COLIBRA ISLAND, DASOL

Colibra Island

Our Pangasinan roadtrip continues...

We just came from Cabongaoan beach and the Death Pool. Drove about 15 minutes from Cabongaoan beach to Tambobong.

TAMBOBONG WHITE BEACH

A surprisingly beautiful little beach in a quiet rural community. This is the jump off point going to Colibra Island.

Tambobong Beach

Boat rental to Colibra Island is P900, up to 5pax. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the island.

COLIBRA ISLAND

This little circular island is beautiful. Has got a nice sandy beach, some part are stony shore. Other part has got awesome rock formations. I also found zen areas. The island gives you a great sunset-view.

There are picnic shacks available for a small fee.

After a few sunset pictures, we headed back.

Back in Tambobong beach. We ate at a local eatery, not much eateries to choose from that time. Then headed to Alaminos after that.

BILANG BEACH

Sometime ago before this trip, when I first visited Tambobong, we also visited a nearby beach. A place called Bilang beach.

Further down the road from Tambobong White Beach is a surprisingly beautiful hidden beach. Suggested to us by this local lady. The road leading to this beach was not exactly made for cars, but more for carabao sleighs and carts or 'karitons'. It is muddy and very narrow. But once you see the beach, it's all worth the difficult drive.

After traversing thru bushes and under many coconut trees, we ended up parking in a field under the canopy of coconut trees.

There was a lone bahay-kubo (hut) where a family live. The man said its OK to park the car on the premises.

We crossed over a barbwire fence and walked toward the beach. Stunning. We had the beach all to ourselves.

A picture-perfect stony beach. It’s got the most glorious of stones. Secluded and what a reward to see the stunning view of the sunset from this beach.

Bilang Beach

 

EXPENSES:

By car:

· P2,000 – full tank gas would normally enough for a round-trip from Manila.

- P500 - approx toll fees one way.

Commute from Manila:

· P427 – bus one way to Alaminos (Victory)

· P60 - bus to Burgos

· P300 – tryk to Cabongaoan or Tambobong

· P500 – cottage

· P900 - boat rental to Colibra Island (5pax)

ACCOMMODATION:

A safe bet would be to stay in Alaminos City. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in the city center. 

Where to eat in Cabongaoan?

Bring your own food or buy food by the beach proper (unpredictable).

How to get there.

It is not necessary to pass thru the town proper of Dasol to go to these beaches. If you're coming from Alaminos City, drive off to the town of Burgos, and then ask your way to Cabongaon or Tambobong. The drive to the beaches from Burgos is an adventure in itself!

We drove for about 30 minutes of fun easy drive from the town of Burgos to Cabongaoan or Tambobong with almost no cars in sight. We practically had the road to ourselves. The drive offered some breathtaking views of rolling hills. We passed by some goats crossing the roads, cows, carabaos. Horses grazing the green landscapes on both sides. We passed over some small villages with their dogs lazily lying in the middle of the road. Farmers going on with their day-to-day activities.

Farmer on a carabao sleigh

GIANT TIRE MARKER

There's a giant yellow tire marker going to Tambobong. If going to Cabongaoan, just turn right instead of left. From this marker, it's another 15 minutes of slow and extremely bumpy ride to Tambobong beach. A very rough single-lane road, with lots of big water potholes. But the view from afar is so awesome. Hills and mountains.

Giant tire marker

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BOLINAO, PANGASINAN

Patar Beach, the amazing networks of falls namely Falls 1, Falls 2, Falls 3, Enchanted Cave, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Tara Falls, and Guiguiwanen Beach. These are the points of interest in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines.

PATAR BEACH
The white sand beach is where you needed to be when going to Patar. It is located pass the lighthouse; passing through all the resorts. The resorts along the way does not have the quality of this white sand beach, so keep on going until you reach this better part of the beach. It is a public beach. Free access except for a parking fee of P50 per car. There are huts/table available for rent. 'Paluto' (cook to order) are also available plus shower and toilets for a small fee.

