Angie: i would just like to ask how did the Hundred Islands became an ecotourism site? And the basis for it’s creation as a key ecotourism site. i hope you can answer my questions. it would be a great help to me. thank you.

Answer

Ryan: I think initially what I can tell you is that the Hundred Islands National Park does support ecotourism and environmental awareness. Long a victim of illegal fishing and government neglect, it has sprung back to life. To hasten the return of marine animals in the area, it was turned into a marine sanctuary and a site for breeding giant clams. There are wild ducks, species of bats in the area as well. For more information, you may contact the Alaminos City Tourism Office (I have links on my Hundred Islands article), you may check them. Hope that helps!
Cheers.
Ryan

Hundred Islands Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The Hundred Islands National Park collectively comprises these 123 limestone islands most of which are clad in lush vegetation, secret coves, strips of white sandy beaches and sand bars as well as giant clams snorkeling areas amidst largely tranquil waters with gorgeous views of the South China Sea – another 123 reasons to discover the Philippines.

Just off the coast of Alaminos City, Pangasinan (4-6 Hours North of Manila) are these 123 (124 during low tide) mushroom-shaped limestone and coral islands that compose the wonderful Hundred Islands National Park. Along with the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Taal Volcano of Batangas- the Hundred Islands National Park also known as Kapulo-puluan or Taytay-Bakes, is considered as one of the National Geological Monuments of the Philippines.

Hundred Islands National Park
Photo by akosikenet

The Hundred Islands National Park is believed to be at least about 2 million years old – the islands were part of an ancient coral area that extends well inland, a large area that used to be part an ancient sea. When the sea levels lowered, the islands were exposed, whilst hundreds of thousands of years slowly eroded the base of these islands invariably forming mushroom/umbrella shapes in the middle of stunning emerald waters.

Hundred Islands National Park Map
Edited Map originally from Official Alaminos City Site

Out of the many islands, only three were developed for tourism – the most well developed is Quezon Island (which is actually composed of three islets) which includes 2 dining pavilions, a grilling area, restrooms, nipa huts, a small white sandbar, and a giant clam garden. Quezon Island was named after the former Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, whose statue we saw on one of the islets.) Quezon Island is probably one of the most visited in the National Park. You should also be able to rent kayaks as well on Quezon Island – snacks are available as well though as expected, a bit overpriced – though people are not pushy. We found some of the inhabitants on the island very friendly- and they humbly offered us some boiled bananas! Yum!

Rates on Quezon Island are as follows (subject to change without prior notice): Cottage without room (Nipa 1,2,3) –PhP 350 (day tour)/PhP 500 (overnight stay); Cottage without room (Nipa 4) –PhP 500 (day tour)/PhP 1000 (overnight); Cottage with room (Nipa A)- PhP 500 (day tour)/PhP 900 (overnight); Cottage with room (Nipa B) – PhP 600 (day tour)/PhP1,100 (overnight); and Picnic Tables & Picnic Area – PhP 200 (day tour); PhP 300 (overnight). For tent space/ pitching fee – PhP 200.

These rates are of course on top of the entrance fees –PhP 20 (day tour)/ PhP 40 (overnight). Kids 5 years old below can come in for free and there is a 20% discount for Senior Citizens.

The Tranquil Waters in Hundred Islands National Park
Photo by Dave Ryan

Another well-developed island would be the Governor’s Island – which also doubled as the site for the Philippine version of the reality show- Big Brother. The island, one of the three most visited in the National Park has a short stretch of white sand beach, a small cave that is home to bats and swiftlets and a view deck which offers beautiful views of the islands of the National Park. One can stay at the Big Brother House (10 pax) for PhP10,000. The island is powered by a generator from 6:00PM-6:00AM. A container of water (30 liters) would cost PhP 100 extra, for an extra person/extra bed on top of the standard 10pax is PhP200, whilst a table for rent & picnic area is PhP 200 (day tour) and PhP 300 (overnight). Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut- 3 pax) costs PhP 1.200 (day tour) and PhP 2,000 (overnight). Tent Space/Pitching fee is at PhP 200.

