It was actually summer, but I would suggest best time to go there is November or after the rainy season. By this time, mountain is lush green and just a small number of travelers / campers. If you want to experience the cast away feel where you and your group are the only human in the place, go there on a weekdays. Don't target the peak season.
For a group of 10 and more, you can arrange a tour package. For small groups like us, here is a guide that you can follow.
On the way
There is a straight bus going to Zambales. Ride Victory Liner in Cubao and ask for drop-off in the town of San Antonio (Php 250 - 300). I'm not sure if bus is aircon, so to make sure take the Olongapo Bus, plus their aircon buses has wifi!
If you like cut trips like me, here is what we do.
We took Five Star Bus in Cubao going to Dau (Php 140). If your traveling by dawn, try riding ordinary bus which will only cost you about 80 pesos. Best you travel 2AM or earlier. The ride is about 2 hours, take a good nap. In Dau, you can have early breakfast. There's a 24Hr - dine-in / take-out Jollibee and others.
Take the Victory Liner going to Olongapo (Php 140), Take a good nap for about an hour or 2 travel time. Make sure to re-charge for the trek.
Once in Olongapo, you can immediately ride a bus going to Iba Zambales, Ask for a drop-off in San Antonio Municipal Hall.
At the back of the Municipal Hall is San Antonio Public Market. Buy your food, drinks and other necessities there.
Anawangin is a secluded place where you can only see pine trees, sand, mountain, in short it's only nature in there. During peak season, there are available store built-in with price. So make sure to prepare things.
Before going, make sure to make arrangement with a guide. For the second time, my contact guide is Kuya Rene (09086428236). Tell Kuya Rene your plan so that he can prepare as well.
We reached San Antonio almost 9AM. We immediately hit the market and buy the stuffs we need. Kuya Rene also pick us up at the market. At 10AM we started the trek.
Kuya Rene, introduced us to our guide Anthony.
And we started the adventure.
I would suggest to get a mountaineering backpack with lots of pockets or ensure to have a bag were you can easily put your bottled water or energy drink.
Trekking is no-easy-thing. Ensure that your feet are ready, take walks and runs to prepare your feet. I regularly jog so I can easily cope-up with the trek.
It was sunny and very hot. Put your long sleeves on and hat for protection. Ensure to bring about 1L of water or energy drink.
For mountaineering and trekking equipments, you can check out Sandugo for your tramping needs. Well, my guys get me a Sandugo trekking sandals so the trek was very comfy for me.
More on my next article - way to the top and easy going down.
