PATAR BEACH RESORTS

Location: Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my June 5 – 6, 2016 Alaminos City-Bolinao-Camiling Tour which includes: Hundred Islands, Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish Church, Alaminos City Hall and Colegio San Jose de Alaminos, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Giant Taklobo Resto Grill and Accommodation and Camiling Quick Tour.

The long beach stretch of Patar white beach

Patar is just one of the barangays of Bolinao which is located in the northwestern part of Lingayen Gulf of Pangasinan. There might be some other beach resorts here also having off-white fine sand but what is good in there is, it is not that crowded. And yes!!! It is so close to Punta Piedra Point where the historical and cultural heritage edifice of Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is located.

Open nipa and wooden cottages along Patar beach front

Our tour operator brought us to a beach resort managed by Patar White Beach Bolinao Community Association, Inc. Cottages and resort houses are not that expensive as they are made of simple bamboo and wooden materials. While roaming around, I spotted a name of White Beach of Patar and another is the Ocean Side Beach Resort. Noticeably, shower rooms have more than enough water when you rinse but you just have to pay P10.

Enjoying a friendly weather in the beach

Since ours was just a day trip just enjoying the crystal clear waters and blue skies and endless snorkel, we ended up renting an open cottage which costs P500 with a capacity of at least 15 people equipped with a table where we can put our personal stuff. This part of Patar Beach is flocked with commoners and so bigger crowds of people are expected mostly those who are staying for a day.

A place where the sand, sea and skies blend to give a relaxing mood

For those who wanted to stay overnight where stargazing is an exciting activity, closed nipa hut ranging from P700 to P1,500 with capacity of 3 to 5 persons. However, for those who really wanted to stay in luxurious hotels in the area, this LINK can be useful.

Where souvenir shops abounds (Model: Allan R. De la Trinidad)

There are some souvenir shops around and stores where one can buy basic necessities like food stuff, drinks or even hard drinks. And I’ve read a certain post about the parking rental which varies as to vehicular type, namely: Bus/Truck – P80; Van/Jeep/Pick-up/Car – P50; Tricycle – P20; and Single Motor – P15.

The typical open nipa cottage size

Looking around, I have noticed that the other end of the beach stretch has luxurious beach resorts while the other end has rock formations. The clear waters was really that inviting. And the waves after noon time were so playful that if you just let yourself afloat on the water, you will be washed ashore. There is also a net for the volleyball enthusiasts.

One of the convenient stores in the area

We initially had a trip coming from Alaminos City because we stayed overnight in the Island Tropics Hotel after our Hundred Islands day tour and so heading to Bolinao is closer for a total of one and a half hours drive.

Playing with the rushing waves

However, if one intends to just enjoy Patar beaches, he can take Five Star bus liner (Cubao and Pasay terminals); Victory and Dagupan bus liners (Cubao terminals) where your destination ends in Bolinao town. Tricycle services can be chartered from Bolinao town to Barangay Patar which will range from P150 to P200 depending on your haggling skills.

HOW TO GO THERE

Since I had a different route when I visited this place and I want to provide you the best information to reach it, I copied this portion from a blog of a public school teacher, "Blissfulguro" with details as follows:

From Manila, there are three Bus stops and it normally takes 5-6 hours to reach Bolinao Pangasinan. Buses stops in Dau terminal, Tarlac terminal and Alaminos City terminal. For trip schedules, reservations and ticket prices, you may contact the bus company at the following contact numbers:

Victory Liner – Cubao Quezon City Terminal
Phone #: (632) 727-4534, (632) 727-4688, (632) 410-8986
Twitter Account: @VictoryLinerInc
Email: info@victoryliner.com
Website: http://www.victoryliner.com

FiveStar Bus Line – Pasay City Terminal
Phone #: TEL.# (632) 853-4772/ (632) 851-6659/ (632) 851-6614
Hotline: 0927-7124349
Website: http://www.5starbus.co/

Dagupan Bus Line – Cubao Quezon City Terminal
Phone#: +63(2)8252927 and +63(2)8252930

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE

Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my June 5 – 6, 2016 Alaminos City-Bolinao-Camiling Tour which includes: Hundred Islands, Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish Church, Alaminos City Hall and Colegio San Jose de Alaminos, Giant Taklobo Resto Grill and Accommodation and Camiling Quick Tour.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse: The Pride of Pangasinan

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is 351 feet (107 meters) above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, an elevated hill of rocky topography which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself with 140 steps spiral staircase fronting the serene West Philippine Sea. It was constructed in 1905 with the joint efforts of the Filipino, American and British architects.

