My day was already made even before our boat hit the shore. We felt a slight tug from one of the fishing rods that stuck into the air like flag-less poles. Randy, our boatman for the day, rushed to the front and reeled in the morning’s first catch: a wahoo. “Tanguigue in Tagalog,” Harry, another companion, translated.
Our destination for that day was Silanguin Cove, the farthest of the newly “rediscovered” beaches in San Antonio, Zambales. While it bears many similarities with its neighbors, Silanguin is definitely the odd man out. While Nagsasa, Talisayin, and Anawangin are covered with volcanic ash, Silanguin is strewn with regular sand. It is not white-white. It’s not even beige. It is gray at best. But don’t judge the beach by its color. It has the most stunning backdrop. Reddish hills frame the cove, a stark contrast to their virid feet.
Two dogs dashed toward our boat and greeted us with unwelcoming barks. “They belong to the other resort,” Randy said. “They’re still not that used to visitors.” It’s understandable. Anawangin may have more than its share of tourists, but Silanguin is still almost unheard of. If you want peace of mind, this might be the best San Antonio beach for you.
Even the waves here are much friendlier, much gentler than those that tickle its neighbors. The sand doesn’t get too hot under the sun, a problem I have with the ashes of Nagsasa and Anawangin. A few basic “resorts” line the coast. They offer basic accommodations (and use of restrooms) and paluto services for a fee. (Entrance is usually at PHP150.) Don’t expect modern amenities. Silanguin has been isolated from the rest of mainland Luzon by an expansive mountain range and sprawling forests.
The southern ridge of the cove extends out to the sea and is jotted with a small, rocky island, which is also named after the area, Silanguin. The cove faces the controversial West Philippine Sea. A Philippine navy ship roams around the area during my visit. Its rich marine resources also offer a bounty for local fishermen. Lately fishing tours have taken form, with the boatmen also allowing guests to fish for leisure.
For boat tours: Contact: Harry Balais of 7107 Islands Tours at + 639176274945
Where to stay: Camping is the best way to experience the back-to-basics vibe of the place. If it’s not your thing, you may stay at one of the resorts. Puerto Silanguin has a two-room hut for P1500 per night. Entrance fee is P150.
How to get to Silanguin Cove: The most popular way of reaching Silanguin is via Pundaquit, where boat tours to San Antonio’s many beaches are available. To get to Pundaquit, travel by bus (Victory Liner) to Iba and get off in front of San Antonio Market (P250-270). Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P30). Tours cost P2000 for a return trip to Silanguin and P2500 for a tour that also stops in Capones and Camara Islands. Travel time is around 1 hour.
Alternatively, you may also get to Silanguin from Subic Bay, but requires a longer travel time (2 hours).
LIST OF EXPENSES:
- Entrance Fee: P150
- Bus Fare (Manila-San Antonio): P250
- Tricycle Fare (San Antonio-Pundaquit): P60 per 2 pax, or P30 per pax
- Boat tour: P2000-P2500
I find Silanguin much better than Anawangin and Nagsasa. I hope this guide can also help other travelers :)
http://ucandostuff.ph/Guide-1708-How%20to%20get%20to%20Silanguin%20Cove.aspx
maam how much is the rate per night for the hut?
[…] See more of Zambales’ beautiful coves from: The Lost Kid, and The Poor Traveler. […]
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Hello, who is your contact with the boat ride? And did you bring utensils for your food or did you make them cook for you? Thanks.
Hi Nica, I lost na his number. We didn’t eat kasi sa Silanguin so I dunno. We ate kasi sa Nagsasa Cove, and dun may paluto so di kelangan ng utensils. Sa Silanguin, di ko alam.
Hi, some qqs here:
1. is this senior-citizen’s friendly?
2. can guest bring private cars? a bigger one I mean, SUV?
3. if yes (on #2), do you think its safe?
From your review, I believe this place is better suited for the oldies. I’m just contemplating on the vehicle that we will be bringing since this place, as per description, is a bit secluded.
Thanks heaps in advance for the response!
Kind regards,
Cris
Hi Cris,
Hmmm. I dunno why you think this is best suited for seniors, but it is the farthest among San Antonio’s coves and requires the longest travel time by boat. There are also just a few facilities. So no, I don’t think it’s senior-friendly.
may signal sa silanguin cove? anawangin, talisaten and nagsasa cove kasi wala eh. Silanguin Cove kasi is nasa harapan na ng Subic Bay so ang iniisip ko meron ng Signal dito, meron nga ba?
Hi Everyone
Puerto Silanguin Beach Camping Resort though is the farthest Cove has very strong signal and it has the most spacious among the 4 Coves of Pundaquit
It has been improved over the years and has the highest standard of services.
You can choose your accommodation to big Tent with a queen size bed complete with bed side tables pillows and linens
You may choose too a small tent which are all available for rent.
The Campsite has a lot of space ;super quiet and maintained its cleanliness
If you seeking for a total weekend getaway…. visit Puerto Silangui. I can assure you. . You want to go back again and again
Hi Dave, naku, di ko matandaan. :(
Hi Yoshke
I read about how you evanescence’s the most family bloggers on earth! Congratulations and more power to both of you!
You have been a visitors as well in my area in Puerto Silanguin Cove and during that time I wasn’t active and interested in opening it as a business as I was still living in U. S
Im base now in Hk so it is closer travelling to Silanguin
I’m upgrading the campsite and I would like to ask you if you could advertise it for me.
Can I contact you please or please contact me
My Number is 63 9082279289
852 95019168
Thank you!