Pangasinan
Combination of tradition, innovation and creativity
A Vast Panorama of
Pleasurable Attractions
Pangasinan is one of the country’s most diverse provinces where you find an abundance of marvelous landscapes and natural wonders, warm polite and hospitable people with cultural roots in centuries of glorious history, and a way of life that is a delightful combination of tradition, innovation and creativity.
Known as a land of romance and miracles, Pangasinan represents the best Provincial Philippines, where you find both the familiar and unfamiliar world, keeping abreast with the challenges of the 21st Century, but has splendidly preserved its vast panorama of outstanding natural beauty and unique attractions, each in their own memorable styles.
PANGASINAN
Come, Discover
A midst the fast advancing urban spread, only four hours away by land from Manila, lies Pangasinan, a vast territory of legendary surroundings, many of which remain virtually unknown to the outside.
In the best tradition of Pangasinan hospitality, we invite you to discover our unspoilt paradises—tranquil seas, dolden beaches, spectacular coral reefs, majestic mountains, unexplored caves, hot and cold natural springs and many other diverse attractions that bring back the hearty feel of the countryside. Here, you will find old and charming towns, ancient churches, picture-book farmlands and coastal villages where you can thrill to deep-sea fishing and every conceivable water sports with the natives. Here, you can also savor the legendary Pangasinan hospitality with its warm and gentle people in their traditional industries, indigenous arts and culinary delights. And, finally, join us in our colorful festivities mostly in the height of summer, when people come in droves to pay homage to the Almighty and the magnificence of Mother Nature. My sincerest wishes for a pleasant stay in the province.
Amado T. Espino
Governor
Where
ACCOMODATIONS to Stay
HUNDRED ISLAND RESORT HOTEL
Brgy. Inansuana, Lucap, Alaminos City
Tel. No. 551-5753; 5555754
TONDOL WHITE SAND HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Tondo, Anda
Cel. No. 09212748101
ANDANIANS HOTEL & RESTAURANT
19 Luna St., Poblacion, Anda
Tel. No. (075) 557-5124
PATIO OLYMPIA GARDEN PAVILLION
Bayaoas, Urdaneta City
Cel. No: 0915-361-5883
CROSSROAD INN/CROSSROAD FAMILY HOTEL
Consuelo St., Poblacion, Urdaneta City
Tel No. (075) 568-5547
CASABLANCA MANSION INN
Consuelo St., Poblacion, Urdaneta City
Tel No. (075) 568-7876
CUIDAD FERNANDINO HOTEL & RESTAURANT
McArthur Highway, Urdaneta City
Tel Nos. (075) 568-2416; 568-2975 (fax)
MAJOHA HOTEL & RESTAURANT
McArhtur Highway, Urdaneta City
Tel Nos. (075) 568-2640/ 624- 2864
LISLAND RAINFOREST RESORT
San Vicente, Urdaneta City
Tel Nos. (075) 624-2736/2379; 568-2962
CRYSTAL GLADE RESORT
Ariston East, Asingan
Tel No. (075) 563-0646
CARABALLO SPRING RESORT
Brgy. Cabangaran, Umingan
Tel No. (02) 931-8286
HUNDRED ISLANDS PENSION HOUSE
Lucap, Alaminos City
Tel No. 522-7109; 551-2505
VISTA DELAS ISLAS HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Lucap, Alaminos City
Tel/Fax: 551- 4455
LA HERMOSA BEACH RESORT
Brgy. Hermosa, Dasol
Tel No. 534- 2147 (Mayor’s Office)
DASOLAND: A FAMILY ADVENTURE PARK
Brgy. San Vicente, Dasol
Contact No. 0917-545-5343
ATTRACTIONS
BEACHES
Tondol White Beach, Anda
Balo Beach, Alaminos City
Surip Beach, Bani
Patar White Sand Beach, Bolinao
