Mt. Balungao Cold & Hot Spring Resort: An Eco-Travel Getaway

Mount Balungao is an extinct volcano located in the town of Balungao, Pangasinan. About 5 kilometers from the center town you can reach this place. It is one of the main tourist attraction of the town.
It's an opportunity to reach this place together with my  relatives. This is my first time to reach this place and I am so excited and amazed upon reaching this place. It is not a very big place but  you can enjoy the environmental surrounding and the enchanting view of the small mountain. Along the road you can see the simplicity of way of life among the residents that resides there. I  was able to talk to one  of the cleaners of the Park and he told me that every Saturday a lot of people are coming in to witness the Miraculous water that flows  at the foot of the mountain just near at the back of the hotel. He told me that once the candle is lit on that portion of the place the miraculous water will flow. So interested about his story but unfortunately we reached the place on Sunday.

This is the entrance to  Mt. Balungao Hot & Cold Spring Resort.
Parking of car inside the compound is free.

The hanging steel bridge connecting the hotel building

The Front view garden of the building

Good things never last at this resort, unfortunately my nephew lost his cellphone in this area and surprisingly  one of the cleaner  returned  it to us  when we informed them about the lost unit. That is why I highly recommend to visit this resort  if you want to enjoy your  stay in Pangasinan.

Balungao Hot and Cold spring resort is ideal on  holy week season and other time for family bonding. It is near Manaoag Church, less than an hour if you want to drop on this historical Church.

Mount Balungao in Pangasinan is a very nice place once you reach and blessed with hot springs. Local officials from Balungao developed their place in order to add this town on the tourism map of Pangasinan. They developed an extreme nature and sports adventure site the Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort. It is situated at Mt. Balungao Resort,four kilometers away from the town proper.
The Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort offers zipline experience, all-terrain vehicle driving, bungee trampoline, hiking or trail walking, trust fall, and mountain biking.
The Zipline starts from a hilltop, stretches through farms and patches of old trees and ends at a resort at the foot of Mt. Balungao. Zipline ride offers you a view of villages, extinct Mt. Balungao, and flowing hot and cold spring.

Aside from extreme adventures, Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort is also known for its hot and cold spring swimming pools which offering varying temperatures. Perfect for family bonding or barkada outings.
The exhilarating 1.4 km. Zipline is the newest addition to the extreme adventures offered in the resort. It is said the longest zipline in the Philippines. And gave the biggest thrill to visitors trekking up Mt. Balungao in Pangasinan.

Rates:

• Entrance Fee:  (opens at 4am and closes at 9pm)
  Php 50.00 Adult / Senior Citizen:  40.00
  Php 25.00 Kids (Children 4 feet and below)
• Parking area is free

For Night Swimming
Php 70 adult, Php 40 children (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM only)
For Upper Swimming Pool
Php 50 adult/children (Day Time)
Hiking Environmental Fee
Php 20/hike/head

• Shed:
  Php 300.00 (Kubo)
  Php 150.00 (Concrete)

Function Hall

• Pavilion
  Php 1,600.00 (8 AM to 5 PM) additional charges of Php 400/hour thereafter
• Function Hall
  Php 5,00.00 (6 hours) Additional charge of Php 500.00 per hour thereafter
• Abono Partylist Pavilion
  Php 3,500.00 (8 AM to 5 PM) additional Php 200/hour thereafter
  Php 3,500.00 (6 PM to 12 AM) additional Php 200/hour thereafter

Room Rates

• TIEZA Building
  Room Rates 1,600.00/2 pax additional charges Php 400/hour thereafter

Php 400 – Per Extra Bed
*Check in time at 1:00 PM, check out time at 12:00 Noon
*In the case the occupant’s stays 2 hours beyond check out time, a charge of additional Php 250.00 shall be enforced. However, more than 2 hours after checkout time, occupant shall be charged equivalent to one day of use.
Adventure Rates:

• Zipline1 620m
  Php 300.00
• Zipline2 1.4 km
  Php 500.00
• Twin Ride (Zipline No.1 & 2)
  Php 700.00
• Aero Cable Biking
  Php 150.00/ride
• ATV Driving
  Php 300.00/15mins
• Cable Package (Zipline1, 2, Cable Biking)
  Php 800.00/ride
• Bungee Trampoline
  Php 100.00/15 mins (Temporary Not Available)
• Wall Climbing/Rapelling
  Php 100.00/pax
• Basic Rope Course
  Php 300.00/pax

Adventure Package

• Adventure Package A Php 1,000.00 (Zipline No.1 and 2, Cable Biking, plus 15 mins ATV driving)
• Adventure Package B Php 850.00 (Zipline No.1, and 2, plus 15 mins ATV driving)

Address and Phone Number:
Phone, +63 918 319 9294 ·
Address. Bakit-Bakit-Umingan Rd; 2442 Balungao, Pangasinan ...
 

How to get there? 

We reached this place by private car but for commuters there are buses going to Dagupan. Well if you know SM Rosales there's a jeep there going to Balungao market. But they are there only at 10am. So you can  rent a tricycle in SM Rosales to take you to Balungao Resort directly. They said that budget for tricycle is 300 pesos for that. Only 3 persons per tricycle cause the road going to Balungao Resort was going up a hill so it would be hard to have a tricycle to have more people inside. Another one was you can ride a jeep near McDonalds just a few steps from SM Rosales . The jeep will take you to Balungao Market at 10 pesos then ride a tricycle there.

Pangasinan Umaani Expo 2018 : An Eco-Travel

If you are living in Manila you probably noticed that Pangasinan is the third biggest province in the whole Philippine Archipelago, derived it's name from salt or “asin” in the vernacular. With rich and fine salt beds which were the prime source of livelihood for the province’s coastal towns, PanagASINan or “Pangasinan” which means “where salt is made” came to be its name.

When I  was asked by my  niece to  have a tour in Pangasinan hundred islands I never had  an idea that there is an Expo held at the compound of  Department of Agriculture. It was only when we arrived that day when they informed me about the activities. It's true when we arrived at the place there are  a lots of beautiful cottages and stores booths for the  activities.
Immediately before we proceed to Hundred islands I asked my nephews and niece to go around the compound to visit  the expo wherein a lots of  cottages and bahay kubo were made with different themes presenting the  various products of Pangasinan and the agricultural activities of the DAR Pangasinan.
It's a blessings to visit the beauty of the place and the blessings of the natural environment with trees bearing fruits and other plants.

Latest Trends in Agriculture
Unfortunately we did not see and witness Senator Cynthia A. Villar who lauded the "Pangasinan Umaani Expo" since we are in a hurry on our way to Hundred islands . But anyway here is the short caption of speech of Sen. Villar.
Sen Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, said "that through the Umaani Expo agricultural stakeholders display and trade their products, and get to know more about the latest trends on agriculture by engaging themselves on the discussions which are lined-up during the eight-day affair which runs until March 23.


What knowledge & skills learned and applicable for daily living 
The Pangasinan Umaani Expo 2018 is very important in our life since for example the knowledge  I learned  during the expo will be my starting point to start a business in making natural products from fruit bearing trees. From the exhibition of various products at least you have an idea what business to start.  Materials from  dried leaves of trees and palm trees are examples  raw materials that can be converted into many usable products like chairs, tables, hats and others.  So many things to do and learned that can be apply to  our daily lives.

What  activities you should  participate
I considered this tour at DAR Compound Pangasinan a meaningful one since I learned new things and knowledge in line with agriculture and its activities at present time . I am so happy to share what I have learned in this tour and  looking forward to witness another same activity in the near future.
Below are some of the activities of  DAR Pangasinan that you could participate, pls. visit their website:www.dar.gov.ph/.../1926-dar-to-feature-agrarian-reform-comm.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will conduct a localized information drive to feature successful agrarian reform communities (ARCS) in the country.

Native Products are being shown during the Umaani Expo

Fresh vegetables and fruits from the farm

How to get there
Address of DAR Pangasinan : Alexander St. Poblacion Urdaneta, Pangasinan 
The following buses  have route  straight to Urdaneta :
1. Cisco bus - from Pasay City
2. Viron bus - from Sampaloc, and Cubao Quezon City
3. First North Luzon Transit - from Cubao
4. Partas  - from Cubao, Quezon City

MANAOAG CHURCH: AN ECO-SPIRITUAL TRAVEL

One blessed morning  I had the opportunity to travel  to  one historical church in Pangasinan which is famous for it’s name “Nuestra Senora de Manaoag -- Manaoag, Pangasinan. Our Lady of Manaoag (formally: Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, literal translation: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag) is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, associated with a statue in Manaoag, Pangasinan said to be from the 16th century. She is the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy.

The original image statue of Our Lady of Manaoag at the Old tree located at the   entrance  infront the church.