FALLS 1 (PENDING)


FALLS 2 (PENDING)


FALLS 3 (PENDING)

ENCHANTED CAVE
Located along Patar Road, just before you reach Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. It is a privately operated cave with a natural pool inside. The pool is 7 feet deep and the cave itself is only 30 meters long. P100 per head to view the cave. If you opt to swim into the pool, it is P150 per head. There are plenty of covered tables and hammocks inside the park. Food is also available to order.
 

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE
This lighthouse is definitely worth the long drive. It is kept beautifully over the years. A gorgeous structure with its gleaming white color. The view from the ruined house deck next to the lighthouse is just breathtaking. Located atop Punta Piedra Point, just above Patar White Beach.
 

GUIGUIWANEN BEACH
Located on the other side of Bolinao passed the town’s old market, about 15-minutes drive towards UP Marine Science Institute. Going to the beach can be a refreshing coastal drive except the beach area is not best for swimming. A very rocky beach, favorite hangout by locals.
 

TARA FALLS
The signage along the highway directing to where the falls is, has been long gone. Now, it is difficult to locate this falls without asking the locals. My landmark is a makeshift basketball court on the opposite side of the road, where I had parked my car before. It’s an easy and relaxing 30-minute trek before reaching this unspoiled low-level falls. Its aquamarine pool-like basin is a welcoming place for a nice swim.
 

BOLINAO CHURCH
St. James the Great Parish Catholic Church.
One of the few remaining rustic old churches in Pangasinan.
 

BOLINAO
Bolinao is the tail end of Pangasinan province. About an hour drive from Alaminos City or 7 hours from Manila. It is a coastal town facing the West Philippines Sea.
 

Accommodations:
PUERTO DEL SOL
A surprisingly nice hotel. Highly recommended. Please search for updated rates.
 

TASTES OF BOLINAO
Bolinao is synonymous with binungey. It is said that they make the best binungey in the entire province of Pangasinan. A suman-like taste rice delicacy cooked inside a cut bamboo. An anytime-great snack. Perfect for breakfast paired with coffee.

Note: binungey is sold in front of the main gate of the old church, usually in the morning or until it’s sold out. Binungey – P35-50 depends on the size.
 

Pana-pana (sea urchin) – P5/piece, tastes like pâté, great for cracker topping, 2002

💛Thank You💛

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ANDA, PANGASINAN

Tondol Beach, the salt field, a mighty river, fishponds by the Katubig bridge, and the rolling hills. These are the pride of Anda, Pangasinan, Philippines.

TONDOL BEACH
It has grey sand. It feels so soft it almost feels like mud but not exactly mud. It’s got calm water that retreats to many meters away during low tide exposing many tiny creatures that burrows in the light grey sand. This beach lacks organization. The placement of huts are so random, it creates one messy shoreline.

KATUBIG BRIDGE
What makes this bridge so cool is the priceless view. The view of the fisher folks below doing their day-to-day living.

On our way back home, we stopped at the Katubig Bridge to watch the crimson sky during sunset. We’re lucky to have witnessed the most amazing crimson-colored sky as it reflected on the river below. The silhouette of the Sister of the Poor convent atop the hill added an element which made it a picture-perfect scene.


ANDA
This off-the-beaten-track small town is about 40 minutes drive from Alaminos City.
 

sunset view at Katubig Bridge.
 

below Katubig Bridge, 2008


 

salt field community

💛Thank You💛

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DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN

Bonuan Blue Beach and the Dawel River Cruise. These are the points of interest in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines.

BONUAN BLUE BEACH
It's a long streach of light-grey sand, lined up with videoke huts, inns, and hostels.

DAWEL RIVER CRUISE
Similar to the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, only this doesn't offer food. It’s a 45-minute boat ride passing through a surprisingly clean river; moss green color. This river is nicely bordered with thick mangroves on both sides. It also passes the ruins of Dagupan’s first railway system, which gives a nice touch to the tour.

DAGUPAN CITY
When you see a welcome arch fashioned in the form of swimming bangus, you have arrived Dagupan City. This city is synonymous with bangus (milk-fish). And why not, the city is surrounded by rivers and so much fish ponds of milk fish.
 

