According to the caretakers, Anawangin Cove, based in Zambales, Philippines nearby Pundaquit beach, is just a geological baby. It was formed during the eruptions of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, with much of the white beachsand being comprised of lahar. What makes this stretch of beach particularly striking and unusual is the prevalence of tropical pinetrees. I'm not sure if this is fact or myth, however I was told that this particular tropical pinetree only grows where the environment is pristine.
The cove itself is crescent shaped, backing onto a tropical pine forest that meets a crystal clear river and lake. Rising dramatically behind and to both sides of the cove are arid, windswept mountains. It is really a scene one expects to find in Canada or Europe, not tropical Philippines.
If you are the outdoor type - you'll love Anawangin - you can walk inland to a lovely savannah-type field, which reminded me of Australia and even smelt like Australia with all the gum trees (eucalyptus) around. We swam, we hiked, we climbed, it was really an adventure land. On one of our days there, we popped across to Capones Island, which was a gorgeous little island - beautiful views, lovely shrubs and grasses. Apparently it has a lighthouse - but we never quite found it... woops!
The caretakers have used some great tourism practices, roping off the campsite approximately 50 metres away from the beach. To ensure proper sanitation, they have built toilet and shower facilities for campers to use, and two waterpumps have been installed.
Like most isolated home-owners, the caretakers make use of every available resource. They collect campers' used tins and plastics which they recycle, and were happy to eat my leftovers (but whether they liked my cooking, well that's another matter!)
We personally carried out our rubbish which we deposited in Pundaquit, however other campers left theirs' behind, and I watched the caretakers meticulously clean up their sites, gather the rubbish and ensured there was not a trace of evidence that campers had been. Apparently the rubbish is incinerated - which as we know, is a common practice in the Philippines, but it contributes to air pollution and isn't very pleasant to be around. So, guys - be responsible for your rubbish, if you brought it in, bring it back out.
I heard from a friend who visited days after I left, that homemade charcoal is available for sale at the site. My friends accidentally left their gas cooker on the bus, so they were saved from a potential culinary disaster. However, my advice is to bring in your own cookers and not rely on charcoal, as I'm not sure what wood source was used to make the charcoal.
During our stay we met William, the most charming of boatmen. William and my boyfriend Leland hit it off almost immediately. Everytime William brought guests to the Cove, he would come over to our campsite for a chat and a coffee. He was also a safe boatdriver, and on our ride home gave us a scenic tour.
When it was time to leave, my soul was revived. The wonderful few days in such peaceful paradise was just what I had needed. I was ready to take on another year, full of new challenges. I had grown quite fond of the caretakers by this point - and we parted with a large hug and kiss.
Anawangin, a place to soothe the soul. I highly recommend campers to make the trek to the Cove (literally or figuratively - one can make a 5 hour trek overland from Punaquit or take a 20 minute boatride.) If you do go, please follow good camping practices - to make sure we all can enjoy it for years to come.
Responsible Camping Guidelines:
1. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs, kill nothing but time
2. Carry in and carry out all of your food, water and cooking equipment, and especially rubbish!
3. Use water sparingly, and make sure to use biodegradable soaps, shampoos and dishwashing liquid.
4. Use the sanitary facilities on offer at the campsite. If there are no toilet facilities, dig a hole for your business and cover. Carry a plastic bag for your toilet paper and don't leave it on the trails and mountainsides for others to find later.
5. Play it safe, make sure you check weather reports and read or ask after local visitor safety information at the destination.
6. Respect local laws and regulations.