Returning to Capones Island

Last June 2010, I was astounded by the beauty by the islands of Camara and Capones and Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales. So when friends invited me to go to Zambales, no second thoughts, I quickly said yes. For my second visit the pit stops are Camara, Capones, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove.

The day after Christmas, we all meet up at the Victor Liner at the Pasay terminal to ride the bus bound to Zambales. It took us a 5 hours travel to reach our destination - Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zamables. The quiet town of Pundaquit serves as the jump-off point for tourist who would like to visit the islands and the coves. it is not hard to find a boat and tent (for campers) rental, as the main source of living of the towns people are fishing and tourism. They will accommodate tourist on their needs for island hopping and camping.

At 11 a.m. we are all ready for our adventure, foods and water are packed, cameras are ready and the boat waiting at the shore. Our first pit stop, Camara Island, where we also planned to have our lunch.  Unfortunately because of the typhoon Quinta, we were not able to land at Camara Island. The waves are strong and the boatman told us that it will be hard for us to land.  We just passed by the island of Camara as we saw waves crushed in to this big chunk of rock turned island.

We then headed to the island of Capones, which is known for its lighthouse. Thankfully, the boatmen landed our boat to the sandy part of the island. The last time I went to Capones, we were landed to the rocky part that leads to the lighthouse. I was not able to reach this part of the island the last time, so I was happy that I can explore this part and also it will not be hard for us to eat our lunch. Since it was already lunch time, we can feel the scorching sun as we unpacked our things for lunch. This side of the island is not that friendly for tourist since there is no shade and the waves are also strong, making it hard for tourist to swim.

the castaways exploring the island of Capones

After finding a shade, we quickly unpacked our food, as all of us are already starving. When we finished our lunch, we explore the island. There are many rock formations that will tempt every tourist to strike a pose for a “Kodak” moment.  Include also the strong breeze coming from the South China Sea; one will truly enjoy the ambiance brought by the island.

the different rock formations in the island

rocks, rocks, rocks and sea

Since we landed on the sandy part of the island, there is no direct route going to the lighthouse. We need to ride again the boat and land on the rocky part of the island that looks like a stairs that will lead us to the lighthouse. Unfortunately when we asked the boatman, he told us that we cannot go there because of the strong waves that will cause difficulty in landing the boat.

Instead of feeling gloomy, we decided to continue our exploration of the island. We went to the rocky part of the island, searching for some route that can lead us to the lighthouse. We climb rocks, walk along the rocky shores we found no alternate route going to the lighthouse.

searching for a route to the lighthouse

climbing the rocks

at the top of the rocks

a view of the sea  at the top of a rock

Even though we were not able to reach the lighthouse, our stay in the island is still incredible. Feeling the breeze of the air, see the vast blue sea, walk along the white fine sand, climb rocks, are all worthwhile  experiences.

the fine white sand and pebbles at the shore