Hundred
Island
Pangasinan is one of the provinces of the
Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen.
Pangasinan is located on the west central area of the island
of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf. The total land area of Pangasinan
is 5,368.82 square kilometers.
The total population of Pangasinan is 2,434,086
as of 2000, and projected to be 3,039,500 in 2010. (National
Statistics Office, 2000 Census). The Pangasinan language is
the primary language in Pangasinan. The estimated population
of the indigenous speakers of the Pangasinan language in the
province of Pangasinan is 1.5 million.
The Hundred Islands National Park is in the
province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located
in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide
and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and
cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). They
are believed to be about two million years old. Only three
of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island,
Quezon Island, and Children's Island.
Hundred Island Characteristics
Hundreds
of tiny rock islands are dotted over Lingayen Gulf near Lucap.
From a distance they appear as a single land mass but a closer
view shows them to be islands. Ranging in area from a few
square meters to three hectares, some thirty of the islands
are bordered by white, sandy beaches and surrounded by coral.
The crystal clear waters are suited for swimmers, snorkelers
and scuba divers.
However, several coral reefs there have already been destroyed
by dynamite fishing. One cannot get directly to many of the
islands by boat because of the coral reefs which lie just
below the water surface. Two islands, Urduja and Cathedral,
are interesting because of their caves. The tourist office
at the pier in Lucap gives information about the islands and
round trips by boat. A small boat (6 persons) costs for a
day tour to selected destinations P 130; for island hopping
P 170, both including waiting time.
The price for overnight tours is P 260. Accommodation facilities
can be found only on Quezon and Governor's Island. However,
the tourist office has also tents and sleeping bags for rent.
"The Hundred Islands of Pangasinan are an interesting
sight they appear as mosscovered mounds scattered over the
Lingayen Gulf.
These
tiny rock islands, covered with coral and seaweed, are bounded
by white sand beaches. Two of the islands, Romulo and Shell,
are ideal sites for a little peace, relaxation and isolation.
Lopez Island has little coves and is said to be an excellent
site for game of hide and seek. The Children's Island has
shallow beaches and campsites while Quezon Island is ideal
for holding picnics primarily because it can accommodate a
large number of people.
Tables and benches are provided. Two of the islands are provided
with cottages for overnighters. These are Governor's Island
and Children's Island. Prior notice should, however, be given.
It is suggested that scuba or snorkelling gear be brought
along for you to enjoy the marine life that abound in the
waters of Lingayen Gulf. And overnighters will enjoy a romantic
evening and wake up to a fabulous sunrise.
