The Philippines is composed of over 7,100 islands but there is only one place that has the highest number of group of islands along its thousands of miles of shorelines. This unique province is most noted for its Hundred Islands National Park.
This widely known park features natural formation of clusters of over a hundred islands and islets. Located about 250 kilometers away from Manila, the islands themselves are just a few kilometers off the coast of Alaminos and Lingayen Gulf. Most of these islands are uninhabited and therefore excellent getaway for tourists who are longing for peace and untouched natural setting.
There are 124 islands during low tide and one of them is submerged when the tide is high. The entire park’s area is 18.44 square kilometers. This unusual collection of islands is believed to be 2 million years old. Marine scientists believe that the islands themselves are coral formations of an ancient sea that covers the present main islands of the province and the surrounding provinces. The distinctive umbrella-like shapes of some islands are due to actions of ocean waves when sea levels decreased.
Although there are over a hundred of these islands, only a handful of them have facilities. The largest of the islands, called Quezon Island has picnic huts, viewing decks, and toilets. Governor Island offers lodgings for those who would like to stay longer.
The other island, Children’s Island also has bathrooms, picnic sheds and great camping grounds. Lucap Waterfront in the in the main island offers water sport facilities for fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and parasailing.
The province also offers other attractive spots like cave exploration and visiting rock formations inland. The province is also rich in historical structures dating from pre and post-Spanish occupation era. The Lingayen War Museum showcases the World War II era events and the historic landing of the returning Americans to liberate the Philippines from Japanese invaders.
Tourists can also go to the Bolinao lighthouse. Beautiful resorts also line the shores with reasonable rates perfect for family gatherings and medium to big groups. Locals offer cheap services as guides and “banca” operators for guided tours in the islands. This low profile province is an excellent addition to your Philippine vacation package.
Pangasinan is reachable by air-conditioned buses from Manila. Accommodations offered by high-rate resorts are cheap even for local standards. One will never regret spending resources on this breathtaking part of the Philippines. So, if you want to experience one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, don’t hesitate to visit the heart of Pangasinan.
