Road Trip to North Luzon - Part 1 (Pangasinan, Baguio, Benguet)

Philippines, a country comprising more than 7,000 islands and the home of the most hospitable people. The place that I'll always want to visit.

I went home for a vacation last October 2015. My family and I planned an exclusive trip around Luzon. Not all provinces though, but the ones that are accessible after the other. 

Our trip lasted for 4 days straight travelling by our van with our trusted driver, my dad. From Quezon City we went to Pangasinan, Baguio, Benguet (La Trinidad), Ilocos Sur (Vigan), Ilocos Norte (Laoag, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpod) and last stop to my father's hometown Ilagan, Isabela.

At first, this itinerary gave my dad a disapproving look since he will be driving the whole time and the distance of each provinces is no joke (3-6 hours). We had to cramp each places because I'm only entitled for a short vacation. 

 

 I wanted to put the entire trip in one entry but it's too long with all the photos. :)

Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

A  gem in Northern Luzon where there are literally hundreds of islands (I researched and it's 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide). I've been here 1 time with my college friends and I revisited it again this time with my family.

Prices differ from the number of people (boat size to use) and which islands would you want to visit. Environmental fee is just P40 as far as I remember and prices for the motor boat rental costs from P800 - P2000 (we're just 4 people). Additional fees are applied for snorkeling equipment. Better to bring your own.  

It was quite handy that my father is an Ilocano so it's easier for us to bargain stuffs such as the snorkeling equipment. The boatman was explaining the islands to my dad alone (speaking in Ilocano) and too bad because my father sucks with translating.

We arrived earlier than expected and the sun welcomed us. 

 

  

We have half day allotted for the place so we chose to tour all the islands as possible. You can choose to go to the 3 main islands or go to all other. There are several activities in each island which comes for a fee. From zip line, snorkeling, banana boat and kayaking. And since we are not for that, we didn't try anything. 

  

We stopped at an island with a view deck uphill. We changed to our swimming clothes and ate our packed breakfast overlooking the sea and breathing in fresh breeze. 

 

 

After our short meal, we went uphill to see how is it. We are not the best people that you can rely on when it comes to hiking or activities that require loads of energy, but I really want to see what is it up above. (The panorama photo was taking from the deck)

 

Then next we went island hopping. Stopping on each island, taking photos and doing shallow snorkeling because we can't really swim well. 

      

My sister and I are fools when we're together as if we are the same age. 

      

I thought we've been there for like around 5 hours but we actually finished swimming and going around at 9am. 

 

 

We ended our Hundred Islands adventure and head on to our next destination.

Baguio City

Yes, we went straight to Baguio for a chilly and relaxing night. 

We stayed at City Travel Hotel which is located just in front of Burnham Park (http://www.citytravelhotelbaguio.com). If you don't mind the atmosphere in the hallway and inside the room, then this place is just okay. No aircon because it's cold enough outside. Just.. don't wander around because it's too quiet outside the room. We booked a room just for the night around P3,000(?) for a family room with 2 queen beds and bathroom. 

We had a good rest when we arrived from Pangasinan and went out at 6pm for dinner. Baguio is a good place to stroll because the weather is glorious. 

 

At first, I suggested to eat grilled food at the eateries along Burnham Park but we have picky eaters so we skipped that. We passed along Session road and saw a Korean sizzling restaurant but it was too expensive. We ended up walking straight to SM Baguio and ate at Yellow Cab (dinner?).  

  

Bell Church & Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad, Benguet

The following day, from Baguio we went to Benguet. We visited the Bell Church at first to snap some photos. The Bell Church can be spotted at the boundary of Baguio and Benguet. My parents have visited the place before and they told me that you can go up to the temple. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited. 

       

Outside the Bell Church, this is the sight

We then went straight to the Strawberry Farm and another unfortunate thing is that due to the recent storm, there were no strawberries, only lettuce. :'(

  

Vendors were selling strawberries outside and Baguio's one of a kind strawberry taho and ice cream.

 

We went back to Baguio to check out from the inn and went to most visited tourist site, the Mines View Park. :) This place will never be left out in anyone's itinerary to Baguio. Mines View Park has no entrance fees. The parking will only be the main problem that you'll experience if you have a car. 

As if everyone doesn't know, you can buy dozens of souvenir items and delicacies like Ube, Strawberry jam, Peanut brittle, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Crinkles, Lengua and so much more. You can buy it in assorted jars and will cost just P100 for 3-5 jars depending on the size. 

     

               

As I have said, I was planning to put it all together but it'll be too long and boring to read. Posting the Ilocos part soon :)

For Transportation services, you can contact my father (Noel) at 09192057079. You can show your itinerary and they will fix it for you for convenience. Affordable prices, good vehicles and trustworthy drivers. Here is the page: NBBC Travel