It is known that having a getaway is one of the best ways to loosen
up from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the most western tip part of the salt capital of the
Philippines, Pangasinan, lies a majestic town, Bolinao. It is known as “Giant Clam Capital of the
Philippines” and a booming tourist destination as it holds both amazing landscape and seascape attractions
that offers unique experience to wanderlusts and vacationers.
What exactly are the must-see and
must-experience things in this amazing place? If you are ready to travel and love nature-tripping, we are
recommending you these awesome things to try and best places to visit.
It is known that having a getaway is one of the best ways to loosen
up from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the most western tip part of the salt capital of the
Philippines, Pangasinan, lies a majestic town, Bolinao. It is known as “Giant Clam Capital of the
Philippines” and a booming tourist destination as it holds both amazing landscape and seascape attractions
that offers unique experience to wanderlusts and vacationers.
What exactly are the must-see and
must-experience things in this amazing place? If you are ready to travel and love nature-tripping, we are
recommending you these awesome things to try and best places to visit.
It is known that having a getaway is one of the best ways to loosen
up from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the most western tip part of the salt capital of the
Philippines, Pangasinan, lies a majestic town, Bolinao. It is known as “Giant Clam Capital of the
Philippines” and a booming tourist destination as it holds both amazing landscape and seascape attractions
that offers unique experience to wanderlusts and vacationers.
What exactly are the must-see and
must-experience things in this amazing place? If you are ready to travel and love nature-tripping, we are
recommending you these awesome things to try and best places to visit.
It is known that having a getaway is one of the best ways to loosen up from
the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the most western tip part of the salt capital of the
Philippines, Pangasinan, lies a majestic town, Bolinao. It is known as “Giant Clam Capital of the
Philippines” and a booming tourist destination as it holds both amazing landscape and seascape
attractions that offers unique experience to wanderlusts and vacationers.
What exactly are the
must-see and must-experience things in this amazing place? If you are ready to travel and love
nature-tripping, we are recommending you these awesome things to try and best places to visit.
For a little adventure to accompany your rest and relaxation, there's plenty to see and do during your stay in Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast. Our staff is happy to arrange guided tours and offer expert travel information. With a wide array of activities and things to do, from kayaking to snorkeling and jet-skiing to caving or spelunking, we have something for everyone.
A certified diver may enjoy the splendid underwater dive provided in Bolinao. Admire and study the treasure found hundred feet below the surface up close and place yourself amongst colourful corals and beautiful fishes. (Available in Cape Bolinao Diving Center)
Some beach resorts have “Bangka” boat which they offer to their guests. Bangka or boat can be rented per half day or full day. You can rent a Bangka beside Balingasay River which allows you to explore the clean river of Balingasay and trips to the Balingasay sanctuary (a marine protected area) to see the coral reefs and surrounding islands. (Available in Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast)
Bolinao is surrounded by about 20 kilometers of coral-reef for you to explore and enjoy. Better bring your own snorkels to enjoy different species of fish and other marine organisms. Best locations for snorkeling are: Patar Beach, Balingasay sanctuary, Ilog Malino beach, Silaqui Island shoreline, Santiago Island shoreline.
Some beach resorts provide Jet Skis’, a battery operated watercraft if you prefer skipping across the waves without much effort and to be able to explore the different parts of Bolinao without the fuzz of paddling or driving. (Not available in Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast)
Go bottom fishing or trawling at the Balingasay River not only for a challenging activity but also to have a chance to enjoy your own big catch. (Available in Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast; guests must bring their own fishing rod)
If you want some recreational experience exploring a cave system, you can visit Enchanted cave, Wonderful cave, and Cindy’s cave. These caves are located in Barangay Ilog Malino. In fact, these caves have underground fresh water and many people come and visit for swimming experience.
Kayaks can be means of enjoying the beautiful shoreline and seascapes up close and personal in Bolinao, with the added exercise and fun. Kayaking is more enjoyable in the afternoon not only because of the heat but you may also watch the sunset. (Available in Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast).
