The Capones islets in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. We went here for our departmental teambuilding last year. The opening of the Subic Clark Tarlac expressway (SCTEX) has opened a tremendous opportunity for tourism for the region. What was previously a 4- 5 hour gruelling drive over various towns and unkept roads has been shortened to a 2 1/2 - 3 hour leisurely drive over arguably one of the countrys' best roads.
Aside from driving, it is easily accessible by bus and tricycle. Iv'e read from other blogs that Victory liner stops by the market of San Antonio and it only takes a tricycle ride to reach Brgy. Pundaquit. There are plenty of resorts to choose from. We stayed at Jim's which is not beachfront but only a short walk away from the surf. Accomodations are basic, no first class stuff but still for the price (2000 per aircon room which accomodated 3 adults and 2 children) is ok enough. The combination of the mountains, the sea and the islets more than makes up for this. Besides we went there not for the accomodation but for the Pundaquit experience and we were comfortable enough.
The next day, we ventured out to explore the islets. We got a banca for 700 pesos roundtrip to and from the Islets. I tried to hide my apprehension since I found the banca a little too small for comfort considering I was with my family then. Iv'e heard that there are more professional banceros with bigger boats to choose from there. Luckily, we went first thing in the morning since the waves were not yet that big
After a brief ride we reached the islet of Capones. Now this is as closest to survivor Philippines as can be. It was quite an experience feeling like having a whole islet to yourself. Again, next time I'll bring more water or juice and some snacks since there are no extablishments on the islet. Just first class nature.
We did a little exploring and had fun at the beach of Capones islet. The other side had a light house that I was hoping to explore but having 3 kids w/me made me think twice. The boatman told me that the waves were rougher on the other side since it faced the open sea. We just enjoyed exploring and swimming in what we considered our own little island .
accomodations for 1 @ Capones island.
An overnight stay was too short a time to explore all that Pundaquit has to offer. Anawangin cove is a different adventure and hopefully next time I will be able to visit and share my experience. Some of my group chose to take that route and luckily was able to snap this picture.
I hope to come back and spend a little more time in the future. Hopefully the local officials and the stakeholders do it right and develop Pundaquit into a tourist friendly eco tourism zone. Who knows, with its proximity to Manila, Pundaquit will become the newest and hottest vacation spot for the Philippines.
