Beautiful Bolinao, Pangasinan: Budget For 2 + Tips + Itinerary + Travel Guide

Bereft of crowded malls or bustling shopping ddistricts, Bolinao offers the most intimate connection with nature and oneness with Mother Earth. With its impressive landscape and massive underground system, there’s no reason why it shoudn’t be a must-visit travel destination in Luzon.

LOCATION

Bolinao is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pangasinan located on the west coast of Luzon, in northern Philippines. By looking at the map, Bolinao is that distinct curve on the northwest upper portion of the Philippines facing the West Philippine Sea. It is already at the tip of the peninsula providing tourists an obstructed view of the ocean and a different kind of travel experience.

HOW TO GET THERE

CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DAU – BOLINAO

We are natives of Cebu so the most ideal and practical airport to land on is Clark International Airport. This airport is only a fifteen-minute drive to Dau Bus Station in Mabalacat, Pampanga where buses plying different routes are waiting. We noticed buses that travel directly to Bolinao, however, as we were bound for Baguio City first, we neither embarked on one of those buses nor have any idea how much the fare from Dau to Bolinao is.

BAGUIO – DAGUPAN – BOLINAO

As we had some transactions to materialize in Baguio City, we were constrained to start our journey from Baguio going to Bolinao. Cabs are the most accessible transportation in Baguio City so that’s what we rode going to the nearest GT Express Station. When we took a trip to Manaoag, Pangasinan earlier this year, a cab driver suggested to take a GT Express over a bus as it is faster, more convenient and has less stops. So this time we requested our cab driver to transport us to the nearest GT Express station, and voila, it is just near Burnham Park.

There is no GT Express from Baguio that takes you directly to Bolinao so we have no other option but to make a stop-over in Dagupan and choose whether to ride a bus or another GT Express going to Bolinao.

BAGUIO – DAGUPAN – ALAMINOS - BOLINAO

     

However, aggressive, hardheaded and optimistic as I was to have a quick glance of the famous Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan on the same day, we made a complete detour and took our chance, upon my insistence, to ride a GT Express bound for Alaminos instead of going directly to Bolinao. Unfortunately, we never arrived at Alaminos on time as we reached the area after sunset, when the islands are no longer completely visible by our naked eyes. So bye bye Hundred Islands, next time nalang. We had our dinner at Chowking-Alaminos Branch first before asking around where to ride a bus going to Bolinao. It was truly a risky move on our part and it was nighttime. Jeez!

                                         

Luckily, locals are so helpful and they instructed us to wait for a van that transports tourists from Alaminos to Bolinao directly as it would be more convenient. Besides it was already 7pm and less buses are plying the said route on such time. While waiting, we noticed only three buses that passed through with “Bolinao” signages on the front. Once full, our van started to move. Finally, see you in a while Bolinao!

Travel Time

Baguio to Dagupan : 2 hours

Dagupan to Alaminos : 2 hours
Alaminos to Bolinao : 1 hour

TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS

BOLINAO FALLS

Bolinao Falls is a three-level waterfalls named after the municipality where it is located. It has a cool turquoise pool of water with varying depths from shallow waters brought about by partially submerged rock platform and deep catch basin at the center. Hovering over us were dragonflies flying and playing. What really caught our attention, was their color. Actually we are still mesmerized by their color – pink!

Note: Swimmers are prohibited from swimming the deepest part of the water without any life jackets. Life jackets can be rented at the area.

Note: Some portions of the road going to the falls remain rocky and unpaved so mind your head.

ENCHANTED CAVE

Enchanted Cave is strategically located inside a man-made garden complete with swimming pools, fountain, and a place of meditation. From the top of the world to the bottom of the earth, Enchanted Cave is a unique travel destination with a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea and a thrilling experience beneath the earth’s surface.

WONDERFUL CAVE

One of the two caves in Bolinao, Pangasinan that we were able to visit. Unlike the other, it has only one flight of stairs leading to the clear waters and it’s not steep or long. Though we opted not to dip in the waters, we admire the stalagmites and stalactites. Tour guide said the waters could be deep or shallow depending on the high tide and the low tide.

ROCK FORMATION

(Rock View Beach Resort)

While it’s privately owned, Rock View Beach Resort has the best access to the spectacular Rock Formation which Bolinao is also known for. The view is just incredible and breathtaking, no wonder why GMA-7 used this location many times to shoot a number of scenes in some of their well-loved “teleseryes” like Amaya, Dyesebel and Indio, to name a few.

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE

Said to be the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, it provides a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea from the top. Unfortunately, the lighthouse is already off-limits to the public and one can only have a view of its structure from the outside.