A personal encounter with the guardian of the seas

It is the second highest lighthouse in the Philippines next to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Unlike, the latter, this one can’t be climbed. I can't imagine, how it would be so picturesque using the illumination room as the viewdeck to see the surrounding seas, hills and coastal beaches and cliffs.

The abandoned facilities around the lighthouse

This lighthouse is 51 kilometers coming from Alaminos City via Alaminos – Bani Road and Regional Highway 5 or an hour and a half drive. This can be visited after enjoying the phenomenal beauty of Hundred Islands where historical and cultural tour will follow.

When I see a lighthouse, I am reminded of other lighthouses of the Philippines like that of Capones Island, Capul and in Batanes, though I find these three so picturesque. I had a deeper encounter with Capones Lighthouse when my friend Rome Frias and I, spent overnight during one Good Friday on a cliff down its lighthouse. It was such an scary experience when only two of us were in that island that night.

Once a loyal guardian of the seas

Standing from the viewdeck of the lighthouse, one can see the vast expanse aquamarine sea outlined with a long stretch of white sandy beaches while other coastlines are have rough and rocky formations and the rest are dramatic lush green hills.

Built in the midst of diverse flora

Like any other lighthouse, it has its illumination room with lightning apparatus imported from England and lantern along with the chimneys and 3 wicks came from France. However when these parts were already damaged, the Filipino machinists had succeeded in manufacturing the same parts in replica form for importing them were really that difficult. It was amazing to know that in this specific lighthouse, its lamp is visible to as far as 44 kilometers. Then really, ships from afar can really see how it give signaling light visibility.

ICONIC LANDMARKS OF ALAMINOS CITY

Location: Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my June 5 – 6, 2016 Alaminos City-Bolinao-Camiling Tour which includes: Hundred Islands, Patar Beach, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Giant Taklobo Resto Grill and Accommodation and Camiling Quick Tour.

The altar and pulpit of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish

This is a part of my June 5-6, 2016 Alaminos-Bolinao Trip which includes the trip on: Hundred Islands Tour

St. Joseph Cathedral Parish must have an iconic significance in Alaminos City as it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alaminos and is Roman Rite diocese of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. It was created and erected on January 12, 1985 from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan with the bishop's see at Alaminos, Pangasinan. It comprises 14 municipalities in the western part of the province of Pangasinan.

The facade of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish

I attended a 7:00 P.M. English Holy Mass here on June 5, 2016 on the eve after my Hundred Islands trip. This church is quite far at more than 5 kilometers from Island Tropics Hotel where I stayed overnight and I have to charter a tricycle for P60.

Statues of saints on the facade of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish

It was timely that it was Sunday when I attended mass and I can see that the church was filled with parishioners, an indication that this part of the Philippines are still Catholic believers.

The interior of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish

The 7:00 P.M. mass schedule was the last but it took me almost 30 minutes to wait before the church was emptied with parishioners since some of them stayed to pray for the novena, holy rosary and other prayers for personal intentions.

The Colegio San Jose de Alaminos

Colegio San Jose de Alaminos is a very important landmark of Alaminos as it produces hundred of professionals and like any other typical city or town in the Philippines, catholic schools serves as the arm of its parish church in keeping the townsfolk closer to the church.

Parish Church-Parochial School: An Inseparable Tandem

I am reminded that typically parish churches have their own parochial school and St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Church and Colegio San Jose de Alaminos is just a concrete example.

The rotonda approaching St. Joseph Cathedral Parish

Before I attended the 7:00 P.M. Mass, I happened to tour around Alaminos City just to capture its form during that late afternoon and I can see how bustling the city is with so many establishments.