On Governor’s Island
Photo by Dave Ryan

Last but the least of the three most developed islands- is the Children’s Island which is ideal for families with its waters shallow enough for little children to swim safely. There are tables for rent (PhP 200 for day tours; PhP 300 for overnight stays) and for those who prefer camping Tent Space/Pitching Fee is at PhP 200.

Lucap Wharf is the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands, and although at first – there would be a bevy of people swarming around you offering boat rides – don’t worry – it’s not as bad as it sounds. Make your way to the Tourism Information Center for your registration and pay your entrance fees and parking fees (when applicable) and make sure you get your official receipt because this will be required when visiting the islands.

For boats – contact Miss Helen (+63.908.5631215) – she operates a souvenir shop, a little restaurant with deliciously cured Alaminos Boneless Bangus (fried or grilled) and an inn as well. Once you get receipt, present it to the Boat Dispatcher who will usually assign a motorboat for you (if you haven’t contacted any boatmen prior to your arrival in Lucap). Make sure you wear your life-vest at all times. Trust me, you will be really thankful. My legs cramped whilst swimming away from the Imelda Cave out of Marcos Island – good thing that there were Bantay Dagat (literally – Philippine version of Baywatch – only more credible and they also run after fishermen fishing illegally around the area) nearby who saved my sorry arse from drowning. Thanks to Engr. Ismael Najera and his men. Good job gentlemen!

Of the numerous islands, we visited 15 – Governor’s Island, Century Island (whose cave was said to be one of the hiding places of Alaminos locals during World War 2- and also known for snakes and bats), Quezon Island (3 islands actually make up Quezon Island), Lopez Island, New Scout Island, Marcos Island (with Imelda Cave- one can jump into emerald colored waters and swim out into the sea and back onto the beach), Clave Island, Old Scout Island (with the Quirino Cave), Children’s Island, Martha and Ramos Islands which are joined together by a tiny strip of white sand bar, Cuenco Island, Romulo Island and the Devil Island which is also known as Cagao Island. The Cathedral Island is named for a big cavern where one can swim as well. Other islands in the National Park are Guiya Island, the northernmost, Bangar Island, Turtle Island (shaped like well, a turtle), Braganza Island, Hernandez Island, Abad Santos Island, Sulpot Island, Cariaz Island, Monkey Island (monkeys apparently don’t show themselves anymore though, that is if there are any left), Sison Island, Shell Island, and Camantiles Island.

Marcos Island
A view of Marcos Island, one of the “hundred islands”. Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan
Photo by storm-crypt

Aside from having a picnic or just sunbathing on most of the islands, one can also snorkel or dive and see the Giant Clams which are under the auspices of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute based in Bolinao. The Hundred Islands National Park which used to be under the national government’s Philippine Tourism Authority has fallen into disrepair and neglect. Destructive fishing methods were rampant, typhoons as well as climate change have threatened the National Park’s existence and greatly reduced its marine life and corals. In 2005, the local government of Alaminos finally took over and swift changes were made. The area is now being patrolled regularly and strategic partnerships with the University of the Philippines and other stakeholders in the area were formed to rehabilitate the islands and its once rich marine grounds.

Now, whilst trash had been greatly reduced (we found a bit on Martha and Ramos Islands) also some vandalism on some of the rock formations is still present, care of the islands now seems to seep into the consciousness of the locals whose main livelihood also happens to depend on tourism. Signs of life have begun to return to the Hundred Islands – we saw a flock of wild ducks swimming around the islands, bats, healthy clams with some measuring as big as 1 meter wide, and schools of fish around. If you are traveling anywhere in the Philippines, make sure you take your own personal trash bag.

Motorboats have standard rates (rates subject to change without prior notice- please contact the Alaminos City Tourism to confirm), and boatmen will never hassle you for tips (like the ones in Pagsanjan in Laguna). For small groups (1-5 persons) – day tour- PhP 800, overnight- PhP1,400; groups of 6-10 persons – day tour – PhP 1,000, overnight- PhP1,800; groups of 11-15 people- day tour- PhP1,100, overnight – PhP 2,000.

View from Quezon Island
Quezon island is one of the Hundred Islands. This is located in Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan.
Photo by storm-crypt

Day tour rates mean that only 3 islands will be visited – Quezon, Children’s and Governor’s Islands. Overnight means unlimited boat rides around the islands – one can arrange for drop off and pick up as well. Using the boat and taking it anywhere in the islands (Service Boat Rental) has the same rates as the overnight rates of the islands.

The helpful people of Alaminos City Tourism Office can be reached at these numbers – (Add country code prefix 63 for the Philippines if you are calling from abroad, area code prefix for Alaminos City at 75) – 5512145/6960937/5512505/5527406/6960936 and email hinp.to@gmail.com; website – www.hundredislands.ph.

Why Not Go

Hundred Islands doesn’t have long beaches, or much nightlife to speak of, but what it lacks in the flashy lights of the other more developed islands in the Philippines, it compensates for its utter solitude and tranquil grace.

Why Go

Looking to up your numbers of the islands you have visited in the Philippines? Going around the Hundred Islands is the perfect way to do it. If you don’t like a particular island, in the Hundred Island’s case, there are still about 122-3 islands to choose from!

Best Time to Visit

Come during the dry/summer season, the islands are best explored \when the skies are the bluest. If you are coming from Manila – leave by 12 midnight, to catch the serene sunrise over the National Park – coming early also means that there are less people going around the islands.

Where to Stay

If you are staying for the night, one can choose either to stay at the Big Brother house on Governor’s Island or at the Hundred Islands Pension House (for room reservation call +63.75.551.2505) – with mostly air-conditioned rooms (room 205 does not have A/C) with price ranging from PhP1,650 to PhP4,800 for 6-16 persons. We haven’t stayed at any of the lodgings so we cannot verify the quality of each. We did the Hundred Islands as sort of a day trip. Miss Helen also apparently lets rooms so you may also check with her for rates and the quality of accommodations.

Where & What to Eat

Food can be delivered to the island where you will be staying, make sure you make a prior arrangement between you and the restaurant in Lucap. We ordered deliciously cured, fried Boneless Bangus (Bangus is the Filipino term for milkfish) from Miss Helen (+63.908.5631215) with rice. Make sure to remind her to avoid mix-ups. When in Alaminos, do not forget to try the Boneless Bangus and their own version of the longganiza (sausages). A bangus would set you back about PhP120 per whole fish – although if you get it from downtown Alaminos, it would cost you about half the price for two pieces at the local market (uncooked).

Also, do not forget to bring home Patupat, Bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), Binungey, Smoked oyster, and oyster nuggets.

Nightlife

Nightlife on the Hundred Islands means quiet barbecue nights on deserted islands camping under the stars. Most of the activities are focused on the three main islands – Quezon, Governor’s and Children’s.

My to do List

1. Island hop! Get your numbers up by going around the islands. *
2. Snorkel and see the giant clams, apparently one of the world’s biggest!**
3. Jump into the waters of Imelda Cave.**
4. Kayak around the islands.**
5. Catch the sunrise from Lucap Wharf and see the early morning colours of the sun bathed the islands.*
6. Capture a flight of wild ducks on your camera, while you cruise around the islands.*
7. Have a lunch of Alaminos Boneless Bangus or Alaminos Longanisa on the sandbar connecting Martha and Ramos Islands.*
8. Quench your thirst with one of the best beers in the world (you can have it delivered) whilst sunning at the Romulo Island.*
9. Check out the caves on Century Island.**
*- Highly Recommended
**- Recommended by Locals

Stay Away From

1. Mosquitoes! – just bring bug repellent to be sure
2. Snakes at the Century Island. Make noise upon approach to the island and the cave. There is dense undergrowth which is perfect hiding place to the snakes around the area.
3. Drowning, wear your life-vests at all times.