PATAR WHITE BEACH

Just ten (10) minutes away from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the most beautiful beach in all of Bolinao, the Patar White Beach. While Bolinao offers a lot of tourist attractions, one should never leave the municipality without dipping in the waters of Patar and basking in the sun on its powdery white sand that’s not painful even if you are strolling around  bare foot.

ST. JAMES THE GREAT PARISH

Conveniently located along bus stations, St. James the Great Parish could be the first item in your itinerary upon your arrival or your last before your departure. This is a Spanish colonial church made of black coral stones. Devotees of this church believe that the first Mass held in the Philippines was celebrated in Bolinao Bay in 1324 and not in Limasawa Island in 1521.

DELICACIES/NATIVE DISHES

PIGAR-PIGAR

One of the most popular dishes in the province of Pangasinan, Pigar-Pigar is made of thin slices of beef deep-fried and served with fresh slices of cabbages and onions.

POQUE-POQUE

A simple dish made of eggplant, tomatoes and eggs that resembles an omelette. It’s perfect for vegetarians as it is meatless, easy to prepare and quick to cook.

BINUNGEY

It’s a rice cake delicacy popular in Pangasinan made of glutinous rice and coconut milk cooked inside a bamboo stem. It is usually served with “latik” (caramelized coconut cream/syrup) that makes it sweet and irresistible.

^{P&P’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED} ACCOMMODATION

CASA ALMARENZO BED AND BREAKFAST RESORT

      

We love everything about Casa Almarenzo. In this fast-paced world where everything is full speed ahead, it's actually nice to sit back and relax once in a while. With it's setting that is so laid-back and peaceful, it is the perfect escape from stress and the best place for relaxation. Though they have a limited option in their menu but their food is quite tasty and amazing. Their danggit is crispy and not too salty, their buttered shrimp is irresistible.

We likewise love their infinity pool. It is not as big as that what we are used to but it provides the best view of the ocean. I love having breakfast beside their infinity pool with the ocean as our view as well as spending our afternoon lounging lazily in the long chair or dozing off in the hammock while awaiting for that beautiful sunset.

We love the staff. We arrived at almost 9 in the evening yet they provided us the best service they could give us despite arriving very late than their usual check in time. They also accommodated our very early check out at 5:30am without complaints and they even offered to accompany us to the bus station for Dau for our safety and convenience. I love how they are very courteous, helpful, accommodating, and cheerful, it was even them who assisted us  book our guided tour.

They are even honest and trustworthy and we commend them highly for returning our laptop bag when we accidentally left it in the pool area.

     

To reiterate, we love everything about Casa Almarenzo. If given another chance, we will return, in a heartbeat. So cozy, so serene, it is truly a home away from home.

EXPENSES _{(good for 2)}

Souvenirs and Pasalubongs: 2,000php

Meals: 1,500php

Transportation:

Baguio to Dagupan (GT Express): 300php (150php each)

Dagupan to Alaminos (GT Express): 140php (70php each)

Alaminos to Bolinao (Van): 120php (60php each)

Resort to Bus Station (Tricycle): 150php

Bolinao to Dau (Bus): 580php (190php each)

Dau to Clark International Airport (Airport Shuttle): 200php (100php each)

Tours:

Tricycle Tour around Bolinao: 1,500php

Bolinao Falls Entrance:  50php (20php each + 10php parking fee)

       Life Jackets: 100php (50php each)

Enchanted Cave Entrance: 400php (200php each)

Wonderful Cave Entrance: 200php (100php each)

Rock Formation Entrance: 140php (70php each)

Accommodation:

(booked through Agoda App ~ please click pic below to be redirected)

Casa Almarenzo Bed and Breakfast Resort: Php 7,088.77   

Inclusions: Sea View Queen Room (2 Nights)

                 Private Bath with Shower

                        Breakfast for 2

                        Use of Wi-Fi

                        Use of Infinity Pool

                        Toiletries

                        Taxes and Fees

                      

Dinner by the Pool: Php300.00

TOTAL: PHP14,768.77

Chocolat Le Monde: A Taste of Heaven in Every Tub

"...heaven..."

The perfect word to describe this piece of chocolate perfection crafted and baked by no other than Dessert Connoisseur and Sweet Treats Master Cristina Mae Gerozaga. Chef Cristina is the sole chef of the thriving Cebu-based online patisserie  "Zoey's Pastries" which is already featured in ABS-CBN's "Maayong Buntag Kapamilya" twice. Aside from this local tv recognition, Chef Gerozaga's capabilities already shone at a younger age when she was chosen in a Student Exchange Program and made  severally appearance in a Kuwaiti newspaper where she previously worked as a Pastry Chef.

