Offbeat Bolinao

Jagged rocks found at the farthest left side of Patar beach

Pangasinan had always been associated with bangus (milk fish), tupig ( glutinous rice with grated coconut wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over live coals ), bagoong (shrimp paste) and the Hundred Islands. Though they are part of the reasons why tourists flock Pangasinan, another gem is now gaining the attention of beach enthusiasts.

All time favorite : Bagoong and Tupig :))

On the northern part of the province lies the quaint town of Bolinao. Sunworshippers come to see the sprawling shores,numerous caves and the lighthouse said to be the second tallest in the whole archipelago.

Almost there

For two consecutive years,during Holy week, I'm always given the opportunity to bask under the Bolinao sun with my family.

Don't you just love family picnics? ( Holy Week, 2010)

Though we didn't have the chance to go caving nor explore the other sites aside from the  towering Bolinao Lighthouse , the 6 hour drive from Manila was all worth it. As the seascape came into full view, my siblings were just overwhelmed with its rugged and unpretentious stretch.

Cape Bolinao :)

Beach scene

There are several hotels and lodgings available here. We opted to rent one of the huts (w/ shared bath) at the farthest end of Patar Beach. It was less crowded, spartan it may seem,but you just get what you pay for. 

Spartan breakfast : Hotdogs, Coke and last night's leftovers :)

As soon as we got settled on our humble abode for the night, I began preparing lunch while they started taking photos, overwhelmed with nature's grandeur. We walked from end to end, passing though the other huts, tents and picnic tables  that lined the shore and frolicked endlessly loving the feel of the sand on our toes . Souvenirs shirts, magnets and the like were sold somewhere in the middle of Patar Beach.

THIS IS THE LIFE 

Ice lolly by the beach! :)) (Taken from one of mi sibs camera phone)

It was the perfect time for us to bond. We watched the gorgeous Bolinao sunset and shared stories 'til midnight. Priceless indeed. 

Bolinao Sunset with siblings

So whether you like it or not you have to ,at one point, drop everything the head to the beach. Patar Beach would give you the seclusion you need and will detach you from your usual fast -paced -stressful world. This quick beach adventure is all you need. So far, Patar is my #2 top beach destination next to Calaguas of course :))

How to get to Bolinao:

- Five Star Bus and Victory Liner have direct trips to Bolinao. Alternatively,one can catch a bus headed to Alaminos Town proper and from there, several jeepneys ply the route of Bolinao-Alaminos. Manila-Bolinao bus fare is a little less then Php500.

For the updated schedule of trips, visit their website. In Bolinao town proper,tricycles offer their services to bring show you around. Aside from the Bolinao lighthouse, the town boasts of its two caves and the PAG-ASA weather station quarters atop a hill.Tricycle tour services start from Php800 to 1000 depending on your haggling skills.

If you chose to skip the tour and would rather head straight to the beach, tricycle rates to your accommodation could range from Php 200-250.

We stayed at Benjie's Cottages at the farthest end of Patar Beach. It was said to have the best beachfront. Other options are also available. Off peak rates start at Php800 and can go up to Php1500 during peak season. Click here for a list of other accommodations in Bolinao.