Looking for top things to do in Pangasinan, tourist spots and places to visit this 2024? Check out this Pangasinan Travel Guide Blog with sample itinerary to help you plan your trip!
Best known for beaches, waterfalls, verdant hills, scenic terrains and of course the amazing Hundred Islands, the Province of Pangasinan is a must-visit tourist destination in the Philippines. Located in Northern Luzon, Pangasinan is part of Ilocos Region and is the 3rd largest province in the Philippines. The province got its name from from salt or "asin", which is a thriving livelihood among the coastal towns of Pangasinan. Easily accessible via 3 to 4 hours travel from Metro Manila, it is a popular destination among couples, families and barkadas looking for weekend getaways, road trips, or even a day tour from Manila.
Why visit Pangasinan? With its long shoreline facing the west Philippine Sea, Pangasinan is famous for its white sand beaches and many water activities. But more to that, it also offers many natural and man-made attractions and offers exciting activities that any traveler will surely enjoy.
Are you ready to explore Pangasinan? In this Pangasinan Travel Guide Blog 2024, I will share to you the best things to do for your trip in Pangasinan with sample itineraries, list of top attractions, tourist spots and best places to visit in Pangasinan. Get the most out of your trip with with these Pangasinan tourist spots, activities, tours and more!
2024 PANGASINAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Pangasinan, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
THINGS TO DO IN PANGASINAN, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT
Here are the most popular things to do and must-visit tourist spots in Pangasinan. This covers the towns and cities of Dagupan, Alaminos, Dasol, Anda, Manaoag, and Bolinao. In no particular order.
1. Hundred Islands in Alaminos
Composed of 123 islands and islets, Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, is considered as one of the top tourist spots and attractions in Pangasinan. When exploring Hundred Islands, you could enjoy a day of island hoppinh while enjoying a refreshing swim on the different the islands' cool and crystal waters. Among the more than 100 islands of this amazing national park, my recommended must-visit are: Virgin Island, Centruty Island, Cathedral Island, Crocodile and Turtle Islands, Devil's Island, Scout Island and Marcos Island and Imelda Cave.
For ease and convenience, I highly recommend availing a Hundred Islands Pangasinan Day Tour from Manila. This tour package includes convenient private transfer service from Manila to Pangasinan, admission to attractions, environmental fees, boat rental and tour guide.
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Hundred Islands Day Tour from Manila
- 05:30 am - ETA in Hundred Islands
- 06:30 am - Start of Island Hopping (4 islands) and water activities/cliff diving
- 12:00 nn - Lunch at Quezon Island, swimming/siesta
- 01:30 pm - Island Hoping/Last island (Pilgrimage Island)
- 03:30 pm - Back to port/wash up/food trip/selfie
- 05:00 pm - ETD from Pangasinan
- 10:00 pm - ETA in Manila
If you wish to stay overnight in Alaminos City, here are the top hotels, resorts, hostels and transient houses for rent that you could consider.
HOTELS & RESORTS IN ALAMINOS
- Hundred Islands Racho √ See room rates & availability
- Carribean Transient House √ See room rates & availability
- Hiribaco 100 Resort Residences √ See room rates & availability
- Hundred Islands Guest House √ See room rates & availability
- Vhauschild Transient Rooms √ See room rates & availability
- Monte Rio Gardens Bed & Breakfast √ See room rates & availability
- Traditional Filipino Home √ See room rates & availability
- RedDoorz Hostel near Hundred Island National Park √ See room rates & availability
2. Manaoag Church
One of the most visited religious sites in Pangasinan, The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag or simply Manaoag Church is frequented by devotees all year round. A favorite stop over among travelers heading to Baguio City, La Union or the Ilocos Provinces, it is one of the top things to do in Pangasinan aside from the many tourist spots and attractions in the province. Housing the mirculous image of the Our Lady of Manaoag, devotees come here for various reasons such as good health, good voyage, and for car blessings.
MANAOAG CHURCH MASS SCHEDULE
- Weekdays: 05:00 am to 11:00 am (every hour) and 05:00 pm.
- Saturdays: 05:00 am to 12:00 nn (every hour) and 04:30 pm (anticipated mass).
- Sundays: 05:00 am to 12:00 nn (every hour) and 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm (every hour).
3. Bolinao Falls
Located in Brgy. Samang Norte in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Bolinao Falls is the most popular waterfalls in Pangasinan. Visited by many tourists for its amazing glowing turquoise pool of water, it's one of the top tourist spots in Pangasinan you should not miss and must be added in your itinerary.
4. Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Another must-visit tourist spots in Bolinao, Pangasinan is the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Built in 1905, this historical lighthouse is located atop the Punta Piedra Point with an elevation of 107 meters above sea level, it is considered as the second highest lighthouse in the Philippines next to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte.
5. Patar Beach in Bolinao
One of the most popular beaches in Pangasinan, Patar Beach in Bolinao is a favorite among local and foreign tourists. Known for its scenic stretch of semi-sand beach and mezmerizing sunset, it is one of the best places to stay when traveling to Pangasinan. There are many hotels and resorts in Bolinao where you could stay for a night or two. From affordable hotel to luxurious beach resorts, Bolinao is ideal for family getaways or barkada trips.
HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN BOLINAO
- Puerto Del Sol Resort √ See room rates & availability
- Casa Estrella Beach Resort √ See room rates & availability
- Birdland Beach Club √ See room rates & availability
- Villa Soledad Beach Resort √ See room rates & availability
- Bayside Inn √ See room rates & availability
- Liway Beach Huts √ See room rates & availability
- Casa Almarenzo Bed & Breakfast √ See room rates & availability
- Punta Riviera Resort √ See room rates & availability
For ease and convenience, you may avail:
Bolinao Pangasinan Tour from Manila
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6. Cabongaoan Beach + Death Pool
- Escape from the city and visit this untouched gem of Burgos, Pangasinan!
- Feel relaxed as you bask in the sun and swim in its crystal blue waters.
- Go on an adventure and try out the famous Death Pool which is just a short trek from the beach.
For ease and convenience, you may avail a Cabongaoan Beach + Death Pool Tour from Manila, which includes round-trip transportation, toll fees and parking fees.
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Cabongaoan Beach + Death Pool Tour from Manila
- 12:00 mn - ETD to Cabongaoan
- 06:00 am - Breakfast, Swimming, Island Hopping (optional)
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- 04:00 pm - ETD Manila
- 09:00 pm - ETA Manila/End of tour
7. Dasol Beach
Dasol Beach has a stretch of semi-fine cream sand dotted with tall coconut trees. It is kissed by calm waters with beautiful rock formations. Daso's raw and rugged charm is truly inviting and is best enjoyed if you want to appreciate quietness, tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings.
As it is not as popular as the other beaches in Pangasinan, it is certainly a place where you could find peace and serenity during your vacation.
Where to stay in Dasol? You may check out Villa Balinmanok Beach Resort. This nice resort is where we stayed at for 3 days on our trip to Dasol. You may read my resort review here.
8. Tondol White Sand Beach in Anda
Located at the northern tip of Anda, an island municipality in Pangasinan, Tondol Beach is one of the best beaches in the province. Known for its white sand beach, crystal clear waters and amazing sandbar, Tondol White Sand Beach is definitely a must-visit when traveling to Pangasinan. What I love most about this beach is that the water is shallow, making it safe for kids. There's also an island called Tanduyong Island that can be reached by foot during low tide.
Beach resorts with swimming pools, room accommodations and transient houses are also available in the area. So, if you plan to stay overnight, finding a place to stay won't be problem.
9. Bangus Festival
Held in Dagupan City, the annual Bangus Festival is a celebration to promote the city's thriving milkfish aquaculture industry. Takes place every month of April, it is one of the most-anticipated festivals in Northen Luzon. This colorful and unique festival is filled with many culinary demonstrations such as bangus tasting and how to cook the bangungs in many different ways. Every year, the festival attracts thousands of tourists to witness the festival's street dancing competition, indulge on many different bangus cusines, join the parties and many more! If you happen to visit Pangasinan in April, be sure to add the Bangus Festival in your things to do in Pangasinan itinerary!
Where to stay in Dagupan? On our previous trip to to Dagupan City, we stayed at Hotel Le Duc, it's a nice and lovely hotel at the heart of the city. You may read my hotel review here. For more hotels and resorts in Dagupan City, please see the list below. From luxurious resorts to affordable hotels, you'll definitely find the best hotel in Dagupan that will fit your budget and preferences.
