Going Green: Green Travel 101

Going Places is for Green Travel! A campaign I started since 2009. I believe this is not only very helpful for us travel lovers and wanderers but also to the places and communities we visit by. But before we go ahead in campaigning for this important cause in travel, let us first get to know what is Green Travel all about. 

What is Green Travel? Maybe you already heard about ecotourism, sustainable tourism and responsible travel from various media, magazines and news headlines. Those terms are all part of the many catch phrases of Green Travel.

There are various shades of difference among all these terms, but at the heart of the matter is the importance of protecting the natural and cultural environment of the places you visit. That means conserving plants, wildlife and other resources; respecting local cultures and ways of life; and contributing positively to local communities.

Green Travel, for me is becoming environmentally aware and earth-friendly while on travel. I am environmentally aware by having knowledge of the importance of cleanliness and pollution-free of the places I am visiting both natural and man-made sights and becoming concern for the environmental impact that I may create whether big or small to the place or sight that I am visiting. Practicing earth-friendly living while on travel can be from small ranges like keeping your own trashes, recycling plastics, usage of bikes to large ranges like staying to a green hotels, involving in ecotourism activities, etc that most are easy to practice and remember.  

Boracay Beach - one of the places that tend to be overexploited by tourism.

Green Travel, defined by Go Green Travel Green:

1. Thinking about your impact on the environment (both the physical and social environment) when you travel

2. Doing your part to minimize your impact on the environment – so that tourism in your destination can be maintained in the long run.

3. Understanding eco-friendly choices you can make

4. Making eco-friendly choices when they are options

5. Doing your research to be a responsible traveler

6. Saving money by making low-impact choices

Why go green?

With nearly 1 billion tourists crisscrossing the globe every year, it's more important than ever for travelers to minimize their individual impact on the earth's natural and cultural treasures. The potential negative effects of tourism are both local and global; oceanfront hotels contribute to beach erosion in Hawaii, rising numbers of visitors threaten the fragile ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands, and carbon dioxide emissions from planes are a growing contributor to global warming.

Chocolate Hills and Bohol province itself is an ecotourism destination.

Taking a green approach to travel is an easy and essential way to protect the places you love to visit, not just for yourself but for the travelers who come after you and for the people who will continue to live there long after you've flown home. As an added bonus, it often makes for a more rewarding, authentic travel experience, encouraging deeper connections with the people and places you visit.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily have to pay more in order to travel green. While offsetting the carbon emissions from your air travel will set you back a negligible amount, you can find green lodging options in all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels. And earth-friendly transportation options like biking, walking and taking public transit are often cheaper than taking a cab or renting a car.(Source)

Going Green in Alaminos City

Why I go for Green Travel? Simply because I want to share to others the beautiful places that I have been and places that I am going to visit in the future in its full glory. You wouldn't want Boracay's beaches or Tagaytay's surroundings be polluted, right? Or the Great Wall of China being eroded and Sydney's Parramatta River dirty? I believe we can preserve these beautiful places by simply practicing green travel. I did a past entry of simple and easy but very effective way to practice green travel tips (click here to see) which is very helpful in campaigning for Going Green.

Also more and more cities and municipalities in our country are campaigning for ecotourism and proper waste management like my recent trip to Alaminos City who is strongly campaigning for Reduce, Reuse and Recycle platform in every street corners. Lastly, Green Travel for me is one effective "travel for a cause" that you can contribute to our community and get something good in return. By practicing this, we don't just show and do a care for the place or country that we are visiting but also a care for our planet Earth.

Learn more about green travel through this online communnity sites:

- Go Green Travel Green

- Green.Travel

Pangasinan Wanderings 2: Treasures of Bolinao

There are treasures to be found in western Pangasinan. Those treasures that I found were not gems, jewels nor chains of gold. But surprisingly beautiful sights and natural wonders that can only be found in western Pangasinan.  These treasures lies in the golden cape and rugged beauty of Bolinao. A place where beautiful sunsets are met against marvelous rock formations by the beach. A place where natural caves are enchanting. And the only place with a beach where the is sand is golden fine.

