Hundred Islands: Third adventure
Fresh breeze, beautifully-tanned people, hot summer sun, good food, amazing Hundred Islands. These are the unforgettable words that illuminate the humble town of Lucap in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. I've visited some among the 123 precious islets not just once, not even twice--but the third time in my Philippine travel history.
Like the usual Friday-night schedule, I came to Victory Liner bus terminal in Cubao with my new Jap-American buddy, Matty. The trip began at 11:30pm and off we went to our first destination; Alaminos City. Our one-way ticket took us 390 pesos (9 US dollars).
After six long hours, we arrived safely at the next terminal in Alaminos. I remember when I came there with my French friends back in 2010, right after they walked out of the bus, a crowd of tricycle drivers came towards them like paparazzi, persuading them to take the ride to various resorts going to Lucap Wharf. Guess what--it went the same way with Matty! I don't know how these crazy guys knew Matty was a foreigner (because his Asian features made him look like a Filipino); but I bet it was because of how my curious friend reacted like a tourist. Haha!
Not later, a friendly driver named P.D. (weird name) courteously accompanied us to a decent inn called "Transient House." His friend, Marco was the caretaker of the inn and he offered us Php 1,500 (35 USD) a night for a four-bed room with aircon, cable TV, free wifi and private shower. Our 10-minute tricycle trip going to Lucap town was Php 60 (1.30 USD).
It was very early, about 6am and we were very tired. So Matty and I chose our beds and had a short nap for a couple more hours.
The sun was up--perfect enough to give us a satisfying tan. Matty and I walked to the port and found the carinderia station where we could eat traditional breakfast. My friend was pretty amazed with the exotic area and he excitedly gazed at the menu. There were fried fish, bangus (milk fish), salted eggs, crabs, giniling (ground pork sauteed with carrots, potatoes and onions in tomato sauce), beef steak, rice, and Pangasinan's best-- longanisa (pork sausage).
After the hearty meal we carried on to the port and met with Alex and Gilbert, two of our local friends. Unlike other Pangasinense people, Alex had these green, Middle-Eastern-like eyes and a beautiful nose that he got from his late German father. His other features came from his Filipina mother.
We rented a small green boat that cost Php1,300 (30 USD) along with 2 life vests, and a snorkel set. First we came to Governor's island where the view of the amazing islands could be seen. It wasn't new to me but it was for Matty! :D
Oh, and I now have my 3rd souvenir! XD
We viewed a pond of giant clams nearby and some huge starfish that lingered with them. I took a picture of the pink one. It was very big; about 10 inches wide.
Our next stop was at the coral haven where we snorkeled in the 5-meter-deep sea. I got my pink goggles on and swam with the guys while we viewed more giant clams and colorful fish from underwater. It was quite embarrassing when I was the one excited for the snorkeling and also the first to shriek and panic upon seeing the large corals that appeared closer to my eyes (because of my goggle lenses)!
After that we went to our third destination, the beautiful Marcos island. This is where people loved to jump into the hidden cave behind the shrubby island. Matty and Alex hiked a bit to see that cave. There were a bunch of small hanging bats in the ceiling, and several meters below was the crystal clear pool of cold sea water. My American friend asked Alex how deep the water was, and Alex assumed it was deep. The boys jumped; but Matty's knees hit a huge rock; leaving some scratches on his legs and feet. They looked at each other as Alex laughed, saying, "Whoops..shallow!"
Our last two island hops were Children's island and Cathedral island. Children's island was my favorite because there was a big ledge there were I loved to linger and watch the sunset. Two years ago, that was my last stop with my French friends; we chatted there for a couple of hours, watching the fishes swim near us, drink beer and eat chips, and gaze at the setting sun. But for now, Cathedral island was our epilogue. It was just a small place where an open cave welcomed tourists for picture-taking and enjoying the view.
It was a breath-taking experience for us, especially for Matty because it was his first time. We went back to the port to savor another bunch of Pangasinan's delicacies and relish the rest of the evening.
*My favorite things about the trip*
Cheap food. Everything in the province is affordable. In Pangasinan, seafood marks the lowest budget, because the town is very close to the China sea. What I loved the most were crabs because they were very tasty and economical; a piece costs only Php35 (0.86 USD) and you get 3 for 100php (2.42 USD). In Manila you pay almost triple.