The imposing Alaminos City Hall

One can tell that a city is progressive just by the looks of its city hall equipped with a functional giant LCD screen. The presence of the Hundred Islands in the city's jurisdiction is a big boost to its economy due to booming tourism industry.

The Alaminos City Park

Another landmark of the city which I was so impressed with was its park just opposite to the city hall. It was highly maintained and the benches are quite inviting to seat in with its lush green landscaping one will be refreshed staying in the park with pipe-in music.

HOW TO GO THERE

Simply take a Five Star Bus from either Cubao or Pasay terminal which will drive you to Alaminos City for 4 to 5 hours travel time. Below are the current fare rates of the said bus liner.

Five Star Bus Rates

Book Hotline at 09277124349 or for more updated fare, visit this LINK

Regular Airconditioned Fare from Cubao to Alaminos	Regular Airconditioned Fare from Pasay to Alaminos	Airconditioned 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Cubao to Alaminos	Airconditioned 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Pasay to Alaminos
P393	P403	P314	P322

Ordinary Bus Fare from Cubao to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus Fare from Pasay to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Cubao to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Pasay to Alaminos
P300	P308	P240	P246

HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Location: Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my June 5 – 6, 2016 Alaminos City-Bolinao-Camiling Tour which includes: Patar Beach, Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish Church, Alaminos City Hall and Colegio San Jose de Alaminos, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Giant Taklobo Resto Grill and Accommodation and Camiling Quick Tour.

Hundred Islands is one of the national parks of the Philippines with a total of 124 islands during low tide and 123 during high tide, scattered in Lingayen Gulf of Pangasinan which is in northern Philippines covering an area of 16.76 square kilometers or 6.47 square miles. It has a centralized port or wharf in Barangay Lucap of Alaminos City which is 240 kilometers north of Metro Manila or 4 - 5 road drive under normal traffic condition.

A panoramic photo taken from Marcos Island of the Hundred Islands National Park

As tourism activities continuously boom in this destination, five of its islands, namely: Governor's, Quezon, Marcos, Lopez and Children's have been developed with structures like cottages, gazebos, operating offices, grilling stations, water fun facilities and even with zipline. With this, service providers in this destination do not experience lean season as local and foreign tourists visit it in any month of the year.

This is my fourth time to visit Hundred Islands but the first three were done during those times when I was not yet writing my travel blog. You see, the pictures I have taken during those trips were more personal and not a blogging material.

Arriving at dawn in Lucap Wharf

Since coming from Manila takes at least four hours, it is ideal and practical to travel at midnight and reach Lucap Wharf at 4:00 A.M. Boat can be arranged in the wharf but it is advisable to book your hotel accommodation earlier as tourists come in high volume most particularly during weekends.

The rewarding sunrise scenery while waiting for the boat

Check-in time is at 12 Noon and so when our group arrived at Lucap Wharf, we stayed in the bus but we were allowed by the hotel to use the comfort room facilities. While we waited, we enjoyed the refreshing beach park. We had our breakfast in the hotel but others opted to have theirs in other restaurants around the area. Enterprising locals who sell food were seen roaming around the park but I just bought the famous "Puto Kalatiao".

Operating boats abound the wharf

Waiting for the boat at 7:00 A.M. to start the island hopping was not boring as we stayed in the bus watching a movie. Others opted to sleep comfortably on their seats.

The Lighthouse on its splendor

One of the places to include in your stroll while killing your time waiting for the boat is to visit the lighthouse which is just barely 40 meters away from the park's welcome arch.

The Hundred Islands National Park arch marker

The park's arch marker is the busiest when it comes to the volume of those taking pictures. You will barely see it without somebody taking pictures. As a matter of fact, I politely asked a favor to the tourists around to vacate it because I told them I am taking a picture without somebody appearing on it. But some just like in the picture were senseless.

Approaching Governor's Island

The first island we visited was the Governor's Island. As you approach the island, you will see that tourists are taking pictures fronting a small cave.