Travel time to Bolinao is 45 minutes from Alaminos City via bus or van. Travelers can also take a 7 hour road trip via bus from Manila. My travel mates opted to take a van from Alaminos since we just finished visiting Hundred Islands. Upon arrival in Bolinao town proper, we were fetched by our contacted resort’s tricycle.  I was surprised that the ride took 45 minutes from the town proper to our resort accommodation at Baranggay Patar.

Sunset in Bolinao.

Bolinao is a 3rd class municipality of the province of Pangasinan. Folk etymology attributes the name "Bolinao" or this remote fishing enclave from the fish piece "monamon" but commonly called "Bolinao" by the Tagalogs, Bicolanos and the Visayans. A theory also points out that once upon a time "pamulinawen" trees grew luxuriantly along its shores, thus, the Ilocano migrants who crossed the Lingayen Gulf named it phonetically similar to the name of the tree. Nowadays, however, such tree does not exist anymore. Legend also relates that during the first days of the Spanish era, a lovely lass nicknamed "Anao" lived at the present site of the town proper. She used to bathe leisurely for hours under the Boli-Bolinao tree where a chieftain's son who lived across the channel first saw her and then wooed. An early marriage ensued but with the condition, among others, that the seat of the chieftain's government be moved to the place where Anao lived. There they were to stay rulers, hence the name of Bolinao, Boli-Bolinao and Anao. (Source)

Our arrival in the resort is just in time for sunset. I don’t want to miss this beautiful phenomena in Bolinao. But sunset is fading fast so I immediately run to the front of the beach to watch my first sunset viewing at Bolinao. I did not mind my travel mates who proceed on doing the usual resort check-in as I marvel at the breathtaking scene of amber glow of sun set against the beach beautifully surrounded with unique rock formations. The amber rays of sunset touching the outlines of the rocks creates a glow effect on it under the siege of night sky. It was an unforgettable sunset of Bolinao that I witnessed.

Good morning Bolinao! Sunrise at Bolinao.

We were so tired from our whole day activity in Alaminos so rest immediately after dinner. The excitement of looking forward to discover Bolinao the next day made me eager to sleep right away. I had a good sleep that night so i woke up early to watch the sunrise.  The sunrise of Bolinao is beautiful as its sunset. The morning sun is a refreshing sight in the morning. The glow of sun rays this time is bright and flashing. I went to the resort’s beach front area to fully bask under the sunrise while seeing its full beauty.

The beach front of Solomon’s Paradise Beach Resort (Abrac, Baranggay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, 2406/0905.398.1470 and 0928.474.8845) is true gem.  It is because the beach is surrounded by unique rock formations that made the rugged beauty beaches of Bolinao. I fondly call this site at the resort as Solomon Paradise Rock Formation because the only access to these rock formations in through the resort.

Our piece of paradise in Bolinao.

The nipa-style rooms of the resort.

The marvelous beach front of Solomon's Paradise Resort.

Shells in various forms found at the shores of the beach.

Only in Solomon's Paradise...

Natural beach pools.

This rugged beauty of the beach led me to explore it further. The rock formations are in all shapes and sizes. Some are high as a small storey building. While some are low as an average height of a person but has sharp edges. I suspect that these rock formations were eroded sea rocks and formed over a course of time. Some of the rocks even have half submerge caves for visitors to explore. From the tall rising rock formations down to the water submerged rocks, these natural sights continues to awe me.  Some of these natural wonders of rock formations create small pools of water by the beach that has varying depths because of its shapes. Though, some are not deep as an average human height, extra carefulness is caution in exploring them as unaware stepping on it might surprise you suddenly like falling to a manhole!

Don't you just love Bolinao?

Stunning rock formations at Solomon Paradise' resort private cove.

The beauty of nature in Bolinao.

Only in Bolinao...

The beach of Solomon’s Paradise is so perfect for photograph souvenirs. These rock formations were perfect backdrops for pictures. I them very scenic and perfect post card photos in every angle view of the sights. I had so much fun with my travel mates while enjoying the view of Bolinao Beach here.  What a wonderful sight to see a beach made more scenic with rock formations set against the bluest waters. It was a marvelous sight of the beach that I have only seen in Bolinao.   

