Hundred Islands National Park Travel Guide 2026 — Alaminos, Pangasinan

The name is slightly misleading — at low tide there are actually 123 islands, though at high tide the number drops and the maths becomes complicated. What is not in dispute is the landscape: limestone karst formations scattered across a wide, shallow bay in the Lingayen Gulf, each one a different expression of the same ancient geology — some flat and palm-fringed, some sheer-sided and dramatic, some barely larger than a beach towel. Hundred Islands National Park near Alaminos, Pangasinan, is one of the Philippines' oldest protected areas (declared in 1940) and remains one of the most accessible. The premise is simple: hire a banca at Lucap Wharf, choose your islands, and spend the day exploring a landscape that has no real equivalent anywhere else in the country.

Best time to visit

February through June is the prime window, with March to May being peak season for domestic tourism. The dry season brings calm seas, blue skies, and visibility good enough for snorkeling around the island bases. November and December can still be good but the northeast monsoon occasionally brings choppy water that makes banca travel uncomfortable and limits access to outer islands. January is transition month — usually fine but watch forecasts. Avoid July through October: the southwest monsoon brings rough conditions in Lingayen Gulf, many banca operators suspend service to outer islands, and rainfall makes the developed island trails slippery and unpleasant. Holy Week (late March or April) sees Hundred Islands at its most crowded with domestic tourists — expect boats queuing at popular islands and higher accommodation prices in Alaminos.

How to get there

From Manila, Victory Liner and Five Star buses depart from Pasay and Cubao terminals to Alaminos, Pangasinan (PHP 350–480, 5–6 hours). From Alaminos bus terminal, take a jeepney or tricycle to Lucap Wharf (PHP 25–40, 15 minutes) — this is where all bancas depart. Driving from Manila via SCTEX and TPLEX takes 4–5 hours; there is a dedicated carpark at Lucap Wharf (PHP 50–100 per day). There are no airports close to Alaminos; MNL is the practical air gateway. Day trips from Manila are technically possible but leave little time on the water — an overnight stay in Alaminos allows for a full day at the park and a second morning session. Basic guesthouses near Lucap Wharf start at PHP 600–900 per night.

First-timer essentials

• Visa: Citizens of most countries receive a free 30-day visa-on-arrival at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, extendable to 59 days at any Bureau of Immigration office (PHP 3,030 fee). Alaminos has a BI field office for extensions if needed.
• Currency: Withdraw PHP in Manila or along the SCTEX/TPLEX highway exits (BDO and BPI in Urdaneta and Dagupan) before reaching Alaminos. The town has ATMs but they are limited and congested on weekends. Lucap Wharf is entirely cash-based: banca fees, entrance fees, and island stalls all require PHP. Daily budget at Hundred Islands runs PHP 1,000–1,800 all-in for a comfortable day on the water.
• Health: Bring significant sun protection — the banca ride between islands offers zero shade and the equatorial sun reflects off the water at Lingayen Gulf. Wear reef-safe sunscreen (regular chemical sunscreens damage coral), a rash guard if you are swimming, and a hat at minimum. Nearest hospital with emergency capability is Alaminos City General Hospital (10 minutes from Lucap Wharf). The water at the wharf and on the islands is not safe to drink — bring adequate supplies from town.
• Money: The banca hire is the largest single cost and is most economical in groups of four or more. Budget travellers in large groups can complete the standard circuit for PHP 700–800 per person including entrance fees. Add PHP 400–600 for food. Mid-range solo travellers hiring a private small boat spend PHP 2,500–3,000 for the full experience. Accommodation in Alaminos near Lucap Wharf runs PHP 600–1,800 per night depending on standard.
• Safety: Life jackets are mandatory on all bancas and must be worn between islands. Do not enter Cathedral Cave without confirming tide conditions with your boatman. The karst rocks around island bases are sharp — water shoes are strongly recommended for entries and exits in rocky coves. Swimming ability should be disclosed to your boatman before departure. There are no reported security issues in the park; the main hazards are environmental — sun, currents around outer islands, and rough water if the wind picks up in the afternoon.