Concrete stairs leading to the viewdeck

From the cave, we headed to the island's viewdeck where we have to climb concrete stairs. Though, it is high, you have no choice but to trail on it as the boat will be waiting on the other end.

Photo taken from the viewdeck

The viewdeck offers a 360 degrees scenery and a photographer can capture best shots from it. However, a solo picture is almost impossible to achieve and much more a group photo.

The orange structure at the extreme right is a monoblock-made-up-material-bridge

On top of the viewdeck, the monoblock bridge (the only term I knew based on its material) that connects Governor's Island to an islet as this serves as the zipline launching pad.

Governor Island's Tablet Marker

The island's tablet marker is also one of the busiest photography site as high volume of tourists queue for picture taking. Selfie picture taking takes time before a certain group is done with their turn.

How many can this tablet marker accommodate for picture taking?

The flatform of the tablet marker is big enough to accommodate people for souvenir photos and noticeably, bigger islands has this kind of tablet marker.

The connecting link to the zipline launching pad

Governor's Island has a zipline with a launching pad coming from the annexed islet connected through a mono-block-like-bridge. The bridge itself is not stable as it just floats on the water.

Braganza Island

Braganza island is just one of the islands near Governor's Island though we did not land here. Noticeably, it has no structures erected and with no beach line.

Romulo Island

Another island we had passed was the Romulo Island where it is visibly not erected with structures like cottages but it has beach line where some tourists opt to have a swim. Like Braganza, this island is not a part of our packaged tour.

Approaching Marcos Island

I remember the last time I visited Marcos Island wayback in May 1997, I've got the chance then to have a cliff diving and there were not so much gazebos and cottages erected here.

Rugged and rocky topography but a tropical charm in itself

Truly, Marcos Island deserves to be part of the 5-island tour package as its clear and inviting waters is in itself rewarding. Those who do not like to be exposed to scourging heat of the sun can have a longer swim beneath its hanging cliffs which give ample shade of its beach line.

The clear inviting waters of Marcos Island (Model: Diane Marie S. Ching)

The sea level has a gradual depthness enabling others to swim a bit off the coast. The sea bed is soft and friendly to the sole of the feet.

Just one of the solo pictures I had in the entire trip

As much as I always wanted to have good solo pictures, I am always disappointed because only a handful of my travel buddies can take nice solo pics of mine.

The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Cathedral Island

On our way to Quezon Island, we happened to pass in Cathedral Island where the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected there but by the looks of it, it does not qualify as Our Lady of Lourdes nor the Immaculate Conception.

Quezon Island: The most developed of all the islands

Landing Quezon Island is the grandest part of the trip. Why not, it has a lot of facilities and amenities. It is where we had dined in for our lunch as part of our tour package.

Another connecting bridge to the zipline launching pad

Just like Governor's Island, Quezon Island has its own zipline. The picture above was taken on top of the pavilion atop the hill just annexed to the island's wharf.

Lopez Island as captured from atop the Pavilion

The Pavilion of Quezon Island serves its viewdeck where if offers 360 degrees scenery. More islands can be viewed from this point. It has jetski facility for rent.

A closer look of Lopez Island as viewed from Quezon Island's wharf

Another island is now being developed and that is Lopez Island. It is just around a kilometer off from Quezon Island. Cottages were being erected and tourists who are decided to stay overnight can either pitch a tent or rent a cottage.

Just descending the statue of Manuel L. Quezon (Model: Allan Revilla De la Trinidad)

As I can see, most of the facilities have been invested in Quezon Island and it will take one awhile to tour around it. It has concrete benches where families on picnic can rest and leave their stuff.

Water fun activities in the island

Water fun activity operators in the island are making big bucks of money as they charge for jetski P2,500 for 45 minutes and P3,500 for 1 hour. The banana boat ride charges P250 per person with a maximum of 10 riders. A certain group who is less than 10 riders will pay P2,500 for the whole trip.

Mermaids statues in the island (Model: Allan Revilla De La Trinidad)

The island has two statues of Manuel L. Quezon and two mermaids. More cottages can accommodate visitors at the back of the entry point of Manuel L. Quezon statue.