HOTELS & RESORTS IN DAGUPAN CITY
- Casa Enrique Resort √ See room rates & availability
- Star Plaza Hotel √ See room rates & availability
- Lenox Hotel √ See room rates & availability
- Hotel Monde √ See room rates & availability
- Ragtime Suites √ See room rates & availability
- Bedbox Hotel √ See room rates & availability
- Coriz Beach Resort √ See room rates & availability
- Value Star Inn √ See room rates & availability
10. Food trip in Dagupan
Dagupan City is known as the "Bangus Capital of the Philippines". But aside from the many bangus dishes that you could try in Dagupan City, another must-try dish is the Pigar-Pigar which is a popular street food with thinly-sliced meat, liver and served with fresh slices of onions. The best place to eat Pigar-pigar is along Galvan Street beside the market in Dagupan City where you could see many locals enjoying their Pigar-pigar. Another must-try in Dagupan is the Kaleskes, which is a term when translated to English means "intestine". This popular dish in Dagupan is filled with cow or carabao's intestines and other innards in a yummy hot broth. Kaleskes is served along with Pigar-pigar.
For Bangus dishes and other seafoods, must-visit are Matutina's Seafood Restaurant, Dagupeña Restaurant and Jacobo Seafood Grill.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN PANGASINAN AND TOURIST SPOTS
Indeed there are so many amazing things to do and must-visit tourist spots in Pangasinan. What I mentioned above are just some of the most popular and most-visit Pangasinan tourist spots. If you want to explore more, here are the other things to do in Pangasinan, tourist spots and places to visit that should be included in your itinerary.
- Enjoy Tondalingan Beach in Dagupan
- See how salt is made
- Visit Tayug Sunflower Eco Park
- Balingasay River in Bolinao
- Visit the St. James Parish in Bolinao
- Explore the Enchanted Cave in Bolinao
- Enjoy Lingayen Beach
- Antong Falls in Sison
- Masamerey Beach in Sual
- Busay Falls in Bani
- Polipol Island in Bani
- Colibra Island in Cabongaoan, Dasol, Pangasinan
- Dasoland Family Adventure Park in Dasol
- Tambobong Beach in Dasol
- Pasalubong Shopping! Don't forget the many bangus products from Dagupan, tupig, binungey from Balinao and puto Calasiao!
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SEARCH FOR HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN PANGASINAN!
After expoloring the many tourist spots in Pangasinan, nothing beats a good hotel or nice beach resort in Pangasinan where you could stay for a night or two. Check out the many hotels and beach resorts in Pangasinan by using the search engine below. Just enter your destination, check-in and check-out dates, number of rooms and guests, and click/tap SEARCH. This will show you the updated room rates, availability, guest reviews and more photos.
If you're looking for a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the many hotels and resorts in Alaminos and Dagupan. For beach resorts, I recommend the towns of Bolinao, Dasol and Anda.
SAMPLE PANGASINAN ITINERARIES
Here are my suggested Pangasinan itineraries that you could follow in creating your itinerary. You may adjust these itineraries based on the tourist spots and attractions you want to visit and the things to do in Pangasinan you want to experience.
SAMPLE BOLINAO DAY TOUR ITINERARY
- 10:30 pm - ETD to Bolinao (The day before scheduled trip)
- 05:30 am - Arrival in Bolinao
- St. James Parish
- Breakfast
- Tour stops and highlights: Bolinao Falls 1, 2 or 3, Enchanted Cave (optional)
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- Tour stops and highlights: Rock formations, Cape Bolinao, Patar Beach
- 05:00 pm - ETD Manila
- 07:00 pm - Dinner
- 10:00 pm - ETA Manila/End of tour
2D1N SAMPLE BOLINAO OVERNIGHT ITINERARY (2 Days & 1 Night)
Bolinao Day 1
- 11:30 pm - ETD to Bolinao (The day before scheduled trip)
- 05:30 am - Arrival in Bolinao
- St. James Parish
- Breakfast
- Tour stops and highlights: Bolinao Falls 1, 2, 3
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- Tour stops and highlights: Enchanted Cave, Rock formations, Cape Bolinao
- 06:00 pm - Check in
- 07:00 pm - Dinner & Free time
Bolinao Day 2
- 07:00 am - Breakfast
- Tour stops and highlights: Patar Beach, Polipol Island (optional)
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- 01:00 pm - ETD Manila
- 06:00 pm - ETA Manila/End of tour
2D1N SAMPLE DAGUPAN OVERNIGHT ITINERARY (2 Days & 1 Night)
Dagupan City Tour Day 1
- 06:00 am - Travel to Dagupan City
- 10:00 am - Arrival in Dagupan City
- 11:00 am - Lunch
- 01:00 pm - Hotel check-in √ See here the list of hotels and resorts in Dagupan City!