By 9 am, me and my travel mates were fetched by Mang Celso, the resort’s trusted driver and tour guide to start our exploration of the “treasures” of Bolinao.

Welcome entrance at Enchanted Cave.

The enchanted water is also good for swimming inside the cave.

Enchanted Cave is a natural cave with an enchanting water  pool inside its caverns was our first treasure discovery of Bolinao. It is just 5 minutes away from Solomon’s Paradise. Before proceeding to the cave, we were first greeted by the lush green forest garden surrounding the cave. The cave is located above a hilly trail and the entrance step down to the cave is quite steep and small. But the sight of the whole cave below is worth the trail. The nature-made water pool in the main cave cavern is enticing for a swim. One of my travel mates ask the cave guide about why the cave named enchanted. He simply replied, “because the water is enchanted.” I don’t know if he is serious or joking in his reply but I really find the water inside the cave enchanting.  Maybe it is enchanted because the water is naturally clean. Just looking at it feels already enchanting because of its natural beauty. The light turquoise water is also very clear that you can see the bottom bed of the cave pool. The guide told us that the water has already been tested ans passed the cleanliness and pollution test making it suitable to drink. I try to feel the enchantment of the water by dipping my feet. Grr, it’s cold! Just like other caves, Enchanted Cave is adorned with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. And while its caverns is beautifully crafted by nature, it main attraction is its pool of enchanted water.

The enchanted water inside the Enchanted Cave.

10 minutes away from Enchanted Cave is the country second tallest lighthouse, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. The lighthouse, still located at Patar rises majestically 351 feet above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself. It was built by the Americans in 1903 on a 351 feet (107 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao. The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a portion of the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation on a land area where archaeological excavations have revealed relics from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Filipino, British and American engineers constructed the lighthouse in 1905.

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse.

The view from the lighthouse ground point.

Go whacky in Cape Bolinao Lighthouse.

The caretaker of the lighthouse wasn’t there there during our visit so we weren’t able to climb up the lighthouse to see a full view of Cape Bolinao. But nonetheless, I was still able to enjoy the sights around the ground viewing deck of the lighthouse. There’s also a ruined building perfect for vintage souvenir shots. Though there not much to do in the lighthouse aside from viewing, the lighthouse’s historic value makes it a worthy part of itinerary in Bolinao.

It's my first time to see a lighthouse in our country.

The ruin section in the lighthouse is perfect for photography shots.

The next treasure I discover in Bolinao is probably the most treasured sight of Bolinao. This is the golden sand Patar Beach located west of Baranggay Patar. Patar Beach is one of the most distinct beach that I have been becasue of its cream to maize colored sands that makes the beach seems to have specks of gold in its sands. When it is reflected by the sun, Patar Beach glows in almost golden color.  I bet Patar Beach would look more spectacular during sunset. The beach is surrounded by numerous private resorts and hotels for accommodation but there is also a public section particularly nipa huts in the beach where we stayed for a day trip.

The golden sands of Patar Beach.

Experience serenity to the fullest...

Picturesque colored bancas at the shores of Patar Beach.

Me and my travel mates arrived at Patar Beach at almost 12 noon. The sun is in its highest place but it didn’t stop me to explore the beach. We heavily trooped at the souvenir stores of the beach first where a wide selection of souvenir mementos of Bolinao are sold like t-shirts, magnets and keychains, of course! Then we went to the native nipa huts where we stayed to rest for a moment while admiring the spectacular Patar Beach. I am surprised that the beach was not crowded during our visit. There were other visitors but only few. It was weekday during our visit. It lead us to think that we own the beach. I am glad that we were the only people there as I appreciated the serenity of almost painting scene of Patar Beach the most.

Cream, maize or gold? The sands of Patar Beach.

Priceless Patar Beach shore.

Marvelous blending of colors of sand and sea.

Only in Patar Beach...

I wander around the wide shore of the beach. I notice how beautiful the cream colored sand blends perfectly to the contrasting cerulean colored ocean of the beach. I also saw post card pictures of bright green and orange bancas docked at the yellow cream beach sands. These beach sights are some of the unique seascapes that I saw in Bolinao. After a few minutes of wandering around and admiring the beauty of the beach, my travelmates invite me to swim. The bright turquiose water is irresistible but I still feel hesitant to swim because the sun is at its highest point at 2pm! But then I give in to the temptation!  I swam and enjoyed the beach to the fullest. I didn’t mind the strong tides. I didn’t mind the hot rays of the sun. I didn’t mind getting the sun-kissed skin. The only thing on my mind is to enjoy Patar  Beach to the fullest.

Public nipa huts for visitors rest area while at Patar Beach.

I had an exceptional cape of golden treasure experience in Bolinao!

Sidetrip: I missed seeing the other “treasured” sights of Bolinao like Bolinao Falls, Balingasay River and Bolinao Church. But one can still put these sights in your Bolinao itinerary as sidetrips. Bolinao Falls is located in Baranggay Samang Norte. It is approximately 30 minutes from the town proper and goes on a different road away from the main highway that’s why it is mostly not in the itinerary when touring Bolinao beacause of its out-of-way location and distance from the resorts.  The waterfall  has one of the best large pool perfectly inviting for a swim.  Balingasay River is said to be one of the cleanest river in the country. One can take river cruise via pump boats to explore the river and its scenic spots.  What you see as you sail along the river are century old and new growth mangrove stands, stretches of attap palms for nipa huts roofing, balete trees hanging into the water, and different species of birds making their home on the top of the trees along the Balingasay. For those who want to explore in the religious and cultural side, Bolinao Church or Church Of St. James Fortress is the best place to see. The Bolinao Church was built by the Augustinians in 1609. It houses wooden statues nowadays a rarity. The antique altar is flanked by two grinning tongue-protruding Aztec visages presumably of Mexican influence and brought over by the Galleon Trade. It  402 years old to date.

Bolinao Falls. (Photo courtesy by keich of flickr)

After 15 minutes, we went back to Solomon Paradise Resort to have our lunch and prepare for our return back home. Patar Beach is just five to seven minutes from the resort. By 4pm, we were in Bolinao town proper and we just learned that the bus that directly plies to Manila. So we opted to take a van going to Alaminos and there take a bus ride to Manila. We departed at 7pm from Alaminos and arrived 12 midnight in Pasay.

I had an exceptional cape of golden treasure experience in Bolinao. I did not find any gems, jewels or chains of gold in Bolinao. Specks of gold in Patar Beach’s sand maybe. But  from golden sunsets to golden beach sands, I certainly did find the real treasures of Bolinao in its beauty of nature and marvelous wonders.

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Treasures of Bolinao is part of my Pangasinan Wanderings two series story happened last July 3-4. Also do read the first part of the series - Alaminos' Hundred Charms.

A hui hou, Hawaii!





It is exactly a year already since my first visit to Hawaii and yet the fresh breeze of its paradise is still in my heart. It timeless charm continues to draws visitors year after year. The beaches are numerous but incomparable enough for an ideal vacation. It is beach overload in Hawaii. The natural sights are endless to explore and to appreciate. From volcano, rock formations, cliff views up to its rich marine wildlife, it is worth to discover. Its history, culture and heritage is unique and interesting. It even played a significant role in World War II. While it also has a city vibe, it has a natural wonders a few meters away. But if you opt for a cultural experience, Hula shows is just a around the corner.  And if it is shopping you are looking for, Hawaii is rich in luxurious shopping malls, boutiques up to the cheapest sale shops and "tiangge" if that's what you call that "haggle-all-you-can" stalls. That's why I tagged Hawaii as a "a real paradise" on Earth. It is an ideal travel destination that offers distinct experiences. It entices and warmly invites everyone to its paradise. A dream destination for every travelers as it has everything  that every travelers are looking for in a destination.

And I am one of those who fall in love with Hawaii. I love the warm people and the perfect tropical weather that has similarity to ours. And the cuisines are likeable too! Not to mention, the endless place to see in the whole state.  Truly, it lives to its timeless charm of a welcoming paradise. It gets you fall in love with it. No wonder, because its famed greeting "Aloha" means love. And in Hawaii, it is Aloha today, tomorrow and always! I love you Hawaii and I miss you... until we meet again... A hui, hou, Hawaii!

