Pangasinan Adventure Tours: Philippines Travel Diary
Our 1-day (Day 34) excursion to Banaue was tough but rewarding. The hour-long journey to the Viewpoint by foot was exhausting, but it was worth the walk. Lured by the sight of a splendid work of hand, we took beautiful shots of one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. The perfectly-designed Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan is a reflection of Ifugao farmers’ craftsmanship and unique culture.
Travel Diary for Day 35-36:
For the next 2 days (Day 35-36), we toured around Pangasinan in the northern part of the country. For this trip, we unraveled the beauty of the province, as we gained firsthand experience with Pangasinan's diverse culture and fascinating history.
Pangasinan has always been linked to the Hundred Islands, which sit beautifully in Alaminos Pangasinan. It is a natural spectacle of 124 islets that are scattered across the Lingayen Gulf in the region of Ilocos. Famous among locals and foreigners, it provides a unique experience to adventurous travelers. No wonder why these people don’t mind traveling approximately 3 hours from Manila just to visit this stunning destination.
Day 35: How do we get from Banaue to Lingayen, Pangasinan?
27 March:
Today (Day 35), Zak felt better, so we decided to leave Banaue and head to Pangasinan Province after lunch. From Banaue to Baguio , we rode in a public minivan and traveled for approximately 6 hours. The travel time depends on the route and transport option you take.
Upon reaching Baguio City in the province of Benguet (Cordillera Administrative Region), we took the local public bus traveling from Baguio to Dagupan , Pangasinan.
We were really lucky to catch the last bus for Dagupan; otherwise, we would have stayed in Baguio for another night. After more or less 2 hours of travel, we finally arrived in Dagupan. From there, we immediately jumped off to Lingayen, Pangasinan by a provincial bus. We were on the road for around half an hour.
We never anticipated arriving at the destination after midnight, which was a bit unfortunate. The tourism department of Pangasinan expected us to arrive earlier. But, we were happy to have finally set foot in this beautiful province after such a long trip.
We checked into the Capitol Resort Hotel that had been booked for us. Aside from its cozy rooms, the hotel’s customer service was exemplary. Imagine, we were even served with dinner at that very hour. Such a pampering service, indeed!
If you are getting to Hundred Islands from Manila, the travel time is around 5 hours by a provincial bus or a private car.
Day 36: How are we Invited to Visit Pangasinan Provincial Capitol in Lingayen?
28 March:
It was the second day (Day 36) of our Philippine travel adventure to Pangasinan. We were fetched by the representative of the province’s tourism authority a few minutes after breakfast. We went on a short tour to the parks in Lingayen, Pangasinan, and reached the Provincial Capitol, an American-style government building. There, we saw the different offices where the representatives, governors, and mayors conduct their meetings and perform administrative tasks.
In the Philippines, touring inside the government’s administrative buildings is quite unusual. Lingayen’s tourism agency impressed us with its extraordinary transparency and hospitality to guests like us.
Check out the top 10 quick facts about the Philippines. These are fascinating, interesting, and useful information for you who plan to explore this beautiful archipelago.
Google My Maps Pangasinan Travel Adventures: Day 35-36
If planning a trip to Pangasinan, check out the Google My Maps below to experience the activities and adventures, and get to know different routes and directions, accommodations to stay, attractions to visit, and restaurants to dine in. Visit the Pangasinan travel Google My Map to learn more about our Philippines Travel routes and adventures.
How do we Explore Patar Beach and Bolinao Lighthouse?
In the afternoon (Day 36), we had a late lunch at Sungayan Grill in Balingasay, Bolinao Ilocos Region. It was organized by the Tourism Office, and held on a floating bamboo raft. Can you imagine eating a sumptuous meal on a raft being pulled by a small boat? It was truly a pleasant experience.
Next, we left to see Patar Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the town of Bolinao, Pangasinan. There is nothing extraordinary about this beach. So, we headed to Bolinao Lighthouse located in Barangay Patar, Bolinao Pangasinan in the region of Ilocos. It is one of the oldest and the second tallest lighthouses that you’ll see in the archipelago.
Later that day, we checked into the Punta Riviera Resort in Bolinao. The room was great and comfortable. Also, it has a pool that is open until midnight. Overall, the food and the service was both excellent.
What are the Best Accommodations in Pangasinan?
With the increasing number of tourist visits in Pangasinan, accommodation facilities in the province also rose exponentially. So, if you're looking for a place to stay, you might want to check on these options below.
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What are the best backpacker hostels in Pangasinan?
Finding backpacker hostels in Pangasinan is very easy. For light travelers, there are a handful of affordable accommodation options to grab. Backpacker hotels in Pangasinan offer basic amenities and services at a very affordable price. Choosing this kind of accommodation does not only save you money, but also gets you the chance to meet new friends during your stay.
At PHP 950 or USD 19 per night, you can relax in an airconditioned room, and enjoy a warm bath with free toiletries.
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What is the average cost of budget hotels in Pangasinan?
Are you traveling with your family? Not a problem! Budget hotels in Pangasinan ensure that you and your kids are well-rested after an adventure-filled day touring around the province. With budget hotels in Pangasinan, you’ll get the best hotel experience and facilities you deserve, without breaking the bank.
For as low as PHP 900 or USD 18 per night, spend a good time with good company at a beachfront accommodation facility.
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What is the price range of Luxurious hotels in Pangasinan?
If you are willing to dig deeper into your pockets for a Pangasinan accommodation experience at its finest, book in any of the luxury or high-end hotels or resorts in the province.
Wondering about the amenities that luxurious hotels can give you? Here’s the catch. Avail these luxurious hotels’ spa services, visit the in-house gym, or take a dip in the pool. A room for two in these hotels start at PHP 2,750, or USD 55 per night.
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What is the typical cost of Airbnb in Pangasinan?
Here’s another thing. There are a number of beachfront properties, apartment units, and family-owned houses available in Pangasinan listed as Airbnbs. This accommodation type gives you more privacy and space to enjoy a good night's rest after a long day out.
Airbnbs in Pangasinan typically start at PHP 550 or USD 11 per night, depending on the size of the property. If you decide to stay longer, some hosts give extra discounts, which can help you save more.
What are the Top Things to do in Pangasinan?
Are you one of those many tourists who associate Pangasinan’s tourism with prominent monuments? If so, here’s the kicker. Visiting Pangasinan in the Region of Ilocos is never complete without paying the Hundred Islands a visit. Also, don’t miss exploring Our Lady of Manaoag Minor Basilica located in the small town of Manaoag, and Patar Beach in the northwest part of Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan.
What’s the best part? Don’t you know that Pangasinan is much more than these three attractions. Here is a list of some other things to do, places to visit, and food to try during your stay in this charming province.
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Busay Falls, in the town of Bani, Pangasinan Ilocos Region, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the province. It is known as the "Spring of Love" because of its beautiful 12-meter waterfall. Its tall boulders are covered in lush, eye-popping green flora. You’ll surely get stunned with its sequence of glittering, falling streams.
It's no surprise why Busay Falls is a popular tourist attraction, and was given such a nickname. With views that look like it came out of a children's book, you could spend all day admiring such natural beauty. Sounds interesting?
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Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village, one of Pangasinan's most well-known restaurants, provides a relaxing and excellent dining experience. This open-air and breezy café is located in Arzadon Street, Dagupan City, Pangasinan (Ilocos Region). Aside from its great offering of original regional cuisines and fresh seafood meals, seeing the numerous calm fish ponds circling the village is rewarding.
The portions are large, so bring in a big appetite. At night, the village is adorned with dazzling lights and jingled with the beat of fantastic live music. No wonder why Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village is a favorite destination among residents and seasoned guests.
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Sky Plaza, sitting beautifully at the foot of the Caraballo mountains, Natividad Pangasinan, has become a popular pilgrimage site and ecological destination in the Philippines. This tranquil and lush park is best visited during bright afternoons.
Now, you are probably wondering what attractions to see in the Sky Plaza. Here’s the kicker. The plaza is home to a gorgeous soothing waterfall, a Christ the Redeemer statue of around 12 meters high, a simple chapel, a quiet picnic place, and soul-inspiring panoramic views of the gorgeous terrain. Topping up the adventure, you might want to try its zipline that goes around 120 meters high.
