Beaches are the kinds of place that attract any kind of person. Beaches are mostly accessible, public, and open. Getting to beaches does not require much, yet they offer us a lot—the smell of that salty, fresh seaside air, an unobstructed view of the horizon, and a healthy dose of sunshine, to name a few.

Putting all the beaches in San Antonio, Zambales into a hierarchy is sort of impossible. Aside from not being able to visit all of the beaches yet, it’s not good to compare apples to oranges. Each beach has its own perks. Nevertheless, I have created a list of seven of the most fantastic beaches in San Antonio, Zambales… and I more than willing to add more to this list someday

1. Pundaquit Beach

Pundaquit is one of the 14 barangays that make up the municipality of San Antonio. This barangay is known for being a fishing village as well as a tourist hotspot. The beach, named after the barangay, is known for having clean shorelines and calm waters. Aside from that, Pundaquit Beach is known for being the jump off point for most of the other amazing beaches in San Antonio. We’ll talk about these beaches further down the list.

The waters here are generally calm but become suitable for surfing during the Monsoon season, which usually kicks in during the months of May through October.

How to get Pundaquit Beach: From Manila, hop aboard a bus bound to Iba, Zambales. Get off once the bus reaches the bus stop at San Antonio’s Municipal Hall near the public market. From there, you can get a tricycle ride to get to Pundaquit. For private vehicles, travel North via the NLEX. Then, drive along the SCTEX bound for Subic. Exit at Subic, and you will see Olongapo Public Cemetery. Turn left from here and drive until you see the Iba-San Antonio intersection. Turn to San Antonio, and follow the main road before turning left once again. From there, there will be several signs that will lead you to Pundaquit.

2. Silanguin Cove

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Silanguin Cove should be your pick. Among the beaches in this list, it’s the farthest and is said to be the most recently discovered.

Silanguin Cove is comprised of several colors—grey sands, translucent waters, green conifer-like trees, and reddish brown mountain ranges in the backdrop. The beach is not developed and is far from mainland Zambales, so this beach is the perfect getaway for people who just want to get a break from busy, urban life, and camp out with the stars.

How to get to Silangun Cove: You know the drill. It’s a boat ride from Pundaquit Beach as well

3. Nagsasa Cove

Nagsasa Cove is one of the wonders of San Antonio, Zambales. In 1991, the nearby Mt. Pinatubo interrupted. It was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Philippine history. Nagsasa Cove, which was very, very, nearby, was buried in gray volcanic ash and turned the cove, which was once a home to some, into ruins. Through time, the piece of land was transformed into a natural wonder—trees started to grow and the beach slowly took its shape to the shape it has today

Many people still wonder today how Nagsasa Cove turned out into the beautiful beach paradise it is now. Now, the cove is a grey-sanded beach that is beautifully gifted with conifer-like Agoho Trees and clear waters. Its waters are shallow and its nearby hills are suitable for hiking, and camping, much like Anawingan Cove. Visitors to this area can also go on a little hiking adventure because Nagsasa is also known for being home to a small waterfall that only the hikers with a keen eye can see.

How to get to Nagsasa Cove: Getting to this beach paradise also requires riding a boat from Pundaquit Beach. If you’re a group of hikers, you can take on a 5-6 hour trek to Mt. Nagsasa from Sitio San Martin in Subic

4. Camara Island

Camara Island is one of the two closest islands to Pundaquit. In fact, it is so close that it is visible from Pundaquit Beach.

Camara Island is a giant lump of rock with a very small sandy area, and if Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove are abundant with trees, Camara Island is abundant with rock formations. This island offers an excellent view of the deep-blue-colored seas, and its geological wonders can be trekked as well. The island has an islet connected to it and is connected by a long sandbar that is visible and walkable during the low tide season.

How to get to Camara Island: Getting here is just a short boat ride away from Pundaquit Beach as well.

5. Talisayin Cove

Talisayin Cove is oftentimes overlooked because of its neighbors Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove. But its seclusion of Talisayin Cove’s strongest trait.

Like most beaches in San Antonio, Talisayin Cove has grayish sands because of the volcanic ashes deposits in 1991. It also has rock formations that are climbable, and which offers an excellent view of the shore, the Agoho treetops, and the mountain ranges that cradle the beach. If you prefer sightseeing on the waters, you can go on a boat ride to gaze at the enormous rock formations nearby. Camping out here is the only accommodation available.

How to get to Talisayin Cove: Hop on a boat from Pundaquit Beach. Since this beach is close to Nagsasa Beach, you can ride a boat from there as well.

THANKS FOR VISITING…

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton