Panacalan is an islet with a stunning sandbar located just off the coast of Anda, Pangasinan. This is under the jurisdiction of Barangay Macalaeng, but the popular jump-off to the island is Tondol Beach.
We visited the island as part of the island-hopping package offered to us by the resort where we stayed at Tondol beach. At first, we were hesitant because we really planned to just chill at the beach the whole time, but good thing, we gave this a try, because Panacalan island is a must when you visit Anda, Pangasinan.
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Where is Panacalan Island
Panacalan island is located in Anda, Pangasinan. If you’ll check the map, Anda is actually an island municipality of the province which was once accessible solely by boat through the Catubig Channel. It was only in the early 1990s when a bridge was constructed to connect Anda to the mainland Pangasinan.
Anda is composed of one big or main island which is called Cabarruyan Island which is popularly known as the Anda island, then some surrounding islets. One of these tiny islands of Anda is Panacalan. It is so small that you’d only see sandbar and a tiny hut from afar. Its sandbar is one of the most beautiful in Pangasinan and its shape depends on the season. Panacalan is located near a marine sanctuary so expect a rich marine life surrounding the islet. Here’s the map of Panacalan.
Experience on Panacalan Island
Again, I was thankful that we availed the island-hopping package of our resort in Tondol for Php 1500 for me and my girlfriend. Why? Because Panacalan is beautiful. The extra expense for the island-hopping tour and the 30 minute travel time too are all worth it.
It has a stunning sandbar, perfect for that beach bumming experience and those Instagrammable photos. We were the only people on the island when we were there. It was like we owned everything. It’s white sand but not that fine as there were some solid rocks and some corals on the sand. I just want to set the expectations of those who are planning to travel to Panacalan, it is not perfect but nonetheless, it’s still gorgeous.
So, we took a lot of photos and spent the entire morning until past lunchtime there. We didn’t expect that we’d spend so much time on the island, that’s why we didn’t bring any food. The result? we were so hungry when we got back to Tondol.
One important tip is if you’re planning to stay longer on Panacalan, bring some food and enough water for hydration. Do not follow what we did. It was a mistake, we were so delighted to be on the island, only to realize that the scorching heat of the sun made us so thirsty and we had limited water. There’s no store or any establishment on the island. It is so tiny and isolated. It is far from Tondol that our bangkero said that Panacalan is actually near the hundred islands of Alaminos.
As mentioned, Panacalan is located near a marine sanctuary, so as you expect to witness some rich marine biodiversity in the area, it is expected for you to take good care of the environment. Bring your trash back to the mainland and dispose of properly.
Although we went back to Tondol exhausted and hungry, we were satisfied with what Panacalan has offered us. Please consider visiting Panacalan island if ever you traveled to Anda or Tondol.
Where to stay on Panacalan Island?
Let me clarify, there is no hotels or any store on Panacalan island. This is just a tiny island with only sand and a small hut. So the best choice for you would be, to stay at Tondol beach which is a 30-minute boat ride going to Panacalan.
We stayed at 828 Gem Beach Resort and we had a good time. The staff is nice and helpful, plus they have a great beachfront in Tondol. This is where you’re going to experience the popular white sand beach and sandbar of Tondol.
To save for accommodation and get the best of your money’s worth, you can also rent Airbnb in Tondol. There are houses and accommodation as affordable as PHP1000 per night, so do check it out.
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Pangasinan Tourist Spots
How to go to Panacalan Island
The best way to go to Anda, Pangsinan is by taking a bus via Victory Liner, Five Star, Solid North, etc. going to Alamaninos. From Alaminos, take another bus going to Anda town proper. Once you arrived in Anda, take a tricycle going to Tondol.
In Tondol, avail the island-hopping package being offered by resorts going to Panacalan.
Five Star bus has direct trips from Cubao to Anda, but these are ordinary buses. So in terms of comfort and all, this is not the best choice. Plus, the schedule is unstable, so please coordinate with Five Star Bus in case you’d choose this option.
There you have it. I hope this helps in planning your beach getaway in Panacalan. For the complete travel guide to Tondol, please check this full blog post: Tondol Beach in Anda, Pangasinan (Travel Guide).
