Home to the Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
The Philippines is an archipelago that is inherently comprised of many islands, both big and small. But somewhere in its chief island up north is also a province which is endowed by these tiny landmasses collectively called the “Hundred Islands”—Pangasinan.
But locals and those who are aware of the region would know that the “hundred islands” is but a mere estimation as to its numbers of islets and may be inaccurate at times, depending on the tide. At most, these atolls can be as much as 120 but may also be less during high tides.
Intuitively, these landmasses dotting Pangasinan’s closest sea are among its main attractions, particularly among travelers who like to go island-hopping. Of these islands, perhaps one of the most popular isles is the crocodile-shaped island, aptly named Crocodile Island, mainly due to its unique formation. Yes, there are not any “saltwater crocodiles” in this place, in case you are wondering.
More than Just its Islets
But Pangasinan, literally meaning “place for salt” partly due to its large production of this mineral, is more than just for island-hoppers, however. It also has its beauty elsewhere around its region.
For those who simply like to chill and enjoy Mother Nature at its most natural, there is the Bolinao Falls which makes for a perfect resting station after some trekking around Bolinao forest.
To those who prefer more adventure than just seeing nature, there is a place labelled with mystery but whose reality may more than live for its name—the Enchanted Cave. The waters inside this cave are so clear, the corals underneath is easily seen.
But that is not all. Just look around within the cavity of the cave and it is not that hard to perceive how ancient the rocky formations from within is.
Other major attractions in the province, as unsurprising for one located near the seas, is its many beautiful shores where people could unwind as they bask in sunlight and even swim on its waters.
Of these beaches, the names Lingayen, Patar, Olanen, and Surip make easy recommendations for their good qualities. Not the kind that is at par with those from the Visayas or Mindanao regions, but good enough if you are in the province.
A Look at the Cities
Yet, what is a province that is a home to a 1st class city if not also for its commerce. If you are a shopaholic, a few of the country’s cities make for great options for shopping.
For instance, Dagupan City, the province’s capital city, is a home to several shopping malls, most notably the conglomerate-owned Nepo Mall. For a 1st class city shopping experience, on the other hand, there is Urdaneta City which holds its better share of shopping malls with the inclusion of the developing SM Mall on top of some which Dagupan already has.
But, if part of your visit is to learn the Pangasinense way of life, there is no better place in the region for such purpose than the city of San Carlos, dubbed “Mango and Bamboo Capital of the Philippines.” Essentially, this is the province’s cultural capital.
LIST OF OF PLACES (HOTELS AND RESORTS) TO STAY IN PANGASINAN
The major producer of salt in the Philippines, Pangasinan means “place of salt” or “place of salt-making”. Its major products include “bagoong” (“salted-fish”) and “salted-shrimp”.
Pangasinan takes pride in its famous tourist destinations like the Hundred Islands National Park and the white-sand beaches of Bolinao and Dasol.
For your next trip to Pangasinan, Top On My List enumerated Hotels and Resorts for you to choose from.
FOR THE BEST DEAL, BOOK A HOTEL ROOM IN PANGASINAN HERE
Amianan Boating World Resort
Brgy. Nibaliw Vidal, San Fabian
San Fabian Point Beach Resort
Brgy. Nibaliw, San Fabian
Nibeleo Hotel and Resort Corp. and Restaurant
Brgy. Nibaliw, Vidal San Fabian
Najeska Beach Front Resort
Brgy. Rabon, San Fabian
Noel’s Hideaway
Brgy. Rabon, San Fabian
Ruperto’s Inland Resort
Linmansangan, Binalonan
Punta Riviera Resort
Ilog Malino, Bolinao
Treasures of Bolinao
Brgy. Patar, Bolinao
Rock Garden Resort
Brgy. Arnedo, Bolinao
Hundred Island Resort Hotel
Brgy. Inansuana, Lucap, Alaminos City
Tondol White Island Sand Hotel and Restaurant
Tondol, Anda
Andanians Hotel and Restaurant
19 Luna St. Poblacion, Anda
Crispina Mountain Resort, Inc.
Sitio Namangbagan, Poblacion, Bani
Hide-away Sea and Beach Resort
Centro Toma, Surip, Bani
Surip Mountain Resort
Centro Toma, Surip, Bani
c/o Municipal Hall
SCL Garden Paradise Resort
Ilog Malino, Bolinao
Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort and Hotel
Ilog Malino, Bolinao
FOR THE BEST DEAL, BOOK A HOTEL ROOM IN PANGASINAN HERE
JT Beach Resort
Baybay Lopez, Binmaley
Covelandia Du Labrador Family Beach Resort
Tubuan, Labrador
Villa Jireh Japhet Holistic Resort Hotel
Uyong, Labrador
The President Hotel
Maramba Boulevard, Lingayen
Hotel Consuelo and Chinese Restaurant
Alvear St., Corner Alvear Lingayen
Capitol Resort Hotel
Capitol Compound, Lingayen
El Puerto Marina Resort and Restaurant
Pangapisan North, Lingayen
Pangasinan Regency Hotel
Jose De Venecia Road, Nalsian, Calasiao
Dagupan Garden/Village Hotel
Lucao District, Dagupan City
Leisure Coast Resort
Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City
Star Plaza Hotel
A.B. Fernandez, Dagupan City
Lenox Hotel
Rizal St., Dagupan City
Manaoag Hotel
Poblacion, Manaoag
Pyramid of Asia
Brgy. Cabanban, Manaoag
Oasis by the River Resort
Brgy. Sapang, Manaoag
Hidden Rock Farm Resort
Uyong, Labrador
Patio Olympia Garden Pavillion
Bayaoas, Urdaneta City
Crossroad Inn
Consuelo St., Poblacion, Urdaneta City
Casablanca Mansion Inn
Consejo St., Poblacion, Urdaneta City
Ciudad Fernandino Hotel and Restaurant
McArthur Highway, Urdaneta City
Majoha Hotel and Restaurant
McArthur Highway, Urdaneta City
Lisland Rainforest Resort
San Vicente, Urdaneta City
FOR THE BEST DEAL, BOOK A HOTEL ROOM IN PANGASINAN HERE
Crystal Glade Resort
Ariston East, Asingan
Caraballo Spring Resort
Brgy. Cabangaran, Umingan
Hundred Islands Pension House
Lucap, Alaminos City
Vista Delas Islas Hotel and Restaurant
Lucap, Alaminos City
La Hermosa Beach Resort
Brgy. Hermosa, Dasol
Dasoland: A Family Adventure Park
Brgy. San Vicente, Dasol