Tondol Beach is one of the must-see beaches in Pangasinan. It boasts a lengthy and expansive sandbar, accessible for exploration during low tide, particularly in the early morning.
Our visit to the beach was enjoyable, and the area is remarkably safe for children. One can wander far from the shore, yet the water remains shallow, only reaching ankle to knee depth. The breathtaking view of the white sand beach, framed by the surrounding natural beauty, is arguably Tondol Beach’s most captivating offering to any visitor.
Over just a few years, we’ve managed to explore a significant portion of Pangasinan. It appears this province has become our go-to destination for beach and island escapades. With summer on the horizon, I strongly recommend considering Pangasinan for your next vacation—numerous hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
Tondol Beach should be at the top of your list. Beyond this beach, I will also share a list of other Pangasinan beaches we’ve visited in recent years, complete with links to corresponding blog posts.
For now, however, let’s focus on the allure of Tondol Beach.
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Where is Tondol Beach?
Tondol Beach is situated at the northern tip of Anda, Pangasinan. Anda is, in fact, an island municipality. I must admit, I was unaware of this fact when I visited Tondol a few months ago. It only dawned on me during my research and upon examining the map. Indeed, Anda is an island, which was historically accessible solely by boat across the Catubig Channel.
Fortunately, in the early 1990s, a bridge was built, facilitating direct access from Anda to mainland Pangasinan. Below is a map of Tondol Beach.
Experience at Tondol Beach
The journey to Anda was quite exhausting, taking approximately six hours, but it was entirely worth it upon our arrival in Tondol. Visiting a beach with fewer crowds is always pleasant. We initially planned to stay at JCT Beach Resort but ultimately chose 828 Gems Beach Resort instead. We had no regrets; the staff there were friendly and welcoming, and the resort boasted a superior beachfront.
We planned to relax on the beach, but the weather was cloudy that morning. Let’s face it, sometimes the beach’s beauty doesn’t fully shine without the sunshine. As we were walking along the beach back to our room, the resort’s manager asked if we were interested in island hopping. It seemed like a great idea, offering us the chance to explore for the day and hope for better weather the following day.
We opted for the island hopping tour at PHP 1500, which included a visit to Panacalan Island, situated off the coast and across Anda. Upon arriving at the island, I was glad we decided to go island hopping!
Panacalan Island is an islet, resembling a sandbar, which one might assume gets submerged at high tide. It’s a quaint island featuring a breathtaking sandbar. Take a look!
Map of Panacalan Island
We spent the entire morning on Panacalan Island, relaxing on the sandbar and taking numerous photos. Being somewhat isolated, the island occasionally accumulates debris washed ashore. While some of this is natural and biodegradable, like seagrass, unfortunately, there’s also plastic waste. It’s disheartening. I urge everyone to take care of our environment and avoid using single-use plastics.
After what felt like an eternity at Panacalan, we made our way past Cory Island before heading back to Tondol Beach. This islet is strewn with dead coral.
For some, discovering such an abundance of dead coral in one place might be intriguing or a novel experience, but I found it unsettling. The area is barren and far from visually appealing. However, in the spirit of being a supportive Instagram boyfriend, I managed to capture some shots.
Our boatman mentioned that this island was named after former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, but he couldn’t explain beyond the island gaining popularity during her tenure. Well, that’s interesting, I guess.
Cory Island. Full of dead corals
Map of Cory Island
We passed by Tanduyong Island, which is situated near Tondol. Eloi, my girlfriend, wanted to explore it, but it was already late afternoon, and I was so hungry I joked about being willing to eat seagrass. Moreover, rain seemed imminent, so we decided to head back.
The following morning provided the perfect conditions to explore Tondol Beach. We started our day with breakfast at a nearby Tapsilogan, which was both delicious and affordable at only 75 pesos. While the resort offers custom cooking services for a fee, we were in the mood for a quick breakfast and a good cup of coffee, so the Tapsilogan was our choice.
Afterward, we walked along the main road, passing some beach houses until we reached the “I Love Tondol” sign. Naturally, taking a photo was essential, and we also took the opportunity to stroll through the entire area.
When we returned to Tondol Beach, the timing was perfect. The sun shone, the sky was a clear blue, and the beach was pristine white, with just enough water to highlight the sandbar.
Indeed, Tondol is serene. The experience here is quite distinct from the typical beach where you walk along the shore and feel the waves lapping at your feet. Tondol stands out with its white sand and shallow waters, creating a sensation of being an integral part of the ocean. The sand is fine in most areas, and you might even encounter schools of small fish.
