Have a glance at the best Pangasinan tourist spot and plan your next adventure to the home of the Hundred Islands.
Pangasinan is notable for its glorious and scenic Hundred Islands, which you had probably heard of or seen on some prints.
Located on the western part of Luzon Island in the Philippines, many beaches and resorts thrive in the coastal towns. There are also numerous heritage sites, beaches and sandbars, caves, and astonishing waterfalls waiting for you to explore.
With its proximity to the bustling Metro Manila, Pangasinan is among the traveler’s choices who seek quick breaks from busy life. More than that, visiting Pangasinan during their Bangus festival in April is a great time to taste their cuisine.
Plan now and take advantage of early booking to save on accommodation deals.
Traveling to Pangasinan
Traveling from Manila
Tourists visiting Pangasinan with their vehicles can reach Lingayen, its provincial capital, in less than four hours.
On the other hand, commuters can travel through a handful of provincial buses offering Manila to Pangasinan trips. Companies like Victory Liner, 5-Star Bus Company, Cisco Bus, and First North Luzon Transit provide scheduled daily trips.
You can ride these buses on their Cubao terminals in Quezon City. However, expect a more extended trip when boarding commuter buses, which varies around 4 to 5 hours depending on the season.
Check out the best Pangasinan tourist spot and outline your next vacation destinations
Table of Contents
1. Hundred Islands
You can never go wrong when you visit the first National Park in the Philippines. The Hundred Islands in the gulf of Alaminos, Pangasinan, features more than a hundred unique islands and islets.
Its famous islands are Quezon Island, Marcos Island, Governor’s Island, and Children’s Island, all of which have undergone tourism development.
While Island hopping is the most common activity, you can also choose to include some water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and canoeing.
If you have plenty of time, you may want to choose the all-island tour package, so you get to appreciate the local’s way of preserving their natural wonder.
Apart from lingering on the islands’ shores, you can also try climbing some islets and exploring its peak. Some of which offer a magnificent view of the surrounding Hundred Islands and turquoise seawater.
Start an early morning tour when the sun rises enough to balance the morning sun’s rays and cold waters. Make sure to wear appropriate gear and foot protection, especially when planning to climb some islands.
The Hundred Islands in Alaminos is an hour away from the provincial capital of Lingayen.
Visiting this famous Pangasinan tourist spot is indeed a must-list to every traveler’s bucket list when visiting the province.
2. Patar Beach
If your definition of an ideal summer destination is fine white sands and long beaches, then Patar Beach is the answer.
Stretching from the west coast of Bolinao lies the pristine shorelines in Patar, some 30 minutes away from its town center.
The inviting mixture of fine white and golden sands highlights this Pangasinan tourist spot, which every visitor is sure to enjoy.
Swim all you want, and pose for the gram while enjoying the perfect combination of sun, sea, and sand. Keep an eye though for some rock formations underwater, and it is advisable to wear swimming shoes.
If you are with your significant other, try to impress her with a sunset dinner date. The golden skyline is pretty enough to end the whole day touring the beach.
3. Enchanted Cave
Apart from the beaches in Bolinao, there also lies a distinctive cave they call Enchanted Cave.
This cave lies inside a park-like haven surrounded by lush greens and shades.
Your tour starts with a short hike, accompanied by a local guide. Upon reaching the entrance, you’ll have to descend on a steep stair. Then, you’ll notice some stalactites and stalagmites afterward.
True to its name, inside the cave is a naturally formed pool with crystal-clear waters. A large opening above the pool keeps enough lighting for a dramatic ambiance.
The water here is deep at 8 feet, and protective gear like a vest and helmet are mandatory, including their rates.
Outdoor pools are available too. Hammocks under trees are also available if you want to have a relaxing moment after swimming and sightseeing.
4. Bolinao Falls 1,2 & 3
If you are up for an off-the-beaten adventure in Bolinao, you may want to try visiting this Pangasinan tourist spot.
Travel time from the town proper takes around 30 minutes. Number names these waterfalls mainly because of their proximity to each other.
The Bolinao Falls 1 features a cliff diving spot suitable even for amateurs. Its basin is relatively small, though, as the crowd can quickly fill the site during the weekend or holidays.
