Trip to 100 Islands, Philippines

One of the disappointing things about Philippines is that many of the really beautiful places are not within easy reach.

Back here I talked about Baguio. It’s a 7 hour drive North of Manila, but at least there are hotels you can stay at up there, so an overnight stay is easy.

Not so with 100 Islands, although you can stay overnight in one of the cottages on Quezon Island – just don’t expect room service.

They’re about a 6 or 7 hour drive from Manila, North West, on the coast of Pangasinan Province, near the town of Alaminos (where you can get hotel accommodation).

100 Islands actually comprises 124 islands, although the 124th is only visible at low tide. They’re compressed into an area of about 4,500 acres – the size of a large farm in the UK or a reasonable sized one in the US.

Like many of the islands around Phuket (Thailand) the islands here are mushroom shaped because the sea water has eroded their bases.

That makes for some fascinating shapes and interesting looking caves.

But they’re all lush, some have outstandingly beautiful beaches and the water around them is absolutely crystal clear.

We did the trip in a day, driving from Binalonan and returning in the evening. You really only need a half day or so there, unless you plan on vegging out on one of the beaches. But apart from the natural beauty and tranquillity of the place there’s really nothing to do.

Best plan of action is to hire a motorised canoe when you get there, along with a driver, and let them take you round the islands.

The boat hire is PHP 500 for a half day (if I remember correctly) and the boatman will take you round to the most interesting places, as well as the 3 developed islands.

Buy some food at the stalls near the jetty before you leave (and remember to include the boatman in the quantities you buy) and then put yourself in his hands. You will be well looked after.

Here are some pictures – click on the thumbnail below and then click again on the picture that comes up to get a full sized picture:

100 Islands is beautiful.

If you hire a car and driver from Manila you can do it as a day trip.

Allow 6 – 7 hours to get there, 5 or so hours there and 6 – 7 hours back. Your driver will sleep in (or near) the car while you’re exploring the islands so the early start and late return won’t trouble him.

But if you’re driving yourself you may want to book a hotel in Alaminos and stay overnight.

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