TASTES OF DAGUPAN
I'd say don't miss out on bangus meal when visiting this city, although now I don't eat bangus anymore 😊
 

Bonuan Blue Beach,
Fish vendors early morning

Fishermen selling his catch of the day to the cruisers.
 

The boat station is located adjacent to the bridge of Bonuan Gueset. Visitors are greeted with multi-colored statues of bangus. And let me also add that this cruise was free! Well, at that time we went anyway which I find it unusual. I'm not sure if it's always like that though.

💛Thank You💛

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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

Lingayen Beach is the pride of Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines.

LINGAYEN BEACH
Lingayen beach is a vast space of sandy gray beach facing the blue sea of the Lingayen Gulf. Lined with a mix of establishments, from videoke bars to big resort hotels. Frequented mostly by a huge number of locals, especially on weekends, from dusk to dawn until evening.


LINGAYEN CHURCH
Epiphany of the Lord Parish Church.
Located along the busy thoroughfare of the town.
 

LINGAYEN
Lingayen is the capital city of Pangasinan. I remember in my younger years, we go here for family beach outing. A bustling city with busy thoroughfares. Business establishments are concentrated along the main road where traffic is just plain mad.

💛Thank You💛

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100 ISLANDS, ALAMINOS CITY

Alaminos City is where I was born. This is my home city.

I've been based in Manila for a while. But countless of times, I have either tour-guided someone to Alaminos or just repeatedly going back home for a visit.

My city has recently transformed for the better. More tourist-friendly elements popped up in our city. There’s the 24-hour tourist help desk. Plenty of good eateries to choose from. Coffee shops, and convenient stores.

Alaminos City

100 ISLANDS

This is the very first national park in the Philippines, declared by President Quezon in 1940. So historically, it's somewhat significant.

Although it's called 100 Islands, it would be highly coincidental if there were exactly 100 of them. It is actually 124 islands during low tide and 123 on high tide.

Boat rentals:

P2000 up to 15pax

P1500 up to 12pax

P75 Environmental fee

Fun Activities!

- Island Hopping

- Zipline

- Banana Boat

- Kayaking 

- Para Sailing

- Snorkeling

Pilgrimage Island

Newly added attraction is the Pilgrimage Island. Where a towering statue of Jesus was erected. A foot path leading up to the statue serves as a Station of the Cross.

Quezon Island

Marcos Island

Marcos Island

Jump into the 70-foot drop pool inside.

Imelda's Cave

James Reid spotted at Marcos Island.
My paparazzi moment. 

James Reid

Children Island

It has a shallow water perfect for kids.

Children's Island

LUCAP WHARF

This is the jump-off point to the islands. A beautifully lanscaped baywalk with cafe's, tables, and benches. It has an ample space for free parking.

Just a few minutes drive from the city center.

Limahong & Urduja

 

Parola

ONE ISLAND

Yes! There is a place called One Island. It is not part of the 100 Islands National Park. Located in Brgy Telbang, about 30 mins drive from the city proper. So-called One Island because it’s a lone island. It is so near the shoreline, it can be reached by foot during low tide.

One Island

BOLO BEACH

Located in Brgy. Pandan, 15 mins drive from the city proper. This grey sand beach is frequented mostly by locals. It’s got laid back atmosphere lined with native huts along its shore for day picnic and videoke parties. There are mini islands dotted along its shallow water, some with bamboo hut built on it.

Bolo Beach

THE CITY CHURCH

The St. Joseph Cathedral is a 250 year-old church. Having been rebuilt many times over the decades, it is still proudly stands by the city plaza in a light yellow color.

St Joseph Cathedral

EXPENSES:

By car:

· P2,000 – full tank gas would normally enough for a round-trip Manila-Alaminos.

- P500 - approx toll fees one way.

Commute from Manila:

· P427 – bus one way (Victory Liner, 5 Star)

· P40 – tricycle to Lucap

Accommodations in Alaminos City? 

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Lucap and at the city center. 

Where to eat in Hundred Islands?

Bring your own food to the island. You can buy food in Lucap wharf or in the town proper.

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