The Bolinao Falls 2, on the other hand, has shallow rock pools. Despite the missing cliffs and high water drops, the wide basin still holds a charming ambiance perfect for swimming, especially when traveling with kids. You can also try bamboo rafting and pose for that mandatory selfie.
Lastly, the Bolinao Falls 3 collectively attributes to the first two falls. It has a cliff spot but not as high as that of the first waterfall. However, Bolinao Falls 3 has the most expansive basin. Your group will enjoy swimming as it has multiple varied drops of water.
All in all, the refreshing turquoise water at these three waterfalls is worth visiting during the summer months.
5. Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
For a quick visit, Cape Bolinao is a historical tourist spot worth dropping by.
Built during the American occupation, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse stands the test of time as serving for over a century.
The ruins complement the overall classical ambiance of the lighthouse. Thanks to its well-maintained surrounding, the place is a perfect spot to do some photoshoots.
Guests visiting, however, are not allowed to climb the structure now. The panoramic view of the South China Sea and the cool breeze are worthy of an experience, though.
Did you know that the Cape Bolinao lighthouse stands the second-tallest in the Philippines?
6. Manaoag Church
While the church celebrates mass every day, this famous Pangasinan tourist spot caters to massive Catholic visitors, not only during the Lenten season.
Commonly known as Manaoag Church, the Apostolic Church had elevated it into a minor basilica in 2015.
Many devotees believe in the miracles of the Our Lady of Manaoag, whom they ask for healing and personal intentions.
Inside, you can buy some religious items and explore the gardens with the images of Jesus Christ and the saints.
Visitors often light up a floating candle in a wishing well where the image of the Our Lady of Manaoag sits.
While parking of vehicles inside is not allowed, there are parking spaces for rent around the vicinity. The church, however, offers the blessing of new cars every after masses.
The Manaoag Church often serves as a stopover site for tourists and travelers on their way to Baguio or Ilocos.
7. Busay Falls
After touring the lovely town of Bolinao, its neighboring municipality of Bani has the grandest waterfall in the province to visit.
Around 40 minutes from Bolinao proper, you can swiftly reach the drop-off point of Busay waterfalls. Afterward, you’ll be trekking for about 30 minutes and pass by steep embankments and slippery rocks.
The marvelous Busay waterfall is locally known as Spring of Love. With its 40-foot drop, this makes it the grandest waterfall in the province. The rich vegetation around keeps the ambiance relaxed and refreshing as well.
Make sure to capture some souvenir photos and pose to the beautiful cascades as a backdrop.
Remember to wear proper gear, though, so you can only take home some good memories to last a lifetime.
8. Lingayen Boardwalk
If you plan to stay within Lingayen and opt to discover the nearby places, the Lingayen Boardwalk is a place to relax and unwind.
Sitting within the Lingayen Gulf stretch, the breezy air and calm sunset mood are what the locals and tourists are after.
Along the boardwalk are nearby restaurants and cozy cafes, so you can quickly grab some bites after a long day of strolling.
Locals usually go here for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll while waiting for the scenic sunsets.
The sand here is gray and fine. After all, the long shoreline enables someone to self-reflect and relax at the same time.
9. Sunflower Maze
The Sunflower Maze in Brgy C. Lichauco of Tayug quickly attracts people who seek an instagrammable place.
This Pangasinan tourist spot can be a hit or miss. However, it is imperative to check their Facebook page for updates as sunflowers bloom primarily in April and May.
This farm features a labyrinth maze of sunflowers, which you can complete in 30 minutes. Aside from the maze, there are also curated spots to take some lovely photos.
Since sunflowers bloom in summer, it could be scorching during this time. Remember to bring skin protection like shades, umbrellas, and sunscreens. And yes, a bottle of water will save the day.
The Sunflower Maze is part of a complex farm that is owned and managed by Allied Botanical Corporation. A wide range of flowering plants and crops is also grown here and available for viewing.
10. Death Pool
Although its name sounds horrifying, the Death Pool is just a natural pool made from rocks filled by tides whenever it comes in.
This Pangasinan tourist spot lies in Cabaoangan Beach in Burgos, less than two hours if you come from Lingayen.
