When you hear about Pangasinan, what is the top thing that comes to your mind? For sure a lot of you will say bangus ( milkfish) and asin (salt). This province is well known for salt-making and for having the best bangus in the Philippines. The salt farms and numerous Filipino bangus dishes are some of the reasons why tourists are going to Pangasinan. But aside from bangus and salt, there are many reasons why you need to visit Pangasinan.
Meet with the animals at Farmcradle
If you are an animal lover, you would surely enjoy to have a tour in Farmcradle. It's a huge farm situated in Balungao, Pangasinan featuring a variety of animals such as goats, cows, horses, camels, horses, rabbits, chicken, ostriches, peacocks and a lot more. The farm has also a hydroponic garden that produces organic vegetables.
Farmcradle also offers outdoor activities such as ATVs (all-terrain vehicle) ride, Kalesa Ride, Bike Zipline, and Rope Obstacle Courses.
ATV Ride at Lingayen Beach
Most of the time, I ride an ATV near the foothill of the mountain or in a desert like area. But this time, I drive an ATV in the beach. Yes, I experienced it in the town of Lingayen. At the moment, there are only 4 ATVs available that you can rent to drive around the Lingayen beach.
Learn to make bagoong at JB Bagoong factory
The JB Bagoong factory is well known for making one of the best bagoong in the province. The brand offers several varieties of bagoong at an affordable price.
Bar Hopping in Dagupan
If you are looking for a place to drink in Pangasinan, Dagupan is the place to be. I highly recommend Ugly Daddy Restobar which serves a lot of alcoholic beverages. From hard liqour, ladies drinks to beer, Ugly Daddy Restobar has something to offer depending on your taste and budget.
Another hang out place in Dagupan that you should visit is Mint Kitchen Bar. It offers a lot of beverages, pulutan and dessert. During our visit to the bar, there's a local band performing on stage. One of our friends joined with them and she sang one of her favorite songs.
Food Trip in Kabaleyan Eatery
Kabaleyan Eatery is one of the newest restaurants in Pangasinan. It serves a lot of mouth watering Pangasinense dishes. One of my favorites is the Oyster Rockefeller. You should also try Aligue Balut, Bagoong Lechon Manok and Urduja's Pinakbet when you visit the restaurant.
Spelunking at Nalsoc Cave
To get your Pangasinan tour more exciting, I highly suggest to try spelunking at Nalsoc Cave. If you are a first timer, no worries, it's easy to walk inside the cave and there's a guide who will assist you.
It's so amazing to see up close these beautiful stalagmites and stalactites formation. Please be advised that these structures are for your eyes only. Never touch it! We also saw a lot of flying bats. Their sound is a little scary. No worries, they are harmless.
Tour at Pangasinan Provincial Capitol
The Pangasinan Provincial Capitol is one best capitol buildings in the north. It was declared as one of the eight Architectural Treasures of the Philippines by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA).
I really love its impressive architecture design.The entire building is rectangular in plan with two to three stories in height, and set on a podium with several steps. One of the best spots to take picture is in wooden spiral staircase. Another instragrammable spot is in front of the building.
Organic Farming at Our Farm Republic
I must say Our Farm Republic is a great destination for those who want to learn organic farming. The farm promotes agri-tourism and organic agriculture. They also offer training and seminars, farm tours, fresh produce, and livestock.
Swimming at Surip Beach
Located in the small town of Bani, Surip Beach is a nice destination for those seeking a less crowded beach. This laid back beach is also the best place to witness a beautiful sunset.
Where to stay in Pangasinan
Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort
The Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort is a cozy mountain resort situated between Alaminos and Bolinao. It has themed rooms, a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge. What I like about this resort, it's surrounded with sevaral species of plants and trees.
McArthur Park by the Sea Resort
It's a beach front resort that has spacious airconditioning rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and shared lounge area.
Yellow Beach Villas
Located in Binmaley, Yellow Beach Villas is an events place and resort facing clear blue sea with a few scenic background of the Lingayen Gulf and Mountain ranges. It has airconditioning rooms and a swimming pool with slide.
We would like to thank the city Mayor of Lingayen for welcoming our group in his humble town. They prepared a lot of sumptuous dishes especially Pangisinan's local delicasies. We also appreciated the people at the Pakwan Festival: Agri Trade Fair for showcasing their products.
Lakbay Norte 9 is a 5-day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau and NLEX Corporation in cooperation with Victory Liner Inc., Amazon Cafe, Belo, Locally, Kremil-S, Myra Vitfirm Lotion, Department of Tourism- Region 1, La Union Convention and Visitors Bureau (LUCVB), and Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (PVB). Some photos are shot by Paul Benzi
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