Hundred Islands - Tumblr Posts

(c) Jena T.

Bolinao & Alaminos, Pangasinan Tour - June 12-14, 2015

This long overdue post of my trip to Pangasinan last June is me keeping my promise to blog more about the happenings in my life, albeit it took me five months after to get around to actually writing about it. I have no other excuse except for the typical “I’ve just really been too preoccupied with the present and getting through many rough school days.” Alas, I’m here now and finally blogging about it.

No words would suffice to express how breathtaking Bolinao was. Patar White Beach has pristine waters. Balingasay river is so crystal clear that the water reflects the sky and the native trees surrounding it. The town is busy but not overwhelming. At the time, many tourists were flocking in, taking photos of every possible photogenic thing they could see. Every meal we had was scrumptious and filling. The townspeople were well-versed, nice, and warm too. The road trip going there may be 7hrs-long but enjoyable when you're with the family. I wasn't able to visit their famous caves and falls but it was made up for, just by luck, an access to the town's Chuch bell tower. I remember my parents and I going up a dark stairway to be greeted by small bats, and looking out the window, we beheld a great view of the sea and the town proper. If you must go to Bolinao, try to access the bell tower too. 

Alaminos, on the other hand, was a few towns over and was just as beaut! It is the home to the famous Hundred Islands National Park, which refers to the hundred islands scattered over the Lingayen Gulf. One can tour the town of Alaminos and the hundred islands in just a day. You can bask under the sun all day long, dive in the deep sea waters to check out the corals and colorful fishes, and zip line too, if you will.

But goodness, the sunset back in Bolinao was still the main highlight of our stay. Imagine watching with unwavering gaze as the fiery red orb of light slowly sank beneath the horizon, and the heavens were dyed orange, then red, dark blue, until it turned mauve, which then melted away as stygian darkness took over the sky. I was just in awe at that moment. Until today, I am wishing I could relive our stay and all the moments in between.

My biggest take away from this vacation isn’t the answers to “How do I go to all these tourist sites in just three days? How do I maximize my stay? How do I make sure I take the perfect shots?”, but it’s this: The Philippines is dotted with stunning tourist destinations. Consider going to these places first before thinking of going to another country, research if you have to. I’m still amazed by how beautiful Bolinao was but it’s not as popular as Boracay or Puerto Princesa. It’s a true hidden gem. I guess that’s also a good thing as the people could preserve the immaculate beauty of the town’s beaches for a long time. I didn’t think I’d be having the most amazing time in Pangasinan but I did because, the secret is, in addition to all I’ve said, don't tour just to cross it off your list, tour because you want to experience the place.

Check out my other photos of the trip here, here, and here! :)

(c) Jena T.

Bolinao & Alaminos, Pangasinan Tour - June 12-14, 2015

This long overdue post of my trip to Pangasinan last June is me keeping my promise to blog more about the happenings in my life, albeit it took me five months after to get around to actually writing about it. I have no other excuse except for the typical “I’ve just really been too preoccupied with the present and getting through many rough school days.” Alas, I’m here now and finally blogging about it.

No words would suffice to express how breathtaking Bolinao was. Patar White Beach has pristine waters. Balingasay river is so crystal clear that the water reflects the sky and the native trees surrounding it. The town is busy but not overwhelming. At the time, many tourists were flocking in, taking photos of every possible photogenic thing they could see. Every meal we had was scrumptious and filling. The townspeople were well-versed, nice, and warm too. The road trip going there may be 7hrs-long but enjoyable when you're with the family. I wasn't able to visit their famous caves and falls but it was made up for, just by luck, an access to the town's Chuch bell tower. I remember my parents and I going up a dark stairway to be greeted by small bats, and looking out the window, we beheld a great view of the sea and the town proper. If you must go to Bolinao, try to access the bell tower too. 

Alaminos, on the other hand, was a few towns over and was just as beaut! It is the home to the famous Hundred Islands National Park, which refers to the hundred islands scattered over the Lingayen Gulf. One can tour the town of Alaminos and the hundred islands in just a day. You can bask under the sun all day long, dive in the deep sea waters to check out the corals and colorful fishes, and zip line too, if you will.

But goodness, the sunset back in Bolinao was still the main highlight of our stay. Imagine watching with unwavering gaze as the fiery red orb of light slowly sank beneath the horizon, and the heavens were dyed orange, then red, dark blue, until it turned mauve, which then melted away as stygian darkness took over the sky. I was just in awe at that moment. Until today, I am wishing I could relive our stay and all the moments in between.

My biggest take away from this vacation isn’t the answers to “How do I go to all these tourist sites in just three days? How do I maximize my stay? How do I make sure I take the perfect shots?”, but it’s this: The Philippines is dotted with stunning tourist destinations. Consider going to these places first before thinking of going to another country, research if you have to. I’m still amazed by how beautiful Bolinao was but it’s not as popular as Boracay or Puerto Princesa. It’s a true hidden gem. I guess that’s also a good thing as the people could preserve the immaculate beauty of the town’s beaches for a long time. I didn’t think I’d be having the most amazing time in Pangasinan but I did because, the secret is, in addition to all I’ve said, don't tour just to cross it off your list, tour because you want to experience the place.

Check out my other photos of the trip here, here, and here! :)