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In Alaminos Pangasinan (Ilocos Region), you can see Cuenco Cave. It is one of the best places to visit in the Hundred Islands National Park. Delight in the eerie abandoned vibe of the place, and experience the adrenaline-pounding massive tunnel-like structure and fascinating limestone formations inside the cave. Seeing the spectacular stalactites hanging from the cave’s ceiling is one-of-a-kind.
The cave has an almost overwhelming guano scent, because of the bat colonies living inside it. For a safer and more convenient cave tour, it is recommended to get a travel guide from Alaminos City Tourism Office.
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Planning to go on a night out in Pangasinan? Music Warehouse is a top-notch place to hang out. This hotspot is located in the city of Dagupan, Pangasinan, where you can groove in to live music performances, and make new friends.
Aside from its swanky sports bar vibe and a number of entertaining pool tables, you will be served by premium liquors or an ice-cold beer. Also, friendly and experienced bartenders will be happy to make your favorite cocktail. Sounds interesting? Give it a go.
Google My Maps Philippines Travel Diary: Day 1 to Day 51
Check out the Google Maps below, to have an overview of the entire 51 days of Philippines travel adventure including exciting attractions and activities we did, destinations we explored, and travel directions in the Philippines.
Philippines Adventure Tours from Day: 1 to Day: 51
We have listed down all of the destinations we visited and activities we did during our stay in the Philippines. The country has so many wondrous destinations and views to behold. Our visit to the Philippines was extraordinary. Here is a complete overview of the Philippines Travel Diary experience for our 51 Days trip to the different destinations in the Philippines in 2017:
Day 1-2: Manila Adventure Tours
Day 3-4: Bantayan Island Adventure Tours
Day 5-6: Cebu City & South Cebu Adventure Tours
Day 7-8: Southern Visayas Island of Negros Adventure Tours
Day 9-11: Siquijor Island Adventure Tours
Day 12-14: Guimaras Island Adventure Tours
Day 15-17: Gigantes Island Adventure Tours
Day 18-20: Philippine Visa Extension & Food Tours in Metro Manila
Day 21-23: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
Day 24-25: El Nido Adventure Tours
Day 26-27: El Nido Motorbike Adventure & Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Day 28-29: Baguio City Adventure Tours
Day 30-31: Sagada Adventure Tours
Day 32-33: Buscalan, Kalinga Adventure Tours
Day 34: Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Adventure Tours
Day 35-36: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
Day 37-38: Hundred Islands National Park Adventure Tours
Day 42-47: Metro Manila Adventure Tours
Day 40-41: Leyte Eastern Visayas Adventure Tours
Day 48- 50: The Bamboo Paraiso Beach Resort & Hundred Islands Adventures
Day 51: Best Tour in Pangasinan & Back to Manila
Why do we Create the Philippines Travel Guide?
Zak and Dani created the Philippines Travel Guide while on 51 days Philippines travel adventure in 2017. Focused on the idea to explore travel routes and documenting location information by using the Google Maps application in the Philippines.
We created a detailed Philippines travel diary each day about our Philippines eco-adventure traveling experiences, including the production of pictures and videos of our trip through the Philippine archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is passionate about helping other self-minded adventure travel lovers, to make the best out of the trip to the Philippines by providing real information that passionate travelers and enthusiasts need to know about the archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is an ongoing process to work out public shared and detailed Google MyMaps of the entire Philippines to provide easy navigation for travelers.
This website also contains a collection of interesting authentic insights and travel tips and tricks and destinations in the Philippines.
SUMMARY: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
We had the best time exploring the hidden gems of this great province. Pangasinan's tourism industry may just be getting started, but there's plenty to see and do. Also, being close to Manila, it is a perfect place for a spontaneous island hopping or overnight trip with family and friends.
The Hundred Islands, is a world-renowned natural marvel that is located in Pangasinan. We will extend our stay in the province and spend another 2 days (Day 37-38) in this beautiful group of islands, as we got invited to Hundred Islands National Park activities.
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