Bolinao is a great place when one is looking for serenity and peace but there are also tons of activities that are not only unique but will leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. It is a simple town indeed but in its core is a melting pot of rich natural resources such as pristine white beaches, seascapes, coral-reefs, waterfalls, caves and so much more.
Situated at the north-western tip of Pangasinan and Lingayen Gulf, the scenic town of Bolinao boasts of a number of pristine beaches regarded to be some of the best in the province. An au fait traveller should have known by now that Patar beach top the list of must visits in this part of the province. The white beach in Barangay Patar is a scenic spot ideal for tourism purposes. Considered as a hidden treasure of Bolinao, Patar beach is a gem for the beach bums and nature lovers alike. Though its sand may not be as pure white and refined as that of Boracay’s, its clear aquamarine waters and unspoiled surroundings are as inviting. For travellers who constantly avoid crowded and over-developed beaches, the Patar beach of Bolinao is the best fit.
For 101 years now, the Cape Bolinao lighthouse stands proud atop Punta Piedra Point in Barangay Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, guiding ships and vessels cruising the international passage along the South China Sea. Nestled amid trees, the lighthouse was built in 1905 by Filipino, British and American engineers. It is one of the five major lighthouses in the country and the second tallest, next to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It has become a prominent landmark that tourists frequent. The 30.78-meter (101-foot) tower provides a panoramic view of the blue sea and white beaches, offshore reefs and rock formations, as well as rolling verdant hills. Once in a while, a passing vessel dots the sea, an international route of vessels going to Hong Kong, Japan and the United States.
The 140-step winding stairway of the tower leads to the illumination room, 76.2 m above sea level. According to Pedro Honrada, the lighthouse’s head keeper, the lantern is visible 44 kilometers away, guiding seafarers (led toward this area by a lighthouse in Zambales) toward the lighthouse in Poro Point, La Union. The late Bolinao historian Catalino Catanaoan said the original light machine was manufactured in England, while the lantern, with three wicks and chimneys, was imported from France. “Filipino machinists were able to copy the original [when they repaired it]. The light machine is rotated by a system of gears like that of a big clock with a pendulum of weights, winded and suspended with steel cable,” he said.
Kerosene fuel - The lighthouse was fueled by kerosene during its first 80 years of operation. When the Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative extended its lines to Patar, the lanterns were powered by electricity. In 1999, the lighthouse was renovated through a loan package extended by the Japanese government to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is in charge of the facility. Aside from repairing and repainting the tower, the assistance included setting up solar panels, a new apparatus and two beacon lights. The panels recharge the lights.
Known as one of the cleanest river in the Philippines, and the cleanest in Luzon. Balingasay River (Brgy. Balingasay) is twice winner of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award for inland bodies of water and a recipient of the highly prestigious Wetlands Conservation Award in 1994. The river is set aside as a protected seascape, it has century-old and new growth mangroves areas (home to many fish species), stretches of nipa palms and balete trees hanging into the water. You can rent a boat to tour you the entire stretch of the river and be rewarded at the end where you can swim in an oasis-like area of chilly, clean river water.
If you prefer not to compete with the heat and tourists visiting Patar beach, you can opt to try out one of the several natural caves in Bolinao. It is more private and lets you experience nature at a different level with its cool waters and unique structure. Discover the mystic appeal of this natural cave nestled in a stunning coral reef mountain.
It is the site for active research of ecology of major tropical ecosystem such as coral reefs, mangroves and sea-grass beds, on the oceanography of coastal waters. A nature junkie should make sure to stop by here to check out the different kinds of aquatic beauties found and taken care of in Bolinao.