This version of dream cake Chef Cristina fondly calls as "Chocolat Le Monde" is not your usual dream cake. Though Chef Cristina incorporated the same idea of "cakes in a tub", she, however, made a complete 360-degree turn and an aggressive move when she made use of round transparent plastic canisters instead of the standard tin cans. 

Her creative power and style of luring potential customers and patrons is indeed clever and innovative. She tempts a chocolate lover into buying her masterpiece by providing them with an unobstructed mouthwatering view of her chocolate cake layers and enticing chocolate scent. To complete the packaging, she made use of elongated stickers bearing her newest product's logo on top and the name “Chocolat Le Monde" or in plain English "Chocolate World".

But there is more to it than what meets the eye. A dash of liquor is added to intensify the taste and a nutty nougat is incorporated to break the monotony. 

Its perfect balance of moist and fudgy texture complements the rich and creamy chocolate ganache at the center. All in all it’s crunchy, fudge-y, chewy, luscious and ultra-moist that enables your palate to savor the flavor while your brain digests the components.

While it’s pure chocolate from top to bottom, it is, however, neither disgusting nor sickening. It is irresistibly good, has the right amount of sweetness and an unparalleled goodness that makes you scream “heaven” in every bite.

Chocolat Le Monde is a must-try that can compete with anyone or anything locally or even internationally.

Chef Cristina is truly an expert in her field. She knows how to offer something novel matched with great finesse. Time and again, she has proven her worth, talent and burning passion in what she does. Chocolat Le Monde is nothing but a sheer brilliance that’s bursting with flavor and blows you away with every dip. A perfect sweet escape from the world’s stress.

You may contact Chef Cristina through her personal account Cristina Mae Gerozaga or through Zoey's Pastries official facebook account Zoey's Pastries.

Each tub of Chocolat Le Monde is priced at Php280.00.

Choco Overloaded Cake: Cebu’s Newest Must-Try Tin Can Cake

There is a new player in the tin can game and it's one we should never underestimate. Personally made and baked by Pastry Chef and Dessert Connoisseur John Kyvin Hynson, who already worked abroad and in a cruise, we foresee (and boldly say it loud and clear) that this Cebu-based tin can cake he dubbed as “Choco Overloaded Cake” will soon be a local favorite. With its right balance of flavors, layers of texture and instagram-worthy presentation, Choco Overloaded Cake is not far from being a new viral sensation.

This latest yummy goodness is made up of two layers of moist chocolate cake which are neatly secured in a 3x4 tin can gleaming with red color. Chef Kyvin has indeed chosen a color that is both striking and attractive making his creation extra-appealing to the senses and our camera lens.

Popping it open, we were wallowed in the sweet aroma of chocolates, crisp wafers and hint of vanilla. At first glance, the sight of local chocolate favorites like Knick Knacks Chef Kyvin incorporated in this cake as garnish gives the feeling of nostalgia, the same being our favorite childhood snacks. There was a little trip down memory lane we never expected in this what seems to be an extravagant dessert.

Mr. Culinary Genius’ creativity, talent and keen attention to detail are highlighted by the way he plays with the complexities of his creation.

The silky smooth chocolate ganache Chef Kyvin glazed the cake perfectly contrasts the crunchy texture of the wafers he used as embellishment while at the same time it echoes the melted marshmallow he filled the center. The consistency of the milk chocolate he used to adorn the top matches the ultra-moist layers of the cake while it complements the rich taste of the filling.

As the spoon sinks into the cake, it oozes with a gooey texture that makes every dive appealing and mouth-watering.

Its slightly bitter taste cuts the sweetness making it not overwhelming nor disgusting. Every bite could be a taste of peanut, caramel, or milk chocolate not knowing what flavor to expect on each dip.

While every component can stand on its own, Chef Kyvin unified every ingredient providing that burst of flavor and a right balance of everything. 

Unfortunately, these little babies are not yet commercially produced or widely available in the market, each is homemade with Chef Kyvin’s own twist and personal touch. On a positive note, you are absolutely assured of its good quality and the freshness of the ingredients used as every tin can cake is pre-ordered.

While tin can cakes are no longer novel and many are offering the same product around the internet, Chef Kyvin’s Choco Overloaded Cake should never be overlooked nor disregarded simply because it’s, well, new. Chef Kyvin sealed the deal when he crafted a different kind of satisfaction that pleasantly satiates a chocolate craving and at the same time leaves you wanting for more. Every food, every creation tells a story and we applaud and appreciate how Chef Kyvin unfold his in his new masterpiece. We are pretty sure that this tub of chocolate heaven will be our future obsession. 

Chef Kyvin can be contacted through his facebook account: John Kyvin Hynson. Get yours now and have a taste of heaven on every bite. 

💯 Choco Overload Cake is very pocket friendly at the price of Php270.00 only.