Learn more about how hard it is to say goodbye to my Aloha experience, here.

Going 7

Going Places turns 3 this year. This blog started as a personal online diary back in 2004. But in September 2008, this blog rebirths into a full pledge travel blog because of my love for travel and writing. Tripbase, an online travel community started this My 7 Links project with a goal to unite bloggers in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again. I have been tagged twice to do this project and though this is late already, I think the My 7 Links project and goal should go on to share the best blast from the past of bloggers archive.

Travel is an experience of a lifetime!

This 7 links to the past is a good way to celebrate Going Places 3rd year in the travel blogsphere. A good way to make a recollection of  some of the best blog posts that I made and what this blog has been through in the recent years.  Here is my Going 7 blast from the past...           

1. The most beautiful post I made is Travel is an experience of a lifetime, not because this about the most beautful place that I have been but the most beautiful realization that I had whenever I travel. This is so meaningful to me but I also do believe to every travel blogger as well. This reflection that I had especially during my Bohol trip is so beautiful that I adapt it as my travel blog’s slogan! Don’t you agree with me?    

 2. Alluring Alona  is actually among the most popular post that I made. But I find it the most popular post not only because it has the most number of comments but it also has the most number of travel bloggers and visitors to comment in my last installment of Bohol series. That’s how alluring Alona is!    

  

Alluring Alona

3. The most controversial post – Going Feedback. I made this post during the time when I feel so down about my writing skills.  I got to consecutive article rejections from a publisher and it made me evaluate those stories that I have written.  I am looking where I went wrong but I am surprised by the inspiring and helpful comments of my fellow travel bloggers. This could be not the most controversial one but for me it is.     

4.  The most helpful post – Going Green. Two years ago, Going Places has been strongly campaigning of doing “Green Travel”. It means that as we travel to different places we also do social responsibility of taking care and be concern to the environment of the place that we are visiting and promotes eco-tourism sites of the places. I made this post because I felt I needed to give something back to the community that I believe the most helpful one.  By Green Travel, you just don’t enjoy the places you travel but you also do something good for our planet Earth.    

 

Every province in the country should practice this like in Pangasinan!

5. A post whose success surprise me is my Vietnam Diary series. I never thought that these posts about Vietnam will trigger me to be a full-time travel blogger. It’s success surprise me because since then it didn’t stop me from writing about travel and places! The Vietnam Diary series is my very first travel post and the birth of Going Places.

My first travel story shared - Vietnam!

6. A post that I feel did not get the attention it deserves is the Hula in Hawaiian Sunset.  Hawaiian sunset is stunning and breathtaking and the Hula is one of the most interesting cultural heritage of Hawaii.  Seeing it all in one full afternoon made one of my most unforgettable day in Hawaii. An so I feel it deserves a second look.   

The beautiful Hawaiian Sunset deserves a second look.

The Hula Girl experience.

7. The post that I am most proud of is Bohol: Allure of Natural Beauty because this trip happened on my birthday and on that day I get to do one of my passion in life – travel! I get to travel for the first time in my birthday. And how proud could it be when you’re doing your one of your passions in life on your special day! And to make it a highly milestone day, I travel via Philippine Airlines who on that day soars to 70 years as Asia’s first airline. Called it a birthday threat, but I am really making “bawi” on my birthday as a year before, I had a “black birthday” becuase I was retrenched  from work. It is also in this trip that I realize that travel is an experience of a lifetime!     

 

Meeting the Tarsier on my birthday is awesome!

I would like to give my deepest appreciation to Ca de Ramos of Adventurous Feet and Marx of Marxtermind for nominating me to share this 7 links from the past of Going Places. This is a great celebration for my travel blog’s 3rd year anniversary. Thank you so much! Further, to set the chain reaction to continue this 7 links sharing, I am nominating not 5 from the rule but 7  fellow bloggers to also share their 7 links of blast from the past of their travel blogs.          

