NURTURING NAGSASA

It was October 2012 when my office mates and I were given a heads-up that the Boondock Junkies(a travel group that we join on hiking, spelunking, travelling, etc.) is inviting us in their Nagsasa Traverse and beach bumming trip. I have heard that beach before and I've been wanting to visit it because my friends told great stories about the beauty and serenity of the place. I was very hesitant at first because the proposed date of this event is less than a week before my Bohol trip. I thought it will be too expensive for me... but then when I found out that we're just going to spend a maximum of 1,500 pesos for the whole trip, the thought of joining became clearer. And my decision became concrete when I realized that it would be the time for me to reflect(talk about heartache.lol!) on the fast-paced happenings in my life. At dahil PAcK NA PAcK! sa budget, I finally agreed to join!

We have 2 choices on how we'll reach Nagsasa Cove,  either via TRAIL by doing the TRAVERSE climb or by SEA where a rented BOAT will bring us to the much awaited cove. Not wanting to stress myself further, I opted for the easier way--by SEA, amid the fact that all my office mates will do the trail. Anyway, I was assured that the boat will not only be paid by those travelling by sea but by all of us since all our things will be transported by the boat(they want their climb to be light-packed too).

November 10, Saturday, straight from our regular work shift(3PM-12AM) we went to our meeting place at McDonald's Edsa at MRT Quezon Ave. station. We rode the van of Ms. Yan(hurray for a less stressful travel!). The group were asleep almost the entire travel to Zambales. We were only assisted by GPS in getting to the jump off point of trek, so much to my hope of getting a not-so-stressful travel...WE (kinda) GOT LOST! Good thing the locals are very helpful in giving us road instructions. After a series of reverses, we finally arrived at the jump-off point.

By the way, here are the trekkers(office mates) as they prepare to jump-off:

(Left to right: Emy, Je, Charm, Jayne,Joy)

We were a bit shy at first so I wasn't able to take a shot with the other 3 trekkers. So let me share another photo of the whole group of trekkers taken from Ate Kat's cam at the peak of Mt. Bira Bira:

There you go, with the other trekkers--Yan, Kat and Ranon

Dino, Melanie and I now drove to San Antonio to meet Ate Myra(not her real name. haha! Sorry I forgot the name...) who will lead us to Pundaquit. While waiting for her, we went to San Antonio Market to buy food for our overnight camping. After getting everything we need, we decided to drop-by the house of Melanie's relatives(just a few blocks away) while waiting. But something unfortunate happened, the van's engine didn't start up. Melanie and I had to walk to her relative's house to ask for help. *fast forward* Voila! After an hour or so, her tito found and solved the problem. Since Ate Myra has already arrived, we followed her (she's on a motorcycle) all the way to Pundaquit.

The sea tranfers was organized by Ms. Yan days before, so we had no trouble looking for a boat that will bring us to the Cove. The van was parked at a parking lot near the Pundaquit port/shore for a fee. After we put our things on the passenger boat, we finally sailed for Nagsasa Cove.

Pundaquit shore

Kuya's checking the problem of the engine

Much to my excitement, when our boat was about 300-500 meters away from shore, the boat's engine sounded so different(yes, you got it right! Another trouble...) and our boatmen considered pulling the boat back to the shore and transfer us to a different boat. I felt that time that Nagsasa Cove seems to play 'hard-to-get'. haha! Reminding myself that this is supposed to be a stress-reliever getaway, I just smiled the hassle away. :)

Had a sigh of relief when we saw this marvelous Nagsasa beach shore

As how it went earlier, after transferring our things, our boat sailed South China Sea heading to the cove. After about an hour of boat ride, we finally saw the long stretch of white(or slightly grayish white) sand of Nagsasa beach. The feeling was quite indescribable to finally see the beauty of the cove. The mountain, trees and sand look so perfect  together from afar. The view made all the stress we've been through, worth it. PAcK NA PAcK talaga!(The only down-side you might see is that the area has NO signal on all networks--Smart, Sun and Globe)

Rates(will post this one on text below)

The first thing we did when we got there was to set-up the camp(with the help of some locals) and cook our food. The plan was to bring our lunch at a nearby falls, where we were supposed to meet the trekkers and eat together. But since we arrived at the beach about 2 hours later than expected and we were all tired, we came into a decision that the three of us will eat right there and Kuya Dino will be the only one to meet the others(accompanied by a local for a fee) at the falls after we take our lunch.

Dino, Melanie and I as we transfer out our things from the boat to our rented cottage, prep up for lunch and set-up camp beneath the Agoho trees(which look like Pine trees)

 The trek to the falls will take less than 30 minutes. Not even halfway to the falls, Dino already met the others. They told us that they stayed(and slept) at the falls for an hour or so but we didn't come, so they have decided to come to the beach instead. They look very tired because of their 4-hour trek and the way they ate also showed the exhaustion they felt(haha!). Good thing we have already set up the camp and everyone could rest before we explore the beach.

