Back in my grade school years, one of my favorite
subjects is "Sibika At Kultura". I find it very interesting and
educational among other subjects taught in the class. The book, "Sibika At
Kultura", illustrated the many "Wonders" of the Philippines that
made my innocent mind realized that there are bountiful numbers of beautiful
places to see and discover outside of my hometown Cateel. The book became an
instant hit to me. It is where I first see the picture of Banaue Rice Terraces,
referred as the 8th Wonder of the World; Mount Mayon, known for
having a perfect cone; Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world; Mount
Apo, the country's highest peak; the Chocolate Hills, famous for its unique unvarying
formation; Maria Cristina Falls, the country's tallest; the Hundred Islands,
the first declared National Park in the country; and many other important
landmarks the truly become Philippines pride.
The book inspired me to make a quest in seeing all those
mentioned places and somehow prove to myself that what the book has written is
indeed true and correct. True enough, as time passed by, I have gradually
fulfilled this quest. Blessed to afford a worthy travel, I have been able to
visit many of those mentioned places in my Sibika at Kultura book. And without
a doubt, those places are worth visiting especially for every Filipinos like
me. For this year, on the top of my list is the world famous
"HUNDRED ISLANDS" of Alaminos City in Pangasinan.
Being based here in Davao City, going to the Hundred
Islands requires a lengthy travel time. From Davao, I have to fly to Manila and
from Manila another 6 hours overland ride to Alaminos City in Pangasinan. I took the last flight from Davao to Manila and arrived
there around 12 midnight. From there, our hired van was already at the airport
to fetch us going to Alaminos City. It was my first time going to the North
bound area of Luzon. I was asleep the whole time we were traveling bound to
Alaminos.
At seven in the morning after a 6-hour travel, we arrived
at the Lucap Wharf, the jump off point to the Hundred Islands. From the wharf,
I can see some of the islands already. Registration for visitors was also done
here. It is also where we arranged our boat rentals for the Island Hopping that
cost us for Php 1,500.00. Lucap Wharf being the gateway to Hundred Islands houses
various souvenir shops where you can buy different kinds of shell craft and souvenir
items. There are also local restaurants that offer Ilocano dishes for budget
traveler. As for my breakfast, I had Longganisang Alaminos, the must try food of
the city. After that sumptuous breakfast, off we go and started our very
exciting Hundred Island Adventure Tour.
THE HUNDRED ISLAND
ADVENTURE TOUR
PHOTO ANTHOLOGY
The Hundred Islands National Park is comprised by 124
Islands covering a land area of 1,884 hectares. Of these 124 Islands, only
three islands have been developed for visiting tourists. They are Governor
Island, Quezon Island and Children's Island. The rest of the islands are left
undeveloped, some are even unexploited.
THE GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Our first stop is the Governor Island. This actually
serves as the gateway to the rest of the Islands. Among the 124 Islands,
Governor Island has the highest peak. Part of the peak is developed into a huge
viewing deck overlooking the panoramic view these Group of Islands. Governor
Island also has small cave with a wide opening very accessible to its visiting
guests. At the other side of the Island, there lies Pinoy Big Brother House. It
used to be called as Governor's House but was changed to latter when it was
used by the ABS-CBN for Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition.
The Cave at the Governor's Island
THE QUEZON ISLAND
Our next stop was the Quezon Island, named after the late
President Manuel Quezon. Being the one who proclaimed the area as the first
National Park in the Philippines, this biggest Island among the 124 Islands is
named after him. Quezon Island has the most number of visitors compared to the
other Islands. There are several picnic pavilions where visitors can dine and
even cook their food. There is also a small store selling some food and stuffs
but since it is the only store in the Island, expect that everything is a bit
pricey. Quezon Island has the most ideal shoreline for beach comber. It has the
widest shoreline among other Islands creating a breathtaking view from afar.
THE MARCOS ISLAND
Next stop was the Marcos Island, obviously named after
President Ferdinand Marcos. Unlike the Governor and Quezon Islands, Marcos
Island has no tourist accommodation. There are no rooms to stay, no picnic
pavilions to lounge and no restaurants to cater food. But if you’re looking for
a great thrill, Marcos Island is certainly the place to be. Trekking at Marcos
Island is definitely my favorite. The picturesque view of the shorelines as
seen from where I stopped at cliffy part of the hilly trails nailed my eyes to
the exceptional exquisiteness of the Hundred Islands. My trek to the 50
meter-trail ended up in a 70-feet drop leading to the cave named after
President`s better half, Imelda. Imelda Cave is the highlight of the Marcos
Island. Submissive to my itch of thrill and adventure, I fearlessly jumped the 70-feet
drop leading to the cold water surface of this underwater cave. It was a one of
a kind experience I will truly take pride of.
