Anawangin and Nagsasa coves
Grey volcanic beaches shaded by pine-like agoho trees, born from the ash of Mount Pinatubo.
Quick answer
- What they are: a string of coves near San Antonio, Zambales, including Anawangin, Nagsasa, Talisayen and Silanguin.
- Why they look like this: the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo buried the rocky shore in ash, and agoho trees later took root.
- Getting there: by boat from Pundaquit, about 20 minutes to Anawangin and 30 to 40 minutes to Nagsasa.
- Stay: camping is the classic way; there are no hotels on the coves.
- Best time: the dry season, roughly December to April.
Why it is a wonder
Before 12 June 1991, the coast south of San Antonio, Zambales, was rocky and backed by forest. Then Mount Pinatubo erupted, in one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, and its ash buried these bays. Over the following years the ash settled into soft grey beaches, and agoho trees, a casuarina often mistaken for pine, grew along them.
Today the coves look like nowhere else in the country: grey sand, a pine-like forest and green hills, a mix often described as Baguio meets Boracay. Anawangin is the best known; Nagsasa, further south, is larger and quieter.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid weekends and Holy Week, when campers pack Anawangin.
- Choose Nagsasa or Silanguin for more space.
- Camp overnight to have the coves almost to yourself after the day boats leave.
Getting there
From Manila, take a bus towards Olongapo and San Antonio, then a tricycle to Pundaquit. Rent a boat from Pundaquit: about 20 minutes to Anawangin and 30 to 40 minutes to Nagsasa. Many operators combine the coves with Capones and Camara islands. See our guide to island hopping.
A perfect day
- Boat out early to Capones Island and its old lighthouse.
- Swim at Nagsasa and walk under the agoho trees.
- Pitch your tent at Anawangin for the night.
- Watch the stars away from any city lights.
Through the seasons
- December to April: dry, calm seas, best for camping.
- June to October: the southwest monsoon brings rough seas, and boat trips are often cancelled.
Respect the place
There is little infrastructure here. Bring water, take all your rubbish back to Pundaquit, and don’t cut agoho branches for firewood. For the volcano behind it all, see our Mount Pinatubo guide.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Anawangin or Nagsasa?
Anawangin is closer and busier. Nagsasa is farther, larger and usually quieter.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. Camping is allowed for a fee, and many tour operators in Pundaquit rent tents and arrange boats.
Are agoho trees pine trees?
No. Agoho is a type of casuarina that grows well on sandy shores, but its needle-like leaves make it look like a pine.
Can I hike there?
Yes. Trails cross the hills from Pundaquit to Anawangin and from Subic to Nagsasa, taking several hours. Go with a guide.
Kapurpurawan and Cape Bojeador
Wind-carved white rocks on the shore and a Spanish-era lighthouse on the hill above, on Luzon's far northwest coast.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
