POTIPOT Island..is it worth it?

I've been to Zambales' prized islands Anawangin and Capones last year and those were experiences that I really treasure. Both islands have their own uniqueness and I sure am happy to have been there already. Last May, me and some friends wanted to try a new island on our list which is a well-talked about place called Potipot Island.

It's a very small island where you can go round about it in about 20-30minutes while doing a relaxed pace. It has a white and light brown sand shoreline and just 5minutes small boat ride from the shore of Candelaria, Zambales.

We just wanted a weekend getaway and Zambales is pretty near Manila and package prices are affordable for an overnight stay so we went in to get some of that fun in the sun.

We started early on a Saturday morning and compared to Anawangin and Capones' jump off point in Pundaquit, Zambales, this trip is a much farther long drive. It's a 4-5hrs travel time so one has got to be really comfortable in your transpo so you have the energy upon arrival.

We arrived there at exactly lunchtime and we were all hungry travelers. Our trip was organized by Travellers Journey Travel and Tours, owned by a high school friend, and she and her husband Rommel were very hands-on with regard to seeing the comfort of their clients. They suggested Dawal Beach Resort and Restaurant as it is the most frequented place by visitors. We ordered right away as we were famished!

After that filling meal, we headed to our resort which is Trinidad Bay Resort. Our room was just enough for the 5 of us, 1 double bed and 2 single beds. It got a bit hot as the sun was still perched high in the sky so we just rearranged the order of our beds and we were rewarded with the AC hitting us where it's supposed to. So we had our siesta while some stepped out of the room and roamed around the grounds of the resort and along the beach.

Nap time is done and we got out of the room and did some exploring. The beach was not impressive at this coastline and the sand was definitely very dark, water is grayish as well. I remember at that time, I was wondering how Potipot would be vastly different than this dark beach as the small island is 5minutes boat-ride away. Anyway, I did not test the waters' depth but just wet my foot with the small waves crashing in.

There it is! Potipot Island at the background.

Candelaria's beach front..nothing impressive

I love sunsets

the resort where we stayed in.. Trinidad Bay Resort

For dinner, we went to the other resort or inn near beside the one where we are staying at. We walked at the dark beach and we were scaredy cats, not because of ghosts or bad individuals, but because we might step on poop! Haha! But this place where we had our dinner offered a very very good deal on meals. First of all, they serve it buffet-style, and second, they offered dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day for only P500 all in all! It's a steal! I mean you just have 3 viands, soup, fruits and rice but it is a winner. And their food is delicious, if I may say. We were mighty pleased with it.

Then after dinner, it's Videoke time! =)

The next day, Sunday, we were off to an early start. But of course, not without a hearty breakfast.

great start to a great morning

And at that moment, even for just a few hours, we were excited to get to the island. We went at the beach and waited for a boat to pick us up. Again, Mary Ann and Rommel made sure that all of us were safe and secured, they also went with us, even for just a short time at the island.

so clear waters

There were a lot of people in the island that day. I guess all of us basically has the same things running on our minds. But despite that, we found a good place where a tree provided a shade for us so after liking this spot, we never veered far away from this place. We literally just laid on our backs on the sand while our bodies were gently being rocked by the very soft waves. It was so relaxing! It had a calming effect on me and I really liked it. That's why I did only this for 5 hours! I could not get enough of it and the shade was perfect, the sun barely kissed our skin with sunburn. Just a light tan.

this is life! life's a beach! =)

So was it worth it? I would say YES. Despite the number of people on the island, we still got the relaxation that we were after. Now that is another one island off my list. =)

TRAVEL AGENT DETAILS:
Travellers Journey Travel and Tours
Mary Ann Del Rosario
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002348320551
http://travellerandtour.blogspot.com/

9175221540 Mobile 9497469182 Mobile 9228066167 Mobile

The Anawangin & Capones Islands Experience

Last June, my high school friends (together with their love halves) and I finally had the out-of-town getaway that was long overdue already. Not all were able to come (aww..sad..) but for everyone who was able to, we had the time of our lives.

It was just an overnight trip so we made sure that we got the most out of it. The first batch (Michelle, Rommel, Eugene, Candy, Paolo, Edgie and Jb) arrived there early while the second batch (me, cyrene, raymond, emae and mary ann and her hubby rommel together with their cute baby girl) arrived nightfall already. I could not see the ocean nor do I want to go near it coz I was afraid. Haha!

We were famished though we had a stopover at NLEX but good thing, when we arrived, the cooking was on the way already. Everything tasted great.

After dinner, we just chillaxed. Enjoyed a couple of bottles of alcohol and some grilled hotdog. The night was young and so are we. : )

I felt sleepy already. And so does Emae so we went in to our room to have a headstart on our beauty rest (haha!). Our whole group was just in 1 room so it was fun and at the same time, gave me a feeling of security. :)

A lot has happened while I was asleep. I was hearing some sort of a commotion but I just ignored it and continued my sleeping. There were some snoring, the others said so, but I was dead to the world. There was also a lovers' tiff (ahem! sino kaya yun?). It was just in the morning that I knew of the events that occurred during the night like the big water jug was accidentally hit thus flooding our room a little bit. And when I woke up, I approached my camera battery that I left charging and it was nowhere to be found. It has gotten wet by the incident but it was still intact and working so no biggie.

It was raining hard that early morning but thank goodness it stopped. After our breakfast, we went ahead and started our trip going to Anawangin and Capones islands.

Just going to the place where our boat was 'parked' took a lot of effort. The sand was 'squishy' and it wasn't firm so we were trodding on soft ground. So we just took pics along the way to maximize the moment.

After a long walk, we finally reached the boat and the trip has officially started! :)

And our first destination is finally within view.. ANAWANGIN!

Upon arrival, we took off right away to look for a good spot to leave our things and it was heaven sent that Michelle's brother was there, to her surprise, so we were able to leave our stuff in their tent. And started clicking away for souvenir shots. :)

And of course, the swimming. Most important activity. But in my case, more like wading in the water or just riding the waves. They were quite 'forceful' that day, maybe because it just rained. But well, it was fun even if most of us got wiped out a lot of times (or was it just me?). :)

This was a very physical day. I've gotten a few scratches on my knees but the pain was worth it. So after the strenuous activity, we just sat back and relaxed and nibbled on the foodies that we brought. A simple fare of chichirya and sandwiches and Coke.

So after we've felt the surroundings of Anawangin, off we went to Capones Island to experience what this second island has to offer.

Everything was a rush here at Capones but I liked this island better than Anawangin. After experiencing the water and took lots of pictures, we went back to Pundaquit because it was late afternoon already. Whew! Whatta rush! Whatta day! But perfect nonetheless. :)

Back in Pundaquit, we took a bath, fixed our things then said goodbye to nature on this side of the Philippines. It was a fun event! Time to go back home. Thank God for blessings like these..being with old and new friends and relishing what this country of ours has to offer. :)