Cabongaoan Beach, Burgos
Colibra Islands, Dasol
Tambobong White Sand Beach, Dasol
Lingayen Beach, Lingayen
San Fabian Beach, San Fabian
Bonuan Tondaligan Beach, Dagupan City
CHURCHES & PILGRIMAGE SITES
Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine, Manaoag
Redeemer’s Way of the Cross, Bani
Church of Saint James the Great Fortress, Bolinao
St. Claire’s Monastery, Bolinao
Mt. Zion Pilgrimage Mountain, Bugailan
Sr. Divina Tesoro Shrine, Calasiao
Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, Calasiao
Our Lady of Rosales Grotto, Rosales
HISTORICAL / ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS
Capitol Building and Capitol Grounds, Lingayen
FVR House/ Museum, Lingayen
Gov. Daniel Maramba Boulevard, Lingayen
Sison Auditorium, Lingayen
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Bolinao
ECOTOURISM SITES
Hundred Islands, National Park, Alaminos City
Balingasay River, Bolinao
Marine Protected Area, Bani
Santiago Islands
Manleluag Hot Spring, Mangatare
Acop Dam-Eco Park Rosales
Mt. Balungao, Balungao
MUSUEMS
Bolinao National Museum, Bolinao
Dagupan City Museum
Narciso Ramos Musuem, Asingan
Urdaneta City Musuem, Urdaneta City
ATHENA TRAVEL TOURS & EVENTS, INC.
Door A, 3/F C&M; Enterprises Bldg. Arellano, Dagupan City
Tel Nos. (075) 522-8855; 515-3797
CITI-WORLD TRAVEL AGENCY, INC.
2F Duque-Tingson Bldg., AB Fernandez, Dagupan City
Tel Nos. (075) 515-5600; 522-9470 (fax), (02) 525-9443
SHEPHERDS TOURS & TRAVEL SERVICES
Bayanihan Village, Caranglaan, Dagupan City
Tel/ Fax: (075) 515-7503
PALM ASIA INT’L TRAVEL & SERVICES
G/F liamas Bldg., 113 A. B. Fernandez, Dagupan City
Tel. No. (075) 516-0232
EVERGREEN TOURS & TRAVEL
Nixem Bldg., Alexander Cor., Rosario St., Urdaneta City
Contact Nos. (075) 624-2318; 568-4878 (fax)
PALM ASIA INT’L TRAVEL & SERVICES
2F Villa Linda Bldg., Pob., Alexander St., Urdaneta City
Tel No. (075) 568-6838; 624-2313
TRITON TRAVEL & TOURS
2F Alexander St., Urdaneta City
Tel Nos. (075) 524-2152; 568-2024
COLYN TRAVEL & TOURS
Bldg. B # 3 Public Market, Asingan
Tel Nos. (075) 563-2280; 611-0004
Pangasinan Tour Guides
Contact: Tourism Office
Tel. No. (075) 542-8007
PANGASINAN the 3rd biggest province in the whole Philippine Archipelago, got its name from salt, or asin in the vernacular. Archipelago, got its name from salt or asin, is made.” In fact, the salt-based table concoction called “bagoong.” a favorite fish paste or fish sauce among many Asians, has become one of the Pangasinan’s regular export items through the years. The province, however has a host of other attractions aside from culinary delight. With land area of more than 536,818 hectares, Pangasinan boasts of diverse and priceless natural jewels for every taste and inclination: gorgeous stretches
of white, sandy beaches, verdant hills and scenic terrains fro trekking, caves and waterfalls for the adventurous, pocket isles for the nature lover and a vast coastline for fishing, water sports or a leisurely stroll along historic Lingayen Beach where one catches the world famous Philippine sunset.
Next to its fascinating physical wonders, what draws visitors here is the quaint and colorful culture of Pangasinenses, a people known as warm and hospitable, hardworking, creative and fun loving. Being heirs to a rich historical and cultural legacy, their way of life still largely reflects good old traditions and values passed on through generations.
Getting Here
TRAVELING TIMES: Manila to Pangasinan by bus, 5 hours; 4 hours or less by private vehicle; Lingayen to Bolinao by bus, 2 hours; Lingayen to Dasol by private vehicle, 1 hour 45 min; Dagupan City to Baguio City by bus, 2 hours, by private car under an hour via Kennon Road.
ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS: Via Camiling, Tarlac, advisable if you’re going directly to the Western part. More common entry and exit point is via Carmen, Rosales.
NATIONAL TRANSPORT CARRIERS: Victory Liner; daily trips from depots, Pasay, Caloocan and Cubao with direct routes to Alaminos, Bolinao, Manaoag, Dagupan City, Lingayen and San Carlos. Five Star Bus Company also has daily trips from its dpots in Cubao and Pasay.
LOCAL TRANSPORT CARRIERS: Dagupan is the main central hub for transport to both the eastern and western parts of Pangasinan.
Points of Interest
THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL BUILDING AND PARKS, LINGAYEN.
Here ties the historic Provincial Capitol building, fronting the historic Lingayen Gulf, where Mac Arthur’s liberation forces landed at the tail end of WWWII for the liberation of Luzon. Built in 1918 and designed by eminent American Architect Ralph H. Doane, it has been identified as one of the eight architectural treasures of the Philippine by NCCA and the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. The area is a favorite such as the Don Daniel Maramba Boulevard and a Veterans Memorial Shrine dedicated to WWII with a collection of vintage armor and the Urduja House the governor’s official residence, with its unique design inspired from the time of legendary Princess Urduja.
THE BEACHES ALONG LINGAYEN GULF. Part of Pangasinan’s 160 kilometers coastline offers a variety of moods and features from public beaches of San Fabian to resort-owned beach areas of Labrador. Take your pick depending on your preference or budget. Accessible by national highway, accommodation range from cool affordable huts to DOT rated hotels and resorts. Recommended sites inclide Tondaligan Park at Bonuan Heach Dagupan City and the Capitol Beach Front in Lingayen.
THE BEACHES IN WESTERN PANGASINAN. If your perfect beach has white sand and less tourist traffic, then the gorgeous beaches of Anda, Bolinao, Bani, Infanta, Burgos and Dasol are your picks. Accessible by good roads, fine white sanda, deserted islands inspire more than the usual activities with deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
THE HUNDRED ISLANDS. Alaminos City, is one of the most favorite destinations up north and the setting of popular water recreational activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking or just plain basking under the sun in an island of your choosing. There are available tour packages to suit any budget, or if your feel just like driving to Alaminos City, drop by at the City Tourism Office for assistance or more information.
CACUAPANGAN, BINTAYA, VILLACORTA and NALSOC CAVES.Mabini, Infanta and Bani, feature undamaged specimens of stalagmite and stalactites. There are caves ideal for hardcore spelunkers and some perfect for beginners. Ask locals for a cave guide.
BIRD WATCHING. In Bani and Alaminos City, commune with nature and watch different species of birds both local and migratory, on their undisturbed ecosystem.Local bird watching guides are available in Bani.
SAN ROQUE MULTI PURPOSE PROJECT. San Manuel, a marvel industry and engineering site side by side with verdant rice fields are rural landscapes.
SUAL COAL FIRED POWER PLANT. Another industrial giant structure built amidst the picturesque Sual cove.
OUR LADY OF MANAOAG SHRINE. An apparition and many miracles made our Lady of Manaoag a famous destination for thousands of catholic devotees from all over the world. For the Catholic faithful, masses are scheduled every hour from
5am to 12noon.
REDEEMER’S CROSS, BANI. For the faithful or the nature enthusiasts, climb hills set with Stations of the Cross. At the bottom, nature’s reward with the balmy waters of the South China Sea at Surip Beach. Want to be more inspired? Hike right back up the cross site and watch a perfect sunset.