My second favorite is the longanisa. It is very different from those in Manila because the ones in Pangasinan is quite salty and has a distinct taste. Longanisa in Manila is pinkish and sweet, while it is yellowish and meaty for Pangasinan.
Jenny island. In between our boat rides we went to a very small island twice, where I called it, "Jenny island." The sand was very soft and fine; almost like powder. Matty and I loved walking on it using our heels! This island was separated by a huge rock; on the left side we saw a small cave and on the shore we found two hermit crabs. I wanted to take home the medium-sized one, but..naah. It belonged to the sea. We also threw pebbles in the shore like there was no tomorrow. Haha.
Walking by the town until sundown. After eating with the boys, we walked along the peaceful place of Lucap. We watched people around--there were lots of children playing around, most of the little girls called Matty, "guwapo" (handsome..LOL)..
*Tips (what to do and what not)*
Plan your trip at night. The best time to get to Pangasinan from Manila is in the evening, around 11pm onwards, depending on the schedule of the bus terminal. The trip takes 6 hours, so expectantly you will arrive at 5am. Do not worry because there are several inns that are open 24 hours daily.
Good off-peak tours are from November-March. These consecutive months are the most-suitable for all off-peak beaches around the nation because prices are much affordable, there are less or no tourists at all, and the season is still like summer and rainfall/storms are rarely evident. Do not hit the beach on April-May because it's the peak season, as well as June-October because those are wet seasons, and sea waves tend to be very strong and violent.
Keep bargaining. Hotel rates for boat rides and island tours tend to be quite expensive. You can directly go to the port and look for boatmen who can give you a fair price. I was able to rent a boat for 4 men worth Php 1,000 (23 USD)--that would make it Php 250 for each person.
Be generous to your tour guides. Most locals in Pangasinan are very hospitable and honest; and they made your trips safe and enjoyable--so it won't hurt if you give them something in return. A simple 50-peso tip from each of you is good enough; and if you think you're more generous than that, the price is up to you.
No need for a tricycle ride from your inn going to the port. Some hotels in Lucap town are near the tricycle terminals and drivers there will ask you for a ride going to the port. Just ignore them; it's only a 5-minute walk going to the port. :)
So that's my Hundred Island story for the year. I hope my information helped you a lot. Now it's your turn to experience the awesome paradise. Enjoy!
Aerial view of Hundred Islands, photo property of http://tonetcarlo.wordpress.com
Oops...that was my poop.
Like the usual Friday-night schedule, I came to Victory Liner bus terminal in Cubao with my new Jap-American buddy, Matty. The trip began at 11:30pm and off we went to our first destination; Alaminos City. Our one-way ticket took us 390 pesos (9 US dollars).
After six long hours, we arrived safely at the next terminal in Alaminos. I remember when I came there with my French friends back in 2010, right after they walked out of the bus, a crowd of tricycle drivers came towards them like paparazzi, persuading them to take the ride to various resorts going to Lucap Wharf. Guess what--it went the same way with Matty! I don't know how these crazy guys knew Matty was a foreigner (because his Asian features made him look like a Filipino); but I bet it was because of how my curious friend reacted like a tourist. Haha!
Not later, a friendly driver named P.D. (weird name) courteously accompanied us to a decent inn called "Transient House." His friend, Marco was the caretaker of the inn and he offered us Php 1,500 (35 USD) a night for a four-bed room with aircon, cable TV, free wifi and private shower. Our 10-minute tricycle trip going to Lucap town was Php 60 (1.30 USD).
Transient Inns, four-bed room
* * *
Soon we got ourselves ready and looked around. Our room was located at the upper deck. We went to the terrace to view the humble place: narrow cemented roads, small bungalows and fancy cottage inns nearby, a sari-sari store (also known as "mini grocery store"), roosters, ducks, and hens loitering, askals (native dogs), and children singing and playing around. I am so happy to see such an environment. There's nothing quite like it in Manila. The sun was up--perfect enough to give us a satisfying tan. Matty and I walked to the port and found the carinderia station where we could eat traditional breakfast. My friend was pretty amazed with the exotic area and he excitedly gazed at the menu. There were fried fish, bangus (milk fish), salted eggs, crabs, giniling (ground pork sauteed with carrots, potatoes and onions in tomato sauce), beef steak, rice, and Pangasinan's best-- longanisa (pork sausage).
