HUNDRED ISLANDS - Another worthwhile place to visit

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 GALI-LA (COME VISIT THE HUNDRED ISLANDS)

My first visit to Hundred Islands was in 1990 when I was tagged along by Franciscan Sisters whom I’m serving during my senior year in high school. The place was just actually 30 kilometers away from Dasol, my parent’s hometown.

My wife broached the idea of visiting the island last April 21, as a farewell bonding for ate Joan (my sister-in-law) who was flying to Canada the next weekend. The idea floated just like one of my wife’s wishful thinking so she was entirely astonished when I subscribed to it. Everyone in the family got excited too when

we told them about the sudden plan. The next day, at 9:30 AM, we were already in Lucap, Alaminos, Pangasinan, the kick off point for the Island adventure.

AT LUCAP WHARF

 

LIGHT HOUSE AT LUCAP WHARF

The Tourism office was already jam-packed with local tourists when we arrived but it did not take us long to register as we were readily assisted by staffs. Their form asked for our names, age, address, gender, as well as name and contact number of a relative not with us whom they can contact to in case of emergency. Then, we paid a meager entrance fee of P20.00 per head (less 20% discount for senior citizen) and parking fee. They have a standard rate for motorized boat for hire, so all tourists are assured that they will not be taken advantage of. We paid P2,000.00 for service boat of our size (9 adults & 6 children) plus another P1,300.00 for 10 life jackets and 5 snorkeling equipment. It’s an all-day service that can take us to islands other than those three featured developed islands (Quezon, Governor’s and Children’s Islands). 

RATES

The boat ride was approximately 45 minutes and we’re first brought to Governor’s Island. It is on this island where you get to see the full view of how beautiful the islands are as far as your naked eye can see. That’s of course after you have climb up the 123 steps to get to the highest peak of the island. I reckoned that every step represents an island as there are 123 hundred islands in the area. It was called hundred islands for simplicity. 

VIEW FROM THE TOP OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

A concrete house called Governor’s guest house which was later renamed to Pinoy Big Brother house (used in one of PBB episodes) was also located in this island. It can be rented out to tourists for Php 10,000.00 overnight via the Tourism office. 

PBB HOUSE

The next island that we landed on was in Marcos island which I can rate as the best island to go on swimming. The water here was so clear and the cliff diving will add thrill to your swimming experience. 

MARCOS ISLAND

Our next stop was on the biggest and busiest Quezon island. It’s actually composed of two islands close as neighbors. I noticed that a third island was now connected via a bridge which was not present during my first visit. As I looked around, I readily understood that this is where most tourists stay for longer hours judging by the size of the crowd present. Different water sports also happen here. The downside I noticed on this island was the poor structures. It did not, by any measure, live up to the tourism standard. Anyway, the water is still good for swimming. 

QUEZON ISLAND FROM AFAR

THIRD ISLAND CONNECTED TO QUEZON ISLAND BY A BRIDGE

The last island we decided to visit was Children’s Island. By the name itself, you can guess by yourself why this was called such. The water was shallow but it's another nice island to stay on. However, you have to wear an aqua shoes before you go on swimming. Small pieces of sharp rocks scattered on sea bed could hurt you while swimming.

AT CHILDREN'S ISLAND

We headed out of the islands around 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon. We passed by the Bat and Islands.  

BAT ISLAND

CATHEDRAL ISLAND

The sea was a little bit rough on our way back but that’s normal on that area due to strong winds during late afternoons. I remember we had the same experience on my first visit but it did not scare me of course. For tourists who are afraid of the waves, suggest that you arrive early in the island so you can also leave early afternoon.

Overall, our swimming experience in this natural wonder is truly wonderful. However, we hope the local government of Alaminos could do more in developing the islands in terms of infrastructure. Tourists could also play a vital role in preserving its beauty by surrendering their garbage to the boatman so it could be disposed of properly. Have noticed some garbage was deliberately left by early visitors. Motorized banca owners should also ensure their boats are in good condition. There were instances our boatman had a hard time making the engine work, and while we were half-way back to the wharf, we had to tow one motorized banca because the engine faltered.      

I recommend that you also visit Hundred Islands if you're somewhere near. There are some important details though you have to know before embarking on:

DISTANCE

If you plan to commute from Manila, the Five Star bus from Pasay (near MRT Pasay-Taft station) leaves for Alaminos every hour, while the Victory Liner bus in Cubao leaves every half-hour. Take a tricycle upon reaching Alaminos and ask the driver to take you to Lucap wharf.

If you plan to drive, take SCTEX until you reach Concepcion Tarlac then on to Sta. Ignacia. You should be able to drive through Camiling, San Clemente, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon up to Socony. At Socony, you should turn left. If you won't turn left you'll be driving to Lingayen and Dagupan. As you turn left at Socony, it should be easy to follow the national road until Labrador and Sual until your reach Alaminos. In Alaminos, just drive straight passing Nepo Market, McDonalds and Jollibee until you see a small intersection in front of the Church. Turn right and the road will lead you to Lucap wharf.

MAP

FOOD – you have to bring packed lunch, enough water, and everything else you need. Grilling station is available in some islands but I don’t think you would want to spend your limited time for that matter.

TAP WATER – No tap water is available anywhere in the islands so don’t expect to get rinsed until you are back to the wharf where you can take a bath for P10.00

SPORTS EQUIPMENT - If you are maximizing your budget and you have sports equipment in your house that you can carry with you (goggle, snorkeling equipment, etc), it may be a good idea to bring it so you don’t need to rent them.

 HOTEL/INNS – It’s not difficult to get a place to stay for the night. Hotels and inns are just within the wharf. Average is between P2,500.00 to P3,000.00 overnight but we found a good deal, a bit further from the wharf, at Enansuana Street (not sure of the spelling). The room was so huge that it can accommodate even up to 20 persons with aircon (you just need extra bed). The rate was actually P2,000.00 but we managed to get it for just P1,500.00. Gas, Cook wares and utensils are also provided for your cooking needs so you can actually save by just cooking your meals. There is also a nearby store. You can contact LEO at 09085631215 should you wish to inquire.

CONTACT NUMBERS THAT CAN BE OF HELP TO YOU