LOCAL CHURCHES. Pangasinan’s ancient.Hispanic churches are both a visita Iglesia’ devotee and architectural buffs paradise. This includes Our Lady of Purification Parish in Binmaley, one of the largest vaulted dome churches in the province; Lingayen’s Church of Epiphany with its collection of historical bells; Bolinao’s St. James the Great Fortress Church, with its imposing façade hewn from coral rocks; the Saint Peter and Paul Parish, considered by the National Museums as a National Cultural Treasure. MORE PILGRIM’S DESTINATIONS include the Our Lady of Rosales Groto in Rosales, the Mt. Zion Pilgrim Mountain and the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, both in Bugalton, the St. Claires Monastery in Bolinao, and the Senor Divino Tesoro in Calasiao.
BOLINAO MUSUEM. Open to the public from Monday to Friday with its nature dioramas and laymans lesson on native flora and fauna. See one of the important cultutal properties of the Philippines, the Bolinao skull with gold peggions on its teeth, ancient burial jars. Stone Age tools and mammoth fossils that were excavated from a 14th to 15th century burial site in Bolinao.
THE CAPE BOLINAO LIG THOUSE. This lighthouse was built by the Americans in 1903 and is the second tallest in the country. Climbing atop it, one gets a spectacular 360-degree view of the South China Sea.
UP MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE. An extension of the UP Diliman’s College of Biology, here is your chance to come face to face with giant claim and more marine species. Learn how to conserve and propagate them.
Festivals
PISTA’Y DAYAT or Sea Festival in Lingayen in celebrated with a week-long series of various fun events, concerts, food and product fairs, exhibits and competitions which culminate on May 1st, Labor Day where the main attraction is and has always been, taking a dip in the cool waters of Lingayen Gulf.
Bangus Festival, Dagupan; April 30
Sugpo & Malaga Festival, Binmaley; Feb. 2
Talong Festival, Villasis; 1st week January
Goat Festival, Balungao; March 17
Pidudungo Festival, Bolina; 3rd week April
Pandan Festival, Mapandan; April 6
Longganisa Festival, Alaminos; 3rd week March
Talaba Festival, Alaminos; 3rd week March
Hundred Islands Festival, Alaminos; May 1st
Binungey Festival, Anda; 3rd week April
Manaoag’s Galicayo Festival; 2nd Sunday December
Puto Festival, Calasiao
Corn Festival, Sto Tomas
Dagupena Restaurant I, II
(Dagupan & Calasiao Braches)
Tel No : (075) 522-2752
Jechs Foodshop
De Venecia Highway, Dagupan City
Suratos Restaurant
Nansangaan, Biec, Binmaley
Uncle Sam Restaurant
Poblacion, Lingayen
Tel No: (075) 542-6899
Alexis Grill
Maramba Boulevard
Lingayen
Hotel Consuelo & Chinese Restaurant
Alvear St., Cor. Maramba
Lingayen
Tel No: (075) 542-8932/ 662-2528
Bai Marin Restaurant
Lisland Rainforest Resort
San Vicente, Urdaneta City
Tel No: 624-2736/ 568-2962
PASALUBONG!
In terms of FOOD pasalubong alone, Pangasinan offers a veritable feast. Entering Pangasinan, hawkers in Urdaneta and Mangatarem offer tupig or rice cakes cooked over coals. Bolinao and Anda offer binungey which are rice cakes cooked in bamboo tubes over open fire.
In Lingayen, you can find world-famous bagong products, bocayo and tamales. Other coastal towns and cities such as Binmaley, Alaminos and Dagupan offers you your fill of seafoods, most notabl, boneless bangus. The town of Mangaldan offers export quality peanut brittle. Shifting away from food items, you can find the requisite handicrafts and native furniture IN San Carlos City. Binmaley offers excellent terracotta pottery. For something unique, try going to the town of Pozorrubio where you can find world-class metal-craft like swords and daggers.