From above: Beef steak, giniling (ground pork in brown sauce) and longganisa
Matty can't wait to eat them all!
After the hearty meal we carried on to the port and met with Alex and Gilbert, two of our local friends. Unlike other Pangasinense people, Alex had these green, Middle-Eastern-like eyes and a beautiful nose that he got from his late German father. His other features came from his Filipina mother.
We rented a small green boat that cost Php1,300 (30 USD) along with 2 life vests, and a snorkel set. First we came to Governor's island where the view of the amazing islands could be seen. It wasn't new to me but it was for Matty! :D
Oh, and I now have my 3rd souvenir! XD
My latest photo with a new batch of travelers
Check out the same pics with former travelers here! (2010 blog)
We viewed a pond of giant clams nearby and some huge starfish that lingered with them. I took a picture of the pink one. It was very big; about 10 inches wide.
Our next stop was at the coral haven where we snorkeled in the 5-meter-deep sea. I got my pink goggles on and swam with the guys while we viewed more giant clams and colorful fish from underwater. It was quite embarrassing when I was the one excited for the snorkeling and also the first to shriek and panic upon seeing the large corals that appeared closer to my eyes (because of my goggle lenses)!
After that we went to our third destination, the beautiful Marcos island. This is where people loved to jump into the hidden cave behind the shrubby island. Matty and Alex hiked a bit to see that cave. There were a bunch of small hanging bats in the ceiling, and several meters below was the crystal clear pool of cold sea water. My American friend asked Alex how deep the water was, and Alex assumed it was deep. The boys jumped; but Matty's knees hit a huge rock; leaving some scratches on his legs and feet. They looked at each other as Alex laughed, saying, "Whoops..shallow!"
Landing at Marcos island
Matty views the dramatic place
It was a breath-taking experience for us, especially for Matty because it was his first time. We went back to the port to savor another bunch of Pangasinan's delicacies and relish the rest of the evening.
*My favorite things about the trip*
Cheap food. Everything in the province is affordable. In Pangasinan, seafood marks the lowest budget, because the town is very close to the China sea. What I loved the most were crabs because they were very tasty and economical; a piece costs only Php35 (0.86 USD) and you get 3 for 100php (2.42 USD). In Manila you pay almost triple.
My second favorite is the longanisa. It is very different from those in Manila because the ones in Pangasinan is quite salty and has a distinct taste. Longanisa in Manila is pinkish and sweet, while it is yellowish and meaty for Pangasinan.
Deliciously cooked crabs for only Php35 each.
Welcome to my island!!
*Tips (what to do and what not)*
Plan your trip at night. The best time to get to Pangasinan from Manila is in the evening, around 11pm onwards, depending on the schedule of the bus terminal. The trip takes 6 hours, so expectantly you will arrive at 5am. Do not worry because there are several inns that are open 24 hours daily.
Good off-peak tours are from November-March. These consecutive months are the most-suitable for all off-peak beaches around the nation because prices are much affordable, there are less or no tourists at all, and the season is still like summer and rainfall/storms are rarely evident. Do not hit the beach on April-May because it's the peak season, as well as June-October because those are wet seasons, and sea waves tend to be very strong and violent.
Keep bargaining. Hotel rates for boat rides and island tours tend to be quite expensive. You can directly go to the port and look for boatmen who can give you a fair price. I was able to rent a boat for 4 men worth Php 1,000 (23 USD)--that would make it Php 250 for each person.
Be generous to your tour guides. Most locals in Pangasinan are very hospitable and honest; and they made your trips safe and enjoyable--so it won't hurt if you give them something in return. A simple 50-peso tip from each of you is good enough; and if you think you're more generous than that, the price is up to you.
No need for a tricycle ride from your inn going to the port. Some hotels in Lucap town are near the tricycle terminals and drivers there will ask you for a ride going to the port. Just ignore them; it's only a 5-minute walk going to the port. :)
So that's my Hundred Island story for the year. I hope my information helped you a lot. Now it's your turn to experience the awesome paradise. Enjoy!
* * *
You made me wanna go !!!!
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