It was a delightful experience. Of course, simply reliving the moment isn’t sufficient; capturing some photos is a must. So, there I was again, the photographer, kneeling and bending to capture the perfect shot for my beautiful partner. Here are some of our photos. Overall, visiting Tondol Beach is a fantastic experience that I highly recommend. Start planning your trip now, especially with summer on the horizon.
Madam? san ang swimming?
Beautiful Madam
Gulat kayo, may pic din ako. LOL
Where to Stay at Tondol Beach?
We opted for 828 Gems Beach Resort during our stay. Our room, priced at PHP 2000, was spacious and seemed well-suited even for a group of friends. The resort provided a comfortable sleeping experience, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. They also offer assistance with meal preparations for their guests.
For those looking for other options, checking Airbnb for accommodations in Tondol Beach might be worthwhile. Some listings are as affordable as PHP 1000 per night, offering a cost-effective option for lodging.
828 Gems Beach Resort
Tondol, Anda, Pangasinan
Anda, Pangasinan 2405
Phone: 0946 426 0476
Facebook Page: 828 Gems Beach Resort
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Pangasinan Tourist Spots
How to Get to Tondol Beach
To reach Tondol Beach, start by taking an air-conditioned bus bound for Alaminos. You have several bus companies to choose from, including Victory Liner, Five Star, and Solid North, all of which operate from Cubao. Upon arriving in Alaminos, switch to an ordinary bus headed for the town of Anda. From there, a tricycle ride will take you directly to Tondol Beach.
Alternatively, Five Star offers a direct bus service to Anda from Cubao. However, this is an ordinary bus and its schedule can be somewhat irregular, so it’s advisable to contact Five Star directly for the most current schedule information.
We prefer the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, so traveling to Anda via Alaminos was a suitable option for us.
Tondol Beach Travel Tips
- The ideal time to visit Tondol Beach is during the summer to fully appreciate its beauty. The dry months from January to May are also favorable for a visit.
- For our return trip to Manila from Tondol, we opted to travel via Alaminos again. We found it a more convenient route, especially since the direct bus service from Anda to Cubao can be unreliable. Moreover, we prefer the comfort of an air-conditioned bus over an ordinary one.
- If you’re visiting during the rainy season, be prepared for unpredictable weather and the possibility of seagrass accumulation on the beach. While natural, it can detract from the beach experience.
- Dining options in Tondol are plentiful. You can request made-to-order meals at your resort for a small fee, or dine at nearby Tapsilogans and carinderias in town.
- Mobile signal coverage is available, ensuring you can stay connected with friends and family during your stay.
- Inquire with your resort about tent pitching if you’re interested. It’s an affordable option, costing as little as PHP 100.
Tondol Beach 2024 Update
Tondol Beach in Pangasinan is one of the hidden gems of the north, offering pristine white sand and clear, shallow waters that stretch far into the sea. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back getaway, especially for families and friends looking for a serene, natural environment.
Getting There (Latest 2024 Update)
Tondol Beach is located in Anda, Pangasinan, roughly a 5-6 hour drive from Metro Manila. You can take a bus bound for Alaminos or Bolinao, then catch a local ride to Anda. If you have your own vehicle, the drive is scenic and straightforward with well-maintained roads.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of budget-friendly resorts and cottages along the beach. Some offer overnight accommodations, but you can also bring your own tents for a beach camping experience. Most places are basic but comfortable, offering a front-row seat to beautiful sunsets.
What to Do
- Swim and Sunbathe: The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for kids and non-swimmers. During low tide, you can even walk on a sandbar stretching into the ocean.
- Island Hopping: Hop on a boat to nearby islands like Tanduyong, where you can explore more isolated beaches and even enjoy snorkeling.
- Local Eats: Enjoy fresh seafood right from the local fishermen or head to the small eateries around the beach. Don’t miss the Pangasinan-style grilled fish!
- Tips
Bring your essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and water as the area still maintains a rustic vibe with limited convenience stores. - Weekdays are the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowd.
- Tondol Beach is ideal for a quiet retreat, a chance to unwind, and connect with nature.
Updates Log
Updated on June 16, 2021
Updated the guide for 2024
3 Comments
Doug Grinstead
December 31, 2021 at 5:39 amMy wife is from Pangasinan! Love the beaches here! Can’t wait to come again!
Jon Espiña
December 31, 2021 at 7:28 pmI agree. Pangasinan has some of the best beaches in the country. 🙂
Roderic Caballero
March 11, 2023 at 9:27 pmIs there a family room or hotel to stay near the beach front