- 01:30 pm - Dagupan City Tour
- Explore Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s Headquarters in Dagupan
- Visit the Dagupan City Museum
- Experience the Dawel River Cruise
- Enjoy the sunset at Tondaligan Beach
- 07:00 pm - Dinner at Galvan Street (Try Pigar-pigar and Kaleskes!)
- 09:00 pm - Back at the hotel
Dagupan City Tour Day 2
- 07:00 am - Breakfast
- 08:00 am - Dagupan City Tour
- Visit Dagupan Church
- Visit the Pantal River
- 11:00 am - Back at the hotel
- 12:00 nn - Hotel check-out
- 12:30 pm - Lunch at Matutina's Seafood Restaurant
- 02:00 pm - Pasalubong shopping
- 03:00 pm - Departure
SAMPLE HUNDRED ISLANDS DAY TOUR ITINERARY
- 05:30 am - ETA in Hundred Islands
- 06:30 am - 11:30 am - Start of Island Hopping (4 islands) and water activities/cliff diving
- 12:00 nn - Lunch at Quezon Island, swimming/siesta
- 01:30 pm - 03:00 pm - Island Hoping/Last island (Pilgrimage Island)
- 03:30 pm - Back to port/wash up/food trip/selfie
- 05:00 pm - ETD from Pangasinan
- 10:00 pm - ETA in Manila
SAMPLE CABONGAOAN + DEATH POOL DAY TOUR ITINERARY
- 12:00 mn - ETD to Cabongaoan
- 06:00 am - Breakfast, Swimming, Island Hopping (optional)
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- 04:00 pm - ETD Manila
- 09:00 pm - ETA Manila/End of tour
SAMPLE CABONGAOAN + DEATH POOL OVERNIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1
- 02:00 am - ETD to Cabongaoan
- 07:00 am - Breakfast, Swimming, Island Hopping (optional)
- 12:00 nn - Lunch & Free time
- 07:00 pm - Dinner & Free time
Day 2
- 07:00 am - Breakfast & Free time
- 10:00 am - Check out
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- 02:00 pm - ETD Manila
- 07:00 pm - ETA Manila/End of tour
TIPS & REMINDERS: PANGASINAN TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- Before traveling to Pangasinan, be sure to book in advance your hotel or beach resort in Pangasinan to save on travel expenses and to get discounted room rates. This will also assure you that you have a place to stay when you arrive in your destination in Pangasinan. To help you choose an accommodation, please see here the list of available hotels and beach resorts in Pangasinan.
- To avoid any inconvenience during your trip, always check the latest and updated Pangasinan travel requirements and entry protocols. You may refer to the latest IATF Guidelines, or visit Pangasinan's local government's website and social media accounts to know the updated list of travel requirements you need to follow. You may also call the office of local government of the town you intend to visit so you could ask about the travel requirements for tourists and entry protocol procedures you need to follow.
- After booking your hotel or beach resort in Pangasinan, make sure to call or send an email to your hotel or resort to inquire and confirm any health documents or travel requirements you need to secure or submit before checking-in.
- Always have your confirmed hotel or resort booking ready and other documents such as travel pass, vaccination certificate, and negative test result (if needed) before traveling to Pangasinan. Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR and Rapid Antigent Tests.
- If you're traveling to Pangasinan by public transportation, contact also the bus company to know the requirements you need to bring or to submit before boarding the bus.
- Lastly, always wear your face mask, face shield, avoid the crowd and practice the minimum health protocols at all times. Don't be too complacent and careless, even when you're having fun and enjoying your vacation. Always stay safe and travel resposibly!
Pangasinan Travel Requirements? What do you need to travel to Pangasinan?
The list of Pangasinan travel requirements and entry protocols depend on the latest IATF and DOT Guidelines. It also depends on the quarantine classification of your residence and the type of traveler you are. Please read my post Pangasinan Travel Requirements 2021 for Tourists & Visitors for more details.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP! Side Trips from Pangasinan
If you want to explore more and visit other nearby destinations from Pangasinan, you could visit Baguio City, La Union, Zambales and Tarlac. Just 2-4 hours from Pangasinan, you could enjoy the beaches and islands of Zambales, experience the many exciting things to do in La Union, visit the tourist spots in Tarlac, or enjoy the cool mountain breeze of Baguio City.
Before going back to Metro Manila, you may also want to make a stop in Clark, Angeles or San Fernando in Pampanga to enjoy its delicious culinary offerings, or make a detour to Bataan and visit its many historical sites and natural attractions.
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