Northbound : Pangasinan getaways

Beach. Food. Love. Life.

Pangasinan is around 4 hour drive from Manila. Take up NLEX and SCTEX to reach this big province that bridges the way to far north provinces like Baguio, La Union, and Ilocos etc. You can take the Camiling way or the usual highway to Baguio to reach this place.

When I think of Pangasinan, I think of these things: Food trip, Bangus, Puto (rice cake), and Beaches. One of the famous restaurants and personally recommended are Matutina’s and Kuya Max. But to tell you my story what I really enjoyed in Pangasinan are two particular beaches, the one in Lingayen and the other in Bolinao.

Lingayen Gulf is relatively shorter distanced than Bolinao. It’s around 4.5hr drive straight from Manila. We stayed in a place called El Puerto Marina. The resort was very welcoming. It has cottage rooms and cemented rooms both fully air-conditioned with television. Activities are fishing, kayaking, pool, badminton, billiards, ATV, and of course swimming. There’s an available pool if you don’t want to swim in the beach. Besides, the beach is another 300m walk from the resort. When you reach the beach front, large nipa huts are awaiting rooted in the fine light brown sand of Lingayen Gulf. Winds are a breeze and waves are gentler compared to beaches on the farther north. Food and cold beer are also served in the resort. If you want to relax and veer away with the hustles of the city and the parties I recommend this place.

Another beautiful but far place to go to in Pangasinan is the Puerto del Sol in Bolinao. You’ll know you’re in Bolinao if you see welcome signs of lighthouses. This resort is around 450km away from Manila. The resort has rustic designs ranging from Spanish to Italian architectural taste. There are also activity place such as darts, billiards and kayaking. The beach is not so great but don’t worry because there’s a big pool if you don’t like to swim on the beach. With not so much to talk about, you will enjoy the serene atmosphere thru eating plenty of bangus dishes, take lovely sunset photos and relax with the nature inspired ambiance of the place.