Archives: Places

St. James the Great Parish Church

In modern times, people would recognize Bolinao as a permanent display featured at Legoland in Malaysia, notable for the St. James the Great Fortress Church in the center of town. This iconic church was built out of black coral stones in 1609 and is the only religious structure in the Philippines that bears the Holy Seal of Papacy in Vatican, the Seal of the Governor General and the Seal of Queen Isabela of Spain. Its bell tower, standing at 75 feet, is also known to be one of the tallest in the country. 

Surip Beach

Open to everyone and anyone 24/7, the Surip Beach boasts clear waters that house a diverse marine ecosystem meant to be seen by those interested in snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors can set up camp for free while cottage rental rates vary from one resort to another. Far from buildings and other obscurities, Surip Beach is the perfect spot to go stargazing. In the vicinity, one could also stop by at the Redeemer’s Cross pilgrimage site. To get to the top, visitors have to take approximately 1000 steps and upon reaching the site, a scenic view of the West Philippine Sea pans out.

Address: Surip Rd., Bani, Pangasinan

Nalsoc Cave

Once an unexplored cavern located in Barangay Colayo in Bani, Pangasinan, the Nalsoc Cave is a 4-kilometer-long cave with enchanting pools and waterfalls hidden within its hollows, as well as captivating white stone terraces, unique stalactites and stalagmites and seemingly endless hidden chambers. Also nestled within the cave is a subterranean river that empties into the West Philippine Sea. It’s deep enough for seasoned spelunkers to wade in its waist-high waters.

Address: Brgy. Colayo, Bani, Pangasinan

Bangrin Marine Protected Area

The Bangrin Marine Protected Area (MPA), located in Tambac Bay in Bani, Pangasinan, is known for being the home of around 122 species of migratory and indigenous birds. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified the MPA, which takes up 42.25 hectares of the bay, as one of the 13 bird watching areas in the Philippines.

Angel Cave

One of the enchanting caves in Bani, the Angel Cave in Barangay Centro Toma is an underground cave stretching for 1.6 kilometers famous for its angel-wing rock formation. It was labelled as a Class 1 cave by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) back in 2012. Class 1 caves have delicate and fragile formations, archeological values, hazardous conditions, and are homes to threatened species. But the LGU of Bani has been eager to open the cave as an educational and research location, closing off sections that are truly dangerous.

Address: Brgy. Centro Toma, Bani, Pangasinan

Busay Falls

Burubur ni Ayat or Spring of Love, Busay Falls is known to be a popular dating spot for couples. It will take a half-hour trek through the woods before arriving at the falls, where visitors can swim at the base of the falls or continue to follow the trail to the top where one can rappel down to the bottom for an adventurous experience. The falls are always picturesque thanks to the fresh mountain spring keeping it alive.

Address: Brgy. Olanen Dacap Sur, Bani, Pangasinan

Immaculate Conception Parish Church

According to a town myth, Bani used to be located in Sitio Simon but the statue of the Immaculate Conception kept disappearing and reappearing on a particular Bani tree. This kept happening until the townspeople decided to relocate and build a church in that same spot. That same tree is still located in the church’s courtyard.

Address: Burgos St., Bani, Pangasinan

Tondol Beach

As Pangasinan is full of pristine beaches, Tondol Beach is one of the most well-known destinations in the province. Travelling to Anda was primarily by boat before the 1990s, after which a bridge was constructed that connected it to the mainland of Pangasinan. Tondol Beach boasts white sand and clear waters, and it’s completely open to the public. An inflatable water park floats nearby as well, for anyone who wants to go all out and play with a bit of a watery challenge.

Tanduyong Island

Tanduyong Island is home to a diverse aquatic life, so much so that even students from the UP Marine Science Institute come to conduct research here. From basking in the sun and enjoying the white sand and the breeze blowing past the coconut, kiawe, ipil-ipil, and talisay trees around the island, to swimming with local fish species, Tanduyong Island is a tranquil haven. During extremely low tide, visitors at Tanduyong Island could walk over the sandbar connected to Cory Island.

Cory Island

Resurfacing during former President Corazon C. Aquino’s administration, Cory Island is made up of dead corals and though there is little sand space to walk on, taking a stroll around the island is still an experience worth taking.

Address: Anda, Pangasinan

E-Kawayan Manufacturing

The E-Kawayan is a sustainable development project in Alaminos City. The practice shows how bamboo is processed into wood materials used in a variety of ways, from furniture down to souvenir items. Visitors are toured around the factory and taught how the process is done, complete with step-by-step pictures posted within the factory. The factory is also equipped with its own souvenir shop where anyone could choose among novelty bamboo products.

Address: Alaminos City, Pangasinan

Mangrove Eco Park

Pangasinan is considered a coastal province so one might not be surprised to find mangroves in some of its towns and cities. The Mangrove Eco Park in Alaminos City is a mangrove nursery spanning 8.17 hectares. For nature lovers eager to learn, the park’s guides are ready to provide visitors with an educational tour.

Address: Brgy. Bued, Alaminos City, Pangasinan