Are you looking for a place to escape to, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life? Well, arent you the lucky one! Theres a gem of a place somewhere north of Manila that offers sanctuary to those individuals looking for a quiet solitude. And that place is none other than Pangasinan.
Pangasinan is a province of coastal villages and lovely beaches. Located 250 kilometers (or 5-6 hour drive) north of the Philippines busy capital, the place is picture perfect for weekend getaways as it provides a refreshing break from the madness of city life. Although primarily known for its most famous tourist attraction, the Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan has a lot more surprises to offer. And the beaches in this coastal town are among those surprises. Indeed, they never fail to amaze local and foreign tourists. Among the provinces charming beaches are the following:
Abrak Beach.
Just a few minutes drive from Bolinao town proper, Abrak is a beautiful and secluded beach that offers affordable rental beach huts (at 500 PhP) for those who are on a budget. For visitors who want to spend a day or two frolicking by the beach, there are also several resorts available in the area.
Arnedo Beach.
Also located in the town of Bolinao, Arnedo Beach is a must for surfers looking for surfing facilities with reasonable fees. For those who want to relax, there are also quite a few resorts around the place. One of the popular ones is the Rock Garden Resort.
Colibra Island.
Known also as Snake Island, this island beach in Dasol boasts a magnificent shoreline with crystal clear waters perfect for recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling. Prepare yourself to get a mean tan, though, as the island offers no shade, except for a few coconut trees planted in the area. Visitors can reach Colibra Island by boat from Tambobong Beach, which is about 20 minutes away.
Tambobong Beach.
Tourists looking for some quiet time alone can enjoy their privacy here in this beach located in a quaint fishing village in Dasol. Tambobong White Beach Resort offers affordable accommodation, with the amenities being very simple and basic compared to other upscale resorts. But at least you get to take pleasure in your own personal retreat, so whats not to love in this place?
Tondol Beach.
Located in the town of Anda, Tondol Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Luzon. The best time to visit is during low tide as it isnt that extraordinary when its high tide. Nevertheless, the place is still considered one of the best in the region.
Local and foreign tourists, especially those who prefer an outdoor travel destination other than the more popular ones like Boracay, are welcome to spend their vacation in these charming Pangasinan beaches.
If you are wondering, getting to Pangasinan is easy. From Manila, Pangasinan is accessible by bus going to Alaminos, one of the provinces four cities. From there, public transportations can take you to the different villages that lead to these beaches. However, since these destinations are not yet fully commercialized, transportation options are quite limited. There are not so many tricycles and jeepneys that ply some of the routes so you may have to wait for available rides. You dont have to worry though, because your patience is sure to be rewarded upon setting foot on these beautiful beaches of Pangasinan.