Located in the province of Pangasinan, the town of Bolinao is one of the perfect places to spend a quick weekend by the beach. Situated about six hours away by bus from Manila, a midnight ride from Cubao can easily transport tourists from the bustle of the metro to a relaxing seaside getaway. Besides its sprawl of golden beaches and aquamarine waters, it boasts of three easy to explore caves with natural pools within its caverns, three gorgeous waterfalls, unique rock formations along its coasts and the second tallest American Era lighthouse in the Philippines.

 

 

► HOW TO GET TO BOLINAO

---

Coming from Manila, getting to Bolinao requires a six-hour bus ride. It sounds daunting but it’s really quite easy. From Cubao and Pasay, there are three bus companies offering daily rides directly to Bolinao. The best way is to board one at around midnight, which would have you at the town’s Poblacion at about six in the morning. While there are multiple bus schedules per day at the said bus terminals, if on the rare instance that these are full, another option is to take an Alaminos bound bus, and from there, Bolinao is only an hour away by either bus or van.

► BOOK A BOLINAO BUS, FERRY, PRIVATE TRANSFER, FLIGHT ONLINE

 
BOLINAO BUS VIA METRO MANILA ○ 6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP459.00+/- ONE WAY
● FIVE STAR BUS CO. - Cubao, Pasay | Aircon, Ordinary | (02) 853-4772, (02) 911-7359 | with Wi-Fi
● DAGUPAN BUS CO. - Cubao | Aircon  | (02) 727-2330 | with Wi-Fi
● VICTORY LINER - Cubao | Aircon | (02) 727-4688 | with Wi-Fi

BOLINAO BUS VIA BAGUIO CITY ○ 8 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP237.00+/- ONE WAY
● VICTORY LINER - Baguio, Gov. Pack Road | Ordinary | (074) 442-5708

 

 

► SPEAK BOLINAO

---

Although Pangasinan and Ilocano are widely spoken in Bolinao, the town has its own native tongue, the Bolinao or Binu-Bolinao. It is closely related to Ilocano and Sambal languages in Zambales. Most people in town, nevertheless, can understand and speak both Filipino and English.

Thank You – Salamat
Good Morning – Maabig a buklas
Good Afternoon - Maabig a awro
Good Evening – Maabig a yabi
How Much? – Sinano?
Where is… – Adti…

 

 

► HOW TO GET AROUND BOLINAO

---

There are no jeepneys in Bolinao, the major mode of transportation in town is the tricycle. Tourists, however, need only to avail of their services when going to the falls and Barangay Patar, where the caves and the beaches are. The town itself is quite small and can easily be explored on foot. Most tricycles converge near the bus terminals. It’s quite expensive to charter a tricycle all the way to Patar, since it’s really far, costing about PHP250.00 one way. The best way to lower down the price down is to find companions to split the fare with. A single tricycle can hold up to four persons.

 

 

► STAY CONNECTED IN BOLINAO

---

There’s no problem with cellphone signals while at Poblacion. But once you drive up to Patar, it gets wonky for both Globe and Smart lines. You still get intermittent signals on your phone, but unless your resort has Wi-Fi, forget about connecting to the Internet.

 

 

► BOLINAO TOURS AND GUIDES

---

Availing of a packaged tour and a guide in Bolinao isn’t really needed. Most, if not all, tricycle operators, offer a standard day trip to all the tourist spots in Bolinao. Rates are usually set at PHP1,500.00, covering almost all the usual places of interest in the area. The ride is already good up to four persons, so taking a few friends with you or befriending other tourists to join in your tour isn’t such a bad idea. Note that the numerous entrance and parking fees are not covered with the fee. Van tours are also available on the more upscale resorts in Patar.

 

 

► WHERE TO STAY IN BOLINAO

---

Most of the lodgings in Bolinao are located in Patar since this is where the beach is located. These range from simple huts to luxurious resorts. The most affordable I found were at around PHP500.00, but don’t expect much from these. If you’re into camping, a few beach-front accommodations allow guests to set up tents for only PHP150.00 a night.

ROCK VIEW BEACH RESORT
Room Rates: from PHP500.00 (open cottage)
Address: Bolinao Rock Formation, Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0999) 303-4133
GPS Coordinates: 16.317869,119.783173

BENJIE’S KUBO & COTTAGES
Room Rates: from PHP500.00
Address: Patar White Beach, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0910) 836-6257
GPS Coordinates: 16.317869,119.783173

WHITE BEACH NATURE’S CAMP BOLINAO RESORT
Room Rates: from PHP150.00 (tent)
Address: Patar White Beach, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0928) 281-5199
GPS Coordinates: 16.300812, 119.780802

PUERTO DEL SOL BEACH RESORT
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (02) 637-8963 | (02) 635-2547
GPS Coordinates: 16.355752,119.813016

TREASURES OF BOLINAO
Room Rates: From PHP4,200.00
Address: Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (075) 696-3266 | (02) 413-4914 | (0908) 853-0000
GPS Coordinates: 16.306095, 119.780731

SEARCH FOR MORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN BOLINAO

 

 

► WHERE TO EAT IN BOLINAO

---

Bolinao isn’t really a foodie haven. In town, there are hardly any upscale restaurants or cafes. Nevertheless, there’s a fair amount of local eateries. Prices are slightly higher in Patar, with restaurants serving mostly Filipino favorites, Western dishes and grilled fares. Most resorts along the white beach offers grillers for guests, so another option is to buy fresh fishes and meat from the market and DIY your meals.