Getting There

If you are not coming with a tour group, the National Park is accessible by land travel through Alaminos City. From Manila it can be reached through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) connecting to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) or the McArthur National Highway. Alaminos is 250 kilometers away from Manila – 4 hours by private vehicle, 5-6 hours by bus (Five Star Bus Inc., Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus Inc. and Philippine Rabbit Bus Inc.). If you are taking the bus, ask to be let off Alaminos City, and board a tricycle (fare is about PhP40 – not more than that) and ask to be taken to the Lucap Wharf. You may also alternatively get a map prior to your trip as well. Maps by EZ Maps found in gas stations, hotel lobbies and bookstores are very helpful.

Going around the Hundred Islands
Photo by Dave Ryan

Pangasinan

Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

From its meandering coastlines dotted with cream-colored to white sand beaches and protected marine parks and stunning geological formations, secluded waterfalls, centuries-old churches, Pangasinan challenges the traveler to get off the beaten path and explore its many treasures.

Located about 5-6 hours away from the Philippine capital Manila- the story of the beautiful crescent-shaped province of Pangasinan dates back from hundreds to thousands of years. The curious yet spectacular geological formation – the 123 islets of the Hundred Islands National Park off the city of Alaminos itself is said to be 2 million years old not to mention the fossilized giant clams that were found at the Coral Mountain found 2 kilometers away from Patar in Bolinao which have an estimated age of about 4-5 million years old.

Sunset on Patar Beach
Photo by Dave Ryan A. Buaron

Moving forward to a much younger era – an ancient kingdom called Luyang na Kaboloan was said to have existed inside the present day borders of Pangasinan (Agno River Valley and Pangasinan Plain) – way before the Spaniards had conquered and eventually colonized the Philippines, a legendary princess named Urduja was said to have ruled this ancient kingdom around the 14th century. The legend of this princess is also shared by the Ibaloi people of the Cordillera province of Benguet. The kingdom enjoyed full independence and flourished during the age of the Asian maritime trade that connected Pangasinan with other parts of the Philippines, as well as with other cultures and societies in Southeast Asia (and most likely with the Srivijaya and Majapahit Empires), China, India and the Pacific. It was believed that Malayo-Polynesian settlers established Pangasinan and the people of Pangasinan were heirs of this very ancient Malayo-Polynesian civilization. These Malayo-Polynesians were expert mariners who sailed ships along routes that extended to as far as Madagascar and the Eastern Pacific. Archeological evidence and ancient records from China and India show that the people of Pangasinan traded with China, Japan and India in 8th Century A.D.

Today, this pretty province which about 2.3 million people call home, is a lively mix of commercial activities, diverse cultures, colorful history, untapped tourism potential The name Pangasinan means “place where salt was made”, “land of salt” or “place of salt-making” – derived from the word asin, which meant “salt” in the Pangasinan language, and true enough the province is a major producer of salt in the Philippines with its many salt beds in most of its coastal towns – a primary source of livelihood. Pangasinan is bordered by the massive Cordillera Mountain Range, Zambales to the southwest, Tarlac to the south and the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea to the north.

When the Spanish seized control of the islands of the Philippines, the country was subdivided into provinces and in 1850, Pangasinan was “formally created” by Governor General Ronquillo de Peñalosa. During the Philippine Revolution, Pangasinenses (Pangasinan people) also rose in revolt culminating in the Battle of Dagupan days after General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence 12 June 1898. The Battle of Dagupan which was led by Philippine revolutionary General Francisco Makabulos, the chief of the Central and Directive Committee of the Central and Northern Luzon, crushed the last remnants of the retreating Spanish forces which were being pummeled everywhere in the islands. Dagupan’s remaining Spanish forces made their last stand at the city’s brick-walled Catholic Church. Like dominoes, each town fell to the Philippine revolutionary forces – Santa Barbaram Malasiqui, Urdaneta, Mapandan, Mangaldan, Alaminos, Agno, Anda, Alos, Bani, Balincaguin, Bolinao, Dasol, Eguia, Potot, Labrador, Sual, Salasa, and Bayambang and Dagupan.