Here they are...
1. Claire Raborar of Lakwatsera de Primera
2. Oman of Lawstude's Journey
3. Shelyn Siew of Travel and Living Bliss
4. Chyng Reyes of No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin'!
5. Anton of Pusang-kalye
6. Jerik de Guzman of Pinoy Boy Journal
7. Karla Brazil of As told by Karla     

I hope you enjoy reading!

Who is the real Tarsier? Part 2

Due to  popular (and unsolicit) demand and funny comments I got from its first post, I am giving this post a second limelight to look back on the wonderful memories I had on my first trip in Bohol. But this time, its the "making" of  "Who is the real Tarsier?" There's an imitation wall of the Tarsier where you can slip you face and hand so that you can have a memorable souvenir picture of imitating the famed primate of Bohol in the Tarsier sanctuary that we toured during our Bohol Countryside tour last March.

I am hesitant at first trying to do the "Tarsier Moment". It was a funny thing to do so I had blopper pictures where I can't get a full concentration of what I am doing on the wall's hole.

Though, I try to concentrate, the sort of fun in doing this made me laugh whenever I slip my face on the wall and do the "Tarsier Moment." At least I only made a small attention to other visitors.

Even my sister tried it as well.  Then, for the last time, I try to mock the Tarsier. I slip my face on the wall's hole, enlarge my eyes as large as possible to imitate the big round eyes of the Tarsier and extend my hand limbs to the fullest so I can have an authentic look of the Tarsier. 

The result is... who is the real Tarsier now?

The tarsiers seemed to agree that I perfectly did the "Tarsier Moment" or else the "evil" Tarsier will get me!


The evil Tarsier! haha...

Don't forget that the main purpose of touring the Tarsier Sanctuary is spreading the awareness and concern about preserving the population of one of the unique primate species endemic in Bohol, which is the endangered Philippine Tarsier. If you have got a chance to visit the santuaries in Bohol, please do make even a small donations for the volunteers and for the sanctuary who are working for the preservation of these cute Tarsiers.

More about my Tarsier encounter here. 

Pangasinan Wanderings: Alaminos' Hundred Charms

It would be impossible to wander the whole 7,107 islands of the Philippines at the same time. But seeing  100 islands of those 7,107 is an opportunity I will surely wouldn’t miss. So when I crave to explore a nearby province in Luzon with friends, I immediately thought of exploring one of the region’s famed destination in the north – The Hundred Islands of Pangasinan. 

Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf. The name Pangasinan means "land of salt" or "place of salt-making"; it is derived from the words "Pang", meaning for and "asin", meaning salt, or "For Salt" in the Pangasinan language and other related languages, owing to the rich and fine salt beds which were the prime source of livelihood for the province’s coastal towns. The province of Pangasinan is composed of 44 municipalities, 4 cities and 1,364 barangays.

100 of 7,107 islands of the Philippines

The jumping point is Alaminos City – home of the Hundred Islands. I embarked on a 6 hour bus trip on the road that started in the early hours of the morning to reach Alaminos.  Some travellers will find it a grueling road trip as the long hours of seating in the bus is tiring and boring.  But the scenic roads of Pangasinan will definitely not bore your eyes as I myself find it an indulgence to the sense of sight.

The Hundred Islands from Lucap Wharf

Alaminos is a coastal city in western Pangasinan. Covering an area of 1,844 hectares, the islands are believed to be 2 million years old. There are actually 123 islands, only 25 of them are named, only three have been developed for tourism, and many are still unexplored. All of the 25 islands can be visited, provided that the boatman agrees.  So its better to plan your plan your itinerary to the islands and see the island route of the boatman first before jumping on an island tour.

The Hundred Islands National Park is located in Alaminos City. The islands are actually ancient corals that extend well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient sea. Lowering sea levels have exposed them to the surface and the peculiar "mushroom"-like shapes of some of the islands have been caused by the eroding action of the ocean waves.

Island-bound banca...

1 of the 123 islands of Hundred Islands National Park.

The beauty of nature in Hundred Islands.

