Travel Through Paradise

Embark on a journey to Bolinao, the hidden gem of Pangasinan's northern tip, offering a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Nestled near the famous Hundred Islands, Bolinao shines with its unique blend of rugged landscapes and pristine white sand beaches. This guide delves into the heart of Patar Beach, revealing the must-see attractions and activities that make Bolinao a must-visit destination. Join us as we explore the enchanting beauty and adventure awaiting in Bolinao's Patar Beach area...

Bolinao Falls

The Bolinao area mostly consists of flat farmlands, making some people wonder why there’d be waterfalls present within those fields. Still in the midst of these wide plains, there are three beauties of falls available for general public that in their turn give a head start for the Balingasay River to let water flow towards the West-Philippine Sea.

One can take a 20 min ride per tricycle towards the three Bolinao Falls that are closely located to each other. Bolinao Fall nr. 1 is a waterfall where you can have fun jumping off of in its large basin which in its turn makes for a fantastic natural swimming pool.

Bolinao Falls 2 & 3 are good for people that are afraid of heights and make for fantastic socializing and relaxing areas as well. With an abundance of wooden cottages at each waterfall area one could spend a full day chilling with friends in and around the already quite beloved Bolinao Falls.

Enchanted Cave

More of an indoor swimmer? There is another great natural attraction located in the Patar Beach area called the Enchanted Cave. This consists of, yes, a cave as well as beautiful forest-like terrains and gardens surrounding it that are as picturesque as they are enchanting.

When you’re done watching the monkeys, miniature city, and all the other sights within the Enchanted Cave park, you might wanna check out the cave itself right? Yes, you might, so in the center of the park there is a small stairs leading down to an underwater cave you absolutely don’t wanna miss out on. Several Filipino movies have actually been shot here and you’ll know why as soon as you see how enchanting the cave really looks on the inside.

Crystal clear waters that are, even though in contact with the sea, totally fresh and clean. Become even more enchanted and take a swim! There are ropes placed inside the cave to hold on to while swimming so anybody should take a dip in the cave’s water is our opinion. It would be one of the most refreshing swims you’ve even taken, we guarantee.

Patar Rock Formation

Being a favorite prenuptial photoshoot location; the Patar Rock Formation might make for a ‘quick check-out’, or just a great day of chilling time at a beautiful rocky coastline, depending on your schedule and preferences.

This place is typically not crowded and just a relaxing environment, with enough nipa huts to chill at while observing this beautiful piece of coastline called Patar Rock Formation.

This place has been the venue for scenes of famous Filipino movies as well. You’ll understand why as you go explore this majestic rugged terrain. Take in some beautiful and magical views that’ll be burned into your memory for a lifetime, at the Bolinao Patar Rock Formation.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

A few minutes ride from the Patar Rock Formation you can head over to a free attraction called the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Built by the Americans in the early 1900s, this lighthouse still leads some vessels around the coastline up until a 44 km (27.3 mi) distance.

Being one of the five major lighthouse in the country; in structure this is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines. In elevation it comes in second to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (386 ft or 117.7 m above sea level) in Ilocos Norte.
The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is 351 ft or 107 m above sea level and provides a scenic look over the beautiful Patar coastline. If you’re lucky enough you can get on top of the lighthouse provided the lighthouse guard is present at the site. If he’s not, you can keep yourself contented by enjoying the nice views from a small observation deck overlooking the coast of Patar Beach area.

Wonderful Cave

The Enchanted Cave’s little sister. We still wanted to include this cave as this underwater cave is similar to the Enchanted Cave in some way, but smaller in size as well as less touristic. For some people this might be a blessing: it’s quite a nice serene area and often time you’d be alone.

One could also swim in the cave and it has the same crystal clear and refreshing swimming water as that what the Enchanted Cave offers. If you really want to visit both caves on the same day you might wanna be smart about your itinerary and go to the Wonderful Cave at peak times and the Enchanted Cave (open from 8:30am to 5:30pm) at down times during that day.

Patar White Beach

The best beach to go to in Patar is the Patar White Beach all the way in the end of the coastline. Your tricycle will know where to go to and once you arrive you’ll be in the midst of a typical Filipino village with youth playing basketball.

When you start walking towards the ocean you likely will be pleasantly surprised by a beautiful calm beach with white golden sand, and nice calm water crashing into the shoreline.

An abundance of nipa huts will be available for you to chill in; so you'll know that this place makes for just a great day (or a few hours) chilling at the beach.

Floating Restaurant (Sungayan Grill)

When the day trip is close to an ending and the sun is setting down (anywhere in between 5:30 and 6:30pm depending of the time of year); the restaurant of choice should be the 'Sungayan Grill' Floating Restaurant. A short ride back towards Bolinao centre you’d be stopping at the bridge crossing the Balingasay River. From there you could see the restaurant being settled at a convenient location at the riverside.

Convenient because other than the fact that this restaurant is almost completely floating on barrels; certain parts of the venue can be detached so you can be eating dinner while riding over the Balingasay river, being pulled by a boat. This makes for quite a romantic experience whether you're with your lover or not.

To conclude

Maybe all these activities don’t fit into one day if you want to fully explore and experience them all. But we hope we’ve given a nice overview of the best destinations and activities that are located around the Patar Beach area; and that potentially could be part of a very, very nice day trip. For some videos about some of them we advice to check out the Bolinao video section right here so you can get an even better idea of the several activities the famous Patar Beach area offers to its ongoing stream of visitors.

Budget itinerary for all activities:

• Bolinao Falls: about 50 PHP entrance fee per fall, per person.
• Enchanted Cave: 150 PHP per person park entrance fee.
• Patar Rock Formation: 75 PHP per head.
• Cape Bolinao Lighthouse: free.
• Wonderful Cave: 100 PHP per head.
• Patar White Beach: free (but small parking fee).
• Floating Restaurant: prices are gentle (200-500 pp and 1000 PHP additional fee for riding over river).


• Note: nipa hut rental might make for additional costs.


• Total: 600-(~)1350 PHP per person.

Click here for more destinations in Pangasinan province.

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