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