One good thing at Nagsasa is the cleanliness of the place. The shore is clean, unlike other coves/beaches nearby that got too commercialized and mainstream, hence, garbage is seen everywhere(yes, there are those that floats at the water). The public toilet/bath is well-maintained and water for bathing is also provided. The caretakers are very friendly and accommodating too! They even helped us cook Kilawing Tuna for our dinner.

The beach has a Sari-sari store available but I do recommend for you to just bring rather than buy at the cove because it can get a little bit pricey(they put transportation expenses on top of the price). With regards to cooking your food, I think you should bring your own cooking set(just like we did) or you also have a choice to use a make-shift stove and just ask some locals for some wood for cooking(remember to give them some money, as this is one of their ways in making a living), you can also borrow cooking pots and utensils. Almost everything here is DIY, though the locals at Nagsasa will gladly help you on your needs--from putting up a make-shift stove, gathering woods for cooking, setting-up your camp, just remember not to be too stingy(but not too unreasonably openhanded) because these people will will be of much help to you(with a smile on their faces).


The sea water, just like everything else in the island, is clean. It is so clear that if you are lucky enough , you could even see little fishes swimming by your feet. The  water depth is much alike in Anawangin Cove, where you can go so far without the water going beyond chest-deep.

Sunset at Nagsasa

The sunset in the island is unbelievably breath-taking. It's a bizarre scenery that made me forget all the worries I left in Manila and this is one of the best things that I miss in Nagsasa. After the sunset, you'll find the beach dark and your only source of light would be your flashlight, so better bring one and extra batteries. The island doesn't have electricity but a generator runs until before midnight, where you can charge up you cameras, phones,etc. for a fee.


The caretakers have given each camping group a set of wood for camp fire. This is also a cool thing to see because everyone huddles near their camp fire while having their own share of laughter and stories over roasted hotdogs and marshmallows with a toast of beer or brandy.

While the beach-feel gets more tantalizing at night, with the abundance of stars and the whipping of wind, you should always be reminded of taking care of your belongings. Amid all the good reviews on-line on the safety of the beach, an opposite of this happened to us. We were all gathered by the campfire when the theft incident happened. Two bags inside the tent(which has 2 opposite openings) near the unopened zip-up access was apparently opened without our knowledge and not less than 1,500 Pesos was taken. I won't be disclosing any specific details as to who was found as the culprit but let us always remember not to leave your valuables unattended.

Good Morning, Nagsasa!

This can be climbed up, with the help of the locals, in the morning. And on top you'll see the exquisite view of Nagsasa.

Off to Capones, we go.

Waking up in the morning, we had our breakfast, had a short dip in the sea and decided to break the camp at 10 am. Before heading back to Pundaquit, we had side trips to Capones Island and to an area for snorkeling. 

We docked at the rocky side of Capones Island and had a short trek to the lighthouse. The structure beneath the old lighthouse was said to be home to Spanish friars according to our boatmen/tour guide. The century old lighthouse was renovated and the lantern is now powered by solar-panel. Remember to be careful in climbing up to the top of the timeworn lighthouse because the staircase is too delicate and might get a bit shaky. There is also a part at the back of this structure where you can have better photo ops with the old structure at the background and you can also see a panoramic view of the sea. :)


After Capones Island, our boatmen headed for a spot where visitors snorkel. I've seen variety of fishes but we didn't spend much time snorkeling there because of the little jellyfishes that kept on biting us. Their bite hurts like that of red ants and gets really itchy afterwards. It also leaves mosquito bite-like traces on your skin.


So far, I can say that Nagsasa Cove is one beach that you'd want to come back to. If you are looking for a serene place to camp and swim, I can say that Nagsasa is PAcK NA PAcK! and should be on your bucket list. I just hope that the story of this beach would be different from Anawangin's. We should all learn how to travel responsibly. As how they say, TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS AND KILL NOTHING BUT TIME.

PS. As promised, here are the rates(as of Nov. 2012) posted at the photo above:
Entrance Fee - 100 PhP
Hut Rental - 100 PhP
Tent(4-6 persons) - 500 PhP
Tent(6-8 persons) - 600 PhP
Beach Chair - 100 PhP
Hammock - 100 PhP
Badminton/Volleyball - 100 PhP
Package Rate - 500 PhP(includes: boate fee,entrance fee, hut rental and usage of cooking pots & utensils)
Fun - FREE!
For questions & reservations - call/ text 09217540840
Facebook - The Beach Place

PSS. Sorry for the bad camera photos :D