2019 • 07 • 04

Pangasinan is a popular destination because of its accessibility from Manila and nearby cities. It provides weekend warriors or those who want to extend their vacation with delicious food, stunning landscapes, and idyllic beaches. Bolinao in Pangasinan is a place where you can relax and unwind on your own, with friends or with family. This part of Pangasinan has plenty to offer tourists. One of the popular destinations here is Patar Beach. This is the go-to stop for those who want to beach bum, hang out, swim, and play volleyball or throw a Frisbee. The sand may not be fine and white, but its golden sheen makes up for it.

Additionally, the Augustinians had the St. James Church built in 1609. It is a vestige of the Spaniards’ reign in the Philippines. It has survived calamities throughout its lifetime. On the other hand, Bolinao Falls 1 and 2 are spots to cool off to douse the afternoon heat and chill. Swim in the cold waters of the natural pool or get a “massage” under the waterfall. Bolinao Falls 2 also has cliffs where you can jump off for an adrenaline rush.

Balingasay River, meanwhile, is one of the cleanest rivers in Luzon. The local government wants to keep it that way by implementing environmental-friendly policies. They are also promoting it as a tourist destination where you can go on a leisurely cruise during your visit.

Rock View Beach Resort provides you with rugged but beautiful views of the landscape. Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is another stop you can include in your itinerary.

Bolinao is an accessible destination whether you are driving your own car or taking public transportation. Here are different ways to reach this part of Pangasinan.

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How to Get to Bolinao

From Manila

Metro Manila is an urban sprawl in every sense of the word. Traffic is bad, pedestrians cross or board public jeeps and buses wherever they want and your escape from the hustle and bustle is a mall instead of a park.

Luckily, there are direct buses to Bolinao from Manila. You’ll find buses in Cubao or Pasay traveling to Bolinao. The trip takes approximately 6-6.5 hours one way. If you are closer to Cubao, Victory Liner plies this route for about P459 while Five Star Bus’s tickets are between P351 to P469 per way. Students, senior citizens, and PWDs can avail of the 20% discount as long as they show valid IDs. Buses depart as early as 5:00 am from Cubao. We suggest taking the night bus to have more time in Bolinao rather than in transit.

From Dagupan

If you’re currently on a trip and have a stop in Dagupan, you can get to Bolinao. One route is by going to Alaminos City first where there are public vans from Dagupan for P65 one way. Air-conditioned buses cost P104 and ordinary ones are P66. Once in Alaminos, you can head straight to Bolinao. Bus fare is approximately P80 to P95 and may take up to an hour of travel time. You might have to wait long in Alaminos for the bus going to Bolinao.

Another route you can take from Dagupan is via Baguio. There are hourly buses departing from Dagupan to Baguio for about P250 to P350 and may take an hour and a half. Once in Baguio, there are direct buses to Bolinao for approximately P300 to P500 and may take up to 5 hours or more travel time.

From Pampanga

Tourists are going to Clark because of the increasing number of domestic and international flights departing from its airport. It is a viable alternative for those who want to get cheap airfares or just want to avoid the traffic and hassle of going to NAIA in Metro Manila. It is also a transportation hub for other provinces within the region.

The former U.S. airbase has a number of attractions that will keep you busy while waiting for your bus or flight. You can use it as your base for a day hike to the stunning Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake. You can also visit the museums to learn more about the history of Clark and Pampanga. The province is also a foodie destination because of its distinct and delicious cuisine.

If you’re planning to go to Bolinao, you can get there via Pampanga. Make your way to Dau Terminal. Once here, Victory Liner and Five Star Bus have direct trips to Bolinao. The ride may take 6 hours one way or even longer, depending on traffic. If the bus is full you might have to stand most of the way. The fare is approximately P350+++.

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Where to Stay in Bolinao

Bolinao is a developed tourist destination so you won’t have a difficult time looking for accommodation during your trip. However, most places are booked during the summer, holidays, and weekends, so make sure to book in advance. Most guesthouses and resorts are in Patar near the beach or the coast. You can find many budget and higher-priced places to stay in this area. There are also stores, carinderias and even restaurants here. It is the ideal base for visiting Bolinao’s attractions. Here are some of the top hotels in Bolinao as rated by Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Puerto Del Sol Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Villa Soledad Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Punta Riviera Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Casa Almarenzo Bed and Breakfast Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Bolinao Hotels