Are you looking for a place to escape, away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Yeah, aren’t you the lucky one! There is a jewel somewhere north of Manila that offers shelter for people who seek quiet solitude. And that place is none other than Pangasinan.
Pangasinan is a beautiful coastal and coastal village province. Located 250 kilometers (or 5-6 hours drive) north of the busy capital of the Philippines, this place is the perfect picture for a weekend getaway because it provides a refreshing break from the madness of city life. Although it is mainly known for its most famous tourist attraction, the Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan has more surprises to offer. And the beaches in this coastal city are a few surprises. Indeed, they have never failed to amaze local and foreign tourists. Among the charming beaches in the province are as follows:
Abrak Beach.
Just a few minutes drive from the city of Bolinao, Abrak is a beautiful and secluded beach that offers affordable rental beach huts (at a price of 500 PhP) for those on a limited budget. For visitors who want to spend a day or two playing around on the beach, there are also several resorts available in the area.
Arnedo Beach.
Also located in the city of Bolinao, Arnedo Beach is a must for surfers who are looking for surfing facilities at a reasonable cost. For those who want to relax, there are also several resorts around the place. One of the popular ones is Rock Garden Resort.
Colibra Island.
Also known as Pulau Ular, this island beach in Dasol offers a beautiful coastline with clear waters that is perfect for recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling. However, prepare yourself to get a flat chocolate, because this island does not offer 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.
Travelers who seek solitude alone can enjoy their privacy on the beach located in the ancient fishing village in Dasol. Tambobong White Beach Resort offers affordable accommodation, with very simple and basic facilities compared to other high-end resorts. But at least you can enjoy your own private retreat, so what isn’t to like in this place?
Tondol Beach.
Located in your city, Tondol Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Luzon. The best time to visit is at low tide because it is not too extraordinary at high tide. Even so, this place is still considered one of the best in the region.
Local and foreign tourists, especially those who prefer outdoor destinations other than the more popular ones like Boracay, are welcome to spend their holidays on this charming Pangasinan beach.
If you are wondering, reaching Pangasinan is easy. From Manila, Pangasinan can be accessed by bus to Alaminos, one of the four provincial cities. From there, public transportation can take you to the various villages that lead to these beaches. However, because these goals have not been fully commercialized, transportation options are very limited. There are not so many rickshaws and jeepneys that meet several routes so you may have to wait for rides available. You don’t need to worry, because your patience will surely be appreciated when you set foot on this beautiful Pangasinan beach.