During the Second World War, the Lingayen Gulf was one of the most important and most strategic places of battle for the Pacific War Theatre. Just a few days after Pearl Harbor was bombed, on 22 December 1941, Lt. Gen. Masaharu Homma of the Japanese 14th Army landed on its shores almost effortlessly – engaging in only minor skirmishes – the Japanese forces started their three year occupation of the gulf until the Lingayen Gulf Landings in 1945 – when about 203,608 soldiers landed and started the retaking of the gulf from Japanese forces.
The Bonuan Blue Beach of Dagupan was one of the landing sites during the Lingayen Gulf Landings by the Liberation Forces in 1945. It now features a Japanese Park, the MacArthur Landing Marker and Tondaligan Park (which is adjunct to the Bonuan Blue Beach). Dagupan is also known for its St. John’s Cathedral and its Old Spanish Railway Station. Unfortunately Bonuan Beach has fallen on hard times – with allegations of prostitution and underage drinking running rampant in the area. Dagupan, however, might have its saving grace in its grilled delicious boneless milkfish (called “bangus” in Tagalog) that can be had in this city which also serves as the province’s commercial center.

Traces of its tumultuous past, however, are almost gone save for its many historically important churches – some of which run up to about 400 years old like the church of St. James Fortress or more commonly known as Bolinao Church. Constructed by the Augustinians in 1609 (which means it is 400 years old as of this writing), this brick-stoned church made originally of adobe and coral stone was severely damaged during devastating Typhoon Emong of 2009 when its roof was virtually ripped off by about 275 kph winds in the very same year that it celebrates its 400th birthday. Right now, the church is in a very sad state- and is in dire need of help. Donations come in but unfortunately not enough to do the speedy reconstruction of this beautiful church. For those interested to help, I don’t have the contact details of the current parish priest, but I will post it here as soon as I have the information or anyone could just contact the Pangasinan provincial government through its website – http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/. The church also houses Aztec looking engravings (tongue protruding and grinning faces) on the base of its antique altar – we reckon that this was of possible Mexican/Aztec influence brought over during the Galleon Trade.

Manaoag Church
Photo by ranesbluesky

For the Catholic religious, Pangasinan means one thing – pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Manaoag whose Spanish-Romanesque (with touches of Italian and German Renaissance architectural composition) church which sits on a hilltop in the town of Manaoag plays host to a supposedly miraculous image of Mary whose ivory image was brought to the Philippines by Fr. Juan de San Jacinto from Spain by way of Acapulco. Apparently four bombs fell on the church during the last days of the World War 2 which damaged the façade – one fell on the roof of the church and did not explode boosting perceptions that the image was indeed miraculous. Check out other centuries old-churches – St. Vincent Ferrer (1614) in Bayambang, Parish of St. Ildephonse (1699) of Malisiqui, St. Dominic Parish (1587) in San Carlos; St. Joseph Parish (1810) in Aguilar, Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes (Salasa) (1720) in Bugallon, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Lingayen (1575); St. Peter Martyr Parish (1835), and St. Peter & Paul Church (1588) in Calasiao.

Bolinao probably has the finest beaches in the entirety of Pangasinan – with the beach in Patar (about 30-45 minutes away from Bolinao town centre) the most scenic and the most well-known. I was prepared to be underwhelmed by Patar (about 45 minutes away from Bolinao town- PhP200 tricycle ride), but instead, I was welcomed by a gorgeous looking cream colored sandy beach, and very clean, turquoise waters which reminded me of the cream-colored to golden beaches of Australia (which probably partly explains the presence of a small Aussie community in the area). The beach is pretty clean, and there are no pushy touts in the area, and on an ordinary weekend, you can get a piece of solitude in Patar. We found the beach in Patar extremely likable and didn’t mind just chilling out with a beer for breakfast in one of the small open-air nipa huts in the area. Be forewarned though, we spied a karaoke machine in the area (we secretly wished it would surrender and break down against the salty ocean air). We encountered a group of Koreans living in Baguio City who tried to practice their English on our group (which was composed by 3 Australians and 1 Filipino). Our expat writer, Scott Allford cheekily suggested that Patar is better than the most famous and apparently best Korean Beach- Haeundae Beach (where you have more people than sand and you have to pay to be under one of the gazillion umbrellas on the beach). The Korean guy replied, that Patar has no nightclubs – and all of us (me and the three Aussies included) smiled – Exactly – and this is the main reason why Philippine beaches are better than most of the popular beaches in the world – beaches like Patar are relatively unspoiled, charming and not too commercialized which is the way beaches should be. If a low pressure area is nearby, Patar Beach (reef break) also offers great surfing opportunities and there is little surfing community in the area mostly composed of resident Aussies.

Apart from Patar, there are other notable beaches in Bolinao – the Balingasay Beach, and the stretches of beaches along Ilog Malino. There is a Marine Sanctuary on Silaki/Silaqui Island which features Giant Clams. In other parts of Pangasinan, other beaches that are worth checking out are Sabangan Beach off Infanta, Tambobong White Sand Beach (favorite of anglers) of Dasol, and the Tondol White Sand Beach of Anda.

Patar’s Beach, however, has faults of its own – the disgusting pile of concrete called Treasures of Bolinao, the most prominent hotel in the area, not only basically encroached on the beach itself but had the chutzpah to build an elevated walkway on three natural rock formations- an illegal act, if not a total crime against nature if not against the law. Sensible travelers and residents in the area have complained about this eyesore which unfortunately wasn’t destroyed by the last big typhoon that hit Bolinao. I would like to dissuade anyone from patronizing the services of this horrible, horrible hotel until they rectify this grievous act against nature.

A few minutes away by foot from Patar is the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (30.78 Meters/101 Ft.) on a hill on Punta Piedra Point, it is the second tallest in the country after the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The Bolinao Lighthouse was built in 1905 by British, Filipino and American engineers and is one of the 5 most prominent lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse is literally dying and in need of immediate repair after it was severely damaged by Typhoon Emong. The building right next to it lies in ruins and almost all hope has been abandoned as no one seems to have done anything about this important piece of history. With the Philippine Coast Guard as the sole owner of the Lighthouse and the Local Government of Bolinao as the main caretaker, we hope that the lighthouse will eventually be saved and preserved and continue to stand as a sentinel of Bolinao and safely guide the ships that pass around the area. The Lighthouse has a 140-step winding stairway that goes up to the illumination tower and when it is working in its best condition (not at the moment of course) is visible 44 kilometers away guiding ships led to the Bolinao area by the Zambales lighthouse (presumably Capones Island Lighthouse) and then toward to the Poro Point Lighthouse in La Union. According to the late Bolinao historian, Catalino Catanaoan, Cape Bolinao’s Lighthouse original light machine was manufactured in England, while the lantern, with three wicks and chimneys was imported from France. For its first 80 years of operation, kerosene was used in the lighthouse in Bolinao and then when the local electric cooperative extended its operations to Patar, the lighthouse began to run on electricity (which seems to be extremely fickle in Bolinao- we caught a power outage whilst we were in Patar).

