The Pangasinan journey is far from being complete without visiting Alaminos, the heart of Western Pangasinan. Named after Lieutenant Governor General Alaminos, this town was converted into a component city of Pangasinan in 2001 for its flourishing commerce, finance, education, and tourism.
Alaminos is a one-hour ride away from the municipality of Lingayen, but its shores rest along the lengthy Lingayen Gulf, so you can expect to see coastline after coastline during the journey. Upon arrival in this city, travelers will know right away what spectacle awaits their wandering feet as almost every corner is peppered with the slogan “Home of the Hundred Islands.”
From the city’s capitol, you can take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf and arrive in 20 minutes. After taking in the beauty of the vast expanse of sea or doing a mandatory jump shot in front of the lighthouse on the far side of the wharf, you must proceed to the tourism office to pay the environmental fee and book tour slots, or choose to go your own way. As for accommodations, there are lots of hotels and transient homes across the wharf so getting by shouldn’t be a problem.
Now on to the quintessential part of the trip: Hundred Islands hopping. There are over 120 islands to explore in this magnificent national park, but there are three that should be on your priority list: Governor’s Island, Children’s Island, and Quezon Island. If you are traveling with a large group, you can rent a boat. Alternatively, you can join other tourists if you’d like to go the economical route. From the wharf is an approximately 30-minute boat ride to Governor’s Island, but you wouldn’t notice the rather long haul as you’ll be treated with cool air, clear waters, and majestic sights to behold. Be sure to keep your valuables in a zip-top bag or drybag as you will, without doubt, get splashed during the ride.
You can take on the challenging 123 steps leading to the Governor’s Island view deck to get a bird’s eye view of the many islands of the national park. For thrill–seekers, this islet houses the longest zipline for a more adventurous way of getting a glimpse of the islands. Children’s Island, on the other hand, boasts shallow waters which, as it name suggests, makes it perfect for children to splash and frolic around. The first island to be developed, Quezon Island is the most touristy site across the vast expanse of land and water. Waters across the islands are in hues of sparkly blue green and are a home to amazing coral reefs. Tourists are in for a thrilling experience with hilly terrain, caves, and pristine beaches to traverse.
There is more to Alaminos than just the Hundred Islands. Colorful and fun fiestas run throughout the year, a diverse range of local delicacies are there to satisfy each palate, and eco-trail parks showcase the city’s flora and fauna. All these and more await tourists who stop by this humble city.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE April 2016 issue.
Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
Photos by Theresa Eloriaga