Nagsasa Cove via Mt. Nagsasa (450+)

NAGSASA COVE VIA MT. NAGSASA
Subic, Zambales
Major Jumpoff: Sitio San Martin, Subic
LLA: 14°49.03N, 120°06.25E, 450 MASL
Days required / Hours to cove: 1-2 days / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
Features: River crossing, beach

BACKGROUND
In August 2009, YABAG Mountaineering Club, a group that is very active in Zambales explorations, endeavored to look for an alternative destination for Anawangin Cove which has become quite crowded due to its growing popularity. The product is Nagsasa Cove in Sitio San Martin – offering a kilometer of fine beach within the realm of the Aetas. The beach, like Anawangin’s, was created from volcanic material arising from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The beach, however, is just one of the many rewards of a Nagsasa adventure. Initially there will be a river crossing, followed by trekking up Mt. Nagsasa which offers a view of the Cove much in the same way as Mt. Pundaquit offering a view of Anawangin Cove. Then, aside from the beach at the end of te trail, tere are also a mini-waterfalls where you can take a dip for a freshwater experience. The Nagsasa trip can definitely accomplished as a daytrip but the pioneers of the trek are recommending a relaxing, overnight trip.

What is remarkable with the Nagsasa trek is that it is relatively very easy; a perfect introduction to the elements for beginners. At the same time, it succeeds in presenting an alternative to Anawangin Cove. Another proposed alternative is Silanguin Cove – featured in PinoyMountaineer.com in 2008. But whereas one has to climb Cinco Picos to reach Silanguin following the trek-to-beach pattern set by Anawangin, in Nagsasa the trek is much easier. With our only reservation being the safety of the river crossing, PinoyMountaineer.com is recommending the Nagsasa trek and we look forward to more explorations in Zambales from YABAGMC.

ITINERARY

Day 0
2200 ETD for Olongapo from Manila

Day 1 (Jan 16)
0200 Arrive at Olongapo
0230 Depart to Jump off (Sitio San Martin) with secured climbing permits
0330 Arrive at jump off / secure guides, courtesy call to tribe chief
0400 Start of trek
0415 River crossing
0630 Ridge saddle view of Nagsasa (sunrise awaits) / Descending
0700 Water source
0745 ETA Nagsasa flat grounds valley
0800 River
0900 ETA Nagsasa beach
1100 Enjoy life, swim, socials, refresh, explore waterfalls.
1900 Dinner and socials

Day 2 (Jan 17)
1200 Lunch, break camp
1400 Start trek
1600 Saddle ridge (last view of Nagsasa)
1730 Jump off (wash up)
1830 To Olongapo City
1930 ETA Olongapo City
2000 Bus to Manila
2330 ETA Manila

SPECIAL CONCERNS
Transportation. Buses ply the Manila-Olongapo route quite regularly. Victory Liner operates the route from its Pasay (LT 1900H), caloocan (LT 2100H), Sampaloc (LT 1900H), and Cubao terminals. The fare is around P200. Just like in Cinco Picos and Balingkilat climbs, a jeep may be rented from Olongapo to the jumpoff (Sitio San Martin) and from there, make arrangements with the Aetas. By the way, prior to the climb it is important to secure a permit from the municipality and/or local police.

Trekking notes. Of special concern is the river crossing before reaching Mt. Nagsasa. Considering the accident-proneness of nearby Anawangin Cove, we strongly advise future explorers to follow the YABAGMC’s practice of roped crossings. Also, severe weather is a contraindication to climbing Nagsasa.

NAGSASA COVE PICTURES

The river crossing is one of the highlights of the trek to Nagsasa Cove

Going up Mt. Nagsasa, one is offered a view of Nagsasa Cove and South China Sea beyond it.

One of the attractions of the beach is a nearby waterfall.

The beach itself is of fine volcanic sand from Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991.

TRIVIA
The first exploration of Nagsasa Cove following the above itinerary was performed by YABAGMc on August 29, 2009. The first open climb took place a month later, on September 19-20, 2009.

Pictures and information courtesy of YABAG Mountaineering Club.