Situated facing the vast South China Sea, Zambales boasts of numerous beaches every nature lover, intrepid travelers, and thrill seekers would love to visit. Being within a three-hour-travel proximity from Manila made the coastal province a weekend warrior’s favorite escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our weekend escape warped us to an isolated paradise in one of San Antonio’s well-kept coves called Silanguin.
Leaving Manila early in the morning rewards travelers with a light traffic and, as you enter San Antonio, a glimpse of the magnificent Zambales mountain range touched by morning light. Necessary arrangements were already made with Kulot, our regular boatman and a good friend in Pundaquit, San Antonio, so everything was about prepared when we arrived in Ferriols, the meeting place and the parking area.
With the winds blowing and current running on our direction, we sailed smoothly along San Antonio’s coast and set our sights for Silanguin Cove. An hour and a half past when we arrived finally in our base camp, Puerto Silanguin.
Boat touched the beach of Silanguin.
Tall pine trees bedded in soft grey sand campgrounds made Puerto Silanguin an ideal spot for pitching tents. Fences surround the big lot to ensure security of its guest and visitors. Surprisingly, installed in Puerto Silanguin was a clean comfort room painted in carribean orange which was least of our expectations. A viewing deck and veranda was the centerpiece of the campsite and under the wooden structure we pitched our tents to seek refuge from the scorching heat. During our first visit, we were the only occupants and we had Puerto Silanguin all for ourselves.
Puerto Silanguin’s campsite main entrance.
Fenced camping grounds ensure the safety of guest.
Camping grounds under pine trees.
Clean and cozy comfort room.
Our tents under the viewing deck to avoid the wind blowing our tents.
While we watch the setting sun, tunes of calm waves sweeping the Silanguin Cove’s shores and the brushing of pine tree leaves harmoniously sang us the music of serenity and isolation as our wonderful first day came to an end.
Watch the beautiful sunset from Puerto Silanguin’s beachfront huts.
Watching the sunset from a small cogon hut in front of Puerto Silanguin
Sun setting behind the small island at the Southern tip of the cove.
To discover the secrets of Silanguin, my legs got an early morning stretch as I hike towards the northern part of the cove. Starting my pleasant day began with a pleasant walk along the grey sanded beach.
A few meters from Puerto Silanguin is a small sari-sari store.
Silanguin Cove was kept from creeping urbanization by huge mountains of the Zambales Mountain Range making outrigger boats the fastest way to get access to the cove. Another way to reach Silanguin was 5 hour descent from Mount Cinco Picos through luscious forest and cool streams (I haven’t tried this one).
Low tide revealed beds of rocks covering a large part of the northern Silanguin beach. A dry river mouth at the end temporarily disconnected the stream coming from the forest. Eventually, as the tide rose, the cool flowing fresh water runs freely towards the sea.
At the northern part of the cove near the semi-dry river bed.
A part of the river mouth.
Driftwood sitting on the rocky shoreline.
Walking a few meters south from Puerto Silanguin was an isolated beach of soft grey sand. Calm waves swept the shores smooth which was ideal for skimboarding. Under the blue sky and surrounded by beautiful mountains, we spent our remaining hours delighted by another beautiful place we visited. Silanguin Cove is really a good alternative if you want to get away from the growing number of crowd in either Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove.
The boys enjoying the marvelous view.
Walking along Silanguin’s southern beach.
Rocky northern beach.
Volcanic grey sand of Silanguin Cove.
Lavishing in the grey washed sands of Silanguin Cove.
Our Silanguin Cove experience came from spontaneity. A small random thought brought us far away, and “warped” us to another dimension. Having no plan doesn’t necessarily turn out to be a disaster, just follow your heart and “let your spirits, fly so free” (Above The Bones by Mishka). All the randomness got together and became one heck of a plan. Who knows, another random thought might bring us to Maldives, Santorini, or anywhere at the farthest corner of this planet. Until next time my friends.
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Now here are some fast facts that may help you in your trip:
1. Read San Antonio, Zambales’ Hidden Beaches: Nagsasa & Anawangin Coves for directions, toll fees, and gas approximates to Zambales.
2. Silanguin Cove is 1.5-2 hours away from from Baranggay Pundaquit.
3. Boat rentals – P800.00/per person Contact Reynald “Kulot” Liwarin 0910 816 2974 or 0906 944 4388
4. Puerto Silanguin entrance fee – P150.00/per person
5. Anawangin, Nagsasa, and Capones Island are good alternative destinations or side trips if you’re going to Silanguin.
6. Like BIYAHERONG BARAT on Facebook.
7. Enjoy and have a safe trip.
8. If you’re looking for the cheapest and complete travel packages to Zambales, see Biyahe Lokal.
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