Agnaem Cove in Zambales

A view of Agnaem Cove

Agnaem Cove or Agnain Cove Wow Factors: beautiful 1-kilometer shoreline from fine sand to pebbles to boulders; crowd-free, easy access through pump boat with a roughly 20-minute ride, accessible by trekking traversing Mt. Pundaquit, island hopping basecamp to Camara and Capones Islands, free or paid camping, picturesque view of the cove and a cheap getaway in Zambales!

Nipa huts in Agnaem Cove

In partnership with Miss Zambales Boat Rental, we traveled to Pundaquit early Saturday morning to visit this cove. I've been to Anawangin all the way to the southern cove - the Silanguin, except this one. Ignoring the place on my past visits to Pundaquit, I didn't realize it has the potential to become one of Pundaquit's summer destinations.

Agnain Cove Day Tripping

Plenty of lined boats were docked at Pundaquit Beach at eight in the morning as if they were there to greet us on our first summer escapade. We planned this trip with minimal expenses in mind. This visit would have been a trekking adventure, traversing Mt. Pundaquit to Agnain Cove but my guide wasn't available this time.

I told our boatman to take us to Agnaem Cove just for a swim and a picnic as well as a quick stay in Camara Island to have a glimpse of the sandbar.

Pitched tents in Camara Island

While everyone was enjoying at Camara Island, I feel unlucky; would you believe this was my third visit to this island but still, there was no sandbar. It was high tide. What a pity!

Agnaem Cove's western area

Leaving Camara Island at ten in the morning, we proceeded to Agnaem Cove. The waves were gentle, giving us a pleasant ride under the scorching sun. The nipa huts along the cove in picturesque view were dwarfed by a gigantic mountain behind them. I sensed the excitement of the group as we approached the shore far from the nipa huts. Then the pump boat docked in the middle of the cove with a shade tree.

Agnain Cove eastern part has a rocky hill where I climbed and took pictures

Our stay in Agnain was free because we didn't rent a nipa hut. Since we were here for a swim and sightseeing, renting a hut wasn't necessary.

Climbing the rocky part of Mt. Pundaquit facing the beach

The sands at Agnaem Cove were similar to those in Anawangin, Talisayin, Nagsasa, and Silanguin coves except its eastern side where pebbles and rocks unevenly scattered along the shore. I explored the eastern rocky hillock to behold the whole view of the cove. There are cottages on the other side of the cove as well. The Capones Island and the twin islands of Camara and Ramos are visible to the north.

Observe the calm beach of Agnaem in the picture

The rest of the group enjoyed swimming in the clear waters of the beach while I kept myself busy strolling the area.

Overlooking Camara Island

Another beach cove before reaching Agnaem Cove.

How To Get To Agnain / Agnaem Cove

You can reach Agnaem Cove's jump-off point, the Pundaquit Beach, within a three to four-hour ride from Manila.

Public Vehicle: Take a Victory Liner bus from Manila bound for Iba or Sta Cruz, Zambales. Alight at San Antonio Town then take a tricycle to Barangay Pundaquit. From Pundaquit beachfront, hail a motorized banca to take you to Agnaem Cove. Alternatively, you can take a Victory Liner bus bound for Olongapo. From Olongapo take another Victory bus bound for Iba and Sta. Cruz. Alight at San Antonio town, take a tricycle to Pundaquit and hail a boat for island hopping.

Private Vehicle: Take NLEx-SCTex and exit at Tipo Toll Plaza. Straight ahead, you will reach the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Security Plaza. In Subic Bay Freeport Zone, take the Canal Road and exit at Kalaklan Gate. Turn left for the Zambales route to reach Pundaquit town.

Agnain Cove Map

Itinerary

06:15 - Travel to San Antonio, Zambales
07:10 - Arrive in San Antonio
07:15 - Breakfast
07:30 - Travel to Pundaquit
07:50 - Arrive in Pundaquit
08:00 - Travel to Camara Island
08:20 - Arrive in Camara Island / Swim / Relax / Stroll / Photo Ops
11:00 - Travel to Agnaem Cove
11:20 - Arrive in Agnaem Cove
12:00 - Lunch
12:30 - Nap / Swim / Stroll / Photo Ops
04:00 - Travel back to Pundaquit Beach
04:20 - Arrive in Pundaquit Beach
05:00 - Washup
05:00 - Travel to San Antonio bus stop
06:30 - Arrive in Olongapo City

Note: Adjust your itinerary when coming from Manila. Check Victory Liner's website for reference.

Our Expenses

Victory from Olongapo to San Antonio - Php 60.00 per person x 2
Tricycle to Pundaquit - Php 30.00 per person x 2
Boat Rental - Php 1,500 (5 pax)

Note: Fare from Manila to Pundaquit will be around Php 250 - Php 300.

Our Contacts on our Agnain Cove Visit

Bernard - 0912 402 3008 (Traversing Mt. Pundaquit to Agnaem Cove)
Ms. Whyne - 09276878712 / 09999916340 (Miss Zambales Boat Rental - check their FB page)