Bolinao: Hidden Jewel of the North

After spending some generous time in Hundred Islands National Park, we headed off to our next destination, Bolinao Pangasinan! The quaint and sleepy town of Bolinao is just an hour away from Alaminos City by car. Yes, it  may be a sleepy town for some (as in wala masyadong establishment e.g. fast food restaurant, town center) but the lush greenery and the peaceful ambiance is just perfect if you want to escape the angst of a city life. 

We arrived in Bolinao before sunset and went directly to SCL Garden Paradise Resort which we booked a month ago. It's not a hotel so don't expect much especially their beach front. Their rooms and facilities are typically okay and comfy. 

TIPS: If you're activities in Bolinao are basically outdoors, CHOOSE this resort! It is not pricey compared to other hotel/resort within Bolinao but will not give you grief compared to some cheaper but uncomfortable cottages near the beach. Their staffs are so friendly and very accommodating too.

SCL Garden Paradise Resort

Here are some of the most popular destinations that we visited during our stay in Bolinao.

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE

The century-old Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is located at Barangay Patar atop Punta Piedra Point. It is a towering hill of solid rock measuring 351 feet above sea level. The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a land area for ipil-ipil plantation and archaeological excavations. You should visit this place when in Bolinao for a nice photo op.

PATAR WHITE BEACH

Just a short distance from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is Patar White Beach. Its creamy off-white (sometimes light beige) sand is soft but not as fine as the sands in Boracay but the beach has a certain allure that will make you fell in love with the place. Though there's not much water activities here (compared to commercialized Hundred Islands), we do enjoyed our time here lazing by the sand and swimming in its cool and pristine water. I might considered Patar beach as one of the best beaches I've ever been because of its peaceful and relaxing provincial ambiance.

BOLINAO FALLS 1

Going to Bolinao Falls is quite a disappointment for me. Its distance from the town proper is quite far and the only road in getting there is rough and dusty. When we got to Bolinao Falls 1, I didn't expect that the water is 'deteriorating' (parang tubig sa gripo ang patak, look at the pics). Maybe because its summer, and its scorching hot these past few days, so I think that explains why the water is not cascading in its grandeur. Well, we just enjoyed our time here swimming (the water is turbid) and eating halo-halo. I hope the local government of Bolinao will improved the facilities here (e.g. bathroom, changing rooms, water supply...and the road of course!) because I believe that this place is a very promising tourist destination worth a visit.

BALINGASAY RIVER CRUISE 

(With lunch via Sungayan Grill)

Ah! This is one of our favorite spots in Bolinao, Balingasay River! According to what I've read a while ago, Balingasay River is the cleanest river in Luzon. It's a fact. The water here is really clean and clear (I could actually see fishes underneath the crystal clear water). I really, really love this place. 

We also enjoyed the river cruise while eating a sumptuous lunch that comprises of grilled fish (bangus, tilapia, sungayan), hinalabos na hipon at alimango (shrimp and crab), one vegetable dish, generous amount of steamed rice and a pitcher of iced tea. Sungayan Grill and Restaurant offers the best tasting grilled sungayan (unicorn) fish in town. Don't miss out this exotic grilled fish when you visit Bolinao.

TIPS: Make a reservation at Sungayan Grill and Restaurant a month before your trip. Their boats are always full. Walk-ins often can't avail the river cruise because Sungayan Grill prioritize those who made an early reservation. 

So that's a wrap for today's entry. Feel free to comment and inquire regarding my travels. Ciao!

“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

Hundred Islands Tour (Do-it-Yourself Edition)

Hiatus no more, thanks summer! Just recently, my family and I had a wonderful do-it-yourself tour in Pangasinan. Though it might be underrated as a tourist destination in the Philippines compare to powerhouses like Boracay and Palawan, I must say that the place actually satisfied the wanderlust in me. 

This post will feature the best and top things to do when in Hundred Islands ( I have a separate post for Bolinao!).

HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

(Alaminos City, Pangasinan)

It's my first time to handle such big group for a DIY tour (our family comprised of 10 adults and 6 small children). Since we have small kids with us, I opted for convenience so we rented a private vehicle as our means of transportation. 

