Feb 14, 2012

Escape to Bolinao




WHAT TO SEE: Low tide seas of Bgy. Ilog-Malino, golden beach of Patar, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines), rock formations, underground caves, falls, rivers, resorts

WHAT TO EXPECT: nature trip, unspoiled beaches, rural settings, natural wonders, accommodating Ilocanos, rough roads

Part 6 of The Pangasinan Escapade
 We waited for a bus bound to Bolinao across the Five Star Bus station in Alaminos. After about five minutes, an ordinary Victory Liner bus arrived and stopped by the road and we got inside it. It was already 7 PM when we rodein the bus for another-hour-and-a-few-minute drive to the terminal. The individual student fare was P38. When we reached the terminal, we got out of the bus and looked for a trike to hire. 

THE COCONUTS. These coconut fruits were taken from the coco trees in the backyard of our transient room in Bgy. Ilog-Malino.

SHALLOW SEAS. Beaches in Bgy. Ilog-Malino, Bolinao are shallow in the morning. The low tide will let you "walk until you meet the horizon" perhaps. Just be careful though of the rough stones and sea grass underwater.

See the sea waves from afar?



NOTE: Guide on how to to go to Bolinao, see "How to Go to Bolinao + Photo Ops".

Fortunately, there is one. So we hired the trike (I can’t remember the name of the driver already) for P200. The driver shall take us to Patar beach. By the way, the fixed fare for a tricycle ride to Patar shall only be P150, but we didn’t bargain because it’s been already past eight in the evening (and come on, Patar beach is a very far flung coast south of downtown Bolinao). The way to Barangay Patar is a long road and some parts of the road are not yet asphalted or cemented (I hope the town mayor pays attention to it). 

 Our transient room in Bgy. Ilog-Malino where we spent a night and a bunch of memories.

 

 
Unfortunately, it started to rain while we were on our way to Patar. Our driver suggested that we stay in the transient rooms of his niece. So we checked it out at Baranggay Ilog-Malino (there is really a river there which is the Malino River). Bgy.Ilog-Malino is nearer from the downtown. So when we reached the driver’s place in about 15 minutes, we eagerly checked the room and it turned out to be nice (we didn’t have choice but to stay in a transient room since it’s raining). At first, his niece told us it was P1,000. After bargaining for a cheaper price, it got down to P700. The room was fully furnished, had enough size for the four of us, and had a well-ventilated restroom when we were there. Though the room was not air-conditioned, there was a stand fan available. The caretaker even lent us their grilling range. And with that, we ate a sumptuous grilled boneless milk fish that night. If I will have the chance to rate the totality of the transient room that we rented and the experience we had, I’ll rate it nine stars out of ten stars. Why? These are the reasons:

 Planking forever. :)


  1. The room is fully furnished and is comparable to a hotel. They also have air-conditioned rooms for rent.
  2. The caretaker is very friendly and accommodating. She even helped us cook our grilled fish and let us use their other amenities.
  3. They let us wander around the beach in front of the transient room. The sand there is brown and not as beautiful as that one in Patar but it’s worthy to walk the very low seawater of the shore.
  4. It is very affordable at just P700 for the four of us compared to Punta Riviera or Puerto del Sol which has a night accommodation of more than P3,000 for 4 pax.




 If you are on a tight budget like us but you want to stay in a nice room for a night in Bolinao, I recommend this place. I can’t remember the name of the transient rooms but it is located very near from Puerto Del Sol Resort and Punta Riviera Resort (two of the famous Bolinao resorts). It is also located amid two sari-sari stores. If you want to stay in the room where we had spent our night in Bolinao, may be you can try inquiring when you are already at Bgy. Ilog-Malino.



Strong, isn't he?

If you are looking for Bolinao resorts, there are a lot of them. Some of the Bolinao resorts include Punta Riviera, Puerto del Sol, Treasures of Bolinao and a lot more. These Bolinao beach resorts also tour packages so you may want to consider that.


THE PANGASINAN ESCAPADE TRAVEL SERIES:

Part 6: Escape to Bolinao
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