Saturday, July 2, 2011

Viaje Western Pangasinan | Meet the Islands of HINP

Anyone who loves traveling must not put Pangasinan's Hundred Islands National Park on the last of his list. Experience a difference when you visit its 123 islands and islets, every island offers a unique and remarkable experience.

Map of Hundred Islands National Park
Here's a rundown of some of the islands we met during our island hopping at HINP. We were able to land only on 8 of these islands.

Island # 1 - Century Island 

An island with no beach but has a line of mangroves on the coast.  It is densely forested and it has a huge domed cave perfect for cave enthusiasts. Numerous bats hanging on the ceiling fill the atmosphere with guano scent.   

• Cave Exploration


Island #2 - Shell Island

This island, famous for its fine white sand beach and a lagoon exposed only during low tide, was once a sanctuary of colorful shells, hence it's called Shell Island. However the shells greatly decreased in number as tourism reached this island.

• Beach Bumming   


Island #3 - Virgin Island

Our boatman told us that it got its name from the virgins being brought here as sacrifice during the Spanish era. A tunnel-like cave is found in this island, a rocky entrance and an underground water at the exit. It is impossible to explore this island during high tide. 

• Cave Exploration


Island #4 - Governor's Island

One of the three developed islands in the park. It has the highest point in the park where everyone can enjoy a very nice view of the islands. A PBB House, now a transient house that can accommodate 8-10 people, is built on this island. There's also a small cave here housed by a number of bats and a beach too.

• Relaxation
• Beach Bumming
• Cave Exploration
• Sightseeing


Island #5 - Crocodile Island

Guess what, this island has a unique crocodilian shape. It has no sandy beach so boats can't dock on this island, enjoy viewing it from you boat.

• Sightseeing


Island #6 - Turtle Island

Just near the Crocodile Island is another reptilian-shaped island, the Turtle Island with turtle-like shape. It seems like the crocodile is chasing the turtle. It is again impossible to dock on this island.

• Sightseeing


Island #7 - Macapagal Island

Also known as the Devil's Island, it has a very nice fine white sand beach perfect for beach bummers and picnic lovers. Divers must visit this island, its waters are the best dive spot in the park.

• Beach Bumming
• Diving


Island #8 - Bat Island


You'll be amazed by the humongous number of fruit bats hanging on the island's trees and cliffs. It's like the breeding ground of these flying mammals. 

• Sightseeing


Island #9 - Old Scout Island


Another great fine white sand beach, loved by beach bummers and sunbathers, is found on this island.

• Beach Bumming


Island #10 - Dugong's Island

Photo from Roan.
I forgot this island's name, the only thing I remembered is that Dugong, a character from the fantaserye Marina, once lived on its cave. So let me call it Dugong's Island. It has a huge domed cave, flooded by sea water. 

• Cave Exploration


Island #11 - Marcos Island

An island named after our 10th president, Ferdinand Marcos. It has a fine white sand beach and a dome-shaped cave also named after the president's wife, Imelda Marcos. One of the must-do's in Hundred Islands National Park is a jump at Imelda Cave's mouth.

• Cave Exploration
• Beach Bumming
• Imelda Cave Jump


Island #12 - Cathedral Island

Truly an amazing sight, this island has a large cave with an astonishing natural grotto. Our boatman told us that a wedding event was held here already. 

• Cave Exploration
• Sightseeing


Island #13 - New Scout Island


Another great dive spot is found in the waters of this island. Its fine white sand beach is also visited by many. On its shore, a sculpted face on a rock is the island's famous landmark.

• Beach Bumming
• Diving


Island #14 - Lopez Island

This island's fine white sand beach is one of the most renowned in the area. Campers find this island perfect for pitching their tents. Its waters are also great for snorkeling.

• Camping
• Beach Bumming
• Snorkeling


Island #15 - Quezon Island

The perfect place for camping, beach bumming, kayaking, snorkeling and picnic. This island is very well developed, the most visited of all the islands of HINP. Establishments built on this island include kayak rental, tourism office and sari sari store, there's also a Clam Shell Garden viewing area for non-snorkelers. On its highest point is the statue of our second president, Manuel Quezon.

• Camping
• Kayaking
• Beach Bumming
• Snorkeling
• Sightseeing
• Picnic


Island #16 - Clave Island

Similar to other beach islands, this island also offers a fine white sand beach for beach bummers. Its waters are also good for diving.

• Beach Bumming
• Diving   


Island #17 - Children's Island

The last of the three developed island in HINP. Its shallow beach are the children's favorite, hence it's good for family get-together. The island has floating picnic tables and its cottages are good enough for overnight stays.

• Beach Bumming
• Camping
• Relaxation
• Picnic


Island #18 - Cuenco Island

Photo from Roan. 
A large tunnel-like cave, drilled in the middle of the island, continues to attract the cave enthusiasts. It has a little sandy beach on both ends of the cave.

• Cave Exploration
• Beach Bumming   

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Viaje Western Pangasinan Series Bolinao-Alaminos Trip for 3D2N (June 2-4, 2011)

Viaje Western Pangasinan | Meet the Islands of HINP - Part 4

Itinerary | Bolinao and Alaminos
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5 comments:

  1. Wow dami mo na-identify ah! Kaaliw talaga shape nung Turtle tsaka Crocodile

    May iba pa bang explanation bakit Devil Island ang isa pang tawag sa Macapagal? innocent question toh ah lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. amazing! sana kumpletuhin mu buong 100 islands! hehe =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ilang araw kaya ang kailangan para makumpleto ang trip sa lahat ng islands? Galing mo ha!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oo nga ilang araw nga kaya?

    Will put this on my list for next year =]

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow so many islands... we only visited 7 of these 100 but almost seen the hundred of these islands...

    ReplyDelete

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