Philippines / Northwest Luzon / Hundred Islands

Hundreds of tiny rock islands are dotted over Lingayen Gulf near Lucap. From a distance they appear as a single land mass but a closer view shows them to be islands. Ranging in area from a few square meters to three hectares, some thirty of the islands are bordered by white, sandy beaches and surrounded by coral. The crystal clear waters are suited for swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. However, several coral reefs there have already been destroyed by dynamite fishing.

One cannot get directly to many of the islands by boat because of the coral reefs which lie just below the water surface. Two islands, Urduja and Cathedral, are interesting because of their caves.

The tourist office at the pier in Lucap gives information about the islands and round trips by boat. A small boat (6 persons) costs for a day tour to selected destinations P 130; for island hopping P 170, both including waiting time. The price for overnight tours is P 260.

Accommodation facilities can be found only on Quezon and Governor's Island. However, the tourist office has also tents and sleeping bags for rent.

There are a lot of local tourists on weekends, especially at Easter.

Expat Phils., Jan. 4, 1991

"The Hundred Islands of Pangasinan are an interesting sight they appear as mosscovered mounds scattered over the Lingayen Gulf. These tiny rock islands, covered with coral and seaweed, are bounded by white sand beaches.

Two of the islands, Romulo and Shell, are ideal sites for a little peace, relaxation and isolation. Lopez Island has little coves and is said to be an excellent site for game of hide and seek. The Children's Island has shallow beaches and campsites while Quezon Island is ideal for holding picnics primarily because it can accommodate a large number of people. Tables and benches are provided. Two of the islands are provided with cottages for overnighters. These are Governor's Island and Children's Island. Prior notice should, however, be given.

It is suggested that scuba or snorkelling gear be brought along for you to enjoy the marine life that abound in the waters of Lingayen Gulf. And overnighters will enjoy a romantic evening and wake up to a fabulous sunrise.

Getting there is easy. The islands, the premier tourist attraction in the province of Pangasinan, are located some 200 kilometers north of Manila. A fourhour trip by land will take you to Baranggay Lucap, the jumpoff point. Here, negotiate with banca (outrigger canoe) operators to ferry you to and from an island of your choice.

But Pangasinan goes beyond the Hundred Islands in terms of attractions. The towns of Binmaley, Labrador, Sual, Bolinao and San Fabian offer beachfronts which are less frequented. The beaches in Lingayen,the provincial capital, is ideal for surfing. From Agno town, view a mushroomshaped rock formation called Umbrella Rocks.

Discover the Hundred Islands...and while you're at it, discover Pangasinan."
Expat Phils., Jan. 4, 1991 by. M. R. March

"Bounded by the South China Sea to the west, Pangasinan is populated by nearly 12 million. Its land area covers more than 5,000 square kilometers. Lingayen is designated the province's capital. Santa Barbara is but one small town within the perimeters of the province.

Statistics show the number of native speakers of Pangasinan as 573,712. In the industrious community of Santa Barbara, Pangasinan Province, a small town tucked away behind banana trees and rice fields, I met just five of those nearly 600,000 native speakers.

Distanced from Manila by an approximately 4hour drive, Santa Barbara is a city dweller's 'breath of fresh air.'

Clouds of pollution and rotting piles of refuse are but dim memories as far reaching fields of wheat and rice greet welcoming eyes. As we passed scratch basketball games and typhoon whipped houses, wild brush strangled by overhanging vines provided a shade from the sun. Small boys and girls smiled with a warm curiosity as our mechanized four wheel utility jumped and groaned over a road more familiar with the rhythm of carabaao and human passengers.

The huge beats plodded heavily alongside, moving at a pace comfortable for both animal and master. (The slowmoving yet proud carabao may well be the antonym for 'Manila taxi.' Manila's 'look out your in my way' brood of cabbie could do well with a sojourn to the area).

At night, deafening silence is shattered only by approaching footsteps squelching through mud. Curiosity at my arrival to this pastoral wonderland broght visitors to the small farmhouse, where laughter and fast talk were greeted with hot pan de sal (native buns).

Courtesy of a recent typhoon, electricity had been cut and was replaced with the lighting of a kitchen's open hearth and silhouettes from several stubby candles. A full moon, however, washed lonely fields with its brilliance as stars winked and jiggled against a back drop of an ebony void.

Early morning awoke to dew drops and fog. Crackling fire heated water and rice. The sun rose again from its nightlong absence and spread rays of orange hues through The Country side.

By noon, an elderly farmer spread a small rice harvest atop green matting to allow the sun's warmth to extract moisture. Before sunset's arrival he would scrap a wooden slat through the rice then scoop the gain into sacks. Villagers watched and in turn picked grains from the yield and spoke of its form; its peculiarities to those grains tasted a day earlier.

Night came quickly and with sleep morning, as did the return to Manila."

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