Imelda Underwater Cave
TAKLOBO SANCTUARY
The next stop was the Taklobo Sanctuary. The Hundred
Islands is rich in coral reefs. Coral reefs lie among this group of islands and
become the nesting home of various species of fish. Thus, diving and snorkeling
at the Hundred Islands become a must-try experience that should never be missed
when at here. The best part of this snorkel experience is the up close
encounter with the giant clams known locally as Taklobos abundantly scattered
alongside the rich coral reefs of the Islands. Taklobos are said to be the
largest mollusks of its kind with its shell measuring about a meter in length.
Being magnificently scattered undersea, these Taklobos of the Hundreds Islands
become an amazing underwater attractions that I personally would say worth the
experience.
After lavishing ourselves with the beauty of the Hundred
Islands in addition to the extreme adventures truly enjoyed there, off we went
back to the mainland. Back at the Lucap Wharf, another interesting attraction I
did not miss to experience is the modern Lighthouse with a winding staircase so
perfect for a beautiful photograph of oneself with the hundred islands on its
background. I personally had one for myself.
Before finally bidding goodbye, I made a long meaningful
pause to glance at the Hundred Islands for the last time. Softly I said, “I
used to dream of you. And finally, we met and made a swift romance. I shall see
you soon”.
Heading back to the Van that would take us to another
destination, I felt so fulfilled. Another “Sibika at Kultura” subject was
finally and personally visited. One quest was made! But another quest
continues…
HOW TO GET TO THE
HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK:
There are public bus lines that have scheduled rides from
Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Subic, Tarlac, and Zambales bound straight to Alaminos
City and vice versa. Some of these buslines are Victory Liner, Five Star, and
Philippine Rabbit. Upon arrivals at the
bus terminal, head straight to the Lucap Wharf located in Barangay Lucap, the
gateway to the Hundred Island. Lucap
Wharf is only a 10 to 15-minute ride away. Getting to the Lucap Wharf, go to
the Hundred Islands National Park Center and ask for further assistance. The
center staffs are trained to assist you with information and other things
you'll need for your Hundred Island Adventure.
21 comments
Write commentsi particularly love your jump shots! nakakainggit ka olan... i'm too old for trips like this...whew!
ReplyHundred Islands! :D Taga-Pangasinan ako, pero first time ko mag-island hopping tour dun late last year with some travel blogger friends. Ang sarap ng feeling na finally, na-explore ko na rin siya :D
Replyi'l be making this post a reference kng magkasched ko balik sa hundred islands.
ReplyLove all the photos Olan... Im forever a fan.
So Amazing kaayo imong mga photos.. :)
ReplyOg ang maka agaw pansin ang PERFECT jump shots.. :)
I love it! :)
the imelda cave is interesting! ill definitely add this to my to-go-to list. great post
Replygreat shots!!!
Replykelan kaya ako makakapunta dyan?
thanks for sharing your experience with us...
by the way, nice site! i'll add u on my blogroll... keep it up!
@ ORMAN - Hahaha. Kaya yan Orms. Tara sabay tayo. :)
Reply@ Micamyx - I am very blessed that i was able to see the Hundred Islands inspite of the fct that I am from Davao, too far from Pangasinan. Itw as really worth the long travel. :)
Reply@ Leo - Thank you Leo Bess. :) i'm humbled by your kind words. :)
Reply@ ANGIE - thank you very much Ange :) the place is just for irrestible to take a perfect jump shot. :)
Reply@ CARLA - Thank you. Imelda Cave is actually my favorite here. :) Grrrr! Wanna jump again. :)
Reply@ Pinoy Adventurista - Salamat. :) I'll linked you too. :)
Replynice place for adventure trip
Replyis there a place to stay overnight in any of the 3 islands? say gusto mo mag overnight possible ba?
@ I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT - tanging QUEZON ISLAND and GOVERNOR ISLAND lang ang may accommodation. The rest wala na. Pero puede ka naman magstay sa mainland then early ka lang ng umaga.
ReplyThe Hundred Islands is a great destination to unwind and temporarily leave behind the troubles of urban life. I've been there before and loved every single moment of it.
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You couldn't have said it better, Joshua. The hundred islands provides great experience for its travelers.
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