About 3-4 hours away from the busy streets of Metro Manila lies another province that undoubtedly became one of the top tourist destinations in the country because of its exceptional natural features, abundant livelihood, and beautiful people. I’m talking about the wonderful province of Pangasinan.
Located along the coast of Lingayen Gulf and the West Philippine Sea, Pangasinan’s main source of livelihood is the sea. Actually, the name Pangasinan was derived from the word “Panag Asinan” which means “A Place of Salt”. That’s why when you visit this beautiful province, expect to taste some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes you’ve ever had in your life. Aside from Pangasinan’s exceptional culinary culture, the province also attracts tons of tourists because of its heavenly white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and picturesque terrains. Pangasinan has also been one of the major provinces of the country during the Spanish Colonial Period so there are several historical and religious landmarks scattered all over the province.
The list of must-visit destinations in Pangasinan is simply limitless and irresistible. So if you’re looking for someplace where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the experience of living in a tropical paradise, then Pangasinan is all you need. So, what are you waiting for? Come and join me as we discover the 15 Best Tourist Spots in Pangasinan!
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1. Hundred Islands National Park
First on the list and something we definitely shouldn’t miss is Alaminos, Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands National Park. This world-famous natural wonder consists of 124 small islands during low tide and about 123 in high tide season. Tourists from different parts of the world visit this attraction just to witness the enchanting creation of mother nature of beautiful green islands scattered in a body of turquoise water.
My travel to Hundred Islands a few years back
Of the national park’s more than 100 islands, there will definitely be a place where you can chill out, relax, and enjoy living in a tropical paradise. There are also many fun and exciting activities to look forward to such as snorkeling, kayaking, cliff jumping, and many more! Some of the park’s most popular islands are Governor’s Island, Pilgrimage Island, Children’s Island, and Quezon Island. CHECK THE BEST RESORTS NEAR HUNDRED ISLANDS
Map
READ THE BLOG POST: Hundred Islands Experience
How to get to Hundred Islands from Manila
Getting to Hundred Islands from Manila offers a variety of options tailored to your convenience, schedule, and budget. Here’s a handy guide:
If you’re traveling by Private Vehicle:
If you have your wheels or are renting, driving from Manila to Hundred Islands is an option. Expect a 4-5 hour journey, depending on traffic and your chosen route. Typically, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) are your main roads until you reach Pangasinan province, where Hundred Islands awaits. You may also use Waze or Google Maps.
Taking a Public Bus:
Several bus companies ply routes from Manila to Alaminos City, your portal to Hundred Islands. Victory Liner, Five Star Bus, or Dagupan Bus offer services from terminals in Cubao or Pasay. The ride usually spans 5-6 hours, factoring in traffic and stops.
Upon arrival in Alaminos City, head to Lucap Wharf to secure a boat ride to Hundred Islands. The journey typically spans 20-30 minutes, depending on your island-hopping itinerary. Prioritize checking boat schedules and fares, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth travel experience.
2. Colibra Island | Dasol
Colibra Island of Dasol, Pangasinan is one of the rising stars in tourism for the province thanks to its spectacular white sand beach, pristine waters, and beautiful rock formations. Colibra Island is truly the perfect place to enjoy a quick island getaway where you can almost solo the entire island to yourself. It’s only about twenty (20) minutes of boat ride away from Dasol Beach so it’s very accessible and at the same time isolated from the crowds in other destinations.
Welcome to Colibra Island
Here at Colibra Island, feel free to swim around, sunbathe, or just chill out and wait to witness the mesmerizing sunset along the beach. The water is also extremely clean and crystal clear, making everyone who visits the island want to swim all day!
READ THE BLOG POST: Colibra Island in Dasol
3. Tondol Beach | Anda
Another popular beach destination in Pangasinan is located in Anda, where you can find the famous Tondol Beach. This idyllic beach is widely known for its long and vast white sandbar where you can casually walk and breathe in all the fresh air. You can simply stand there and admire all the beautiful things surrounding you such as the crystalline waters, blue sky, and the creamy white sand rustling beneath your feet.
Back at the beach, the water is particularly shallow so it’s really safe for kids to play at. Meanwhile, you can also relax and just chill out at the white sand beach to work on your tan and truly feel the island’s ambiance.
READ THE BLOG POST: Tondol Beach in Anda
How to get to Tondol Beach
Getting to Tondol Beach is pretty straightforward! Here’s what you can do:
1. Take a Bus to Alaminos – Head to Cubao and catch an air-conditioned bus bound for Alaminos. You’ve got options like Victory Liner, Five Star, and Solid North. Once you’re in Alaminos, switch to another bus going to Anda.
2. Hop on a Tricycle – When you reach Anda, take a tricycle, and it’ll take you straight to Tondol Beach.
If you’re up for it, Five Star has a direct bus service from Cubao to Anda, but it’s not as predictable as the others, so it’s smart to check their schedule first.
We went with the air-conditioned bus to Alaminos because, let’s be real, comfort matters! And it worked out just fine for us.
4. Cabongaoan Beach | Burgos
Located in Burgos, Pangasinan is one of the most popular and affordable beach destinations in the entire province. Cabongaoan Beach is a rocky white sand beach that’s perfect for family bonding moments and adventures. There are cottages scattered along the beach where visitors can stay and set up their things so having a picnic is entirely possible here!
Wow! 🙂
Aside from beach bumming, swimming, and sunbathing, there’s also a natural rock pool where you can enjoy swimming and diving as the waves flow by. And for daredevils and adventure seekers out there, it’s your time to shine because there’s a diving cliff around the beach where you can dive and have fun! Just make sure that it’s high tide season so you’re extra safe, alright?
READ THE BLOG POST: Cabongaoan Beach in Burgos
5. Tambobong Beach | Dasol
Tambobong Beach is also one of the most popular beach destinations in Pangasinan where countless tourists fall in love with its clean, white, and wide beachfront. Tambobong is also the perfect place to try fun and exciting water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Throughout the years, several resorts were established here in Tambobong so expect to see many visitors with you during your vacation.
Tambobong Beach
Tambobong Beach is also the perfect jump-off point for several island-hopping activities as well as a beautiful landmark near the other natural attractions of Pangasinan.
READ MORE: Cubao to Alaminos, Pangasinan via Victory Liner
How to get to Tambobong Beach
Here’s an easier way to reach Tambobong Beach in Dasol.
1. Take a bus from Cubao (either Solid North or Five Star) heading to Alaminos. The journey typically lasts around 5 hours and costs Php 427.
2. Upon arrival in Alaminos, board an ordinary bus (Five Star) bound for Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Disembark at the Tambobong Dasol sign. The fare for this leg of the trip is approximately Php 60.
3. Tricycles are readily available there to transport you to Tambobong for about Php 300.
If you’re driving, you can use Waze for accurate directions.
6. Panacalan Island | Anda
Yet another stunning natural gem in Pangasinan is the one and only Panacalan Island which is famously known for its ivory white sandbar surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters. Many people say that walking across the iconic Panacalan Island Sandbar will make you feel that you’re in a completely different dimension. The picturesque view of the horizon and the pristine condition of the island makes Panacalan one of the best island destinations not only in Pangasinan but in the whole Philippines!
Some of the best things to do in this secluded paradise include beach bumming, snorkeling, of course, taking tons of Instagrammable photos!
READ THE BLOG POST: Panacalan Island Experience
7. Patar Beach | Bolinao
Bolinao, Pangasinan is widely known as the location of some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. And when we say Bolinao, the first thing that comes to mind is no other than the famous Patar Beach. With its creamy sands and crystal clear waters, Patar Beach remains to be one of the most popular beach destinations in the province. With long coasts of fine cream sands, mesmerizing rock formations, and crystalline seawater rustling down on your feet, a tropical paradise doesn’t get any better than this.
Patar Beach is also one of the most beautiful yet affordable attractions in Pangasinan because there are public huts along its coastline where families and groups of friends may stay and have their very own picnic by the beach. Just remember to keep the areas clean all the time, alright? CHECK THE BEST RESORTS IN BOLINAO HERE
READ THE BLOG POST: Bolinao Tourist Spots and Guide
8. Lingayen Beach
Next up, Lingayen Beach has also become one of Pangasinan’s go-to destinations especially if you just want to relax and inhale fresh air. The beach runs very long and wide extending up to 12 kilometers where families can enjoy maximizing memory-making activities! The beach area is very wide and big so it’s safe to let the children run around and be closer to nature. But you should still keep an eye on them all the time, okay?
The Lingayen Beach Baywalk is also a popular spot to engage in outdoor activities like biking, running, jogging, and many more! This landmark has already become a huge part of the locals’ everyday lives, so it’s also the perfect place to learn more about Pangasinan’s rich culture and history! CHECK THE BEST RESORTS NEAR LINGAYEN HERE
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Pangasinan Beaches
9. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag
One of the most important and recognized religious institutions in the Philippines is the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag or simply called the “Manaoag Church”. Thousands of tourists from different parts of the country visit this church to pray for healing and miracles. Our Lady of Manaoag is believed to have performed tons of miracles throughout its existence. All the more reason to understand why it has become the most visited church in the country at some point in history.
10. Enchanted Cave | Bolinao
Oh yes. Prepare to be enchanted even more because Bolinao still has a lot of hidden gems to uncover for you! The Enchanted Cave is simply one of the most unique and mesmerizing natural attractions in Pangasinan that you shouldn’t miss. Instead of exploring beaches, rivers, and waterfalls, entering a cave does bring a whole new experience to the table, right? Well, so here it is!