In 1607, the church was built and still remains intact and is presently considered as one of the oldest church in the Philippines. One interesting fact about St. James the Great Church is, it is said to have celebrated the first mass in the country in 1324 - some 200 years before the Spaniards did so in Leyte, according to history textbooks. According to historians, Franciscan missionary “Blessed Odorico” from Friuli (now Udine), Italy officiated the first Catholic mass in the Philippines, particularly in Bolinao. As the “pioneer of missions in spreading the gospel of the Bible to Asia”, Blessed Odorico was said to have visited the Philippines from China in 1324. After landing and taking refuge in Bolinao during a stormy weather, Father Odorico celebrated a thanksgiving mass in honor of their safe journey and his mission in Asia. He also indoctrinated and baptized Malay immigrants in Bolinao. Father Odorico returned home to Italy after 13 years of his mission and died on January 14, 1331. His remains are kept in a tomb at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Friuli. The National Historical Institute, however, still recognizes that the first mass in the country was held in Limasawa in Leyte on March 1521. In 1594, the Spanish colonial government entrusted Bolinao to the Dominicans, who left in 1607 due to the vastness of their mission territories so the Augustinians took over the mission and built the the St. James Church in 1609. The church tower, then measuring 75 feet, was the tallest in the whole of Pangasinan and the entire Northern Luzon. However, an earthquake in 1788 toppled about half of the tower. The church convent also survived a huge fire in 1819.
Considered as the newest attraction in Hundred Islands National Park which is the pilgrimage site that stands out above the rest because the statue of Christ the Savior is situated in the island which you can easily spot even from afar.
Unlike other caves, the stairs going inside the cave is steep. But if you want a more serene cave among the famous caves in Bolinao, Wonderful Cave is the perfect place for you. The cave can only accommodate a small number of people at the same time but the short time to experience underground water is worthwhile.
The first town church in Alaminos was built in 1770 but was unfortunately burned together with the convent and municipal hall by the fire that razed the town in 1817. Six years later, the Augustinian Recollects formally established a parish. The church was burned again together with other buildings in 1834. and was reconstructed under the term of Fr. Manuel Busqueto from 1837 to 1849. Fr. Jose Tornos continued the construction work for the new church and in 1857, it rose with stone walls, nipa roofing, a tabernacle and a niche for the church's patron, St. Joseph.
In 1879, Fr. Victoriano Vereciano came to serve as parish priest and became the most popular Spanish priest in town. In 14 years, he made many improvements in the church and convent. Fr. Vereciano died in 1893 and was succeeded by Fr, Andres Romero who enlarged the cemetery and reconstructed the chapel. From 1926 onwards, various improvements were undertaken for the church by the priests that were assigned to serve the parish.
Alaminos became a Diocese and the church became St. Joseph Cathedral, with the town's first bishop, Jesus Cabrera overseeing more improvements. At present, the cathedral stands on the spot chosen by the town's pioneers more than 200 years ago, ever welcoming of parishioners, a survivor of fire, raids,and natural disasters. It remains a beacon of hope, a reminder and a lasting testament to the enduring strength and unshakeable faith of Alaminians.
The Hundred Islands National Park is the first national park and a protected area located in the city of Alaminos. The 123-124 islands are scattered in Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 16.76 square kilometres. Only three of them have been developed for tourism which are the Governor's Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island.
The Children’s Island in Hundred Islands National Park lives up to its name as its shallow waters are very suitable for small children. This island can be considered as the kiddie version of Hundred Islands’ Quezon Island because there are plenty of fun activities here as well but are more suitable for kids. There are also kayaks here with special compartments for kids.
Home to the Alaminos Tourist Center, Lucap Wharf is located at the heart of this bustling seaside municipality. The wharf serves as a jumping point for a Hundred Islands boat tour. A small but neat lighthouse stands modestly in this wharf.
This island is also known as Primicias Island, duly named after a former Governor. Most known for its viewing deck which offers a 360-degree view of the Hundred Islands. Getting to the viewing deck would require going up a hundred drawn-out steps which can be challenging but definitely worth a try. The island is also the location of the already concluded Pinoy Big Brother reality TV show. Apart from it, the island also possesses a white sandbar at the docking area and a rich marine life suitable for scuba diving.
Named after former Philippine president, Marcos island is home to comfortable accommodations and a welcoming stretch of beach. A short trek will bring you to cliffs where you can take the 12 foot plunge. The lagoon which is teeming with fish and other awesome aquatic creatures, averages around 12-feet deep depending on the tide, and opens out into the open water, where a quick swim will lead you back to the beach.
Tour packages soon...
