DAY 2: Alaminos, Pangasinan
Home to the famous Hundred Islands, Alaminos is one of the most visited areas of the province, welcoming thousands of tourists every year. You can rent a private boat for a tour and spend the day exploring the different islands within the park. While most of the islands resemble each other — a rocky base with vegetation on top — each of them also has different characteristics that are worth checking out.
For our second day, we went around the park, visiting islands and trying our hand at fun water sports.
If you’re interested in experiencing flying over the turquoise waters of the park, make sure to drop by Governor’s Island to try their island-to-island zipline. The zipline connects to Virgin Island and is over 500 meters long. Its jump-off point, located near the viewing deck, gives you a gorgeous panoramic view of the islands.
Want more? Quezon Island is home to another zipline, which is about 120 meters long and is located by the beach. It is also the place to be if you want to be a bit more adventurous — they have kayaks, jet skis, banana boats, and wall-climbing areas.
One of the newest attractions in the area, visitors can now experience parasailing above the islands. See the park from a different perspective, zooming out high above the waters and up in the clouds.
View from Governor’s Island
If you want to stay by the beach and enjoy it in peace, then Children’s Island is the place for you. With shallow waters and fine sand, you can truly relax and just chill. Alternatively, Quezon Island and Governor’s Island are also some of the places you can swim at. Take note that the park can be a bit crowded during the high season, though.
Cuenco Island
Other islands that are also well-loved by tourists are Marcos Island, where the famous cliff diving area Imelda Cave is located. Cuenco Island is also a favorite because of its interesting tunnel – one that is believed to have been used as a hideout by Chinese pirates.
View from Governor’s Island
Tip: When visiting the island, make sure to pack food for your trip. Unfortunately, during the high season, stores on the island are jampacked and tend to sell stuff at higher prices than usual.
Day 3: Pampanga
Our last day was spent going around Pampanga and letting our adventurous and youthful selves enjoy the day. Pampanga is home to exhilarating theme parks and offers breathtaking activities. We only had three activities on our itinerary: wakeboarding, ultralight plane riding, and eating.
Activity #1: Wake Boarding
We visited DECA Wakepark in Angeles where we tried our hands at wakeboarding. A popular water sport, wakeboarding is a fun way to work out those arm muscles (and pretty much, all of the muscles in your body). While the wakepark is known for its huge area for exhibition drills, they also have a smaller pool where beginners and even kids can learn how to ride the board properly.
Activity #2: Riding an Ultralight Plane
Experience flying above Angeles in an Ultralight Plane! An aircraft designed to glide in the wind, this two-seater plane can take you up to 500 feet in the sky. Witness the beauty of Pampanga from up above with Angeles City Flying Club‘s ultralight flying services. Bonus points if you’re brave enough to actually control the plane by yourself! You can ask your pilot to let you try it out. Don’t worry: they’ll guide you accordingly. This experience is breathtaking and definitely one for the books.
Aling Lucing’s Sisig
Activity #3: Eat
Known as one of the best places to eat, Pampanga prides itself on creating some of the best dishes in Luzon. Visit Oasis Hotel’s Maranao Grill and try their 1 kilo (!!!) steak, or try out the Anthony Bourdain-approved sisig at Aling Lucing. They also have karenderyas that serve amazing dishes.
1 Kilo Steak from Maranao Grill
ACCOMMODATIONS
Punta Riviera Resort (Bolinao, Pangasinan)
For our first night, we stayed at Punta Riviera Resort near Ilog Malino. With its great location, complete amenities, and clean rooms, there’s nothing else that you could ask for. They have an infinity pool that gives you a gorgeous view of the sea. You can also kayak by the river in the morning or enjoy their delicious breakfast by the bar. They serve sumptuous and organic meals, fresh from their very own farm.
Oasis Hotel (Angeles, Pampanga)
A sophisticated hotel located in Angeles, Oasis Hotel is favored by many businessmen and other high profile guests. With its secure location, high-quality amenities, and cozy rooms, Oasis Hotel proves to be a perfect spot to spend a quiet weekend in Pampanga. Maranao Grill, the hotel’s main restaurant, also offers exquisite meals 24/7. Their breakfast meals are really good, too!
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pack your bags for an amazing #LakbayNorte soon! 🙂
