First quarter of 2017 is about to end and believe it or not, I just had my first ever tour this year. It's pretty unusual to a born-adventurer person like me. And as much as possible, I don't want to end each month without any out of town trips. Travel is my life and it makes me more focus and bring passion in all the things that I want to achieve. But of course there's a good reason why I chose to minimize my out of town trips this year. Mainly because I want to save up money for my Indochina tour (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia only) this second quarter. But three months of just working from 9 a.m til 6 p.m is like a torture for me. I needed a break to re-align and re-focus myself.
Me and together with two of my colleagues, decided to take a weekend tour in Nagsasa Cove, Zambales. It's very accessible from Manila which is three to four hours drive only. I've been there three years ago but it still gave me an excitement to inspire again with the beauty of Nagsasa Cove. Without further ado, here are some of the highlights and itinerary during our Zambales tour.
The Planning, Tour Agency and Inclusions
Even though I'm not a big fan of booking a tour in a travel agencies because I prefer the DIY (Do it Yourself) tour as I can use my talent in administration, but this time we gave it a try as we don't want any hassle in the preparation and we have limited time also. I searched online and were fortunate to book a cheaper tour to Nagsasa, Zambales. I found this group who's organizing a tour to Nagsasa, Zambales. - they are called Stress Out. For only Php 1,800 (35.87 usd), we got all these:
Tour Coordinator and Assistant
Van transfers (Cubao-Nagsasa, Nagsasa-Cubao)
Tent
Island entrance fees
Environmental fees
Other activities fees
Boat transfers
Mineral water
Bonfire
Ice box with ice
Meals
Parking fee of Vans
Cottages
Free use of Volleyball
Kitchen Utensils
No more hidden charges at all. We got what they've promised. The coordinator, Ms. Joy, was very accommodating to all the guests. The food was also good and they were the one who prepared the meal and all we have to do is to eat. It's totally stressed-free!
The Itinerary
Day 11:00 A.M. - Meet up at Araneta Center, Cubao
1:30 A.M. - ETD
5:000 A.M. ETA in San Antonio Market, Zambales
5:30 A.M. - Breakfast
7:00 A.M. - Boat transfer from Pundaquit to Nagsasa Cove
8:00 A.M. - ETA in Nagsasa Cove
8:30 A.M. - Tent Set-up / Free Time (Swimming , Trekking, etc.)
11:30 A.M. Lunch
12:30 P.M. - Free Time
4:00 P.M - Games
5:00 P.M. - Snacks
6:00 P.M. - Free Time
7:00 P.M. - Dinner
9:00 P.M. - Bonfire
9:30 P.M. - Free Time
6:00 A.M. - Breakfast
7:00 A.M. - Trekking to Nagsasa Hilltop
10: A.M. - Island Hopping (Anawangin Cove & Capones Island)
1:00 P.M. - Lunch at Pundaquit
3:00 P.M. - ETD
Zambales is one of the best go-to places if you want to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even though it was just an overnight tour, it was still a great experience to break the cycle in doing the nine to five job. It was very refreshing to see not just the four corners of my cubicle but a new and different surrounding.
Gallery:
Photo credits: Gemree Mangilit Photography
