The ASEAN summit provided another week of holidays... of course our feet got itchy and we had to go somewhere. I really wanted to go to hundred islands but somehow got to find this eco resort in BOLINAO Pangasinan. I have never been to Pangasinan, so off we go..
The travel time was more of less 4.5 hours from Manila. (depending on driving speed). Good thing the hubby really liked long drives. The eco resort is called BIRDLAND. It took us awhile to look for it. (more or less got help from waze). Its operated by an expat couple, the guy is Filipino raised in the US and had a passion for woodworking (as evidenced by the birdhouses he builds)
They have choices of huts like the pic above... to be more in touch with nature... it really depends on what you would like to experience. Since I was with kids, I chose the aircon rooms. (lol)
The booking came with breakfast... which was pretty good. But I guess overall, I would say, the resort is ok, but a bit overpriced for what they had to offer. (no swimming pool). Even the basic huts were pricey. The view from the balsa (rubber boat we used to get a sunset ride was great)
BOLINAO- things to see
We chose to get the bamboo tricycle offered by the resort... but honestly, you can DRIVE and be more comfortable going to the sights.
We really enjoyed the bolinao falls, it's the best falls I have seen so far.. and I have trekked mountains to reach some of the falls I have seen... this one, you dont even have to trek... when you arrive, its already there. Entrance is 20 pesos and kids get in for free... what a bargain.
if you are daring enough... you can also jump from the falls. They rent out life vests to those who are not confident swimmers. the sides were walkable... only the middle part was a bit deep... and if you try to swim to the falls.. you will get a workout from the force of the water from the falls.The falls and water itself was so refreshing... you can get a natural massage if you walk under the falls itself. what an experience.
---ENCHANTED CAVE
This was quite interesting. The resort itself was well maintained and had several areas aside form the famous enchanted cave where you can relax. some families I saw were even picnicking. You can spend a whole day touring this resort but we decided to make a quick visit. The way down to the cave was a bit slippery (caution to elderly and small children) and you really have to watch your head.
We also went to see the bolinao lighthouse.. nothing much but a photo op place..
because basically, it's near Patar beach, the main stretch of white sand beach in the area. Our resort didn't have much of a beach, mostly rocky terrain. (talked with the owner that the rocks were sharp and wasn't very safe for kids.. another minus for me)
Patar beach was nice... reminded me of pagudpod. the food offerings around there were not as much as if you were in a more "commercial" beach. The halo halo we had was bleh..
Overall, we enjoyed the waterfalls (I think there were two of them but we got to see only 1), nature and adventure... but for accomodation, I think you can do better than the one we got.
