250 kilometers from Manila is the Hundred Islands National Park in the City of Alaminos, Pangasinan. The area is comprised of 124 islands (123 if high tide) and is believed to be about two million years old. Boasting with white sand beaches and thriving with marine life, several delightful activities will surely make your trip an unforgettable one.
What you need to consider when planning a visit is the weather, especially since this place is surrounded by water. To check for updates, click here: Hundred Islands Weather Forecast.
Going there is easy. There are several bus stations in Cubao such as Victory Liner and Five Star that can take you to Alaminos, Pangasinan. It's just about 5 to 6 hours of travel. Once you are in the city proper, you can hire a tricycle and take you to the Tourism Information Center for registration and hire a boat for the tour.
We decided to have lunch and also have takeouts for later after my friends and I registered. We got on the boat that will take us to our first destination, the Governor's Island. We arrived and had a 250-step climb to the view deck and had the pleasure of looking at the spectacular view of islands surrounding us.
We had a try of the zip line heading to the Virgin Island. It was a 546-meter thrilling and ecstatic ride!
From the Virgin Island, we headed back to the boat waiting for us at the Governor's Island. We then went for a frightening, knee-trembling, 20-foot cliff jump at the Imelda Cave in Marcos Island. After you jump, there's an opening where you can swim out, head back to the shore, climb a few meters up and have another go.
My most favorite part of the tour is snorkeling in Quezon Island. I had the time of my life as this is the first time I've come so close swimming with giant clams and other types of sea creatures! Whenever I see a fish, I would ask myself whether they taste good fried, in a soup or simmered with veggies. I'm just kidding! You can't blame me, though. I love seafood.
A floating ramp where boats docked so people can go snorkeling.
What fascinated me the most are the hundreds of fruit bats hanging on the trees at the Bat Island. I even asked the boatman to go back so we can have a closer look and for me to check whether there's um... A bat cave. I didn't see any and I suppose it might be cautiously hidden. (Damn you, Bruce Wayne!)
After going through a lot of activities, we had a moment of relaxation at Cuenco Island where you'll find a restaurant on the other side of the tunnel cave. We stayed on the dock made entirely of bamboo as we watch the light of the sunset shimmers on the water.
Watching the sunset is the cue that our tour is almost finished and what better way to end it than to eat our all time favorite comfort food, Halo-halo!
We calculated the expenses that we incurred in this trip. They are as follows:
Bus Fare from Cubao to Alaminos - 400 pesos
Bus Fare from Alaminos to Cubao - 400 pesos
Tricycle Fare - 30 pesos each
Rent for the Small Boat - 1400 pesos
Park Environmental Fees - 40 pesos
546-meter Zip Line - 350 pesos
Snorkeling Set with Rubber Slippers - 150 pesos
The Experience - Priceless!
TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Although there are snorkels that you can rent, I would suggest for you to bring your own. The ones they have had been used several times and due to the wear and tear, it might not fit properly and the water will seep through.
2. It might not be apparent since you are most of the time in the water, but the activities will cause you to dehydrate so bring as much drinking water as you can. 2 to 3 liters per person will suffice.
3. You may already buy water and food at the market along the port. Mind you, it's much cheaper compared to the one they're selling at one of the islands. It wouldn't hurt to buy food for the boatman as well. It's nice to do a good deed once in a while.
4. Even if the weather is at its finest, chances are you will still get wet while the boat runs through the water. Bring a poncho or a garbage bag with you to use as a cover for yourself and your stuff. The thin ones will do.
5. Once you're done with the tour, there are shower rooms available a few steps away from the tourism office for just a small fee.
Hundred Islands Tourism Office Contact Numbers
Landline: (075) 552 - 7406 or (075) 551 - 2505
Cellhone: 0928 - 244 - 9011
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