Capones Island

Capones Island is one of the majestic places in Pundaquit, Zambales. It was called the Island of Grand Capon during Spanish Colonial where in the Faro (Lighthouse) de Punta Capones is located. The lighthouse of Capones is one of the tourist attractions on the island.

HISTORY:

The initial surveys to determine a suitable location for the lighthouse were executed on the 22nd of June 1884 under Antonio de la Camara. During construction, because of the high prevalence of monsoons, two roads were being used. One road led up to the beach to the south 345 meters and 391 meters on the opposite side. The strong current also prevented building of a pier so materials had to be loaded in balsa’s (barts) with great difficulty. Because of this difficulty in transporting materials, a hydraulic molding device was brought onsite for the composition of bricks. This material was also used for the foundations. Galvanized iron over wood where used for roofing and molave was used for the windows and door jambs. The floors of the houses were made from tindalo wood and the interiors and doors were made from narra. Chairs were made from volcanic stones and water came through the sea from Zambales in San Antonio situated 5 miles away. Vassal stones from nearby areas were also utilized while la cale was brought from Binangonan and the rest of the materials were brought from Manila.

After seven years of construction, the Capones Island Lighthouse went into operation on July 16, 1890; with its formal inauguration on August 1, 1890.

Today, the Capones Island Lighthouse is still in operation and is powered by solar cells and has a meteorburst radio transmission system that notifies the Coast Guard when any of the lights or lenses is not in working order. These significant improvements have restored the lighthouse proper to full operational capacity, while the buildings themselves remain in a highly denuded state.

For complete history

How to go to Capones Island?

If you will be commuting, make sure to secure the last trip from Victory Liner Caloocan where in they are the only one who has an 11:30 P.M. trip going to Iba, Zambales. Most of the time, it’s hard to get a late trip going to these place. Tell the conductor to drop you by San Antonio, Zambales proper where in here is a market place to secure all you’ll be need. But most of the store in market opens at around 5:00 A.M. Better secure everything at home.

From San Antonio proper, secure a tricycle going to Pundaquit where you can secure “bangka” to go to Capones Island that will take 30 minutes. And if you want to trek to Mt. Pundaquit going to Anawangin Cove, it will take 4-5 hrs of trekking. You may refer to "Mt. Pundaquit traverse Anawangin Cove".

Or if you want to have a package tour you may contact Dannish or Kaladkad Tour Club and she will be the one to arrange packages tour for you.

Capones Islands is the best side trip whenever you’re in the resorts of Pundaquit Area. It will take 15 minutes boat ride from Pundaquit Shore. And if you plan to trek Mt. Pundaquit-Anawangin Traverse, it will take a approximately 30 minutes boat ride. But it is not accessible all the time. It’s hard to bring boat there whenever the sea is wavy and if it’s low tide.

Exploring the Island:

Capones Island has three entry points.

The first entry point is in front of the lighthouse, where in you will climb up a platform stairs that will be easier for the tourist to reach the lighthouse.

The second entry point is from the back of the lighthouse. Where in you need to ascend for 15-20 minutes. You will be passing a small forest to reach the lighthouse.

And for adventurers, I would recommend the third entry point. It is located in he beach where in you need to trek for 45 minutes. You will pass by the white sand beach of Capones and going to the back you will see an unfinished building and walk the rocky shore going to the 2nd entry point and pass by the small forest before reaching the lighthouse.

It is best for pre-nuptials because of the great ruin feature of the light house and you can also use the grassy portion of the island near the cliff of the island as one of the location for photo shoot.

Special Concerns:

1. Pack Light. Do not bring unnecessary things.
2. Secure provisions before the trip. (Food and drinking water)
3. Distribution and sharing of load shall be set before the bus trip.
4. There is a water source at the campsite good for cooking and washing only.
5. There is no electricity, structures / establishments at Anawangin. Bring all your reserve batteries.
6. There is no cell phone signal either. Reserve you battery power. Send all text messages before reaching the Island.
7. The bus at Victory Liner Caloocan leaves at 2330H / 11:30PM so DON’T BE LATE! The bus schedule is as is. We shall not wait for anyone and move on the next trip.
8. There are portion of the Sea that has water current. Make sure to ask locals the safe part of the cove.
9. Clean up yourselves. Secure and dispose of your garbage properly. Leave No Trace. (LNT)
10. TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, MEMORIES.

Itinerary

DAY 0
2130 Assembly Victory Liner Pasay
2300 ETD San Antonio, Zambales via Iba-bound Bus

DAY 1
0400 ETA San Antonio; proceed to Brgy. Pundaquit
0430 ETA Brgy. Pundaquit;
0500 Breakfast
0600 ETD Sail going to Capones/Camara Island (or you may do this on Day 2 before going home)
0615 ETA Capones/Camara Island explore Island
0900 ETD Anawangin Cove
0930 ETA Anawangin Cove
1200 Lunch
1300 OPEN TIME
1630 Explore Island: You may go to the climb the left side of the Island where you can see the whole view of the cove and experience the cold water of the swamp
1900 Dinner/Socials
2100 Lights Off

DAY 2
0500 Wake Up / Prepare Breakfast
0600 Breakfast
0700 Swim / Explore / Picture2x
1000 Leave Anawangin for Brgy. Pundaquit
1130 ETD Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Things to Bring:

Personal Items:

* Backpack (Day Pack) Light Pack
* Food & Snacks
* Drinking Water/Water Container(1.5 Liters)
* Clothing & Underwear = # of days + 1 (standard)
* Survival Kit / Multi-purpose Knife
* Flashlight / Head lamp / Extra Batteries
* Swim / Snorkeling Gear
* Hat / Cap
* Poncho / Rain Gear
* Blanket / Jacket / Sweat Shirt
* Sleeping Bag / Mat
* Dry/Waterproof Bag
* Mess Kit / Utensils
* Plastic / Trash Bags
* Other Personal Care Items:
o First aid Kits / Medicine Kit
o Insect Repellant
o Sun Block
o Toothpaste & Toothbrush
o Alcohol
o Toiletries

Group Items:

* Tent
* Ground Sheet
* Cook Stove & Fuel Refill (Butane Gas)
* Cookware / Cooking Tools
* Lamp

Optional Items:

* Camera / Tripod
* Hammock
* Portable Radio (Transistor) and/or 2-way Radio (Walky-talkies)
* Kerosene / Electric Lantern / Tent Light
* Camp Chair

ESTIMATED EXPENSES:

P500 - Victory Liner Bus from Caloocan to San Antonio, Zambales (vice-versa)
P100 - Tricycle from Bgy. Pundaquit (vice-versa)
P1100.00/4 people - Round trip boat fare plus side trip to Capones (max.4 per boat, P300 was added for the sidetrip)
P300.00 - Food and Provisions

Total Estimated Budget: = P1200

ACTUAL BUDGET + CONTINGENCIES:

P2000 MAX/HEAD

Lakbay LENTE