Bolinao Lighthouse
Photo by Dave Ryan A. Buaron

There are three popular caves in Bolinao but only two are worth recommending. The three caves are Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave and Cindy’s Cave. All charge a nominal entrance fee. Enchanted Cave is the most popular, with crystal clear natural swimming pools underground, coral formations, stalagmites and a display of fossilized Giant Clams. Wonderful Cave is small and a little private but there is a time limit of about 30 minutes per stay. Cindy’s Cave is the shallowest amongst the three, with the kitschy addition of a shower in the middle of the swimming area (that was a little bit random, we think) and apparently, not the cleanest waters either. You may also want check out Cacupangan Cave, (as well as Binmatya and Arasaas Caves) in Mabini town with an underground flowing into the Balincaguing River (do this only during the dry season) and the 200 meters long Villacorta Caves (also in Mabini) features basin-like formations, terraced rock, a chamber and gypsum flowers.

Apart from beaches and caves, Bolinao is also known for its waterfalls – Bolinao Falls 1 and 2 (not as named imaginatively as the Wonderful and Enchanted Caves) but what they lack in creative names they compensate with their refreshingly clean waters and seemingly unspoiled, pretty scenery. The waterfalls are located in Samang Norte which can be reached in about 40 minutes by tricycle with mostly very bad roads on the way. Tara Falls is nearby the bridge going to Anda but it is too small and unimpressive and unless you have time to kill, is not exactly on our must check out list. You may also want to check out Mambaciano and Mayaman Waterfalls near Canal Bay in Sual and Antong Falls in Sison.

Bolinao Falls
Photo by Dave Ryan A. Buaron

The Fourteen Mile Reef off Santiago Island is perfect for diving and is teeming with marine life and hard and soft corals.

Unarguably, the Hundred Islands National Park is the ultimate crown jewel of Pangasinan tourism where its 123 islets sitting on the tranquil waters of Lingayen Gulf congregate in a small area just off the city of Alaminos. The islands, most of which are uninhabited, offer snorkeling, swimming, spelunking, camping and kayaking opportunities with its many strips of white sand beaches and sand bars. The best developed is probably Quezon Island (named after the Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon) with facilities that include 2 dining pavilions, grilling area and Giant Clams Garden. Governor’s Island, meanwhile, who once played host to the Philippine edition of that campy reality TV franchise – Big Brother has a house here which one can now rent if one decides to stay at Governor’s Island. Governor’s Island also has a view deck which boasts sweeping views of this beautiful National Park. For people with kids, the Children’s Island meanwhile has the shallowest waters in the marine park and perfect for children to practice their swimming skills. The Hundred Islands National Park has Bantay Dagat (literally “Sea Guardians”) who protect the marine park from illegal fishing and also double as lifeguards in case of emergencies – when in my case – I had a bad case of cramps when I was swimming by Marcos Island – the able men of Alaminos heard my frantic cries for help (I already went underwater at least three times) and saved me just in time. So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mamerto Viray, Jesusito Ancheta, Ridard PAmo, Samuel Navarro, Deomedes Danan and Norberto Danan. You guys ROCK!

Mamerto Viray, Jesusito Ancheta, Ridard PAmo, Samuel Navarro, Deomedes Danan and Norberto Danan

Other places of interest would be the Manleluag Spring National Park in Mangatarem, the Agno Umbrella Rocks (three mushroom shaped stone boulders) of Agno, the hot and cold springs of Mt. Balungao near Rosales, the Limahong Channel (where the infamous Chinese corsair escaped after his failed attempt to establish a colony on the shore of Manila Bay).

Why Not Go

If you are looking for a high-flying nightlife like in more organized tourist destinations, it is not quite the way it is in Pangasinan (save for the Hundred Islands National Park). There are quite a few malls in the main cities but otherwise, living is basic and in most areas, there are even no ATMs around.

Why Go

For an ordinary long weekend getaway, Pangasinan offers refreshing respite from the more popular Philippine destinations with its quaint coastal villages and charming beaches that rarely see outside visitors. You can basically see the sun rise over the Hundred Islands and drive westward to Patar Beach and see the sunset on the same day! Now how cool is that!

Best Time to Visit

Best time to go is during the dry season and during ordinary weekends. Patar Beach and a lot of tourist spots usually get pretty crowded during Easter but are okay during most of the year.

