If you are a traveler who wants to explore the beauty of nature in the Philippines, it is best that you try island hopping and overnight camping during your trip. The Philippine islands, known for their white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich biodiversity, are ranked among the best islands in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards.

As an archipelago, the country is made up of 7,641 islands, which makes it an ideal place for island hopping. Overnight camping on an island is an excellent opportunity to find peace of mind, gain survival skills, and fully appreciate nature. If you want to bring your own tent, you might want to visit a tent manufacturer in the Philippines before your trip. By doing so, you can choose or customize a tent based on your preference and check its quality and materials.

With your travel kit and camping gear ready, you can now start your journey and discover what these three islands in Zambales, Philippines have to offer.

Potipot Island

Potipot Island is a small virgin island off the coast of Candelaria, Zambales. To reach the island, you need to ride a boat for approximately five to ten minutes. A one-way boat ride costs P400 for a group of four people. You also need to pay P500 entrance fee for an overnight stay and P200-P300 corkage fee for bringing your own tent. Aside from camping, you can also enjoy water activities here like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and riding a banana boat.

Nagsasa Cove

Nagsasa Cove in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales is referred to as a beach of ash after Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991 showered the island with volcanic ash. Before you ride a boat to Nagsasa Cove, you have to pay P20 for an environmental fee to a municipal officer. Then, you can rent a small boat with a capacity of four people for P1,800. The boat ride takes 30-40 minutes. You also need to pay P100 entrance fee for an overnight stay. Since you have your own tent, you do not have to worry about any accommodation expenses. On this island, you can go hiking and fishing and enjoy stargazing.

Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is also in San Antonio, Zambales. Just like Nagsasa Cove, it has grayish volcanic sand and a forest filled with Agoho trees. To reach the island, you need to pay P20 for an environmental fee and rent a small boat for P1,200. The entrance fee for an overnight stay is P130. There is no electricity and mobile signal in Anawangin Cove, so make sure to bring all of your camping essentials. You have to be resourceful to make the most out of your island life experience.

There are more camping sites to explore in the Philippines, so if you want to make camping a hobby, own a high-quality, durable, light, and waterproof tent and always prepare a camping checklist. Don’t forget to invite your family members and your friends to your next camping trip!