Alaminos City is a vibrant city in Pangasinan, with a growing tourism industry, largely attributed to the natural beauty of the Hundred Islands National Park.
Understand
[edit]
Its history dates back to the pre-colonial era when it was inhabited by indigenous communities. During the Spanish colonial period, it became part of the province of Pangasinan.
Get in
[edit]By car
To reach Alaminos from Manila by car is you can drive north via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and continue on the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) until you reach Alaminos. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By bus
You can also take a bus from Manila to Alaminos City. Several bus companies operate trips from terminals like Victory Liner and Five Star Bus. The bus journey may take approximately 5 to 7 hours.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Alaminos
See
[edit]- 1 Hundred Islands National Park. An archipelago of 123 small, pristine isles, four of which have been developed for tourists. They can be reached via chartered excursion or boat ride from the Lucap wharf outside of Alaminos.
- 2 Lucap Wharf/Lighthouse. The highlight of the area serving as the embarkation point to the Hundred Islands but also a seafront venue with stores, restaurants, a miniature model of the islands, and a very peculiar lighthouse with stairs wrapping around the outside of the structure.
- 3 Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph the Patriarch, CP Garcia St. The first church was built in 1770, but it was rebuilt a few times after being burned to where current church dates to about 1893. Also try People's Park adjacent if you need to stretch your legs.
Do
[edit]- Swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping in Hundred Islands.
- 1 Bolo Beach. Local beach at about where the Hundred Islands start, but may have to pay and also it is not as serene as some (e.g. seaweed, dirty toilets).
Buy
[edit]- 1 Nepo Mart-Alaminos, F. Reinoso Street. 9:30AM–6:30PM. Outlet mall.
- 2 Alaminos Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative, F. Reinoso Street. Wet/dry market with San Roque Supermarket-Alaminos Branch.
- 3 Divimart-Alaminos, Olongapo-Bugallon Road. Home goods store.
Eat
[edit]- Try the famous Alaminos longganisa (chorizo), the only longganisa in the world with toothpick.
- 1 Maxine By The Sea Seafood Restaurant, Alaminos - Lucap Rd (Lucap Port/Wharf). This one is nice because you can look out at Lingayen Gulf and all the launches to the Hundred Islands while you eat. But a little spendy. Also has 9 rooms for ₱3100.
- 2 Los Pedritos Alaminos, 2nd Floor Montemayor Commercial Complex, Marcos Avenue, Poblacion. 7AM-8PM. Tasty bread. There cinnamon roll is heavenly.There brazo however is a bit rough. Dine in food are good as well specially there bulalo and bangus sisig and crispy pata.
- 3 Vinz Ihaw-ihaw Resto, S. Quimson Street. 8AM–10PM. Best seafood boodlefight in town.
- 4 Quadro Pizza, Olongapo-Bugallon Road. American food restaurant.
- 5 Celia's Cafe, SSS Building, Olongapo-Bugallon Road. 7:30AM–9PM. American food restaurant.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Café Casborran. 10AM-8PM.
- 2 Street Cafe Poblacion.
- 3 Appetitoso Cafe & Bistro, Ground Floor RML building M.Montemayor St, ☏ +63 906 244 6392. 9AM-7PM.
- 4 Tea Boss Café, ☏ +63 927 048 1775. 9AM-7PM.
- 5 Mango Fruiti Alaminos City, ☏ +63 927 495 5452, [email protected]. 10AM-7PM.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Carribean Transient House, #545 Sitio Galiz, ☏ +63 927 760 5141. Friendly hosts, wifi, breakfast, restaurant/bar, patio, landscaping. PHP 1257.
- 2 Monte Rio Gardens Bed & Breakfast (in downtown Alaminos), ☏ +63 917 895 8995. Another homey stay with wifi, a/c, breakfast. PHP 1257.
- 3 Asia Novo Boutique Hotel-Alaminos, Olongapo-Bugallon Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 4 Monte Rio Gardens Bed & Breakfast, Monte Rio Compound, M. Montemayor St., Poblacion. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Set amid cafes, eateries and shops, this unassuming hotel off a main road is a 3-minute walk from the closest bus stop. It's 5 km from Lucap Park, which offers boat access to Hundred Islands National Park.
- 5 Hotel Monte Rio, Olongapo-Bugallon Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 6 Islandia Hotel, Marcos Avenue. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 7 Northwood Hotel, #21 Quezon Ave, Poblacion. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 8 Villa Antolin Hotel and Restaurant, Boulevard Street, Lucap, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Bolinao: Known for its scenic attractions, including Patar Beach and Cape Bolinao Lighthouse.
- Sual. Known for the Sual powerplant.
- Anda: Known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions.