The Hundred Islands National Park is the first national park and a protected area located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan in the Northern Philippines. The islands, totaling 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide, are scattered in Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 16.76 square kilometers (6.47 sq mi). Only five of them have been developed for tourism: Marcos Island, Governor Island, Quezon Island, Pilgrimage Island, and Children’s Island.
In this blog, we would like to share with you our amazing experience visiting the island, meeting new people, and the genuine beauty of this national treasure.
History of Alaminos Hundred Islands National Park
On January 18, 1940, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Presidential Proclamation No. 667 declaring the group of islands in the municipality as “Hundred Islands National Park” (HINP) with the astounding purpose of benefiting and providing enjoyment to the people of the Philippines.
On June 22, 1962, President Diosdado P. Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 3655 creating the Hundred Islands Conservation and Development Authority (HICDA), for the conservation, development, and management of HINP.
After 20-years since the establishment of HICDA, on April 27, 1982, Proclamation No. 2183, the National Park including Lucap Bay and its foreshore areas, beginning from Sitio Telbang to the East of Sitio Recudo to the West was declared a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve under the control and administration of PTA. Subsequently, under Presidential Proclamation No. 2237 enacted on November 6, 1982, the parcels of land reserve for the Marine Fisheries Multi0-Purpose Farm (created under Proclamation No. 1282 of June 21, 1974) were withdrawn and were also placed under the control and supervision of the Tourism Authority for development purposes.
With the serious pursuit of Alaminians (people of Alaminos) to claim full administration and management of HINP, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo transferred through Executive Order No. 436 on June 21, 2005, the administration, management, maintenance, and operation of the whole HINP including all activities, facilities, and improvements from the Philippine Tourism Authority to the Local Government of Alaminos, in accordance with RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which encourage the transfer of power and authority from the National Government Units, in line with the government’s devolution program mandated by the constitution.
In 2013, improvements of HINP were initiated with the administration of City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste where accommodation and facilities were built in the islands. Island activities and amenities were added for a more enjoyable visit. Zip lines are available at Governors and Quezon Island with lengths of 546 meters and 120 meters respectively. Watersports activities, helmet diving, jet skiing, banana boat, and parasailing were also introduced.
About the Hundred Islands National Park
This national park is composed of 124 islands (low tide), and 123 islands (high tide) however only selected islands are open for the public for tourism.
MARCOS ISLAND
Marcos Island is one of the 124 islands in Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan. It is also one of the only four developed islands in the park, the others being Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.
Named after the former Philippine President, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., it is home to several comfortable accommodations that tourists can rent for the whole day. The island also boasts cream-colored sand, crystalline emerald waters, and lush greeneries.
The beach here has very fine sand free from sharp rocks or corals, making it ideal for kids to play on. The waves on the shore are also usually calm. Aside from doing beach activities, guests can also trek up the hill on the island. It is a much easier ascent than that on Governor’s Island as it is relatively low and less steep. The top provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding seascape.
The main highlight of Marcos’ Island is the Imelda Cave, named after the wife of former president Marcos. Inside is a natural swimming pool approximately 12 feet deep, depending on the tide. Tourists will have to go down a wooden ladder and jump off a cliff. An opening leads to the sea and back to the coast.
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Governor’s Island is the largest and one of the most well-developed islands among over a hundred islands in the famous Hundred Islands National Park. It is home to a pristine light-brown sandy beach and clear waters. You can find a small cave here as well. It is home to bats and swiftlets.
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, and even try a 500-step hike leading up to a 546-meter zip line that goes to the nearby Virgin Island. There is also a 120-meter pontoon bridge that connects the two islands.
Tourists can also trek up the hill of the island and appreciate the rock formations along the way. There is one iconic long rock formation that locals liken to a horse’s foot. On top of the hill is a view deck of the entire park and the statue of Joseph the Carpenter.
NOTE: During our visit back, the zip line is not available and subject to rehabilitation. But you can still climb up the tower (at your own risk), and take good photos.
QUEZON ISLAND
Quezon Island is one of the islands in Hundred Islands National Park of Alaminos City, Pangasinan, and is considered the most visited island in the area. It was named after former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, who declared the Hundred Islands National Park as the country's first national park back in January 1940. Since then, it has become one of the most developed islands in the park as it offers a wide variety of activities to travelers. Among them are different water sports, a zipline, and volleyball.
Along with various beach activities, the island also features cottages and rooms that you can rent for a few hours or for a night. Picnic tables are also available for rent. There are also toilets and showers in the area. Moreover, there are dining and grilling areas where tourists can prepare and enjoy their food. Along with this, there are also a handful of stores that sell snacks and a two-floor restaurant where you can feast on local dishes.
LOPEZ ISLAND
Lopez Island is an island located within the boundary of Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The park is the topmost visited tourist spot in the said province. Lopez Island is most known for its white sand beach that is visible from its neighboring island, Quezon Island.
Moreover, the place is not usually crowded unlike the other islands as it is still one of the undeveloped islands in the park. Lopez Island is still green with forestry where a variety of wild birds resides. The island is home to white-collared kingfisher, pied fantail, and yellow-bellied whistler, among others.
Lopez Island is one of the best spots for kayaking and snorkeling. As a national park, HINP is teeming with marine life for tourists to enjoy. There are plenty of coral gardens around the island that are home to reef fish. There are also cottages around the area that guests can rent. As for overnight stays, visitors are free to pitch their tent on the beach.
PILGRIMAGE ISLAND
What was once known as Martha Island, the Pilgrimage Island stands out among the rest of the islands with the 56ft statue of Christ the Savior standing at the island’s peak. The island is also known to be one of the most visited sites for Visita Iglesia during Holy Week as pilgrims will traverse the entire island to find 14 Stations of the Cross as depicted with life-size statues.
