Archives: Places

Cacupangan Cave

The Cacupangan Cave System boasts four kilometres of stalagmite and stalactites beautifully carved by nature for centuries. To get to the entrance, visitors have to carefully trek through a rough road and avoid the slightly jagged rocks and the slippery mud trails along the way. Once inside the cave, the rocks smooth over and are stable but visitors still need to be cautious of not waking the bats, scorpions and snakes residing within, and that they have to be ready to get soaked because of the water level inside the cave which may vary depending on the season.

Balaki Island

Pleasantly bare and free from modern obscurities, Balaki Island is ideal for snorkelling, camping and, of course, swimming. Getting access to the private island requires coordination with the Infanta Tourism Office and budget set aside for the gasoline of the boat and meals for the boat crew but other than that, staying on the island is absolutely free.  The presence of seagrass around the island is proof that the marine life in the vicinity is rich and healthy and the waters aren’t too deep and the currents are usually calm so that visitors will enjoy snorkelling and swimming all day long. Yearning for peace and quiet and a space to relax away from the city? This island will definitely be your cup of tea.

Tambobong Beach

Off the beaten path, Tambobong Beach has cream-colored sands and waters perfectly mirroring the azure sky. Located at the heart of a fishing village, it shouldn’t be surprising to find a ton of motorboats along the beachfront but visitors would find more of the beach’s solitary beauty toward the end of the shore where some rock formations are located. The marine life flourishing in this area is a sight to see as well so snorkeling is very welcome.

Address: Brgy. Tambobong, Dasol, Pangasinan

Crocodile Island

Despite its name, Dasol’s Crocodile Island does not have crocodiles swimming about, which is very fortunate because tourists can come and enjoy its shallow tidal pools and collect seashells that are scattered across the shore. Although the seabed isn’t too soft for swimming, those who’d like a dip can go to a nearby cave that opens out to the sea. The waters here are deep and are more suitable for strong swimmers but others can still have a blast setting up selfie photoshoots within the picturesque cave.

Dasol Salt Farm

Pangasinan is home to one of the leading and biggest suppliers of salt in the country. In Dasol, salt farming is a family-based industry, with around 400 families benefitting from the trade. Salt produced in Dasol is unique because it is pollution-free thanks to the locals’ effort in regularly reforesting their mangroves, which serve as natural filters of seawater. The policymakers in Dasol, too, make sure to keep their waters clean and safe by creating programs to ensure this.

Pao Nambalan Beach

Unlike most beaches where there are stretches and stretches of sand, Nambalan Beach also has grassy areas shaded by coconut trees where anyone could lay down blankets and enjoy the breeze and scenery before heading out to get a suntan. Visitors are also allowed to set up camp for free so that they could enjoy the stars come nighttime. 

Paratec Beach

A quiet and tranquil beach to most, a site for challenging adventures to others, with rock formations looming and inviting visitors to trek upon them.  Though the trek can be dangerous with the waves violently crashing against the rocks and the water passages narrowing, the beach is still welcoming.

Patar Beach

One of the most visited beaches in Pangasinan is the Patar Beach, with clear blue waters embracing a long stretch of fine white sand in Barangay Patar in the town of Bolinao. It is readily accessible when coming from the busy metropolis and is easily a site for calm and relaxation. Camping is allowed along the beach and cottages are also available for rent. The best part? Absolutely free entrance!

Address: Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan

*photo credits to the Bolinao Tourism Office

Balingasay River

The Balingasay River has been recognized as the cleanest river in the Ilocos Region, having won the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award for inland bodies of water twice. The river is also home to 15 hectares of mangroves that have since been home to a teeming biodiversity. With the river’s fresh water meeting the seawater of the West Philippine Sea, the Balingasay River has become an ideal site for unique marine creatures.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse stands on top of the Punta Piedra Point, 351 feet above sea level. It showcases a 360-degree view of the West Philippine Sea. Built in 1905 by British and Filipino engineers, the lighthouse is considered one of the tallest lighthouses in the country. Despite not being open to the public anymore, which would have challenged anyone to climb its 135 steps to the top, visitors can still enjoy and admire the view of the lighthouse outside. Walking to the edge of the Punta Piedra Point, one could still see the marvellous site of the West Philippine Sea in the horizon, past the lush green of treetops in the surrounding area.

Wonderful Cave

Lining its ceilings with stalactites that reflect beautifully on the crystal clear water below it, the Wonderful Cave is one of the three most famous caves in Bolinao.

Rock View Beach

With cottages ready to be rented, tourists are granted a grand view of clear blue waters and soothing waves crashing against beautiful rock formations. The natural alignment and the overall serene area make for good backdrops on pictures.

*photo credits to Weekend Drive Philippines