Where to Stay

Save up to 75% on hotels in Philippines

There are resorts and hotels all over the major cities and if it is usually near the beach, there should be a hotel or two. For a more complete listing of hotels in Pangasinan please contact – http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/ or you may contact the Department of Tourism Regional Office in La Union – Martin Valera, Regional Director, (Oasis Country Resort, National Highway, Bgy. Sevilla, San Fernando, La Union 2500 Tel.: (6372) 888 2411 Fax: (6372) 888 2098 Cell. Phone: (0917) 791 5346 Email – dotregion1@pldtdsl.net; www.visitmyphilippines.com)

Solomon’s Paradise
Photo by Dave Ryan A. Buaron

We stayed at Solomon’s Paradise (http://solomonsparadise.multiply.com/) on Patar, pretty basic with wide beds, nipa hut style, fan and a little veranda. There is a little beach nearby with pretty rock formations. Australian expat Brett Solomon owns the place, pretty good chap and loving the quiet life of Patar. Food is mostly Filipino but to his surprise, we requested vegemite on toast for brekkie, but he nevertheless happily obliged. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at their cozy place and we won’t hesitate to go back (hopefully Brett will stock up on Aussie beers next time we drop by!).

Where & What to Eat

Grilled Bangus, Pangasinan’s Pride
Photo by photospill

Dining in Pangasinan is a hit or miss thing but one could never go wrong with a serving of Boneless Bangus (or Milkfish). Bangus happens to be the National Fish of the Philippines as well and we had the best Bangus we ever had in Pangasinan- grilled or fried- the serving is large and cheap (compared to the its diminutive cousins served in the restaurants of Manila. Alaminos has its own take on the longganiza as well. And the sweet sticky rice with coconut dessert called tupig which seemed to be ubiquitous in this region is a must try.

Another must bring home item from Pangasinan is a bottle of fermented fish paste – Pangasinan’s take on that important Filipino foodie must-have- the bagoong. Make sure to pick one up whenever you are in the area.

Nightlife

Pangasinan nightlife is more associated with Dagupan although it is a little shady and not highly recommended. The best way to spend your nights in Pangasinan is by the beach, having quiet barbecue dinners under the stars and enjoying the sweet solace of being so far and away from the lunacy of Manila urban life.

On Marcos Island, Hundred Islands National Park
Photo by Dave Ryan A. Buaron

My to do List

1. Kayak or do island-hopping at the Hundred Islands. **
2. Snorkel and check out the Giant Clams at Silaki Island. **
3. Chill out the Patar Beach in Bolinao.*
4. Sample the Boneless Bangus.*
5. Take a dip at the waterfalls of Bolinao. *
6. Do a pilgrimage to the Manaoag Shrine. **
7. Bring back a bottle of the famous Bagoong Pangasinan.*
8. See the Bolinao Lighthouse.*
9. Cool off from the searing sun by relaxing in the pools of Wonderful and Enchanted Caves.*
10. Share a glass of local wines (tuba) with locals of Dasol.
*- Highly Recommended
**- Recommended by Locals

Stay Away From

1. Mosquitoes! – just bring bug repellent to be sure
2. Dust Mites. – bring Lysol with you, if you think the hotel room is oldish and not cleaned properly.
3. UV rays – Apply ample sun protection and sunglasses.
4. Heat stroke- take plenty of fluids – make sure you have a few bottles of ion-based drinks handy.

Getting There

If you are not coming with a tour group, there are many buses that ply to different points in Pangasinan. If you are heading to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos and Bolinao – Victory Liner and Five Star Buses leave Manila as early as 12 midnight. For going back to Manila, Victory Liner only goes as far as the Cubao terminal from Bolinao during Fridays and Saturdays. Skip the ordinary buses of Five Star as they can be extra filthy. Other bus lines that go to Pangasinan are Dagupan Bus Line, City Trans, and Philippine Rabbit. There are jeepneys and mini-buses between towns as well as tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars). Do not forget to take a road map of Pangasinan before embarking on a trip.