Alaminos in Pangasinan is riddled with utterly captivating forest green coral islands hugged by cerulean waters, which for the most part, are blissfully deserted. Comprised of 123 sun-kissed islets that houses varied wildlife, the Hundred Islands is the poster boy of the province.

In 2008, it graced the cover of the 501 Must-Visit Islands book published in the United Kingdom. The same year, the book Bird watching in the Philippines was launched at the World Travel Mart in Great Britain and the Hundred Islands is on the list of the 13 best bird watching sites in the country.

Out of the 123 islands, only three have been developed; Governors Island, Quezon Island and Childrens Island. The Governors Island is home to the Pinoy Big Brother House (Teen Edition), a former hit reality TV show. It has a viewing deck offering a scenic view of several islands threaded with azure and teal green waters. From this famed island, you can also wade through the waters to get to a small islet called Virgin Island. Quezon and Childrens Island are the perfect spot for swimming.

The lesser known Shell Island is hugged by cream sands and a shallow lagoon fringed by rock formations. Marcos Island is a favorite spot for cliff jumping because of its stunning underwater cave with emerald green waters. As their name suggests, Monkey Island is inhabited by monkeys while Bat Islands is inhabited by bats, but the Turtle Island however doesnt have turtle residents but is shaped like this timid animal. Cuenco Island has splendid twin beaches and Cuenco Cave is sandwiched in the middle, and the Old Scout Islands is a perfect spot for lazing by the beach as well as Lopez Islands.

Getting to Alaminos, Pangasinan

To get to Hundred Islands, you can ride a bus bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan. From Manila, air-conditioned bus fare wont exceed Php 400. It may take up to 3-4 hours to reach Alaminos and from there, you can charter a tricycle to take you to the jump off point which is Lucas Wharf. But if you want to save a few bucks, head to the Lucas Terminal where you can ride a tricycle for Php 15, but it will only leave once full ( at least 4 passengers is needed).

Fare: Php 800 (estimated roundtrip bus fare) + Php 30 tricycle (round trip /regular fare) = Php 830

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Budget Travel: Hundred Islands National Park