THE HUNDRED ISLANDS: I Came To See You!

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 8^th 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.

Author : OLANOLOGY

Share this

Related Posts