Tourism

Pangasinan is one of the country’s most prized regions as it is a host of pleasurable attractions. Diversity is perhaps its allure, launching hordes of both local and international tourists on an annual basis. It boasts of picturesque landscapes, natural wonders, interesting culture, sumptuous dishes and warm people. Pangasinan is indeed a delightful mix of history, beauty and innovation.

Founded in 1580 by the Anakbanwa, Pangasinan is a name that means “a place for salt”. This province is in fact the Philippines’ major producer of salt. With it, the people from Pangasinan capitalises on salt as evidence by their iconic products like “bagoong” (salted fish) and “agamang” (salted shrimp).

Curious about where to go in Pangasinan? Here’s a quick guide for that

1. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, located on top of a hill in the town, has been canonically affiliated with the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome since June 2011. The parish encompassing Manaoag and the surrounding towns is administered by the Order of Preachers under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. It was officially declared a Basilica on February 17, 2015.
Some of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Manaoag are depicted in murals inside the church’s transepts and nave. The Paschal Chapel beside the south flank of the church has icons of the Black Nazarene similar to that of the Quiapo Church, the Santo Entierro (Dead Christ), and other statues of the Virgin Mary. The sanctuary on the left side of the main entrance has a large image of the Crucified Christ.
Behind the church are the Parish Office, Museum of Our Lady of The Rosary of Manaoag, Candle Gallery, Pilgrims’ Center and Rosary Garden. There is also an Information Center at the Priory at the left side of the church and souvenir shops at the front office of the church, beside the Veneration Room at the second floor behind the main sanctuary, and at the Candle Gallery in the space behind of the church.

• Location: Milo St, Manaoag
• Fee(s): None
• Operation hours: 4:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Best for: Devout Catholics
• Adventure level: Spiritual
• Highlight(s): Keeping up your faith in miracles
• Insider info: Get a bottle or two of supposedly miraculous, healing water. Blessing of vehicles and religious items is done continuously on weekends by an assigned priest. But in ordinary days, it is being done after the mass.

2. Hundred Islands National Park

The Hundred Islands National Park (tourist spot) is the first national park and a protected area located in Alaminos, Pangasinan in the northern Philippines. The islands, totaling 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide, are scattered in Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 16.76 square kilometres (6.47 sq mi). Only three of them have been developed for tourism: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.

• Location: Alaminos
• Fee(s): P20 daytour; P40 overnight at any of the islands plus the boat fees
  depending on the number of passenger.
• Operation hours: Day Tour is from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Best for: Adventure seekers
• Adventure level: Moderate
• Highlight(s): Choose your own adventure from simply sightseeing and island hopping to water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling.
• Insider info: The best time to visit is during the dry months from November to May. Boat Rentals are available from 7am-5pm at Lucap Wharf.
• Activity tips: Don’t forget your power banks as charging cell phone and gadgets is expensive. ATM Machine is available at the Tourist Information Center at the Lucap Wharf. Make sure to bring extra cash.

3. Sky Plaza

Located at the eastern part of Pangasinan, Sky Plaza is a public park and view deck where visitors can enjoy sweeping scenes of Natividad and its neighboring towns.

It is also the jump-off point to the short but challenging trek up Ayat ni Apo Jesus, a pilgrimage site featuring a Christ the Redeemer statue standing on top of a hill.

• Location: Brgy. Batchelor East, Natividad
• Fee(s): None
• Operation hours: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Best for: Adventure junkie
• Adventure level: Mild
• Highlight(s): A one of a kind spiritual experience wherein the reward that awaits is so worth it.
• Insider info: Be sure that you’re in a good condition as this will test your resistance.
• Activity tips: You may also visit and swim in Maranum Falls and enjoy its clear, cool water. For only P50, thrill-seekers can already enjoy a zipline ride here.

4. Patar Beach

Dubbed as “The Boracay of Pangasinan” with its very long stretch of white sand beach and crystal clear waters, Patar Beach is a must have in your itinerary. Don’t miss the romantic sunset view here.

• Location: Bolinao
• Fee(s): None
• Operation hours: None
• Best for: Water lovers
• Adventure level: Mild
• Highlight(s): Enjoy the sea, sun, and sand in a postcard-worthy view.
• Insider info: Kayak through Ilog Malino, the river alongside the beach and reach the view point where the river merges to the sea.
• Activity tips: Patar Beach is excellent for swimming; however, there isn’t a lot of underwater marine life that you can observe when you snorkel. Be careful exploring with your bare feet. It’s advisable to wear slippers or surf shoes.

5. Sunflower Maze

Dare to try a maze challenge at the first ever sunflower maze in the Philippines by Allied Botanical Corporation. The farm also features parts where visitors are allowed to a pick-and-pay treat to harvest their fresh crops.

• Location: Brgy Lichauco, Tayug
• Fee(s): P100
• Operation hours: 7 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
• Best for: Flower enthusiasts, Tourists
• Adventure level: Mental
• Highlight(s): Solving a maze challenge with about 8,000 sunflower plants and varieties of other colorful flowers.
• Insider info: Make sure flowers are in bloom before you visit. The labyrinthine maze will take about 30 minutes to finish and can accommodate up to 100 people.
• Activity tips: Be there around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. The farm will also has an Urban and Edible Landscape Garden where people can pick vegetables and fruits, collect them in their own bayongs, and pay for their harvest.

6. Mt. Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort

Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort is a developed, extreme, nature and sports adventure site in Balungao. It offers a variety of activities such as a zipline experience, all-terrain vehicle driving, bungee trampoline, hiking or trail walking, trust fall, and mountain biking.

Don’t miss hot and cold spring swimming pools which offer varying temperatures.

• Location: Balungao
• Fee(s): P50 for adult / P25 for kids 4 feet below
• Operation hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Best for: Family, Barkada Outings
• Adventure level: Adrenaline junkies
• Highlight(s): Experiencing the thrills of extreme nature and sports adventure.
• Activity tips: You have to take the zipline first before going to the pool. You also need to try the native specialties available such as tupig, patupat and tuba.

7. Death Pool Cabongaoan Beach

Would you dare dive into the so called “Death Pool” in Cabongaoan Beach? It was a term humorously coined by the locals to describe the natural swimming pool that forms near the beach whenever the tide comes in and fills it with saltwater.

• Location: Cabongaoan Beach, Colibra Island, Burgos
• Fee(s): P150
• Operation hours: None
• Best for: Barkada bonding, Brave heart
• Adventure level: Wild
• Highlight(s): Surviving and conquering the “Death Pool.”
• Insider info: There are many small natural pools within the area.
• Activity tips: You’ll have to climb boulders to have a peek of Cabongaoan Beach’s hidden gem and always wear a footwear. For more of a beachside vibe, pitching a tent is advisable. having footwear is also recommended when walking to the death pool.

8. Enchanted Cave

Enchanted Cave is one of the must-visit attractions in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The entire place is stunning since it’s like a huge coral reef that emerged from underwater. However, there are certain areas inside the caves that are restricted from tourists.

• Location: Bolinao
• Fee(s): P150 entrance fee
• Operation hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Best for: Nature lover, Travel enthusiasts
• Adventure level: Wild
• Highlight(s): Dip in the clean and clear water of the Enchanted Cave.
• Insider info: It’s said that there’s a small passage to the sea at the very end of the cave and that is where the water comes from. Amazingly, the water is believed to be replaced almost every 4 seconds because of the air coming from the small passage.
• Activity tips: The water inside the cave is deep and it is not recommended for those who can not swim. Bringing of food and beverages except for bottled water is prohibited inside.