Tips and directions on how to get to Pundaquit

Here are a summary of tips from our Zambales (Pundaquit-Capones-Nagsasa-Pundaquit falls) trip:

Our bangkero, Mang Johny does trips to Capones, Camara, Anawangin, Talisayin, Nagsasa and Silanguin. He’s quite popular with bloggers because of his incredibly kind, no-rip-off attitude and rates (the cheapest of all the boatmen I inquired from). A day trip to Capones-Camara-Nagsasa only costs P1,500 for 2-3 pax. You may also buy your fresh fish pasalubongs from him (he’s also a fisherman and sells fresh catch).We bought a 1.6 kilo-yellowfin tuna from him for only P150 (way more expensive at the local market), and 2 smaller tambakols that weighed more than 1.5 kilos in total for only P150. You may reach him at 09202224687.

If you’re going to Nagsasa Cove, you may want to bring snorkeling gear with you. Mang Johny has a snorkel and fin set for rent at only P100 per pair (whole day).

Visit the waterfalls at Nagsasa Cove. The locals at Nagsasa would be more than willing to accompany you for only P30 (regardless of number of pax).

Food: If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ve no other choice but to eat there as there are no stores or turo-turo in Pundaquit. At Pundaquit Luxury Hotel, guests are allowed to bring food inside their room, but a corkage fee of P50/head will be charged if you’re also bringing in drinks. The in-house resto serves good food at big servings (although it usually takes them 30 minutes to an hour to serve a meal). They have set meals at P150 like the ones we had for dinner below (includes drinks)

Explore the hidden falls in Pundaquit. The locals would be more than happy to serve as guides (usually they’d ask their kids to go). There was actually a kid, Romnick, at the hotel who offered to take us on a tour the following morning just so he could have something to eat.

Always wear a life vest during boat rides. You never know when the waves hit hard. All boats in Pundaquit are required to have vests.

During island hopping trips, bring your own food/ baon, as there are no stores selling drinks or food on any of the islands.

Apply sunblock especially when visiting Capones and Camara. I don’t usually put sunblock on as I enjoy the extra tan, but sunlight is really wicked in those islands and you’d regret it if you did otherwise.

If you’re planning to do island hopping, it is recommended that you arrive early in the morning, when the tide’s still low (between 7-8am).

How to go to Pundaquit from Manila (via private vehicle):

1. From Balintawak, take the route going to the North Luzon Expressway.
2. Exit at the Dau Toll Barrier.
3. Take the SCTEX. There are signs going to SCTEX from the Dau Interchange.You’ll never get lost.

4. Go straight to Tipo Road. You’ll pass by a checkpoint and a tunnel.
6. Make a right at the fork near the bridge going to SBMA.

7. Keep going straight along Rizal Avenue. You will pass by a Petron gas station and a stoplight. We made a stop at the Mini Lagoon inside SBMA for toilet breaks. There’s a picturesque lagoon and a 7-11 store there, if you’d want to buy snacks or take your breakfast.

8. Make a left at Manila Avenue, after Landbank.

9. Turn right at Dewey Avenue (landmark: Cork Room Bistro)

10. Head straight to Kalaklan gate (RH5), then make a left towards the town of Castillejos. You’ll notice an uphill cemetery facing the street. There’s also a signboard that leads to Iba.

11. Keep going straight. You’ll pass by Olongapo City on your way to Castillejos. The entire trip from the SBMA exit to Castillejos takes around 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the traffic.

12. After Castillejos, you will reach the town of San Marcelino. Turn left at the San Marcelino Municipal Building.

San Marcelino Municipal Building

View of Mt. Pundaquit from the San Marcelino road

12. After San Marcelino is the town of San Antonio (where Pundaquit is located). Turn left at the fork near town (sharp curve). This takes you straight to Pundaquit.