TIPS: If you're traveling in small group, without any "excess baggage" (kids!), commuting is a best option to lessen travel expenses. From Cubao terminal, you may take a Victory Liner bus bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan. It may cost you around Php 400 (ordinary A/C). Travel time may vary from 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions. 

We left  Montalban, Rizal at 12 midnight, and we arrived at Lucap Wharf, Alaminos City in as early as 4 a.m! It was so early that we have to wait until 6 a.m. before we could register our names for the island hopping activity so while we are  waiting, we just ate breakfast at the nearby food court within the complex. 

TIPS: Foods here might be a bit pricey for a shoestring traveler so it's better to bring your own 'baon' (food).

Food court located at Lucap Wharf

At 6 a.m., our group proceeded to the Hundred Islands Office to register our names, pay certain amount of services and fees for the Hundred Islands Tour. Click Hundred Islands National Park Rates and Boat Rates for the list of prices that you could avail for the tour.

What to do?

Hundred Islands National Park has a total of 123 islands. You may only visit at least 5-6 islands for a day tour (and only three of them have been developed for tourism) but worry not, there are various island activities to choose from to enjoy your Hundred Islands tour.

Island Hopping

Day Tour with Service - Small Boat (1-5 passengers) Php 1,400

Medium Boat (6-10 passengers) Php 1,8000

Large Boat (11-15 passengers) Php 2,000

We opted to avail day tour with service because it covers island hopping to all islands that we want to visit including caves and coral gardens. It also has no time limit and the boat will stay until 5 in the afternoon. Wherein day tour without service is limited only to three major islands including Quezon Island, Governor's Island and Children's Island with 20 minutes allotted time per island. 

Viewing deck at Governor's Island

Marcos Island has fantastic view  and pristine waters.

Island hopping at its best!

The largest and most developed island in Hundred Island s National Park

Cliff Diving


Rates: Free

Cliff Diving is one hell of experience! I chickened out so I didn't try it. But my husband, my sister and my brothers-in-law are so damn fearless, they jumped off from the rocky cliff (20 feet high!) and plunged straight into 8 meters-deep waters! I so envied them! (I promise to do cliff diving next time). 

Helmet Diving

Rates: Php 400/ dive for 20 minutes

Yey! This is a dream come true for me! I always want to feel deeply connected with marine species and the best way to do this is to visit them under the sea. It's so amazing to encountered live giant taklobos underwater while variety of colorful fishes were soaring over us.  

Well, don't expect for a very lush marine life in this area cause it's just a shallow coral garden. But to encounter some of these sea creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat is a superb experience.

Snorkeling

Rate: Php 150 (snorkeling gear rental)

What I love most about snorkeling is that it boosts my confidence in water. It can be enjoyed by almost anyone including kids. Since Hundred Islands has shallow reefs, snorkeling is a must do activity. While in Lucap Wharf, just inform manong bangkero (boatman) that you want to rent snorkeling gear before the start of your island hopping.

OTHER ISLANDS ACTIVITIES

• Zip-line (546m) (Governor Island) Php 250.00 
• Zip-line (120m) (Quezon Island) Php 100.00 / Jump
• Wall Climbing – Php 50.00 / Pax
• Rappelling – Php 50.00 / Pax
• Banana Boat (max 7pax) – Php 1,500.00 / ride
• Kayaking (max 2pax) – Php 250.00 / hour

Some island activities maybe a bit costly especially for shoe-string travelers. Well, in that case, plenty of time for beach bumming and swimming is not bad afterall.

TIPS: Choose the less crowded Marcos Island if you want to stay longer for beach bumming and mere relaxation. It has the most scenic view and the water are more pristine. On the other hand, Quezon Island has also clear waters but its just too crowded. If you're travelling with kids, you may choose Children's Island because of its shallow water though it may be too crowded like Quezon Island and the water is a bit turbid. 

So that's a wrap for this entry. I hope that this post could help you if you want to explore Pangasinan in the future. Ciao!

"Just the smell of the beach can make me forget my cares..."

P.S. Well, I may not be a seasoned traveler but I wanted to make this blog updated as soon as possibly I can so that I could share some travel tips and ideas that may help some people out there who also loves traveling like me.  =)

~GDA