My
only goal for visiting this famous Philippine landmark was to validate the
total count of the islets that litter the sea across Alaminos. I guess we are thinking of the same thing whether if it is true that there are really at least a
hundred island and islet found in Pangasinan.
Well,
the only way to find out is to visit the place and count it for your self. The
easiest way to validate this is to search the web via Google and you’ll have the
answer in an instant. But for me it would be more realistic and adventurous if
you will experience Hundred Island first hand and enjoy the boat ride while
counting the mysterious rocky islets one by one.
First
Impression?
If
you are wondering whether I have received the WOW factor in Pangasinan,
well, I’m just going to be honest with you, but my answer is NO! Why? I don’t
want to sound absurd but I blame it to the very high expectation I had set for
the famous Philippine tourist destination due to the rave reviews made by some
websites about Hundred Island National Park. So much for sugar coating huh!

Some even compared the rock formations in
Alaminos similar to the islets of Coron, which, in my own opinion, the Hundred
Island has mediocre islets compared to the gigantic and majestic limestone
hills of Coron and El Nido Palawan.
Not Bad After All!
But
don’t get me wrong, the Hundred Island National Park is a beauty on its own
right especially for people who seldom travel away from the urban jungle and
sees this tourist destination for the very first time.
My
dismay over the place could have been due to the standards I have set in
visiting some isolated island paradise in Mindanao and some road less traveled destinations
in Visayas and in Northern Luzon.
![]() |
Bat Island in Alaminos, Pangasinan |
One
good thing about the national park is that the tourists could be dispersed
evenly in all the islets, leaving you with space to breath.
![]() |
Limestone rocks in Hundred Island |
For
me, Hundred Island is a real freak of nature that would put you to wonder how
these islets came so close together and have concentrated in just one place.
Majority of the islets were made of limestone rocks where a few have small
white sand beaches where visitors could have a picnic.
Most
of the islets with white sand beaches were named after some famous politicians
and clan in the Philippines like Marcos Island and Lopez Island. I wonder if
there is an Aquino Island somewhere. Hmmm. I bet there isn’t.
Altered Beauty
And
by the way those concrete signage in the islets are real eyesore! Human made
structures placed on some of the islets really don’t work for me and I felt
that the alteration have tainted the pristine area, making it unpleasant
to look at.
If I
may suggest, the developer and planning team involved in the Hundred Island Development should
have placed some added infrastructures that would go with the theme as a NATURE
PARADISE. Believe me, foreigners are so sick of human altered Natural Park and
would rather choose a nipa hut to spend their vacation than on a first class
concrete park.
![]() |
At the peak of General Island, Hundred Island National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan. (That's Mhalou in the photo) |
For
the record, I have found no litter of trash in the vicinity and the management has
kept the area free of garbage except in the pool of Marcos Island. I give you my salute for that Pangasinan!
![]() |
The pool inside the cave of Marcos Island, Hundred Island National Park |
The
highlight of our trip happened in Marcos Island after we got engaged in a
thrilling cliff jumping experience in a small cave with gorgeous turquoise pool
in the middle. Jumping at 10 feet high was already knee-jerking for all of us
with ear-breaking cry of excitement every time we push ourselves on the edge of
the pool. Wow, that was really energy-draining, not the jumping but the
shouting, hahaha.
We
regained our energy after a simple lunch at Quezon Island where unfortunately,
more and more visitors have arrived and opted to set their lunch as well in the island
we thought hidden from other tourists. Hey there are other 122 islets around pipz and you might want to settle in one of these islets? Anyway, as what they say, the
more the merrier! Let's keep it cool.
The
tour could have lasted longer but we've decided that we had enough of island hopping
as we gave up the idea of visiting all the islets of the National Park which
was really impossible to finish in just a single visit.
So, in the end how many islands and islets we've visited? Hmmmm ..maybe 4, 8, 10, I am sorry but I lost count. Can you continue the counting for us? Visit the Hundred Island National Park and send us your feedback by writing a comment below.
Happy trip everyone!
So, in the end how many islands and islets we've visited? Hmmmm ..maybe 4, 8, 10, I am sorry but I lost count. Can you continue the counting for us? Visit the Hundred Island National Park and send us your feedback by writing a comment below.
Happy trip everyone!
How to reach the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan?
For this trip we chose to board a Victory Liner bus in its
Cubao Terminal Station and took the midnight trip bound directly to Alaminos,
Pangasinan. Fare was Php393.00 with a travel time of almost 6 hours. When you reach Alaminos proper, take a
tricycle bound for the wharf. Fare was Php60.00 for the whole ride.
How much for the island hopping?
At the wharf you will find the tourism assistance center
where you will book the boat for the island hopping. The cost of island hopping
is listed below.
Boat Size/ Capacity
|
Day Tour
|
Overnight
|
||
Regular
|
Service
|
Regular
|
Service
|
|
Small (max 5 pax)
|
1000
|
1400
|
2000
|
3000
|
Medium (max 10 pax)
|
1300
|
1800
|
2500
|
3800
|
Large (max 15 pax)
|
1500
|
2000
|
3000
|
4500
|
Aside from the boat rental you have to pay an additional
Php40.00 (day tour) / Php 80.00(overnight) as environmental fee.
Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear and surf shoes, as the
rental fee from the park was so expensive (we paid Php700 for the 3 sets of snorkeling
gear). The toiletries sold in the area were priced thrice higher so you might want
to bring your own set.
For more information and reservation please contact the
following numbers below:
(+6375) 551.2505 / (+6375) 205.0917/+63.928.244.9011
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