A relaxing view from other side of the island (Model: Allan Revilla De la Trinidad)

While the high volume of visitors are concentrated at the Pavilion and dining hall near the wharf, this part of the island has lower density of visitors.

The bridge towards the zipline launching pad

For me, the picture above looks like a boardwalk, similar to that when I was in General Luna of Siargao Island. It is so refreshing to walk here most particularly in the late afternoon.

Cuenco Cave in Cuenco Island (Pandi Island)

They call it a cave but in reality it is just a natural tunnel. Prior to this, we were suppose to dock in Children's Island but because there was a downpour and waves became rough then such move was aborted. But as we approach our last island destination, rain had stopped and rough waves calmed down.

Flatform diving at Cuenco Island

Cuenco Island was our last destination and unexpectedly I enjoyed the flatform diving where even in the late afternoon, the water was warm. Stores were available in the island. This is also the island where I spent longer in a swim.

Ma. Liza Island as viewed from Cuenco Island

One of the islands which can be viewed from Cuenco Island is Ma. Liza. It has an approximate distance of four kilometers. So far, I have not seen structures built on it.

A captured rock formation on our way back

We were lucky enough that the sea was so calm and the sky was clear with cumulus clouds (rain clouds). What was dominant above the skies were the majestic cirrus clouds (fiber clouds).

Lucap's wharf late in the afternoon

It was already 4:30 P.M. when we arrived back in the mainland of Alaminos City and we were already checked in by that time in our hotel. We cleaned up inside our respective hotel rooms and had sumptuous dinner together.

Island Tropics Hotel and Restaurant

Island Tropics Hotel where we stayed was just accessible a few meters from the wharf. They have good service and a comfortable accommodation. Dinner served was festive and overflowing with mostly seafoods. Yum yum yum!!!! I got so full!!!

RATES IN HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

(Effective as of February 15, 2016)

Tariff Rates Per Person

Particulars	Day Tour	Overnight
Entrance Fee	P30	P80
Environmental Fee	40	40
Insurance Fee (Effective for 24 hours)	10	10
Totals	P80	P130

Motor Boat Rates

Particulars	Day Tour	Overnight
Small (1 - 5 persons)	P1,400	P3,000
Medium (6 - 10 persons)	1,800	3,800
Large (11 - 15 persons)	2,000	4,500

Additional Information:

Free: 5 years old and below
Discount: 20% for Senior Citizens and Persons With Disability (PWD)
* Discounts are implemented on Entrance and Environmental Fees ONLY
* Rates are subject to chance without prior notice

This LINK will be useful for all other rates particularly in cottages, gazebos, pavilion, wall climbing, rappelling, helmet diving, kayaking and snorkeling. It will also provide you important contact numbers.

Five Star Bus Rates

Book Hotline at 09277124349 or for more updated fare, visit this LINK

Regular Airconditioned Fare from Cubao to Alaminos	Regular Airconditioned Fare from Pasay to Alaminos	Airconditioned 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Cubao to Alaminos	Airconditioned 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Pasay to Alaminos
P393	P403	P314	P322

Ordinary Bus Fare from Cubao to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus Fare from Pasay to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Cubao to Alaminos	Ordinary Bus 20% Discounted Fare for Senior Citizens, PWD and Students from Pasay to Alaminos
P300	P308	P240	P246

NOTE: When you are travelling by bus, it will drop you on its bus terminal just along the national road in the city proper and you have to find the Tricycle Terminal for Lucap Wharf which is the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands island hopping which is more than five kilometers away. It has a fare of P15 one way and it does not leave unless full. However, you can have the option to charter the tricycle for P60.

Accommodation

Have an early hotel reservation at Island Tropics Hotel with the following contact details:

Address

Boulevard Street, Barangay Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines 2404

Contact Numbers:

Landline: +63.75.551.4913 / +63.75.696.9405 (PLDT)
Mobile: +63.906.469.7888 (Globe) / +63.999.517.8411 (Smart)