One of the places that I actually want to get back to, other than Davao, is Pangasinans’ Bolinao, and Hundred Islands. I really enjoyed touring the place and it feels like two days is not enough.

Getting There – How to go to Bolinao

Our plan for our itinerary, was go to Bolinao, and then Alaminos. Our first night was already jam packed of mini-adventures or misadventures.

Friday night was our designated departing time, the last trip of Five Star Bus company’s route to Bolinao, Pangasinan was 10:30pm. Catnap’s friend – ‘N’, who comes from another office went there first and bought tickets for us. (Thanks pala! hehe)

Due to certain reasons I have already forgotten, we arrived at the bus station at about 11pm. Poor ‘N’ was already stressed out when we came, she’s trying to reserve seats for the four of us, and there are people seating on the seats she reserved.

We even had a fight with one of the passengers who said she’s just gonna seat for a while on one of the seats N has reserved. But since the bus schedule is like, 2 per day, we let go of the seats, plus some of the people already seated were ganging up on us. haha. So this is one rule, travellers must always remember: NEVER BE LATE! haha. But sometimes being late, gives you good stories to tell. hehe.

We ended up seating on children stool the bus company had prepared in case no seats are available, we were placed in the hallway of the bus and was only able to transfer to a real comfy seat about 2 hours away from the trip. And also the bus was super cold! We didn’t bring jacket since it was a summer trip. So I guess bring Sarong’s to cover you up.

Breakdown of Route:
1. Ride 10:30 pm Bus going to Bolinao. Price is roughly around 350 php.
2. Ride minibus going to Alaminos. Price is roughly around 50 php.

The info’s here are based on our June 2007 trip. For more updated information, see below:

Five Star Bus contact detail

Five Star Bus
#222 Tramo St., Pasay City Tel. # 833-4772, 851-6659,
851-6613 to 14

Where to Stay – Hotels in Bolinao

Upon arriving in Bolinao, we looked for a tricycle driver to take us on a tour. Luckily we got Mang Larry here, who’s really nice, and good-looking, haha.

Actually, in case you want a tour of the area, we’re strongly recommending Mang Larry. He didnt took advantage of us at all, Our total fee from him was just 600 for a whole day (including tips, since he’s really super nice), plus a pick up the next morning. He even took us pasalubong(souvenir) hunting. He’s very accommodating and he’s not annoying at all. Here is Mang Larry’s number: 09108771190.

From Bolinao mini-bus station. Mang Larry brought us to Bing’s Beach Resort, which we have already been planning to stay at. Bing’s is super cheap. We only payed P1100, and there were five of us. We didn’t pay for extra beds or pillows, as they let us stay on a two-bedroom room. In terms of where to eat Bing’s also serves food to their tenants. There’s not much food establishments in Bolinao, and Bing’s food is also cheap, so why go far? hehe.

Location wise, It’s just a few steps away from the beach, and it’s Nipa like structure makes you feel like your really in the provinces. One thing that bothered me with the area, is the lack of lighting in it’s surrounding, and that gecko on the ceiling that kept saying ‘tuko’ haha.  Super creepy at night, other than that, the place is perfect for budget-tourists like us.

Bolinao-Hundred Islands, 3-part post: 1 | 2 | 3