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
The beach is a drive away from Alaminos City and is complete with facilities for jet-skiing, kayaking, banana boating, KTV, and grilling on the beach for as long as you want. There are also boats to the Hundred Islands ready for rent in the vicinity.
Address: Alaminos City, Pangasinan
The Lucap Wharf is located in the heart of the bustling city. Its location makes it a perfect site for the Alaminos Tourist Center as it is also the place where visitors can arrange boat tours to the Hundred Islands through the city’s tourism officers. Visitors can also find accommodation establishments as well as restaurants lining the streets. A stroll through the plaza at night will ultimately complete one’s day, especially during holidays where the festivities come bursting in the form of lights, music and various decorations.
Address: Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
Stopping on a winding road in Calomboyan on mornings or afternoons, when the clouds are scattered like white cotton candy puffs blowing across the azure ocean above, one will see long stretches of land brushed with lush greens and yellows. The seemingly endless treetops highlight the flowing blue of the Balincaguing River in the center. Amidst this beauty, one would have the impression that the view is a painting of sorts, straight out of a canvass. It is truly a sight to be appreciated.
Address: Calomboyan, Agno, Pangasinan
Reminiscent, perhaps, of sceneries from Irish cliff-sides, the Bangol Craggs is a picturesque site where visitors can get that cinematic shot featuring the smashing waves or the endlessness of the sea. It is a romantic spot where anyone can watch the sunset and appreciate what nature has to offer.
Address: Brgy. Aloleng, Agno, Pangasinan
Despite being rather distant from the town proper, the Abagatanen Beach is a remote hideout where anyone can lay out beach towels and freely bask in the sun or perhaps wade in the calm, shallow and beautifully transparent waters. Although there are no nearby establishments, there are beach huts scattered across the shore. In exchange for the bumpy drive from the town proper due to roads under construction, entrance to the beach is completely free.
Address: Brgy. Macaboboni, Agno, Pangasinan
Beautifully crafted by Mother Nature herself, the Umbrella Rock Formation features boulders shaped like umbrellas. For nature enthusiasts or lovers of all things curious yet fascinating, the Umbrella Rock Formation is an ideal site to wander and appreciate nature’s artistic endeavours.
Address: Brgy. Sabangan Norte, Agno, Pangasinan
Completely open to the public, the Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan City is one of the most visited places in the area. Families and barkadas usually find themselves at this beach for timeless bonding and memory-making, with the beach’s vast area a perfect backdrop for tons of Instagram-worthy pictures. There are shower rooms and cottages for rent as well, and a number of accommodation establishments within the vicinity for those who plan to stay longer.
A hidden paradise just 30 minutes away from Sual’s town proper, visitors may find themselves in awe of Masamirey Beach – fine powdery white sand, immaculately clear and aquamarine waters and scenic rock formations in the beach’s pebbled area. Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to go snorkelling and glimpse local fishes, starfishes, sea urchins and many other aquatic animals beneath calm waves. Fishing enthusiasts will also be happy to hear that fishing in the area is allowed, with small boats ready to be rented. Feel free to trade fishing know-hows with the nice locals from the fishing community residing in the cove as well.
For those who can’t keep still from endlessly wondering if there’s more to be seen in this sleepy town, then visitors shouldn’t hesitate to embark on a new adventure beyond Masamirey Beach’s horizon. Tourists can hop on a rented boat and sail to neighboring Cabalitian Island where they can pitch up tents or rent cottages available in the area. The island boasts beautiful rock formations and a small yet inviting cave. Visitors may also drop by at the uninhabited islands of Comas, Poro Maya and Tori-Tori to complete the grand island adventure in Sual.
Address: Brgy. Baybay, Sual, Pangasinan
Bordering the UP Marine Sanctuary Institute, Panacalan Island is located in the middle of clear blue waters and is accessible via boats. Distinguished by its white sand bar, Panacalan Island is open for all and is free of charge so that visitors can sunbathe and swim around the island as much as they want.
Sightings of the snakes that the island was named after have decreased over the past few years so visitors can come and admire the different shades of azure of its waters and the soft sand with the color of Gobi dunes that would make anyone want to claim a spot and get a tan. The island is relatively small so that anyone who wants to explore it can do so in one afternoon. Camping is also ideal on this site, especially for those who wish to see the famous Pangasinan sunrise and sunset and, of course, the night sky dotted beautifully with stars.
Believed to have come into existence around 2 million years ago, the Hundred Islands is a spectacle of a total of 143 islands and an additional island during low tide. It is the first national park in the Philippines, as declared by former President Manuel L. Quezon on January 14, 1940. Each island has its own charm but the entire coast boasts a magnificence and uniqueness that can only be found in Pangasinan.
Previously known as Primicias Island after former Gov. Cipriano “Tito” Primicias, Jr., this island is famously known for being the site of guests from the local TV show, “Pinoy Big Brother”. This island is also equipped with a zip line that connects with nearby Virgin Island, making it easier for visitors to transfer between islands. The Governor’s Island also has a view deck where visitors can see the breathtaking view of the Hundred Islands. Aside from nature’s art, people can also visit the Joseph the Carpenter statue sculpted by the artist Cyril.
Previously untouched due to a colony of sea snakes residing around the island (but has since disappeared, rest assured), the island was justly named so and has now become a quiet island where anyone could relax and readily transfer to Governor’s Island via zip line or the 120-meter pontoon bridge connecting them. Although the reef surrounding it is currently being rehabilitated, visitors can look forward to exploring a cave where they can meet the gorgeous Cyril, a mermaid statue commissioned by Alaminos City’s former Mayor Arthur Celeste.
Named after former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the island has a “12 foot plunge challenge”. Visitors can trek to cliffs where the approximately 12-feet deep lagoon (depending on the tide) and its aquatic creatures are waiting at the base. The lagoon leads out into the open water where one can easily return to the beach.
Paying tribute to former President Manuel L. Quezon, the president who declared Hundred Islands as the country’s first national park in 1940, the Quezon Island houses a statue of the late president welcoming visitors and a scenic panorama of the island as they glide from one end of the island to another via the mini zip line there. A two-floor restaurant can also be found on the island, its staff ever ready to serve visitors as best as they can.
What was once known as Martha Island, the Pilgrimage Island stands out among the rest of the islands with the 56ft statue of Christ the Savior standing at the island’s peak. The island is also known to be one of the most visited site for Visita Iglesia during Holy Week as pilgrims will traverse the entire island to find the 14 Stations of the Cross as depicted with life-size statues.
An entire island to yourself? Yes, please! The Mayor’s Island is the site for a newly renovated villa that can accommodate at least five (5) guests. For more information, you may contact the Alaminos City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.
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