BYAHENG ZAMBALES: Nagsasa Cove via Mt. Bira-bira with sidetrip to Capones Island

Zambales is a haven for beach bummers. It has many islands and coves that are indeed worth visiting. Last November 10, 2012, we visited one of its pristine cove- The Nagsasa Cove.  

The trip was organized by Ms Yan (my officemate’s former college prof) whom I met during our Gola-Manalmon-Bayukbok adventures. I really don’t have plans in joining the trip 'coz I thought that it was intended to be a pure beach bumming in Nagsasa cove only and I’m out of budget already! But I found out that there is also an itinerary prepared where in we have to reach the cove traversing Mt. Bira-bira; I don’t know what happened, but YES, I’m IN! (I love mountains more than beaches..yay)!

Our Nagsasa Adventure team were Ms Yan, Karly, Melanie, Kuya Daeno, of Boondock Junkies, Ms Yan's brother (sorry, i forgot the name), me and my officemates- Je, Jheng, Jayne, Charm and Joy.  Eight of us agreed to take the road less taken- the traverse climb, while Jheng, Daeno and Melanie rented a boat that took them to the cove. 

We started our trek at around 6am going through an established trail (gradual ascent)  and at 8am we reached the peak of Mt. Bira-bira. 

The view from the top was awesome!

Before heading to the cove, we had a side trip to the falls, I forgot the name. We took a rest there. You can't help  but smell the cool breeze coming from the mountain.

At around 12 noon, we continued our way to Nagsasa Cove. The sun was already up and when we were near the cove, it was as if we were walking in the middle of a desert. It was almost 1pm when we reached the cove and we were all happy and relieved. Our tents were already set up and lunch have been prepared. Thanks to Jeng, Dino and Melanie (the three who went ahead to the cove by boat). We immediately feed our growling tummies.

After  cooling down our overheated bodies, we took time to explore the cove. The beauty of the place is just captivating. There is no electricity in the area. No mobile coverage too. Perfect for a camping adventure, for those seeking remoteness and just forget the stresses of the city life. It’s a great place to be one with nature.

There is a mini store in the beach where you can buy basic necessities. Just a bit pricey.You can also rent cooking utensils there. The small community of the cove are also very warm in welcoming the travelers.

Our tents

Jayne, taking time to relax under the shades of pine trees

With officemates..

A Must-do activity in Nagsasa: sunset watching

Hotdogs & Empe Session at night :

Nagsasa Cove is just perfect! We enjoyed the rest of our stay picture taking, singing, chit-chatting, eating, & swimming.

CAPONES ISLAND

We had our “brunch” before we bid goodbye to Nagsasa Cove. We rode the waves toward the beautiful island of CAPONES. Of course, our Capones Experience will not be complete without visiting the old Spanish lighthouse. 

 

 

 

So if your ideal weekend getaway is to spend it on top of the mountains seeing the refreshing view below, lying in the sand, chillin by the beach in a hammock under the shades of pine trees, feeling the cool breeze,  and do some star gazing at night, then head to Nagsasa Cove via traverse climb in Mt. Bira-bira, Mt.Nagsasa or Mt. Balingkilat.

 

 

CDO White Water Rafting

Every time I hear "CDO", only one thing comes in my mind- White Water Rafting.

And yes! I recently experienced rafting in the wild rapids of Cagayan de Oro River with my officemates. Special thanks to Samboy who arranged everything for us.

We only took the basic course which takes 2-3 hours. Our guide informed us that we will be encountering 14 rapids and the first one was just a few meters away from the starting point. Whoohooo!!  I'm so excited but at the same time nervous 'coz I know that it can be a little dangerous especially when the rapids get extra wild.

During the orientation, we kept on asking the guides, "Kuya, ganu kalaki ang chance na mahulog kmi?" “My mga nahulog na po ba sa rubber boat at namatay?” "May mga nalunod na po? “Sinong mga artista na po yung na-guide nyo?”

Well, they entertained all our questions and injected lots of humor to help calm our nerves.

 :) :) :)

Pose muna bago sumabak!

After a brief orientation of the safety rules, we were lead to our designated raft. 

Kalmado pa ang tubig. :)

As we paddled on, our guides would throw jokes to us and even cheesy pick up lines. Well, thanks to them! There was never a dull moment during our ride. You'll really enjoy their company.

And the rough ride begins......

 

 

 

the other group

There are also safe parts of the river where one is allowed to swim, and the water was really  cold. 

HIGH FIVE TEAM BUGSAY!!

 

We really had a blast! My friends and I enjoyed the whole experience. Everything was all worth it.

 I would definitely do it again, syempre sa susunod, Advance Course na! 

By the way, our guides are from Team Bugsay. They offer four rafting courses:

Beginner Course: PHP700; Advance Course: PHP1000; Advance II Course: PHP1500; AND Extreme Course: PHP2000

The beginner course we took includes the transportation to the river from the city and back, the inflatable raft, paddle, safety gears and a CD of our pictures and videos. For more information you can visit their website: http://bugsayrafting.com/.

Things to Remember:
- Listen to your guides.
- Apply sunblock.
-Dress for rafting. Since you'll be under the sun for 2-3 hours, expect that you'll get tanned afterwards..so better wear arm warmers or long sleeves.

- Put your valuables into a dry bag. You can leave your non-valuables in the jeepney.
-Best if you have a waterproof or underwater camera
-Bring food and water
-Brace yourselves and enjoy the ride!! 

:) :) :)

So thrill-seekers! What are you waiting for?