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Pinoy Summer Getaways Growing tired of the crowded coasts of Puerto Galera and Boracay? Hot springs in Laguna just won’t excite anymore? This season, we bring you the country’s less known summer spots that just might make the wait for the summer outing all worthwhile. For your long-awaited vacation, try being closer to nature and experience its wonders as you head your way to these must-visit summer getaways: Recommended Summer Destination 1: Anawangin Cove, Zambales
If you’re looking for a perfect spot for both camping and swimming, Anawangin is the right place for you. Located in the small town of San Antonio in Zambales, one will definitely enjoy either playing summer sports along the pure white sand or taking a dive at the crystal-clear water. At night, nothing beats a campfire party with friends and family. But since there’s no electricity available there, karaoke and loud speakers are impossible. Bringing a guitar, and of course, someone who knows how to play it, will set the party mood, instead. So there, a complete appreciation of nature --- away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. How to Get There: From Manila, take a drive or ride a bus to San Antonio, Zambales. Unfortunately, there is no road leading to Anawangin Cove. You have to either take a 20-to-30-minute boat ride or a six-hour trek through the open trails of Pundaquit range. Things to Remember: Anawangin is an underdeveloped cove. There is no electricity and fresh-water supply so bringing enough drinking water, as well as fire-producing materials is a requirement. Also make sure that your tent has enough space to accommodate everyone if you do not want to bring home insect-borne diseases. Mosquito repellant and sun-block lotions are a necessity. This is an isolated area so nobody is expected to do rescue procedures once emergency arises. Remember, going to Anawangin requires a handful of self-discipline. Recommended Summer Destination 2: Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur
An isolated area in Southern Luzon, Caramoan Islands remain to be among the secret paradises of the Philippines that fortunately have not yet suffered extreme exploitation brought by tourism. Like in Anawangin, one can also enjoy camping at the beautiful sand area of Caramoan. Adding to the attraction are the exciting water and land activities offered by the different beach resorts in the developed parts of these islands. These include kayaking, kite boarding, trekking, spelunking, snorkeling, mountain biking and rock climbing. How to Get There: Option # 1: Caramoan Island can be reached by an eight-hour drive or bus ride from Manila to Sabang Port through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). A commercial boat ride for another two hours will bring you to Guijalo, Caramoan Port. Option # 2: You may also take an airplane ride for 45 minutes from Manila to Naga City, where you have to again take a two-hour jeepney ride or an arranged shuttle bus ride to Sabang Port. Finally, a commercial boat ride will take you to Caramoan Port from Sabang Port. Things to Remember: Again, since this is an underdeveloped island, drinking water supply is not enough so you might want to bring with you a lot of bottled water. You will also be staying under direct heat from the sun so sunscreen is a must. There are many outdoor activities offered in this island so accidents are sometimes cannot be avoided. Bringing your own first aid kit should also be on your list in case these situations arise. Recommended Summer Destination 3: Caliraya Resort, Lumban, Laguna
There is more to Laguna than the hot spring resorts found around Mt. Makiling. At Caliraya Re-Creation Center and Resort, one will surely feel closer to nature while having a complete relaxation of body and soul. This elevated paradise, surrounded by man-made Caliraya Lake, offers a variety of fun waterfront activities, outdoor and indoor games, and team-building facilities that will help you create wonderful memories. How to Get There: Option # 1: To commute from Manila, take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz and get off in Pinagsawitan, Pagsanjan Terminal. From there, ride a jeepney bound to Lumot and ask the driver to bring you to the port where a free boat ride to the resort awaits. Option # 2: Drive through SLEX and take the Calamba exit. Head straight and turn right at the Calamba junction. Simply keep that direction, then turn left to Pagsanjan. Once you’re at the fork, enter the right road until you reach the port where you can leave your car. Get into the boat to reach the resort. Things to Remember: Reservations at this resort already include the meal for your entire stay so you don’t have to bring a lot of food, except of course if you have a big appetite. Drinking and smoking are only allowed at certain designated areas like bamboo cottages along lakeside or waiting sheds. It is also recommended for tourists to bring flash lights as there are areas without enough illumination at night. Most of the activities offered require a separate payment so reservations do not guarantee access to all the facilities. Bringing extra money is highly suggested. Recommended Summer Destination 4: Pagupud, Ilocos Norte
If what you’re looking for is a bit of a road trip bound to an amazing haven, then a drive to far north is recommended. Located in the northernmost part of mainland Luzon, the crystal-blue water of South China Sea offers a breath-taking view that will set the mood for a barbecue party or picnic with your loved ones. The pristine sand highlighted by both small and giant coconut trees invites the tourists to a good walk along the coast or a nice reading time under the shade of trees. A couple of beach resorts also feature a variety of amenities to further excite your stay. How to Get There: Traveling to Pagudpud requires a lot of time. Commuting to this town takes 10 to 12 hours, by bus (including stop-overs). We suggest riding a passenger bus that is directly bound to Pagudpud and these buses’ terminal can be found near the University of Sto. Tomas in Espana, Manila. Of course, travel time will be shorter when driving a private car. Things to Remember: Since the travel time is long, it is recommended that you bring your own meal to eat and utensils to use during stop-over, so you won’t need to buy from food shops anymore during stop-overs. Of course, make sure you have enough drinking water for more than 10 hours of travel time. Have a small bag where you can put all your essentials like money, sunblock lotion, mobile phone, mp3 player, etc. It is also suggested that you bring eye drops in case sand gets into your eyes due to strong winds. Photo Credits: Anawangin:
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