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| The gorgeous view from the top of Pilgrimage Island. |
CHILDREN'S ISLAND
Children’s Island is called such because of its kid-friendly beach that features powdery sand, unlike the other islands that have rocky shorelines. Also, the water here is calm and shallow, which is suitable for the kids. Along with the island's generally more kid-friendly surroundings, the local tourism officers offer various activities here as well that are great for kids such as swimming and kayaking.
Apart from its powdery beach, you can also find rock formations on the other end of the island. There are several lofty parts with pathways and rock ladders that have wooden fences as well. These fenced-off areas often resemble terraces where visitors get to see the overlooking view of the seascape.
For accommodation, there are huts and tents available on the island. Wooden cottages are available for rent too, complete with bedding, cooking equipment, and own comfort rooms. There are cooking and dining areas here as well. Visitors can also rent a floating picnic shed for more private gatherings. Tents are also available for use by overnight campers.
Things to do in Hundred Islands National Park
With so many islands to explore, here are some of the activities you can enjoy on the island.
* Island hopping
* Swimming
* Banana boat
* Paragliding (not available during our visit; our guide told us that the business shutdown during the pandemic)
* Water skiing
* Sunbathing
* Fishing – bring your own fishing gear
* Snorkeling
* Kayaking
* Diving
* Visit caves
* Bird watching
* Overnight Camping
* Nature photography/videography
* Zip Line (not available during our visit, under rehabilitation)
* Souvenir shopping
Best time to visit
It's best to visit the Hundred Islands National Park during the dry months (December to May) as it's safer to go island-hopping without rainfall.
Accommodations
There are several local hotels available in Alaminos. You can also book on many Airbnb’s available near the area.
Entry Fee (as of January 2023 during our visit)
One of the best experiences we had on visiting the Hundred Islands is their good services and the transparency of their rates. It is hard not to get noticed because they make sure that the rates are visible to everyone and published on board. This avoids any confusion with the pricing rates, both for local and international tourists.
Tour Guide Fee: Php1000
Registration Fee: Php100 (day tour)/ Php160 (overnight)
Environmental Fee: Php60 (day tour) / Php120 (overnight)
Entrance Fee/IPAF: Php30 (day tour and overnight)
Insurance Fee: Php10 (day tour and overnight)
There is also a PhP200 deposit that you need to pay when you register at the tourism office. This is for the local government’s “Basura mo, iuwi mo” (Bring your own trash home) policy. You will be given a trash bag that you can use during your visit to the park. When you return with your trash bag filled with litter, your deposit will be returned to you.
How to get there
Alaminos City is the gateway to the Hundred Islands National Park. It took us roughly 4.5 hours of self-driving from Manila to Alaminos.
But if you take public transport, it will take you roughly six hours by public bus from Manila.
We prefer self-driving, and we found a reliable car rental service in Manila. Contact JJ’s Self Drive Rent a Car.
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| ….a photo with our tour guide. He is very attentive and reliable! |
@blair.villanueva The Hundred Islands National Park is one of the best destination in the Philippines. located in Alaminos Pangasinan, this destination is the Philippine's 1st national park declared in the 1940s. The national park is consist of 124 islands (during low tide), or 123 islands (during high tide). Check our blog forurbanwomen.com for more details 🥰 #itsmorefuninthephilippines#alaminos#hundredislands#pangasinan#philippines#philippinestiktok#tiktokph#travelph#pinoytiktok♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazy
Other tips when visiting the Hundred Island National Park
It is best to be informed of many dos and don’ts whenever we travel to many places. And just like any other destination in the Philippines, the Alaminos Hundred Islands National Park also appreciate it if you will be guided by these few rules.
1. Bring at least 1 valid identification card in case they ask for it during your registration.
2. They may also ask for your proof of vaccination, so make sure that you have it. Save it on your phone, no need to bring a printout copy.
3. For convenience, bring cash to pay your registration fees and tour guide, and for buying food on the island.
4. Never leave your trash on the island.
5. It is discouraged to bring alcoholic drinks to the island. This is for your own safety.
6. Swim at your own risk. There are only limited lifeguards on the islands.
7. Vandalism is illegal.
8. Be respectful of the locals, and other guests.
9. Bring your own fishing gear if you want to have an enjoyable fishing experience.
10. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen lotion. You will need more of it.
11. Bring your portable battery charger.
12. You can fly your drone in the Hundred Islands National Park, provided that you will not disturb other guests and the natural environment.
13. Bringing pets is prohibited on the island.
14. You can bring your own food to the island, but never leave your trash.
15. Always promote being a responsible and sustainable traveler.
We strongly recommended that you visit the Hundred Islands National Park!
For more travel stories around the Philippines, you can check our list here.
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ReplyDeleteI've been to Hundred Islands (and even had a heart-stopping experience when we were there!), and our boat tour took us to most islands but we didn't go to the one for Children bec they said it's crowded. Was it when you went? I think I just might bring the kids there.
Surprisingly, it was not too crowded when we visit, which is great! Majority are local tourists from various places, and only a few international tourists.
DeleteI have been to Hundred Islands since what, 5 yrs old? So many improvements! As a christian, I would definitely want to see the pilgrimage island! Thank you for all the information. Will visit soon!
ReplyDeleteYes, you should visit this again! I am so amazed of its beauty. The only regret we had is nung nasira yung drone namin, hahaha
DeleteThanks for writing about the different islands and what we can see in each of them. I didn't know about them although I had always been curious. I think I would prefer the Lopez Island for its white beach and for being not developed commercially.
ReplyDeleteHubby said that the way they manage the tourists in here is way better than Boracay.
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