Looking for a summer getaway to escape the bustling environment of the metro? Try going north.
At the west central region of Luzon lies the province of Pangasinan which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning sunset views in the country.
It was December last year when I saw this promo at
MetroDeal.com which offers a day tour package at
Puerto Del Sol Resort at Bolinao (a municipality of Pangasinan) inclusive of lunch and an hour use of one of their outdoor activities at half the regular rate. I immediately called my friends and purchased seven vouchers. I processed the payments and made the reservation. Voila, we are set for March 25.
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| Welcome Board of the resort |
Puerto Del Sol
My friends love road trips so we decided that we rent a van for this trip. Pangasinan is a 5 hour drive from Manila. We left at 11:30 pm Saturday night and arrived at 4:30 in the morning. Since the day tour starts at 7am, we spend the next two hours sleeping on a cottage by the shore. It was one of the best sleeps I had not because I wasn’t able to sleep comfortably in the van but because I was lulled by the sound of waves crashing into the shore and the coolness of the breeze that will surely take away all stress.
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| Puerto Del Sol beachfront |
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| Cottages by the beach |
Upon waking up, we took our breakfast and registered at the main office. The office is cozy and welcoming but I find their service a little unsatisfactory.
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| The resort gate |
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| Office Gardenside |
The information was inadequate and I don’t find the staffs hospitable at all. I understand that everyone is busy, but we are still customers they need to assist. Everything we need to know or request, we should raise at their office which if you are at the beachfront, you have to walk to get there which is like completing an Olympic sized oval. Wouldn’t it be comfortable for all if their deployed securities just buzz it with their talkies to their office? I also heard they were giving away free shell necklaces and offers drinks to new guests at reception. Did they forgot to give us ours or is it just because we were only using vouchers and are not paying the regular rate?
Moving on, so we head out to find a cottage. We didnt bother getting a room since it is expensive. However, you get what your money is worth since rooms are very clean, warm and very well maintained.
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| Main Mansion |
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| Apartments |
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| Shower rooms |
Since we are looking for inexpensive vacation we opt for the free cottages. What I like about these sheds are that they are open and very relaxing which really accents the ambiance.
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| Poolside cottage |
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| Cottage by the garden |
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| Henry chilling out by the poolside |
After a little break, we then went to the shore. The sand was fine and pinkish but as you hit the water, you will be welcomed by prickling shells and debris of destroyed corals. The water is also shallow for a couple of yards until you reach the breakwater, which is dangerous because it suddenly gets deep. This is something I was not expecting since I’ve been to Bolinao when I was a kid, although I’m not sure where exactly in Bolinao we were at that time, it is somewhat disappointing. I didn’t enjoy that much.
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| It's Oco posing on the seaweeds covered shore |
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Me and my friends wading about 20 meters from the shoreline.
Notice how we carefully choose our paths since its very uncomfortable stepping barefooted on shells and debris of corals. |
So we spent the early hours playing Frisbee, volleyball and kayaking instead.
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| Catching Frisbee like a pro :P |
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| Our mini beach volleyball tournament |
It was my first time paddling for a kayak and it wasn’t easy. It was tiresome but was really fun.
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| Don, Erika, and JC having a blast with beach kayak |
After the beach we went inside and hit the pools, took pictures and chilled out again just before lunch.
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| The pools |
We took our meal at their restaurant, La Playa. The place was impressive.
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| Me and my friends striked a pose at La Playa |
It is open, the breeze sets a calm tone, and it is the only part of the resort where the service was great.
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| Dining area shot at an angle |
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| A table facing the sea |
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| Isnt this magnificient or what? |
The food served was delicious. I chose the grilled chicken set which has a smokey and a little tangy and sweet taste, very Filipino, very satisfying.
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| Grilled chicken on honey barbecue sauce with buttered vegetables on the side |
While eating, we discussed the other activities we will be doing for the rest of the day. We planned on going to the light house which is nearby and also visit the famous hundred islands since we are already in Pangasinan. We then decided that we enjoy the rest of the hour before we go.
After the meal and a little rest, we moved to the Jacuzzi but it was not available. It seems that it is only operational for certain period of times. However, wanting to experience and since the water is still warm, we still hit the Jacuzzi. After a little relaxation, we prepared and departed.
Overall, Puerto del Sol beach resort is fantastic. You've got the option to go natural and hit the beach or get comfortable by the pool. Rooms and cottages are very welcoming and warm. Outdoor activities are also provided for those looking for adventure and fun. Service is a little unsatisfactory but this can be masked by the well maintained establishment.
The resort is great though you have to pack a lot of cash to enjoy most of its ameneties.
It is a
7 out of 10 paddles.
Cape Bolinao Light House
From Puerto Del Sol, we drove for 20 minutes until we reached Cape Bolinao light house. It was my first encounter of such a structure, though it is small compared to what I see on televisions, it is awarding to be right beside a centuries old building that also offers a stunning view of the horizon and the South China Sea.
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| Cape Bolinao Lighthouse |
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| The tower doors are closed. The view from above must have been majestic. |
The sunset on this spot is dramatic only if we were lucky to have a fine weather. It was cloudy and although the sky is gloomy, we were still able to capture a beautiful sight.
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| Overlooking Patar Beach at Cape Bolinao Lighthouse |
It seems that the sun won’t be appearing until tomorrow, so we decided to go to the next destination: Alaminos.
On the way out, we drove past some banners, which bragged caves that have natural springs should you want a warm swim. We were already dressed and since it is out of our budget (although it is only 70 pesos per head), we retreated.
The breathtaking scene is an
8 out of 10 clouds.
Alaminos City
Alaminos is a city of Pangasinan which is a 30 minute drive from Bolinao. It features the Hundred Island National Park which is a destination composed of approximately 123 small islands from where its name was derived.
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| Hundred Islands National Park Welcome Sign |
We reached the location at 3 in the afternoon. As we arrived, a man greeted us and offered us a tour to the Hundred Islands. The only fee we have to pay is the boat rental which in our case needs a medium boat (for 9 people) and is rated at Php 1800. Not bad. The boat can either hop you to the islands or send you to whichever island you wanted to and just fetch you later. This is good if you will start early in the morning since there are lots to visit and much to enjoy. Since it is late, we decided that we hold the plan for a while and come back some time again. I’m not the type who would let this pass, so stay tuned for I will return.
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| Some of the famed islands from afar |
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| Shot at another angle |
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| Lighthouse from Alaminos shore |
We didn't get a chance to capture photos of the islands so I'll just show you some of the pics available from the net.
Another plan brought down. So we head home. On our way, we stumbled upon these little stores by the road. They sell
pasalubong!
Pasalubong in Filipino tradition are things brought to family, loved ones and/or friends which can be souvenirs, gifts or common items (normally from the place you have been) after being away for a period of time. It is a Tagalog word which literally translates to "[something] meant for you when you welcome me back", according to Wikipedia.
We bought
tupig (some kind of rice cake),
daing (stock fish) and spicy
dilis (anchovy crisps) for pasalubong.
Lastly, we stopped over North Luzon Expressway fill-up stations for dinner.
The trip was amazing and although two of the plans didn’t come up well, we enjoyed the whole vacation.
Pangasinan
Truly, Pangasinan is one enchanting place. It has so much to offer that a day would not be enough to experience all its beauty.
If you are interested in visiting Pangasinan, I suggest you drop by their page at
If you have questions or if you want more advice for your trip, you may email me or just leave comments below.
oreoisgood~
Nice post about pangasinan. We will be going to hundred islands on holy week. thanks for the info. :)
ReplyDeleteNo Problem.. Have a nice vacation!
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