to Nagsasa Cove
You can reach Nagsasa Cove by land or by sea. By land, you can trek to Mount Cinco Picos and Mount Dayungan. The last stop of the trek would be Nagsasa Cove already. I have not personally tried this route (but maybe I may in the future!) so I have little knowledge on how to get there via land.
The most convenient and more common way is by sea by riding a boat in Barangay Pundaquit. From there, you can park your car in a designated common parking area (if you come by private car) and proceed to the shore which is only a few meters away.
Baguio to Nagsasa Cove (via private vehicle)
Take the route to Marcos Highway or Kennon Road (if ever it is open) and you can enter TPLEx Rosario Exit in La Union for faster travel time. You can exit through SCTEx on your way to San Antonio. Travel time from Baguio is approximately 4-5 hours.
Manila to Nagsasa Cove
(1) Ride a Victory Liner Bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz. Tell the driver / conductor to drop you off at San Antonio Public Market. (2) You can also take a trip going to Olongapo City and ride another bus that is bound for San Antonio. Travel time is approximately 5 hours. From San Antonio Public Market, ride a tricycle going to Pundaquit. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
Pic of Boats at Pundaquit
Upon reaching Pundaquit, go straight to the shore and look / ask for a boat to rent. Or if you have a tour organizer, much better (details at the end of this blog). Travel time to Nagsasa Cove is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Note, too, that upon entering Barangay Pundaquit, officials will collect ₱ 20.00 per pax as an environmental fee.
Sample Itinerary and Expenses
*Here was our itinerary when we went to visit Nagsasa Cove. Note that this is just a sample, and it also depends on your group on how you want to spend your time Zambales!
Day 1
| 0200 – 0600 H | Place of Origin – Pundaquit Beach (San Antonio) | |
| 0600 – 0700 H | Breakfast along the way | ₱ 150.00 – 200.00 |
| Environmental Fee (per pax) | ₱ 20.00 | |
| Parking Fee (for private vehicles) | ₱ 200.00 | |
| 0800 – 1000 H | Pundaquit Beach – Nagsasa Cove (tour package) | ₱ 1200.00 / pax |
| 1000 H | ETA Nagsasa Cove | |
| 1030 H | Set-up tents / Freshen Up | |
| Shower Fee (depends) | ₱ 30.00 / pax | |
| Entrance / Overnight Fee | (depends) | |
| 1030 – 1200 H | Free Time | |
| 1200 – 1300 H | Lunch | |
| 1300 – 1700 H | Free Time + Snacks | ₱ 150.00 – 200.00 |
| 1700 – 1800 H | Sunset watching | |
| 1900 – 2030 H | Dinner | |
| 2030 – 2200 H | Bonfire by the beach | |
| 2200 – 2230 H | Freshen up | |
| 2300 H | Lights off |
Day 2
| 0500 – 0600 H | Sunrise | |
| 0600 – 0730 H | Breakfast | |
| 0730 – 0830 H | Free time | |
| 0830 – 0900 H | Freshen-up / Set-down | |
| 0900 H | ETD going back to Pundaquit | |
| 0900 – 1200 H | *Side Trip: Capones Island, Camara Island, Talisayen Cove, Anawangin Cove | |
| 1200 | ETA Pundaquit | |
| 1200 – 1400 H | Travel to Olongapo | |
| 1400 – 1500 H | Late Lunch | ₱ 150.00 – 200.00 |
| 1500 – 1900 H | ETD Olongapo – Place of Origin | |
| 1900 H | ETA (Place of Origin) |
For our tour package, we contacted ate Dhang Barrientos. They also manage the page Anawangin-Nagsasa Tour Package on Facebook. You can contact her at +63 936 963 8590 or at +63 945 810 9562. Their packages are all-inclusive so you will worry about anything when going to Nagsasa. You’re welcome! (Note that details, prices, and rates indicated may change without prior notice! You can email me here if you spot any changes!)
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
