Bolinao’s Best Kept Secrets

Located at the westernmost tip of Pangasinan is the town of Bolinao. It is famous for its mangoes, Patar Beach, and the Bolinao Lighthouse. For all the local and foreign tourists who go there, it does not have the touristy look of most tourist destinations. There are a lot of cheap lodgings, and if you are lucky enough to know a local, it is easy to get an invite to crash or stay overnight as a guest. Getting to Bolinao is a four- to five-hour bus ride from Cubao.

Here are the Top Spots to Visit in Bolinao:

Bolinao Museum

This is located along the highway, just before reaching the Town Proper, and across from Cape Bolinao High School. Exhibits include archaeological finds from the late Ice Age.

Long Beach Resort

Isolated beach resort located at Long Beach. The beach itself is rocky, but the water is shallow. The resort is privately owned, and you would need to reserve in advance. You would be renting a cottage with no limit on the number of occupants, and you would have free rein in the kitchen. Buy fresh fish in the market, and you can have your own picnic on the grounds.

The Fish Market (Pantalan)

Go there early, as the fish are brought in straight from the motor-outrigger fishing boats. Follow the main highway straight past the town hall and the plaza. You would be surprised at the variety and the size of the fish on sale. If you have a ken for bagoong, follow the scent, and you’ll end up at a store that sells all kinds of bagoong.

Picocobuan

This is the jump-off point to Santiago Island, and the fish pens beyond the island. There’s a breakwater and a wharf along the mainly reclaimed area.

Sundowner Resto and Resort

Accessible from Picocobuan is Sundowner Resort. It is a bed-and-breakfast-style resort with a pool and a restaurant. Easier access is by turning right with a vehicle to the UP Marine Institute. Sundowner is on the left after the Municipal Cemetery.

St. James Church

The church sustained heavy damage from Typhoon Emong in 2009. A large section of the roof was swept away by the typhoon’s strong winds. In the ensuing repairs, St. James Church’s major renovation was also undertaken.

Bolinao Lighthouse

Located at Patar, the lighthouse stands more than 300 feet high. The grounds are open, but climbing the lighthouse is no longer allowed. You would need to get to know the lighthouse keeper if you want to climb and take pictures.

Patar Beach

Patar is a barangay in western Bolinao. The beach itself is mainly a high white sand dune leading to the waters. The waters are shallow, with a barrier about a hundred meters from the beach.

Also Read: How To Get To Patar White Beach in Bolinao Pangasinan

Bolinao Falls 1 and 2

These are small falls that are relatively hard to reach (it takes at least 30 minutes of driving on rough roads and at least 10 minutes of walking).
Caves

Bolinao sits atop a major limestone deposit, hence the numerous caves in the area. Going to Patar, there are at least two caves located on private property. Both have pools of fresh water where visitors dive in for a swim.

Sungayan Grill

Located on the Balingasay River, the Sungayan Grill is a riverside restaurant that offers fresh seafood.

Balingasay River

You can rent kayaks and paddle upstream on the Balingasay River.

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Also Read:

• Bolinao Travel Guide: The Hidden Jewel of the North
• List of Hotels and Resorts in Bolinao Pangasinan