Bolinao: More than just a paradise!
Why you should visit Bolinao and visit it NOW
People have talked and written about Bolinao countless times. In the Internet alone, numerous bloggers have shared their experiences and unforgettable moments in this dazzling town in the province of Pangasinan.
People have talked and written about Bolinao countless times. In the Internet alone, numerous bloggers have shared their experiences and unforgettable moments in this dazzling town in the province of Pangasinan.
Getting bombarded with stories about the place,
perhaps it is time that you finally pack your bags and visit the town.
Taking public transport, you will reach Bolinao in
approximately five hours and a half from Manila. Bus trips from terminals in
Pasay City and Cubao, Quezon City are available daily. Just remember to check
the schedules while planning your trip.
Surely, though, your trip will be shorter if you
are to use a private vehicle. Just make it sure to thoroughly check your car or
SUV before hitting the road as a precaution against inconveniences.
What to
expect
You will not be staying forever in Bolinao, so,
just like what we always say when travelling, “make the most out of it!”
Explore every corner and discover more adventures than what others have
unearthed.
Upon arrival on the town proper, do not forget to
visit St. James the Great Parish, a church built by the Augustinians in 1609.
Some parts of the building had been restored like the belfry, but the walls
have been left untouched.
According to a staff of the tourism office, live
rocks from the sea were used in building the church. That explains the
sprouting plants from the façade.
A few yards from the parish, to its left side, is
an underground tunnel built during the Spanish Era. Called the Spanish Well, it
stretches all the way to the church—some sort of a secret passage. Locals
believe that it ends on the sea as it is filled with water.
If these sights pique your interest in Bolinao’s
history, and if you are loquacious enough, talk to some locals and ask them to
tell you more about the town. Knowing about past stories of a place and
understanding its culture are keys to being able to move around comfortably and
enjoying your stay.
These may be considered side trips, but they are
of equal importance as your main getaway–definitely worth your time.
The highlight of your Bolinao adventure is of
course on its beach particularly in Brgy. Patar, a 15- to 20-minute drive from
the town proper where tricycle cabs can be hired.
Reaching
paradise
Lining up the road to Patar are resorts, inns and
cottages with rooms that can be rented for an overnight stay.
Prices on budget resorts range from P1,000 to
P3,000 which depends on the size and capacity of the rooms. During the peak
season, however, prices are twice higher than the original.
But, mid- to high-end resorts offer fixed rates
which you can check out on their websites.
Patar White Sand Beach, the most talked about and
most visited, can be found on the far end of Patar. Souvenir items like tees
and key chains are sold on the area.
A public beach though it is, be warned that you
practically pay for almost everything and every move that you make around.
Expect fixed rates for parking, use of toilet and shower room, and cottages.
But, you will never mind these fees once you see
the sparkling clear water of the beach and the inviting waves hitting the
shore.
Watching
over
At the peak of Punta Piedra Point, watching over
the vast West Philippine Sea, stands the majestic Cape Bolinao Lighthouse built
in 1905 by Filipino, British, and American engineers.
The 30.78-meter lighthouse, the second tallest in
the Philippines next to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte, has been an
iconic trademark of Bolinao and it is another must visit in every tourist’s
itinerary.
Bathing in
caves
Just when you are thinking that you have enjoyed
everything in Bolinao, the caves will go screaming, “No!” Your Bolinao getaway
will never be complete without visiting its three caves namely Enchanted Cave,
Cindy’s Cave and Wonderful Cave.
These, however, are not the types that you can
explore. They are just domes with crystal clear water which you can plunge
into.
Since the caves are nestled on private properties,
appropriate fess should be paid accordingly.
The inviting serenity inside the caves will build
up calmness in your being. Just brace yourself for the cold water because upon
touching your skin, it will surely make every nerve in your body shiver.
Happy tummy
Part of every vacation is food and Bolinao will
absolutely not disappoint you.
Seafood restaurants and other diners offering
Western and Filipino cuisines are all over Bolinao.
Whether you want to enjoy the serene and
picturesque Balingasay River while eating on a floating restaurant, or indulge
in your seafood on a backyard-garden set up, the town will clearly make your
tummy happy.
One delicacy you must never forget to taste is
binongey, a bamboo rice cake. It is made of glutinous rice (malagkit) cooked in
a mixture of coconut milk and sugar in a bamboo shaft.
You can find vendors selling this treat outside
St. James the Great Parish.
The hustle-and-bustle of city life and stress
emanating from work are good reasons to take a break and enjoy nature. A
getaway in a faraway place is one effective breather which will help your mind
relax and your body regain its strength.
In a place like Bolinao where there is an
abundance of natural wonders to enjoy, your spirit and passion will definitely
get replenished. - EJ Dangla (FOCUS)