Short Story at a Glance

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, located on top of a hill in the town, has been canonically affiliated with the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome since June 2011. The parish encompassing Manaoag and the surrounding towns is administered by the Order of Preachers under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. It was officially declared a Basilica on February 17, 2015.

Some of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Manaoag are depicted in murals inside the church’s transepts and nave. The Paschal Chapel beside the south flank of the church has icons of the Black Nazarene similar to that of the Quiapo Church, the Santo Entierro (Dead Christ), and other statues of the Virgin Mary. The sanctuary on the left side of the main entrance has a large image of the Crucified Christ.

Things to do

Although we reached this place during ordinary day expects that swarms of people fill the place during Sundays and religious occasions such as the Virgin Mary’s birthday, Holy Week, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Inside the church, there is an archaic ambiance with the old bricks and ancient architecture. Pews are lined up from all sides and at the very center is the altar. In the highest portion of the altar is where the Lady of Manaoag majestically stands. There is a fountain around the big image of Lady of Manaoag wherein you can throw  coins if you want to wish a prayer. A fountain  also nearby  for you to lit a candle and pray and let the candle float on the water.

A fountain wherein you can drop your candle and let it flow, make a wish and prayer.

The entrance at the Rosary Garden

Souvenir Items

Of course, when visiting the place, one should not forget about stopping by the stores situated inside and near the church. The canteen at the parking lot of the church sells the best turon in town. It is a delightful snack which is a banana wrapped in a crispy material and coated with sugar. Outside, there are stores that also sell souvenirs such as prayer books, colorful rosaries of different sizes, carved wooden religious figures, wooden crafts, and local native candies and cakes such as tupig and patupat.

How to Get there

Manaoag, Pangasinan, is around five hours away by bus from Trinoma, Quezon City. I went to church with my niece and relatives on a private car but  there is Dagupan Bus that took you straight to the Manaoag Shrine. My cousin said that  bus fare is Php 314 one-way. If you're coming from QC, the bus passes Trinoma hourly starting at around 5am until around late afternoon. There are 2 major stop overs, Dau bus terminal and SM Rosales

HUNDRED ISLANDS ALAMINOS: AN ECO-GETAWAY TRAVEL

Nothing compares the uniqueness and picturesque  beautiful  islands of  Alaminos Protected National Park. With it's natural landscape formation and geographic location at Northern Philippines it captures the interest of local and foreign tourists and visitors.

Brief History

Take a few moments to learn the history of  Hundred Islands National Park  situated in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Also known as “Kapulo-puloan” or “Taytay-Bakes,” these little Islands are one of the most magnificent natural geological formations in the Philippines.
Interesting to note that the islands are dispersed along the Lingayen Gulf and have a total land area of 1,844 hectares or 18.44 square kilometers. Amazingly there are 124 islands here but one gets submerged in water during high tide.

Our group take a pose at the entrance port in going to hundred islands. After registration and fees at Tourism Office, a boat  awaits our group which will take us to the 3 developed islands mainly the Quezon, Governor and Children's Islands. The boatman  patiently wait our group on the agreed time of  waiting to return to the port area.

Concern for Environmental Cleanliness and Safety

What I like most in this travel is their concern for cleanliness wherein you are strictly obliged to get your  trash bag  to the office and return it when you came back and they will refund the money for the trash bag. At the end of the day I learn something new.

I liked most  their Island Slogan "Basura Mo, Iuwi Mo" really strictly implemented.

You are insured once you visit their islands

Beautiful Natural Environment

The islands are beautiful  and magnificent formation of shaped like giant umbrellas or mushrooms. The islands are about two million years of age; it was theorized that they are part of the seabed a long long time ago. Take note that among the islands, only three have been developed for travelers and vacationists, namely: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. Not all the islands have names maybe it’s not yet develop. These islands are made of limestone roofed with think shrubbery and other flora.  Cutting or getting flora and fauna  is strictly prohibited.
Hold your breath, as you reach the place you will be surprised by the whole place because it is really like a paradise since its clear water and sparkling blue sky which are very refreshing to the eyes.

Top Three Island
Only these 3 islands are allowed to tour by the Ministry of Tourism and  strictly followed by boatman since these are already developed other islands are soon to develop.

• Quezon Island – This is the most developed and most visited island, which is actually composed of three islets. It is catered mainly for picnickers and campers. There are dining and grilling areas where visitors can cook and eat their food. There are also stores in the area where you can buy snacks. Aside from swimming, you can also try kayaking. Kayaks are for rent. A kayak is a small human-powered boat primarily designed to be manually paddled. On January 18, 1940, the Quezon Island was proclaimed as the first National Park in the Philippines by the former President Manuel L. Quezon because this is the biggest island among the other islands. In fact, the name of the island is derived after him. He also has a statue in one of the islets.

  

  THE QUEZON ISLAND
  

  
• Governor Island – This island is used to be the shooting area of the reality show “PBB” or Pinoy Big Brother, which is one of the most popular shows in the Philippines. Aside from that, Governor’s Island also has rooms complete with facilities and utensils. This is perfect for families who wish to stay overnight. There are picnic tables at the entrance to the island. At the peak of the Governor Island,  you can spot the fantastic view of the Hundred Islands.

  

  THE GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

• Children’s Island – This island also a nice area in Hundred island. The beach here is very calm which is perfect for swimming, especially for children. There are floating cabanas in the Children’s Island where you can enjoy sitting and relaxing. There are cottages in the area that are for rent, provided with cooking facilities and comfort rooms. The visitors can also build their own tent. 

THE CHILDREN'S ISLAND

Other Islands:
Please take note that other islands are not yet ready for tour so just read the following for additional knowledge. Other islands that would ignite your interest are the Century Island (whose cave was said to be one of the hiding places of Alaminos locals during World War 2, and also known for snakes and bats), Lopez Island, New Scout Island, Marcos Island (with Imelda Cave – one can jump into emerald colored waters and swim out into the sea and back onto the beach), Clave Island, Old Scout Island (with the Quirino Cave), Children’s Island, Martha and Ramos Islands which are joined together by a tiny strip of white sand bar, Cuenco Island, Romulo Island and the Devil Island which is also known as Cagao Island. The Cathedral Island is named for a big cavern where one can swim as well. Other islands in the National Park are Guiya Island – the northernmost, Bangar Island, Turtle Island (shaped like well, a turtle), Braganza Island, Hernandez Island, Abad Santos Island, Sulpot Island, Cariaz Island, Monkey Island (monkeys apparently don’t show themselves anymore though, that is if there are any left), Sison Island, Shell Island, and Camantiles Island.

Some Activities that can be done in the Islands

• Kayaking or Paddling
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Photoshoots
• Picnics
• Spelunking
• Trekking
• Camping

Your travel to Hundred Islands National Park may be one of the memorable and meaningful experiences you will ever have. Why because you become nearer to the nature and you will take pleasure in seeing colorful tropical fish in the coral grounds under the water. This is also a place where you can see the world’s biggest bivalve mollusks the Giant Clams, also called “Taklobos.” Their shell is very long and each can weigh up to 225 kilograms!

ISLAND RATES :

 Please contact  directly the office  to learn the rates, the rates posted on this blog was obtained March 2018 :
Contact Details
Alaminos City Tourism Office (24/7 in service)
Facebook:Alaminos City Tourism
Address: Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
Mobile No. : 0910.328.7833 / 0917.973.7575 / 0998.597.5153
Email: alaminoscitytourism@gmail.com
ALAMINOS CITY’S 24/7 EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS
*Emergency, Lost, Need more information on how to get to Hundred Islands national Park.
Pls. Feel Free to Reach these updated Contact Numbers.
Alaminos City Action Center (Medical emergency)
Pldt: 075.632.1058 / Smart: 0947.551.1420
Philippine National Police
0999.930.5901
Philippine Coast Guard- Lucap Detachment
0939.134.1011
0928.397.7489
Public Order and Safety Office (POSO)
0918.345.2681

OTHER PLACE TO VISIT IN ALAMINOS CITY:

1. City Tour
2. St. Joseph Cathedral
3. Mangrove  Propagation & Information Center
    Mangrove Park, Brgy. Bued
4. E-Kawayan Factory, Brgy. Tangcaran
5. Techno-Demo Farm, Brgy. Tangcarang
6. Material Recovery Facility, Brgy. Santa Maria

City Best Products:
1. Alaminos - Longganisa
2. Alaminos Boneless Bangus
3. Binungey
4. E-Kawayan Novelty Items


HOW TO GET THERE
The trip to Pangasinan is only 250 kilometers from Manila. Take a bus (Five Star Bus and Philippine Rabbit from Manila. ) from Manila to Dagupan or Alaminos City. Travel time is about 4-5 hours. From Alaminos,  there is a terminal in front of the SUKI supermarkets where you can ride a tricycle going to Lucap pier, the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands.