Bolinao, Pangasinan

We lost almost 2 hours of travel time because we took the wrong exits off the expressway. So we passed this arch welcoming us to the province of Pangasinan at 11:20 A.M.

The long drive was now on national roads which connected several towns. Certain stretches had road repairs and renovation on bridges so there would be a few minutes stuck in traffic. But basically well paved roads which did not collect any toll fees.  

Located at the tip of a peninsula, Bolinao is a coastal town with several beach front hotels. It is also a good point for nature tripping as there are several caves and waterfalls to explore. 2 hours of driving from the 'Pangasinan' arch, this image greeted our now grumbling stomachs. 

A quick online search revealed the Giant Taklobo Resto Grill was the nearest place where we could have a late lunch at 2 P.M. We feasted on a saucy almost soup like Pinakbet and fried Boneless Bangus with local seaweed.

We then rushed to check into our hotel for the night, the Casa Almarenzo Bed and Breakfast. I will blog about his accommodation in a separate blog post. It was already almost 3 P.M by then so after leaving our suitcase at the room, we set off to explore which ever attraction was nearest to the hotel. 

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse was about a 10 minute drive from the hotel. This road was paved and lined with several beachfront resorts on our right and a deeply forested area to our left. The lighthouse was towards the very end of the road, at an incline. Then you need to park at a sandy vacant lot and walk up to a steep path leading to the lighthouse. It was scorching hot and also a bit humid because it is near the coastline. We were both drenched in sweat! 

Some local folks told us that Patar Beach is just around the corner. All sweaty we get into the car and drove in the direction of the beach. We reach a stretch of road with resorts, hotels and small inns. All of them offering various offers from all day cottages for picnics, all day swimming and most of them charged entrance fees. 

Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to get more sun to kiss my skin. I was tired and just wanted to return to our hotel to rest. True to form, the hubby was eager to catch the sunset and our place had a good vantage point that offers a fantastic view. Back at our room, while unpacking I fell asleep. While D was outside snapping away as the sun set over Bolinao, Pangasinan.

We learned that the hotel does not serve any dinner at their small restaurant. So we head out and found a place along the same road we took earlier. The Mangunguna Seafood Bar and Grill was an open air eatery with nipa hut style roofing, lanterns and wooden furniture for seating. We ordered their (grilled) seafood bilao with rice and iced tea. With the sound of crickets and the occasional passing by of cars along the dark, unlit road - it was a good way to end the first day of our road trip.