ONE HUNDRED ISLANDS-HOPPING



The Hundred Islands National Park is a familiar sight from my civics and cultural books during my beloved elementary days. It has always been a popular island-hopping destination because of its affordability and proximity to Metro Manila (a 5-hour road trip).



It may not be as enchanting as the wonderful lakes and marine life of Coron in Palawan nor nearly as exquisite as the islands of the Visayas but there is something in this place which makes it so fascinating. Starting from the broken emerald chain which has puzzled geologists as to their origins up to the unique characteristic of each green gem, it is no wonder that tourists and beach hoppers continue to flock to these natural marvels.



HOW TO GET THERE: Located at the heart of Pangasinan in Alaminos City, Hundred Islands is approximately 300 kms away from Manila. Bus fare from the Cubao Terminal in Quezon City is around Php380 or around US$9.00 with 4-6 hours travel time. Buses headed to Anda or Bolinao will pass Alaminos City, but if you’re planning to stay overnight, I recommend you hire a private vehicle.



EXPENSES: From Lubac Port, you can rent a single boat (max. of 20 people) for a whole day of island- hopping for Php2,000. Most of these boats also rent out snorkelling gear. There’s also an entrance fee of Php20 per person. If you’re a student planning an affordable outing with your classmates, the Hundred Islands can provide a whole day of diving and beach-hopping for your barkada, with some extra change to spare for souvenirs.



The trip to the islands is as memorable as the whole experience itself. Like pebbles arranged on a children’s game, great chunks of stone and coral rise from the velvet mat of the Lingayen Gulf. Beholding those large oval jade stones of different hues will fill you a strong yearning for adventure, perhaps find common ground with 15th century explorers who laid eyes on the Philippine islands for the first time, eager to discover the secrets and mystique of each island. After a 30 minute trip, your company will finally reach the first of many islands in your itinerary:  



* Governor's Island – This island is actually large enough to explore on foot. Most of the photos taken of the Hundred Islands are taken from here. Be prepared for a jungle trek to the highest point but the view that awaits you is worth the sweat you shed (not to mention the calories you burned).



* Marcos' Island – Your next stop has a white beach that will beckon you to stay for the rest of the day, but the real appeal of Marcos lies in a mysterious, cool swimming spot inside a cave. The experience is probably the closest to swimming in nature’s personal cup of tears, as water drips from the stalagmites and gathers into a circular basin that seems to be of endless depth.



* Snorkelling Spot - En route to other islands is a single wooden platform set in the middle of the sea where your boat can dock to allow everyone to take a dip and play with the fishes. With low visibility, you may not be able to see the corals underneath but marine life are a common sight.



* Cathedral Island – A pretty unique geographical feature you should not miss. Mother Nature was in a weird mood when it decided to shape this island into a cathedral, thus the name. A massive fissure runs in half of the island, splitting it as if some giant’s axe cleaved through it. Through the chasm, you'll be able to see a cavern in the shape of a church with a vast altar. It seems fitting to feel humbled in its presence.



* Lopez Island – A good swimming and snorkelling spot for people who by this time yearn for some escape from the searing heat. The shadows cast by large rocks can give you welcome shade if you’re afraid of getting sunburned.



* Quezon Island – Also could be called “Picnic Island” since it features cottages where you can have your meals. The cool breeze at the top and the panoramic view of the park is a welcome sight. Also, take time to visit the whitewashed statue of the island’s namesake, Philippine president Manuel Quezon. Food and refreshments are sold on the island but are quite expensive- your best option is to bring your own.



* Children's Island – Usually the last stop, the beach here offers peaceful waves and shallow spots which lends to an ideal swimming spot for even small children while their parents take a breather under some trees.



* Paniki Island – is not a regular part of the island-hopping itinerary but you will pass by it. At first, you’d mistake it as an ordinary island with thin trees and slight vegetation. Slowly and as you get closer, catch a glimpse of hordes of bats resting upside down on every available branch! If you clap your hands loud enough, some of the startled rodents will fly circles to the top. Just having to see the large community of bats is a bit frightening in a good, kind of way.  



 



With one hundred islands, I’d probably bore you death just to tell you about each of them, so if I were you, I’d pack my best swimming suits, buy a large-sized sun block lotion and set off to Alaminos City for a whole day of island-hopping fun to the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan.