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.
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
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
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