Make your way to Pangasinan, a coastal province in the Ilocos Region set along the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea. Pristine white sand beaches, majestic waterfalls, mysterious caves, and a hilltop minor basilica are among the attractions you’ll find in the third-largest province in the Philippines. And of course, it’s home to the famous Hundred Islands. Keep reading for KKday’s guide to visiting Pangasinan for your upcoming vacation.
How To Get There
By public transportation: Numerous bus lines travel from Manila to Pangasinan daily, including Victory Liner, Five Star Bus, Cisco Bus, and Dagupan Bus.
By private vehicle: Drive from Manila to Pangasinan via TPLEX and NLEX-SCTEX route.
Where To Stay In Pangasinan
Birdland Beach Club (Bolinao)
A tranquil retreat in Bolinao, Birdland Beach Club is a dreamy destination surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a beautiful white-sand beach right outside its doorstep. Notable facilities include natural swimming pools, an organic restaurant, spa services, and workstations with high-speed internet. Monthly rentals are available for travelers who work remotely.
Address: Long Beach Street, Bolinao
Rates: Starts at P1,995
Website: https://www.birdlandbeachclub.com, Facebook
Sirom Beach House (Dasol)
Sirom Beach House is the first and only boutique beachfront resort in Tambobong Beach, one of the best beaches in Pangasinan. Fans of good design and Instagrammable corners will love this stylish seven-room hideaway inspired by tropical destinations like Bali. Amenities include an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant.
Address: Tambobong Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan
Rates: Starts at P5,000
Website: https://www.sirombeachhouse.com, Facebook, Instagram
Masamirey Cove Resort (Sual)
Nestled on the shores of the white sand Masamirey Beach, this tropical Asian-inspired resort is an idyllic destination for sun-seekers visiting Pangasinan. Villas are bright and modern, while the pristine outdoor pool features loungers and beach views. The powdery beach is only a few steps away from the swimming pool.
Address: Masamirey White Sand Beach, Baybay Norte, Sual
Rates: Villas start at P6,000
Website: https://www.masamireycove.com, Facebook
Where To Eat In Pangasinan
Hardin sa Paraiso Grill & Restaurant (Manaoag)
Feast on a wide variety of Filipino favorites at Hardin sa Paraiso, a garden restaurant that’s a popular stop after celebrating Mass at the Manaoag Church. It’s a pleasant place for a meal, offering generous servings of grilled seafood, steaks, and other local dishes.
Address: Brgy. Lelemaan, Manaoag, Pangasinan
Service Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 9 PM
Website: Facebook, Instagram
ag.KAPI.ta (Mangatarem)
A unique coffee shop set in the middle of rice fields, ag.KAPI.ta serves fresh air and serene natural views with your daily cup of brew. The outdoor café is the perfect pandemic era hangout spot with ample space between tables, as well as a hammock and cute swings for your social media feed. Freshly made caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks are available.
Address: Daang Kalikasan Road, Mangatarem, Pangasinan
Service Hours: Daily, 7 AM to 9 PM
Website: Facebook, Instagram
Matutina’s (Dagupan, Urdaneta)
You can’t visit Pangasinan without sampling fresh seafood. A fantastic choice is Matutina’s, a seafood restaurant that’s practically an institution in the province with branches in Dagupan and Urdaneta. There are plenty of delicious dishes to try, but one, in particular, is a must-try: the famous Dagupan bangus.
Branches: Dagupan City and Urdaneta City
Website: Facebook, Instagram
Top Tourist Attractions In Pangasinan
Hundred Islands (Alaminos)
The most famous tourist spot in the province is the Hundred Islands National Park, a protected area consisting of 123 islands in the Lingayen Gulf. An island-hopping tour of the park is a must; some islets feature white-sand shores, and travelers can indulge in activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
Tondol Beach (Anda)
If you’re on the hunt for picturesque white shores, you can’t go wrong with Tondol Beach. The Anda hotspot has been dubbed “Little Boracay” for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, which only go up to the ankle during low tide. Also among the best beaches in Pangasinan are Lingayen Beach (Lingayen), Patar Beach (Bolinao), and Tambobong Beach (Dasol).
Balingasay River, Bolinao Falls, and Enchanted Cave (Bolinao)
If you’re in Bolinao, all three of these attractions are worth a visit. Balingasay River is one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines, while Bolinao Falls consists of three cascades for swimming, cliff diving, and bamboo rafting.
Tucked away in a lush park in Bolinao, Enchanted Cave is a coral limestone cave with a dazzlingly clear natural pool. Perfect for a refreshing dip on hot days, it’s a highlight of any visit to Pangasinan. Cape Bolinao and Bolinao Church are also great stops in town.
Manaoag Church (Manaoag)
Manaoag Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, is one of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. The minor basilica is perched on a picturesque hilltop setting; inside, murals show several of the miracles of Our Lady of Manaoag.
Cabongaoan Beach and Death Pool (Burgos)
The name may sound quite ominous, but Death Pool isn’t particularly deadly, really. Lying on the pretty shores of Cabongaoan Beach, Death Pool is a rocky pocket that forms a scenic natural pool as the tide rolls in. Wade in for a refreshing dip, but it’s best to wear shoes as the rocks are quite sharp.
Sunflower Maze Farm (Tayug)
Plantitas will love the sight of vibrant wild flowers at Sunflower Maze Farm, especially when sunflowers are in season in the summer. Usually in April and May, the sunflower fields form a giant labyrinth that takes about half an hour to explore. Owned by Allied Botanical Corp., the park also features other flowering plants.
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*Featured photo via KKday Supplier, and Masamirey Cove Resort and Allied Botanical Corporation Facebook pages
