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💛

Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU

AGNO, PANGASINAN

Abagatanen Beach, Umbrella Rocks, and a Bamboo Footbridge. These are the points of interest in Agno, Pangasinan, Philippines.

ABAGATANEN BEACH
It is a beach in a small fishing barangay. It takes more than an hour drive to get to this beach from my hometown of Alaminos City passing thru the town of Bani on mostly open fields, then gradually turned into a mountainous road as you get closer to Agno. From the town proper of Agno, drive another 20 min or so towards the seaside areas. The view of the sea is very nice from up the hilly road. Then cross a river over a short bridge into a village where the beach is.
 

UMBRELLA ROCKS
These giant rocks are looking like some monstrous mushrooms sprouted along the beach. Located at Sabangan Beach.
About 15 minutes drive from the town proper. From the road, we entered into a very narrow dirt road going to the seaside. They are actually limestone rocks that formed over a number of geological periods. They are standing right at the mouth of the Balincaguing River where the water meets the sea. They are called Umbrella Rocks, probably because they offer shades from the searing heat of the sun? I don't know, but they looked more mushrooms to me than umbrellas.
 

BAMBOO FOOTBRIDGE
As we headed out of the town proper, we saw this sort of hanging bridge over a river. Naturally, being adventurous and all, we did check it out. The river below the bridge has a steady flow but I felt the river's might as we went across. It looked beautiful but at the same time scary. It seemed really deep with its milky green color.
 

AGNO CHURCH
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church
A pastoral looking church located across the town plaza.
 

AGNO
This small, seemingly quiet town of Agno is about an hour drive from Alaminos City or seven hours from Manila.

💛Thank You💛

Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU

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💛

Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU

MABINI, PANGASINAN

The Balincaguin River and Cacupangan Cave. These are the pride of Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines.

BALINCAGUIN RIVER
I have some great memories of this river during my high school days. Mabini is our neighboring town. This river is just a few steps away from the town center.


CACUPANGAN CAVE DURING THE 80s 

The last time I’ve explored this cave was back in my high school days, so many years ago. 

Back then, it was only known to the locals. The natural pool inside is all that I can remember. Now, it has turned into a tourist spot with a resort and a picnic area.


MABINI CHURCH
The Sto. Niño Parish Church.
Located facing the town plaza.
 

MABINI
Mabini is a quaint little town with a small market, a plaza, and a catholic church, all occupying a small area. A really idle town, about 30 minutes drive from Alaminos City.
 

💛Thank You💛

Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU

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.

Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU

Kalibo Aklan, Philippines

Kalibo is the capital and the gateway of tourists to Aklan province with its international airport (became international due to the influx of foreigners heading for Boracay). This town of Kalibo gets its fill of visitors every January for the Ati-Atihan Festival.

The Sto Niño Cathedral
Last reconstructed in 1990 due to an earthquake but retains its post war design. The center of interest in this church is the image of the Santo Niño, in which the annual Ati-atihan is celebrated.

Kalibo Museum
This museum is housed in the oldest building in Kalibo. A repository of artifacts, most notably are paintings, photographs, and dolls.