Alaminos and the 100 Islands National Park
Alaminos is the gateway to the famed 100 Islands (actually 123 islands, 124 when the tide is out!). A little way out of the town is Lucap pier, where you can hire a bangka out to the Islands. Most popular (and crowded is Quezon Island), but my favourite is Governor’s Island, which has a small bungalow the DOT rents out by the day/night.
Victoria shoreline
Alaminos itself boasts all the usual fast food outlets but my best memories of Alaminos, are sitting at Maxime's by the Sea Restaurant on its pier jutting out into the Gulf at Lucap. Our choices are eating the freshly cooked Chilli and Garlic Crab (which we had picked out live from the dispaly) and the Drunken Prawns, all washed down with ice cold SMB .
Maxime's at night
There is an international standard hotel on the Lucap road - The 100 Islands Resort Hotel, and Barney's Lodge & Restaurant, plus a number of other lodging establishments for a more informal stay.
St Joseph Cathedral
On Road from Subic to La Union (1999)
Just north of Subic Bay is Capones Beach Resort, gateway to the Capones Islands. A “must stop” for diving. Boats out to the Islands and mountain walks add to the attractions. International cuisine and a bar overlooking the beach which offers satellite TV with 17 channels and over 600 videos to choose from. Owner John also runs a service to Subic and the Barrio on request.
The local FRA branch 367 (the hardest working little branch in Asia) in San Antonio is a good stopping point north.
Just before you get to IBA, Rama is a well run Aussie owned resort. Owner Roger will arrange boat trips and scuba diving on request, and a visit to the mysterious local mine workings where electric torches just will not work. There are several other beach resorts in the area above Iba, but Palmera Gardens – run by the Sunset Gardens/ Premier Resort guys from Angeles (and the former Rama Resort) is the pick of the bunch. Tourist attractions are Ramon Magsaysay’s house, the ruins of the 1500’s Spanish Governor’s residence, and the aforementioned gold and chromite mines. Dive sites include the SS Reindeer wreck (the bottle wreck) and a WW2 Japanese wreck.
The other side of Masinloc offers the relaxing Puerto Asinan Restaurant, built on piers over the sea – almost totally mosquito free.
Alaminos is the gateway to the famed 100 Islands. A little way out of the town is Lucap pier, where you can hire a bangka out to the Islands. Most popular (and crowded is Quezon Island), but my favourite is Governor’s Island, which has a small bungalow the DOT rents out by the day/night.
Sual has the Forestside Restaurant, which is a welcome stop for refreshments, and the views across the Gulf.
Lingayen beach has an interesting exhibit of WW2 artifacts including tanks and airplanes.
Beyond Dagupan my personal relaxation point is San Fabian, where Siera Vista, & Lazy “A” beach resorts are located. The beach is on a peninsula bounded by the sea on one side and the river on the other. I like the river side where the White House, San Fabian Yacht Club (built out of a Vietnamese refugee boat), and Tropical Heat Resort are located.
Further down towards Damortis is the Windsurf beach resort – friendly relaxing place to unwind. Damortis is where the route joins
National Highway to San Fernando, La Union & Agoo - for the Marcos Highway to Baguio.
Getting There -
Philippines Rabbit, Victory Liner and 5 Star have terminals in Alaminos for buses from Manila (via Dau & Tarlac), Subic and Baguio.