How to Plan a Trip to 100 Islands Alaminos, Pangasinan – A Guide for Backpackers

The 100 Islands National Park is one of the top beach destinations in Central Luzon. It’s located southwest of the Lingayen Gulf and is composed of not 100, but 123 recorded islands and islets. The unique, mushroom-like appearance of the islands and numerous picturesque beaches are what draw thousands of tourists to the site.

The three most popular islands are Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island. These also are the only islands that have viable surfaces to set up picnic tables, cottages, or tents.

Getting There

© by Iza Sanchez 

• From Manila take a bus bound for Alaminos, Pangasinan. Several bus lines ply this route including, Victory Liner (Cubao terminal only) and Five Star (Pasay Terminal).
• The travel time is around 6-7 hours depending on traffic conditions. To avoid traffic, take an evening trip.
• Along the way, buses stop at Mabalacat and Tarlac terminal for about 15 minutes, so passengers can get off for snacks and restroom breaks.
• Upon arriving at Alaminos City, you can take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf.
• Most hostels are located at Lucap Wharf which is around 2-3 kilometers from the city.

Distance and Travel Time From Other Cities:

• Dagupan City – 63 kms, 1 hour
• San Fernando, La Union – 123 kms, 3 hours
• Baguio City – 136 kms, 3 hours

 The 3 Main Islands

© by Iza Sanchez 

Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is the biggest island at the site. It was popularized by the Pinoy Big Brother TV series a few years back. It’s the only island with a guest house for travelers looking to spend a night or two on the island. Alternatively, visitors can camp out on the beach.

A viewing deck is located at the rocky peak of Governor’s island. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of Lingayen Gulf. It’s not an easy climb especially on a very hot day. Make sure to take a bottle/s of water with you.

© by Iza Sanchez 

Across Governor’s Island is another rocky mesh called Virgin Island. According to my boatman  the name was inspired by its shape which from a distance should resemble a woman’s physique, although, I didn’t see it.

Virgin Island is a perfect place to escape from the crowds. It is also near a helmet diving site so if you want to try helmet diving, there are divers on stand-by in the area who can assist. You can go roughly 15-20 feet deep and observe a small patch of colorful corals with equally petite fish swimming around.

© by Iza Sanchez 

Quezon Island

Quezon Island is the most family-friendly island because of its shallow shores and structured camping grounds. The island was named after the late President Manuel Quezon.

If snorkeling is on your agenda, there is a vibrant coral reef roughly 300 meters from the island. Here you can soak in amazing underwater landscapes with the plethora of colorful corals and fishes, and giant clams.

© by Iza Sanchez 

Children’s Island

Children’s Island is the third most popular island at the site. Its shallow waters likewise, make it an ideal spot for families with small children. Cottages and picnic huts are available for rent on the island.

© by Iza Sanchez 

Cottage and Picnic Table Rental

Island hopping and Boat Fees

Boat Fees – The boat fees are standard so visitors don’t have to worry about haggling with the boatmen. They are based on capacity and the duration of each tour.

Boat Tour Options

Regular Boat

For this option, the boatmen take visitors to a choice of three islands. The stopover in two islands is limited to 15 minutes. Then, visitors will be taken to the third island where they can spend the rest of the day swimming and picnicking by the beach.

Service Boat

This option is slightly more expensive as visitors can go to as many islands as they like. It is a whole day tour.

• Quick Tip – Some boatmen might bypass other islands to save on fuel, so before leaving the wharf consult with tourism staff at the wharf about the various points of interest in the area. And before you leave the wharf make sure you and the boatman agree on the itinerary.

Where to Stay

For adventurous travelers the best place to sleep is in a tent on the beach. (See the camping tips below). The next upgrade from a tent are the numerous transient homes along Lucap Wharf.

Room rates range from P500 to P1,500 for single-private rooms, P2,000 to P3,500 for standard double-rooms and P3,500 + + for larger rooms.

Where to Camp

Quezon Island – The main camping site.

Scout and Lopez Island – Alternative camping sites.

Camping Tips

• Camping on the islands is allowed. However, campers cannot pitch their tents during the day when visitors arrive. Tents can be pitched after regular visiting hours from 5 p.m. onward. Likewise, in the morning the tents have to be folded by 6 a.m.

• Camping fee applies

• Tents are available for rent, although visitors can bring their own too

• There is no electricity on the islands so portable lamps, flashlights, and power banks will come in handy

• Network signal is weak and non-existent in some areas

• Campers should prepare ample amounts of food and water for the duration of their stay. There are no restaurants on the islands.

Other Points of Interest

• Marcos Island – This island was named after late President Ferdinand Marcos. The island has a beautiful beach and at its heart is a cavern with a deep pool at its base. Brave adventurers can jump the height of about 20-feet from the mouth of the cave to the pool beneath.

• Monkey and Bat Island
• Cuenco Island – Known for its small pristine beaches and a beautiful cave called Cuenco Cave.
• Romulo Island – A small and picturesque island once a setting for the film Dyesebel.
• Turtle Island – A small islet shaped like a turtle.

100 Islands National Park Fees

© by Iza Sanchez 

• Registration Fee @ Lucap Wharf
• Kayaking – An awesome of way of exploring the islands. Perfect for those traveling in pairs or in large groups. Kayaking gives visitors the opportunity to explore farther out islands usually not included in boat tours.
• Kayaks are available for rent

• Snorkeling goggles area available for rent
• Picnic tables and huts are available for rent
• Toilets are available. A fee per person applies. (Be warned, the toilets are quite crude)

Where to Eat

• The cheapest place to eat is at carinderias along Lucap Wharf
• Bottled water is expensive, buy some in town if you can

What Else Should You Know

• Travel at night to avoid traffic and crowded buses. Aside from traffic, the buses stop to pick up passengers along the route which prolongs the trip. However, at night there are fewer travelers hence, fewer stops.
• The best time to go there is from December to May when the weather is dry and warm.
• When you go island-hopping, bring a lot of food and water.
• Beach footwear is an essential as the sand in the islands is course.
• Sunblock is also an essential.

• Watch out for snakes inside the caves.
• Be respectful. Don’t leave your garbage on the islands, take them with you when you go.
• Take a side-trip to Bolinao which is only one hour away from Alaminos City. Bolinao is another popular beach attraction in Pangasinan.

Check out these Pangasinan travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province

Alaminos is quite laidback. An interesting discovery I’ve made was that you can walk in and out of a home without the homeowner knowing. You may also come across unmanned hostel front desks as people seem to disappear at certain times of the day.

I’ve tried to make inquiries at a few hostels but nobody was there so I just went straight inside to check out the rooms myself. This is open-door culture is typical in Philippine provinces where people still trust each other.

The rugged and ethereal beauty of the islands of Alaminos keeps them on the list of top beach destinations in the Philippines. Spend a weekend there and you’ll surely gain wonderful memories that will stay with you forever.

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Check out these Pangasinan travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province