ADORA’S RESTAURANT
Type: Eatery, Rice Meals, Silog
Address: Don Alonzo Ponce Street, Poblacion, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (075) 554-2341
Open Hours: Open 24 Hours
GPS Coordinates: 16.388853, 119.893919

GIANT TAKLOBO GRILL
Type: Eatery, Rice Meals, Silog
Address: Brgy. Balingasay, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0921) 463-0623 | Open Hours: 10:00AM to 10:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 16.357322, 119.859657
PHOTO BY GIANT TAKLOBO GRILL
LA PAROLA EL RESTAURANTE
Type: Filipino Food, Rice Meals
Address: Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0918) 920-1517 | (0908) 882-5178
GPS Coordinates: 16.303783, 119.782416
PHOTO BY LAKAS.COM.PH

MANGUNGUNA SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL
Type: Bar, Grill, Rice Meals
Address: Brgy. Ilog Marino, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0912) 836-9057 | Open Hours: 10:00AM to 10:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 16.356317, 119.815568
PHOTO BY MANGUNGUNA SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

SUNGAYAN GRILL
Type: Floating Restaurant, Rice Meals, Filipino
Address: Brgy. Balingasay, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0912) 353-4433 | Open Hours: 9:00AM to 10:00PM
GPS Coordinates: 16.354667, 119.855220
PHOTO BY SUNGAYAN GRILL

 

 

► WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BOLINAO

---

Bolinao tourist spots can easily be visited in a single day via tricycle tours. Before going off to Patar, you can already check out the 17th century St. James the Great church, which is just a hop away from the bus terminals. Most tours cover the Bolinao 1 and 2 waterfalls, with the third one, Tara Falls, sometimes requiring additional charges since it’s a bit out of the way. The caves are also part of the itinerary, although you may choose which ones you only want to visit since entrance fees usually start at PHP100.00 per person. If your resort is near the Patar White Beach (where you can swim, snorkel and sometimes, surf), you can opt to end your tour there and simply walk to the lighthouse and the Patar Rock Formations for the sunset. Another attraction in Bolinao is the Balingasay River. The river cruise can be availed for a fee while having lunch at the Sungayan Grill. They also offer night cruises for dinner.

BALINGASAY RIVER
Address: Sungayan Grill, Brgy. Balingasay, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (0927) 870-4804
Entrance Fee: Cruise starts from PHP1,000.00 for 10pax
GPS Coordinates: 16.354667, 119.855220
PHOTO BY JUANDERFULPINOY

BOLINAO CHURCH
Address: Poblacion Rd. cor. Don Alonzo Ponce St., Poblacion, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Contact Number: (075) 552-0236
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 16.388625,119.893579

BOLINAO FALLS 1
Address: Brgy. Samang Norte, Bolinao Trail, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.305901,119.860137

BOLINAO FALLS 2
Address: Brgy. Samang Norte, Bolinao Trail, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00 | PHP20.00 Parking Fee
Cottage Rental: From PHP300.00 
GPS Coordinates: 16.307742,119.865504

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE
Address: Cape Beach Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 16.307248,119.785545

CINDY'S CAVE
Address: Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Open Hours: 8:00AM to 5:30PM
Entrance Fee: Php150.00 per person
GPS Coordinates: 16.330163, 119.793077
PHOTO BY DEN DEN

ENCHANTED CAVE
Address: Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Open Hours: 8:30AM to 5:30PM
Entrance Fee: PHP150.00 | PHP50.00 Parking Fee
GPS Coordinates: 16.343439, 119.803611
PHOTO BY BINO CAINA 

PATAR ROCK FORMATION
Address: Patar Road, Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: PHP80.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.316927,119.782444

PATAR WHITE SAND BEACH
Address: Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: Free | Parking Fee: PHP50.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.301255,119.780459

TARA FALLS
Address: Brgy. Tara, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.282051, 119.890335

WONDERFUL CAVE
Address: Brgy. Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Open Hours: 6:00AM to 6:30PM
Entrance Fee: from PHP100.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.340623,119.802845

 

 

► WHAT TO BUY & WHERE TO SHOP IN BOLINAO

---

Souvenir shops in Bolinao can be found mostly on built-up stalls along the Patar White Beach. They have the usual ref magnets, keychains and shirts. While on the beach, another must-buy (and must-try) is the marangtangtang sea urchins. Piled on a small plastic tub, these are usually hawked by kids along the beach and its roe is usually eaten raw with a little helping of vinegar. Another delicacy unique to the region is the binungey, a cake made from sticky rice steamed inside a bamboo shaft. Most are sold near the old church.

Be sure to bring enough cash while in Bolinao as there’s only one ATM in town. There’s no place to withdraw anywhere near Patar and you’d have to go all the way to Poblacion, near the bus terminals, to get extra moolah.

BINUNGEY
Type: Rice cake cooked in bamboo
Where to Buy: Near Bolinao Church
GPS Coordinates: 16.388625,119.893579

MARATANGTANG SEA URCHINS
Type: Raw sea urchin with vinegar
Where to Buy: Patar White Beach 
GPS Coordinates: 16.301255,119.780459

BOLINAO TRAVEL SOUVENIRS
Type: Keychains, ref magnets, t-shirts
Wherre to Buy: Patar White Beach
GPS Coordinates: 16.301255,119.780459

 

 

► BOLINAO TOURIST SPOTS MAP

---

 

 

► BOLINAO SAMPLE ITINERARY & TRAVEL BUDGET

---

Bolinao can easily be toured in a single day and could be enjoyed over a weekend. Depart from Manila by Friday night, arrive in Bolinao early Saturday morning, and ride back to Manila on Sunday afternoon. This is usually enough to see everything the place has to offer. But to truly enjoy your trip, reserve at least three full days. Do the tour on your first day, and relax on the beach on the next two days. If you can afford it, book on weekdays, as Patar White Beach usually gets filled up during weekends.

For your Bolinao travel budget, a third of it would go to transportation costs. Tours are relatively cheap if you’re four in the group—so is the transport going from town to Patar—since tricycle in town charges per vehicle and not per head.

       
DAY 0 | PHP459.00
Depart Manila at around midnight
    PHP459.00 – BUS FARE FROM MANILA

DAY 1 | PHP1,425.00
Arrive in Bolinao early morning
Breakfast at Poblacion
    PHP100.00 – BREAKFAST AT ADORA’S RESTAURANT
Visit Bolinao Church
Tricycle to resort
    PHP250.00 OR PHP62.50 EACH – TRICYCLE, GOOD UP TO FOUR PERSONS
    PHP320.00 OR PHP160.00 EACH – CHEAPEST LODGING FROM AGODA
Tour Bolinao via tricyle
    PHP1,500.00 OR PHP375.00 EACH – BOLINAO TRICYCLE TOUR, GOOD UP TO FOUR PERSONS
   - Tara Falls (optional, will incur additional charge)
          PHP50.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
   - Bolinao Falls 1
          PHP50.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
   - Bolinao Falls 2
          PHP50.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
          PHP20.00 OR PHP5.00 EACH – PARKING FEE
   - Enchanted Cave
          PHP150.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
          PHP50.00 OR PHP12.50 EACH – PARKING FEE
   - Wonderful Cave
          PHP100.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
   - Cindy’s Cave
          PHP150.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
   - Lunch at Balingasay River
          PHP130.00 – LUNCH AT SUNGAYAN RESTAURANT
   - Balingasay River Cruise (optional, PHP1,000.00 good for ten persons)
   - Bolinao Light House
   - Patar White Beach
Tricycle or walk to Patar Rock Fomation for sunset 
          PHP80.00 – ENTRANCE FEE
Dinner at Patar
    PHP100.00 – DINNER
Go back to resort

DAY 2 | PHP621.50
Breakfast
    PHP100.00 – BREAKFAST AT EATERIES OR RESORT
Swim at the beach
Check out from resort
Tricycle back to town
    PHP250.00 OR PHP62.50 EACH – TRICYCLE, GOOD UP TO FOUR PERSONS
Depart Bolinao
    PHP459.00 – BUS FARE TO MANILA

 

► TOTAL FOR A WEEKEND TWO-DAY BOLINAO TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR ONE PERSON (GROUP OF FOUR)
► PHP2,505.50

 

 

► EXTEND YOUR BOLINAO TRIP

---

BAGUIO CITY
Baguio Travel Blog
Hours Away: Five to six hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Bolinao Victory Liner Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
NUEVA ECIJA
Nueva Ecija Travel Blog
Hours Away: Four hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Bolinao Victory Liner Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: One to three days
TARLAC
Tarlac Travel Blog
Hours Away: Three hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Bolinao Bus Terminal
Suggested Number of Days: Two to three days
VIGAN CITY
Vigan Travel Blog
Hours Away: Six hours away by bus and transfers
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days

BOLINAO TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF MARCH 3, 2017