Pangasinan Travel

Tourists flock to Hundred Islands even during rainy days

ALAMINOS CITY, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- Tourists continue to flock to the Hundred Islands in droves notwithstanding the rainy season.

This was disclosed by Alaminos City Administrator Wilmer Panabang who estimated the daily arrival in the province's number tourist spot to 200 and more than 1,000 during weekends.

In fact, he said, the number of tourist arrivals in the Hundred Islands improved this year as compared to last year and in 2008 and 2009 which were marked by down trend in tourism due to the effects on the industry wrought by Tyhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng".

Thus, even during the rainy season, tourists--mostly domestic, are arriving in droves, he added.

The number of foreign tourists arriving has not increased though but there was no downtrend in their number too. Most of the foreign tourists are Koreans and Japanese and a few Americans and Europeans.

Panabang said that more tourists will come to the Hundred Islands if they can cut their travel time in going to Alaminos from Manila which is five hours to only 40 minutes by means of air travel.

This can only be realized, he said, if the Pangasinan Airport, which is now undergoing construction, will soon be completed.

The project, initiated by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, has the backing of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas.

To date, land acquisition and earth movement are now ongoing at the proposed Pangasinan Airport using initial P200 million released by DOTC.

Panabang said of the amount, P50 million formed the first trance and the second trance amounted to P150 million. All these were used to acquire 80 hectares of land that will form part of the airport's runway of 150 hectares.

"Hopefully, the third trance of another P60 million will be released in the next few weeks, good for another 60 hectares of land to be acquired," Panabang said.

If completed, the Pangasinan airport will first serve domestic tourists and later expanded to an international airport. With a 150-hectare runway, excluding its access roads, the Pangasinan Airport will be bigger than the Laoag International Airport which is only 70 hectares.

He said a foreign investor is also keen on building an 18-hole golf course in Alaminos to complement the airport project. (PNA)

Bolinao is one of Pangasinan's tourism jewels, hosting a myriad of attractions and activities that won't conveniently fit in one day - beautiful beaches and waterfalls, a lighthouse, underwater caves, and even a fun river cruise.

Aptly named, Bolinao Falls 1, 2 and 3, these attractions are waterfalls of different heights. Bolinao Falls 1 being the tallest allows for the brave of heart for canyoneering. Falls 2 and 3 are more suitable for the family with a series of smaller pools and mild drops.

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse at Patar rises 351 feet (107 m) above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself. It was built by the Americans in 1903 on a 351 feet (107 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao, the lighthouse still sends signals to vessels passing by the area.

The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a portion of the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation on a land area where archaeological excavations have revealed relics from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Filipino, British and American engineers constructed the lighthouse in 1905.

Patar Beach - Let the unfiltered photos speak for themselves. There are resorts and beach huts to cater to every budget. Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, Patar beach, especially during the first half of the year before the rainy season is sure to make for an awesome getaway.

Fifty shades of blue.

The most gorgeous sunsets

Ilog Malino, is a coastal barangay that one passes through before getting to Patar beach. While mostly rocky, it has its own charm, especially in the morning when the water recedes far out to sea and one can walk out for an exciting stroll.

For those who want to have an unforgettable cruise along Balingasay River while having lunch, the Sungayan Grill and Restaurant lets a boat pull your floating kubo for one hour while you enjoy your meal.

Amazing view of the river.

Kainan na!

River cruise boodle fight.

Different colors of the river.

There are many other ways to enjoy Bolinao. Its natural wonders are a sight to behold and experience and when you are done, it has a wide array of different kinds of accommodations, hotels, and resorts to choose from, so you can sit back and just watch the sun go down.