Travel Guide: Hundred Islands National Park (Alaminos)
The most popular tourist spot in Pangasinan, Hundred Islands National Park is a group of islands in Lingayen Gulf, Alaminos City. It is made up of 123 islands and islets (124 on low tide), believed to be formed more than two million years ago.
Only five hours away from Manila, Hundred Islands is a perfect retreat from the busy city life. A cheap and fun way to experience the tropical Philippines, be it for a day tour, camping trip or overnight accommodation on any three developed islands – Quezon, Governor’s and Children’s Islands.
With more than a hundred islands to choose from, that harbor white sand beaches, caves, limestone rocks and cliffs and rich marine life, Hundred Islands guarantees a well worth visit.
How to Get There
Alaminos City is the gateway to the Hundred Islands National Park. It is five hours by public bus from Manila. Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus, Five Star Bus and Philippine Rabbit have daily trips to Alaminos City. Aircon bus fare as of June 2010 is at approximately P350.00 one-way Manila to Alaminos, while ordinary (non-aircon) bus fare is around P250.
Barangay Lucap lighthouse
From Alaminos City proper, ride a tricycle going to Barangay Lucap, this is where the Tourism Information Center is located and the jump-off point to the Hundred Isles. Tricycle rate is at P60-P80 per ride that can fit three people.
The tourism office set standard boat rates to the park from Barangay Lucap (as of April 2012):
- Day Tour (With P20. entrance fee per head)
Small Boat (1 to 5 persons) – P800
Medium Boat (6 to 10 persons) – P1000
Big Boat (11 to 15 persons) – P1100 - Overnight (With P40. entrance fee per head)
Small Boat (1 to 5 persons) – P1400
Medium Boat (6 to 10 persons) – P1800
Big Boat (11 to 15 persons) – P2000
Where to Stay
Quezon, Governor’s and Children’s Islands have cottages and rooms that can be rented for those who want to stay indoor. Rates and packages are posted on their website – http://www.hundredislands.ph. For inquiries, booking and reservation, please contact the Tourism Office at (75)551 -2145 or (75)551- 2505 or email at hinp.to@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, campers can choose from any of the islands allowed for camping.
Camping on the other side of Governor’s Island
Activities
- Island hopping and boating
- Beach bumming
- Jump to the water from the 20-feet high cave in Marcos Island
- Trek to the peak of the cliff in Governor’s Islands to see the unobstructed view of the park
- Dive or snorkel to see the giant clams, coral areas and variety of tropical fishes
- Camping
- Kayaking
- Sunset/sunrise watching
- Visit the beaches of the neighboring towns – Bolinao, Tondol and Dasol (Culebra and Tambobong)
- Drop by at Our Lady of Manaoag Church considered by Catholic as a miraculous church
Tips
- The best time to go here is from November to April or during dry months
- Bring your own mask and snorkel set, rental is at P100 a day
- The ideal time to leave Manila is at 12 midnight to reach Barangay Lucap by 6AM and to start island hopping early
The tourism office set standard boat rates to the park from Barangay Lucap (as of April 2010):
- Day Tour (With P20. entrance fee per head)
Small Boat (1 to 5 persons) – P800
Medium Boat (6 to 10 persons) – P1000
Big Boat (11 to 15 persons) – P1100 - Overnight (With P40. entrance fee per head)
Small Boat (1 to 5 persons) – P1400
Medium Boat (6 to 10 persons) – P1800
Big Boat (11 to 15 persons) – P2000
Is there any transient house that we can rent in, hopefully this holy week? Any suggestions, thank you!
How was it, staying overnight sa island? Musta ang pag ligo and pag cr?
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, I never expect Hundred Islands to be really that beautiful. This place is a must-to-see when visiting pangasinan!
How about if I bring my own kayak? Will they allowed me to paddle and camp in one of the islands? Saan ba kelangan magbayad ng fee if someone will stary overnight?
tnx,
g300
Pwede ka magbayad sa entrance bago kayo sumakay ng boat.
will there be anyone assisting us if ever? except for the boat driver?
do you still operate during holidays? we might be going next week monday (august 27)
Hi gusto ko lang po mag inquire if point of origin ko po is manaoag pangasinan how many hours po?
mga 2 hours pa cguro from Manaoag.
sir nag paplan kami na magpunta ng mga kumpare ko sa alaminos sa hundred island.
gusto ko lang tanung kung anu anu ba kelangan lang dalin dun at yung way kung panu kami makakarating sa hundreds island kasi meron kami service na sasakyan..
plss pahelp nman po..
How about if we stay two nights? will the boatman then wait for us after two nights?
The boatman will come back to pick you up on the day and time that you request. Most of them have cellphones so be sure you get his contact number in case you want to change your schedule.
I have been camping on the islands almost every year for the past 25 years with my wife and children, often with friends.
Email me at rzs47@yahoo.com if you want detailed tips.