Lucap Wharf is the jumpoint of the island hopping tour where all the arrangement, registration and price rates availment are made. It is accessible via tricycle and 15 minutes from Alaminos town proper. Around the wharf are numerous transient houses, inns and hotels for those who opts to stay in Alaminos. Me and my colleagues choose to do a day trip to the Hundred Islands.

From Lucap Wharp, we sailed for 15 minutes to reach Hundred Islands National Park. Seeing the islands much nearer is an explosion of beauty of nature in my eyesight! The lush greens, gray rock formations and white sand beach cove set against the bluest water is a marvelous beauty of nature that can only be found in Pangasinan.  The scattered islands seemed to be formed millions of years ago with a purpose of being a natural beauty that the province can be prouf of. Each frame of view of the islands in my sight are so scenic that all I can do is marvel and appreciate it. It is Alaminos’ hundred charms worth to explore.

Welcome to Governor's Island!

Meeting the real house of "Kuya"

Majestic views of Hundred Islands in front PBB House.

Beautiful beach of Governor's Island.

A few minutes of sail, we reach our first island stop – Governor’s Island. It is one of the three most developed islands in the national park.  This is where I met the real house of “Kuya.” The house was purposely built as the finale setting of the reality TV series Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 2006.  The front of the house has a majestic view of the Hundred Islands. The view is perfect backdrop for photoshoots. I wouldn’t mind staying in an island house if every morning I get this kind of majestic views. The house now serves as a popular landmark in Governor’s Island. It can be rented for an overnight stay in the island as well complete with all the amenities of a transient house.  We explored the island and in doing so we discovered more than about Kuya’s house.

There are coves in Governor’s Island that has fine white sand beaches which are ideal for swimming. The island’s beach seems enticing to swim but our guide led us to a hiking trail atop a hill-like rock formation to see a 360 degree view of the Hundred Islands National Park.  The view of the islands atop is more majestic than the front view of the Pinoy Big Brother house.  I can almost see the entire hundred islands in one whole sight or shall I say I entirely see the 100 of 7,107 islands of the Philippines! It was a beautiful view of the Hundred Islands that lingers long in my mind and worth the tiring hike.  

I love Hundred Islands!!!

A 360 degree view of the national park awaits at the hill-top view of Governor's Island.

Can I name this my island?

The famous view of Hundred Islands.

Our visit to Governor’s Island ended with a sightseeing of a cave at the back of the island. The cave is big enough for people to enter and has a narrow body but there is nothing to see inside, just appreciation of the cave itself.

The next stop is supposed to be Ramos Island but its cove is small that only 2 bancas can dock at the same time. There were already visitors in the island so we just passed by on it.  Ramos Island is famous for being the site location of TV series, Marina. 

The trail down the viewing deck at Governor's Island.

Governor's Island's cave.

A simple reminder of Going Green in Marcos Island.

The next island we explored first greeted us with its nice beach cove and named after the most popular politcal family in the country - Marcos Island. The beach cove of Marcos Island is ideal for swimming but the main feature of the island is the jump challenge at Marcos Cave. You need to do a little hike within the island to see the cave. Marcos Cave has a very wide cavern where visitors can jump from a platform and fall directly to an inland pool connected to the sea. I find it a real challenge because the jumping point is so high that I chicken out jumping into the cave pool! While my travelmates, dare to try it, I just opt to take their photos and later I explored the sightseeing point of the island while waitig for them to swam back to the beach cove. 

Pristine beach cove at Marcos Island.

The challenging Marcos Cave where I chicken out!

Girls are brave, I concluded. Enjoying a swim in pool lagoon of Marcos Cave.

Home sweet home - Bats in Bat Island.

Bat Island is our fourth stop.  The main feature of the island are the bats themselves who inhabiting the islands’ tree branches.  All of them were making a squeking sound as we approach the island adjoined by their distinct smell. I wonder how they resist staying under the sun as the heat rays are strong that morning. Bancas can’t dock at Bat Island are there are no docking area in the island.

Quezon Island from our boat.

Quezon Island's developed amenities for tourists and visitors.