For a complete experience, make sure to visit early in the morning when the tide is low. Lower tide graciously shows how water fills these natural pools.
Keep in mind to wear sole protection as rocks may be rough and slippery.
While you can camp near the shoreline, there are also available lodging houses nearby if you plan to stay for a night or two.
11. Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort
Spend a whole day full of fun and adventure at Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort in Balungao, Pangasinan.
The resort offers a wide range of outdoor activities ideal for group travelers or family bonding. Some of its offerings include zip lines, ATV driving, aero cable biking, and wall climbing.
They offer both individual packages and bundle promos, which include a combination of their rides.
Pools of varying temperatures inside the resort complement their amenities thanks to its natural hot springs. A fun way to reach the hot springs is to ride the ziplines, passing through farms down to the hill’s base.
They also have rooms for rent and function halls to cater to events and special occasions.
12. Sky Plaza
If you are traveling near Natividad in Pangasinan, you can visit the Sky Plaza in Barangay Bachelor East.
This local destination is a famous pilgrimage site during the Holy Week. At the top of the hill rests a 40-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, Brazil’s renowned sculpture replica.
You can hike early in the morning for a cooler temperature or during the late afternoon.
Your hike starts at the hill’s base, where you can see a two-story octagon-shaped multipurpose hall and a chapel. Next, you’ll have to pass by a 287-step concrete staircase leading to the cavern of the Virgin Mary.
As you progress, you can also spot a 30-foot Holy Cross. From here, a path leading to the top reaches the statue.
The park also includes a zipline for a minimal fee, stretching a span of 120 meters.
Tourists can also visit the nearby Maranum Falls, some 2-km away from the park.
With the local government’s initiative, nearby places have undergone development to cater to visitors of this rising Pangasinan tourist spot.
13. Tondol Beach
Another must-visit beach destination in Pangasinan is Tondol at Anda Island. Nature lovers will appreciate the rural yet scenic ambiance of this beach.
Facing the Lingayen Gulf, you can expect that water here is relatively calm than Pangasinan’s western part.
The long stretch of fine white sand highlights Tondol Beach. During low tides, water is just ankle-deep. With the low water level, you can spend some time playing beach volleyball and the like.
Tondol Beach is also a kid-friendly destination so that you can bring with you your little ones.
Starfishes are visible along the coastline; however, picking these gentle little creatures is prohibited.
For extra fun, you can have a 15-minute boat ride and explore a nearby coral island. You can reach nearby sandbars, too.
There are many affordable lodging houses along the beach if you plan to stay the night.
14. Colibra Island
Off the coast of Dasol in Pangasinan lies a tiny island which they call Snake or Colibra Island. It takes about 20 minutes boat ride from Tambobong Beach.
With its size, anyone can tour the entire island in as fast as 30 minutes or less. While the island sounds straightforward, its coastline boasts crystal-clear waters covering the fine white sands and overlooking the turquoise water from afar.
You can snorkel in the frontal part of the island since the waves here are calm. Likewise, there are beautiful corals and a variety of schools of fish you can swim along.
On the contrary, the waves at its southern part are pretty strong. It is best to practice safety before conquering the waves since the island is in a remote place.
Don’t forget to bring lots of heat protection like shades, tents, and sunblocks, as it could be burning when the sun is up. Drinking water is also your friend here.
Remember to bring your provisions and leave no trace as you depart this secluded Pangasinan tourist spot if you plan to stay the night.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Zambales | Tarlac |
Plan your quick escape now and include that Pangasinan tourist spot you wish to visit
Explore the natural landscapes of Pangasinan and indulge in their gastronomic culture, especially during their Bangus and Pistay Dayat Festivals.
With just a couple of hours’ ride from Manila, Pangasinan is among the long weekend destinations for a quick break from your 9-5 daily routines.
Going around isn’t that complicated. Most of the roads going to and from its Pangasinan tourist spot locations have pavements. You can quickly board on buses, jeeps, tricycles, or hire motorcycles as well.
Plan your incoming summer getaway now and book your accommodations to save more. Deals during the off-seasons are relatively lower, so you get the most of your travel budget.
Share this Pangasinan tourist spot list with your friends, or bookmark it now for your future reference.
Safe Travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism or visit the Tarana website. Stay safe.