Just traversing through the beautiful rock formations of Stalactites and Stalagmites of the Enchanted Cave will already make you swoon and admire this majestic creation of Mother Nature. But wait ‘til you get at the center! Ah, the natural pool nestled at the heart of Enchanted Cave has emerald green water where every visitor can swim and dive all they want. This is the main attraction of the Enchanted Cave because swimming in it really does have an enchanting effect on you.
11. Balingasay River | Bolinao
Nowadays, it seems like a miracle already to be able to see and witness a river with clear blue waters, right? Well, believe me, because it is still possible to see one in Pangasinan! Yes, the Balingasay River of Bolinao is considered to be the cleanest river in the entire region where it already has been awarded multiple times! There are also a lot of fun and relaxing things to do here at the Balingasay River such as dining at the Bolinao Sungayan Grill, the only floating restaurant in Bolinao where you can eat and at the same admire the captivating pristine beauty of the river.
Or if you want, you can also avail of the Balingasay River Cruise where a stylish boat tours you around the river while enjoying a classy and elegant dinner. Romantic, isn’t it? Alternatively, you can also hire a motorized Banca and go on an exciting mangrove expedition along the river! You can also try swimming, fishing, and even snorkeling in this clean and clear river.
12. Bolinao Falls
Now that we’ve already got the chance to explore the Balingasay River, it’s also the perfect time to tour Bolinao Falls, one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the country since it’s already accessible from the river. But wait, are you ready? Bolinao Falls isn’t an ordinary waterfall attraction because it features not one, not two, but three (3) beautiful waterfalls with ice-cold and crystal clear cascades!
Of the three waterfalls, Bolinao Falls 1 is the most popular because it’s the highest. It’s the perfect location for cliff diving and swimming, too! On the other hand, Bolinao Falls 2 is quieter because it has a lower cliff. But don’t worry! It is still enough to encourage cliff diving. The catch basin is also significantly wider so visitors and their families are free to swim around all they want with the crystalline turquoise waters surrounding the area. Oh, and the cascades of Bolinao Falls 2 are also much smoother because they pass through beautiful limestone formations.
Last but definitely not least, Bolinao Falls 3 is considered the star of the show because it features a combination of both Bolinao Falls 1 and 2! The cliffs are very high and the catch basin is also wide so visitors are encouraged to try cliff diving, swimming, and even bamboo rafting! CHECK THE BEST RESORTS IN BOLINAO HERE
13. Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse has long been a major historical and cultural landmark in our country being built by an amazing group of Filipino, American, and British engineers. The lighthouse was constructed in 1905 where anyone can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea. The lighthouse stands at an elevation of 351 feet above sea level and is planted on a solid rock hill called the Punta Piedra Point.
Next to the iconic Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Cape Bolinao is the second tallest and one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire country. The stunning scenery atop this beautiful creation is simply mesmerizing. So be ready to fall in love with the captivating view of sunsets, sunrise, the blue ocean, white sand beaches, and every other natural wonder that Bolinao has to offer!
MORE: Best Beach Resorts in Pangasinan
14. Tayug Sunflower Eco Park
Everybody loves sunflowers, right? Well, how about passing through a maze filled with fresh and beautiful sunflowers? That, and more, is exactly what you’ll get by visiting the famous Tayug Sunflower Eco Park. Located at Tayug, Pangasinan, this camp and eco-park feature different kinds of flower species such as Marigolds, Morning Glory, and of course, Sunflowers! Huge sections of colorful and vibrant flowers are elegantly placed all throughout the park where visitors can take eye-catching Instagrammable photos.
There are also different kinds of fruit and vegetable plantations inside the farm like lettuce, green chili, ampalaya, and many more. You can also rest at several Nipa Huts strategically placed around the Sunflower camp so no worries!
READ MORE: Bus to Pangasinan: Five Star Buses (Schedule & More)
15. Mt. San Isidro
Finally, conquering the summit of the majestic Mount San Isidro, the tallest mountain in Pangasinan towering at a height of 2,450 feet above sea level, is one of the best ways to finish our exciting adventure. Mt. San Isidro is the go-to hiking destination for all adventure-seekers out there! Its difficulty level is not as hard as the other mountains in the country but reaching the peak and being able to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea of clouds, the Hundred Islands, the Lingayen Gulf, and many more is definitely one of the best memories you’ll treasure all your life.
Oh, and don’t worry! If you get tired or you have someone who can’t hike all the way to the top, there’s still an option to rent a habal-habal to take you to Mt. San Isidro’s peak! There are also campsites and several water sources on different parts of the mountain so everything you need is already covered. There’s nothing else you need to worry about other than to enjoy and have a blast!
One Comment
Carmelita Reynolds
April 3, 2022 at 7:05 amInteresting