We sail next to Quezon Island – the island where we stayed the longest among the islands of Hundred Islands. This is where you can do many activities that you shouldn’t miss as Quezon Island is a playground to water sports and adventure-seekers.   There is kayaking, sports fishing, snorkeling and swimming of course! Arriving in Quezon Island, we were greeted by a wonderful beach cove where beside it is an enclosed Clam Garden where live Giant Clams are being taken care of.  I would like to do a closer look of the giant clams but the garden prohibits diving in the garden, thus I just contented of looking at it for the first time.  My tavelmates explore further the island and we discover rock formation grottoes facing a beautiful view of the islands perfect for photoshoot, coral reef garden which are ideal for snorkeling and Quezon Island’s second beach cove which is good for play, swim and relaxation.  Quezon Island also has beautiful cabanas and nipa huts to rent for day trip visitors.  It is very ideal for family outings, lunch with friends and other gatherings. 

The Giant Clam Garden at Quezon Island.

A closer look at the Giant Clam and friends!

Another island near Quezon Island.

White sand beach of Quezon Island.

Magazine-cover worthy picture of Quezon Island.

We love Hundred Islands!!! - Swim like no other in Quezon Island.

This scene of Hundred Islands makes you forget all your stress and worries.

I spent most my time swimming with my travelmates in Quezon Islands’ second beach cove because of its secluded aura. There were almost no people except us who were at the beach.  I felf as if we own the beach by ourselves to enjoy. Half part of the cove it shaded by tall trees so no worry about having a sun-kissed skin! (sunburn).  It was here we swim, swim and swim like no other! Also here in Quezon Island, I find it unique that while swimming in its beach, I get a spectacular view of the islands from afar.  It was so scenic that it lingers in my mind and at times I just find myself half submerged in the shallow water of the beach, relaxing and admiring the beauty of the islands from afar.

Just relax all day long...

Cove of pure bliss at Quezon Island.

Children's Island.

Famed for its shallow waters, ideal for swimming with kids, we hop next to Children’s Island. It is the last of the most developed islands in the national park that we visited. There were also cabanas and nipa huts for rent while staying in Children’s Island. The island were crowded by groups of families when we visited so we just opt not to swim in its beach and proceed to our next island stop.

Alaminos' hundred charms - The Hundred Islands from Cuenco Cave viewing area.

Cuenco Cave is the last stop of our island hopping in Hundred Islands. I believe the cave belongs to Cuenco Island. The cave is hidden in between three islands. Cuenco Cave has a wide entrance and large in structure that make me think it is the lair of monster Kraken from Clash of the Titans movie.  Once we enter the cave we were greeted by the cool breeze of the sea which was so good when it damped on my skin.  As I walked inside, I admire t1he fascinating unique rock formations and limestones surrounding the caverns, and ceilings of Cuenco Cave. When we reached the other end of the cave, it was an exit to a stunning view of Hundred Islands. After having souvinir photos of Cuenco Cave, we returned to the entrance again.  This time a different but another stunning view of the Hundred Islands can be seen.  The view was made more stunning with the outline frame of Cuenco Cave entrance. 

Release the Kraken!!! - Cuenco Cave entrance.

Inside Cuenco Cave.

The other side opening of Cuenco Cave has an equally beautiful view.

Cuenco Cave memories...

The beauty of Hundred Islands.

It was the end of our island hopping tour of the Hundred Islands. We returned to Lucap Wharf by 2 in the afternoon. Then, we shop for sourvenirs at Pantalan just near the wharf before going to a local mall to have our late lunch.

It would be really impossible to see all of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines at the same time. But in Alaminos, seeing 100 of them is possible! You just have to widely stretch your eyes in Hundred Islands to see it. I’m proud to have seen these hundred gems of Pangasinan whom the province highly prided. I get to have an exceptional island hopping adventure and I never experience these kind of hundred natural beauties in one trip! Alaminos’ hundred charms is truly the Hundred Islands and when you say its hundred, it  also means hundred gateaways to hundred beaches, hundred coves, hundred snorkeling sights, hundred sport activities, hundred scenic seascapes, hundred caves, hundred sightseeings and hundred adventures!

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Alaminos' Hundred Charms is part of my Pangasinan Wanderings two series story happened last July 3-4. Please also do read the second part of the series - Treasures of Bolinao.