Destinations
Bolinao, the perfect place for adventure lovers
Bolinao is a third class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, and is located north west from Manila with Lingayen Gulf on the East, and the South China Sea to the west. In 2015, my family and I took an Easter road trip that entailed driving inland up to Bolinao from Manila, and then driving back down the west coast of Luzon, with a stopover in Agno, and one night’s stay in Tambobong. We had an absolutely fantastic road trip and would love to do it again.
In Bolinao, we stayed at a place called SCL Garden Paradise Resort, which was right on the beach. This was a local style resort and was more than adequate for our needs. Easter was the time we went, so the choices were restricted. There are a dozen or so resorts in the area worth looking into, particularly closer to Patar Beach.
So many things to see and do in Bolinao
Bolinao is a place that really offers so much to see and do. It has white sand beaches, caves, waterfalls, amazing rock formations and the historic Bolinao Lighthouse. There was certainly plenty to keep us entertained. Whilst not as popular as the nearby and more renowned One Hundred Islands, I was amazed we didn’t see more foreigners there as this place offers so much, but maybe the locals want to keep it that way?
From the moment I first kicked back in our nipa hut with an ice cold beer, overlooking the serene waters of the South China Sea, I remember asking myself why I hadn’t visited this place sooner! This is a place that certainly isn’t talked about much. Maybe the long drive is what turns people off, but for me, it was well worth the journey!
First stop was Patar white beach. This was a very popular beach with locals, but unusually, I didn’t see any foreigners there. This is hard to understand when you look at these views.
Another section of Patar white beach which looks like a scene from Castaway. We had a very relaxing day chilling out on this beach.
Bolinao Falls has several smaller waterfalls along a stream culminating in this waterfall here. This then flows further downstream into the Balingasay River.
One of the several smaller waterfalls along the stream. It was so relaxing and refreshing to sit and lean back against the rocks with the water gushing over you.
This place is simply called Rock Formation, also along Patar beach. It had some of the clearest water I have ever seen. This very small cove was very popular with the locals and it’s easy to see why.
Enchanted Cave is an underground cave in which many locals go to swim, so it does get quite busy. Life vests are available and there are actually concreted steps that lead into the water.
Cindy’s Cave is another underground cave which is quite hot in the cave itself, but the water is very refreshing. This cave wasn’t as busy as the more popular Enchanted Cave.
A sunset view from out the front of SCL Garden Resort where we stayed. For a local resort, it had good food, a good beach and most of all, amazing sunsets.
