11/06/2025
❗ THIS IS ANAWANGIN COVE: DESTINARE BEACH RESORT AND CAMPSITE❗
ANAWANGIN COVE NEEDS REHAB ❗❗❗
I am writing this post about a highly unacceptable and unsafe experience that my group and I endured during a recent stay at Anawangin Cove: Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite. This incident not only reflects gross negligence on the part of the resort and its coordinator but also raises serious questions about the legality, safety, and ethical standards of operations within the area.
We booked this trip through the page “Anawangin & Nagsasa Cove, Zambales ”, coordinated by Mr. Jake Brigaste Rosete. Throughout the coordination process, we were never informed of the actual location or name of the resort until our arrival. We were led to believe we were booking a general tour of Anawangin, only to be taken—without prior disclosure—to Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite. This lack of transparency is deceptive and unacceptable, especially given the numerous hidden charges and questionable safety conditions we later encountered. When I inquired specifically about hidden fees such as environmental charges and trash-related costs, the coordinator deliberately withheld this information.
Upon arrival, it was immediately apparent that the resort lacked proper coordination, cleanliness, and structural safety. Despite a confirmed check-in time of 12:00 PM, we were denied entry until 1:00 PM. Our assigned accommodation—a large nipa hut—was in a deplorable state: surrounded by garbage, situated next to an active sewage line, and emitting a foul odor. The structure had exposed electrical wiring, posing an imminent fire hazard in a location surrounded by forest. Despite the coordinator's statement that tree cutting is illegal in the area, we witnessed several felled trees around the site, casting doubt on their environmental compliance.
The accommodation was dangerously substandard. The beds were covered in white fungus, and despite paying for 10 guests, we were only provided 8 sleeping spaces. The hut was clearly unfit for occupancy—cramped, poorly maintained, and unstable. One of our companions was injured when the stairs gave way beneath him. Additionally, a brownout occurred that affected only our area for over an hour due to faulty, open wiring, raising further safety concerns.
The promised amenities were either incomplete or unhygienic. No kitchen utensils were provided, and when we requested them, we were handed a disposable spoon that appeared previously used. Electric fans were visibly dirty. We paid ₱450 per head for meals but were denied access to cooking items, under the presumption we wouldn’t need them—completely disregarding the inclusions we paid for.
Equally troubling was the conduct of the resort staff. When we voiced our concerns, we were dismissed and ridiculed. One staff member sarcastically remarked, “Nasa island po tayo, hindi ito five-star hotel,” as if to justify poor service, sanitation, and lack of basic hospitality. We were made to sign a waiver stating that the resort was merely a “third party” and that all liabilities rest with the coordinator—who was not even present and unreachable due to lack of mobile signal or internet. The staff themselves admitted that they were only cooks and were forced to act as our coordinator in his absence. This level of irresponsibility and lack of accountability is appalling.
What exacerbated the situation further was the ongoing blame-shifting between the coordinator and the resort. When problems arose, each party insisted it was the other's responsibility, leaving us stranded in a dangerous and unsupervised environment. This clear lack of coordination and responsibility demonstrates a systemic failure in their business operations and puts tourists at risk.
We were also burdened with multiple hidden and unjustifiable fees: ₱20 per head for an environmental fee (despite staff denying affiliation), ₱1,200 for trash segregation (₱1,000 of which was “refundable” only if we did the job of resort staff), ₱100/hour for extremely slow Wi-Fi, and additional fees for trekking access—none of which included guides or safety personnel. Moreover, the displayed DENR permit was dated 2017 and appeared altered. A check of the business registration showed that the resort does not appear to be registered with the appropriate agencies, specifically in bnrs.dti.gov.ph.
The final incident that confirmed the lack of safety planning was the boat transfer. Our boat was clearly undersized for our group and our luggage. Worse, we were dropped off far from the resort, forced to carry everything across the cove. When we decided to leave early due to the poor experience, we were told to be ready at 9:30 AM. Despite preparing in advance, the boat did not arrive until nearly 10:00 AM, only to tell us to wait another hour as they prioritized another group. The lack of care for our schedule, comfort, and safety was deeply unprofessional.
In light of these numerous and serious concerns, I am calling for the immediate investigation and review of the operations of Anawangin Cove: Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite and its affiliated coordinators. The resort appears to be operating without transparency, without proper permits, without basic safety infrastructure, and without accountability. Tourists—especially those from abroad—deserve far better treatment, and no other group should be subjected to the same risks and disrespect that we faced.
Anawangin Cove, a place of natural beauty, is being exploited by unsafe, illegal, and poorly managed business practices. I do believe that ANAWANGIN COVE needs rehabilitation, and resorts nearby should be responsible for the damage they caused to the beautiful cove. ❗❗❗❗
Calling the attention of:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
DTI Consumer Care
DTI Philippines
DENR Central Luzon
DENR Cordillera Administrative Region
Zambales Tourism
Zambales for the People
Department of Tourism - Philippines
Department of Tourism - Zamboanga Peninsula Office
WORST ACCOMMODATION
Anawangin Cove: Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite
https://www.facebook.com/destinarebeachresortcampsite
WORST COORDINATION
Anawangin & Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
https://www.facebook.com/AnawanginNagsasaCoveZambales
WORST COORDINATOR
https://www.facebook.com/ekajetesor17
