Road Trip to Tambobong, Dasol, Pangasinan (Colibra Island)

What happens when you landed unexpectedly to a strange place?

On June 23, 2016, 2PM, we had an unplanned road trip to the Hundred Islands from San Fernando, La Union thinking that it was near and just 2 hours’ drive however, we reached the boating area at 6:40pm for a reason that we got lost along the way and it was raining heavily. It was then getting dark and there were no boats already going to the Islands for an overnight camping; since we did not want to get our trip wasted, we searched for a nearby destination, which was in Tambobong, Dasol, Pangasinan.

It was raining heavily and we thought we were heading to a dead end location as there were no cars passing by and no houses, you can only see cows, goats, carabaos along the road so you really need to be careful when driving. We just continued until we reached the town around 10PM. There were no people outside their houses to ask so we just parked along the road and slept inside the car. Before resting we tried catching fishes first at the shoreline since it was high tide and had so much fun even if we did not get any.😂😂

Our first stop while on our way to Alaminos; where we realized we got lost.😁

Boating Area to the Hundred, Islands

In the morning, we asked around if there were restaurants but there was none thus, we had coffee and bread at one of the stores.

We looked for swimming areas around the shoreline however; the sand was not enticing as it was grayish and had lots of seaweeds. The locals suggested that we should visit Colibra Island with a boat rental of Php800.00 (4pax).

We thought of purchasing foods to cook in the island but then the store owner said they render "paluto service" for Php150.00, we just had to buy the ingredients to be cooked. We opt for the service since we had no cooking utensils. By the way, they also have accommodation services.

Tambobong, Dasol, Pangasinan-Boating area to Colibra, Island 

Colibra, Island- This little island has a fine cream color sand with crystal clear water. It will take 30 minutes boat from the mainland. The size is very small which you can walk around the whole island for 15 to 30 minutes.

Cabacungan Cave- A side trip after Colibra Island, you have to hike 10-15 minutes to reach this small cave where you can dip and watch fishes if you have your snorkel masks with you. Although, be careful with the splash of waves it's a bit powerful.

Trip to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

There are several tourist spots in llocos Sur & Norte. Below are some of our stops during my 2 times trip in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. 

• Road Trip to Ilocos -San Fernando La Union to Pagudpud 

Date of Travel: March 25-27, 2016

One morning we thought of having a road trip going to Pagudpud. We started around 9AM from San Fernando, La Union and arrived at Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte around 8PM. The place was over crowded since it was Peak Season therefore, accommodations were full, we then rented a tent good for two (Php500.00), our 2 companions slept in the car. It was also raining hence, the waves were gigantic.

Along the way Photos: I just realized that We took limited photos that time :). We literally just enjoyed the road trip.

Since it was an unplanned trip, we just searched for some stops along the way, here it is:
1. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation 

2. Bangui Windmill

3. Saud Beach-It is a nice place to relax after a long and tiring trip when you traveled at least 8-12 hours just to reach Pagudpud. The sand color is cream and the beachfront is wide so you can pitch your tent there. The entrance fee is Php 20.00/head. There are washrooms  thus; you don’t have to worry on where to shower. If the washrooms have long queue since the place gets crowded during peak season, there are houses nearby where you can shower for only Php 20.00. If you do not have tent there are open cottages for rent or rooms for rent nearby where you can cook at the same time.

4. Paoay Sand Dunes-On our way home, It was around 6-7pm when we reached Paoay, still we tried to go to Paoay Sand dunes unfortunately, we were not able to see the view since it was dark already.

• Duirng My Second trip, it was for a week training and we were given a chance to visit some of the tourist attractions in Vigan and Pagudpud.

Date of Travel: April 23-27, 2018 

• Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Norte 

• Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions:

1. Paraiso Ni Anton

2. Patapat Viaduct 

3. Bantay Abot Cave 

4. Blue Lagoon/ Hannah’s Beach Resort 

5. Saud Beach -During our first time visit to this place, the waves were gigantic however, it was too calm during the 2nd time.

6. Bangui Windmill

7. Alta Vista Ilocandia-It's a beautiful relaxing place with a mountain and beach combination. This place is good for team buildings, training venues and camping site. The beach however is rocky and there's no swimming pool in case you wish to swim.