Wednesday, April 4, 2018

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.

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