Hundred Islands National Park
123 limestone islands, one outrigger banca, and a day you will not forget · Pangasinan, Luzon
Photo: Kok Leng, Maurice Yeo from Singapore, Singapore / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Things to do in Hundred Islands National Park
Hire a Banca at Lucap Wharf
The entire Hundred Islands experience begins and ends at Lucap Wharf, where a cooperative of licensed banca operators manages bookings. A standard boat for 4–8 passengers costs PHP 1,200–2,000 for a half-day or PHP 1,800–2,500 for a full day, inclusive of your boatman who doubles as a guide. Negotiate the island circuit with your boatman: the standard three-stop package (Governor's, Quezon, Children's Islands) is fine for a half-day; for a full day, push for Cathedral Cave and outer islands.
Quezon Island
The most popular island in the park and the best-developed one, Quezon Island has concrete pathways running between multiple swimming coves, covered rest areas, and food stalls selling grilled seafood and cold drinks (PHP 80–200 per dish). Entrance is PHP 20. The main cove is reliably crowded from 9am onward on weekends; arrive early or visit last in your circuit when the day-trip boats have begun to leave.
Governor's Island
The most developed island and a good opening stop — Governor's Island has a lighthouse, a zip-line (PHP 150 per ride), a beach volleyball court, and the most reliable swimming conditions in the park. The zip-line runs from a timber platform on the elevated centre of the island down to the beach, passing over a narrow channel. PHP 20 entrance.
Children's Island
Defined by its broad, shallow lagoon — a natural paddling pool where the water barely reaches waist height even 50m from shore. PHP 20 entrance. The best island in the park for young children or for anyone who wants to float in warm, clear water without worrying about depth or current. The rocky edges of the lagoon hold small reef fish for snorkeling.
Cathedral Cave
Cathedral Cave is accessible only by water at low tide — your boatman steers the banca directly into the cave mouth, which opens into a tall, cathedral-like chamber hung with stalactites and lit from above by a natural skylight. No entrance fee, but you need to negotiate with your boatman to include it in the route. Time your visit to low tide: the opening is partially submerged at high water and the banca cannot enter safely.
Outer Islands Circuit
Beyond the three standard islands, the park contains dozens of less-visited formations. Shell Island has a clean crescent beach largely unknown to weekend crowds. Marcos Island has sea caves accessible by swimming. Bat Island has resident fruit bats visible at dusk when they emerge en masse. Push for a full-day charter with your boatman to access these islands — they require no entrance fee and have no facilities.
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🗓️ Best time to visit Hundred Islands National Park
February through June is the prime window, with March to May being peak season for domestic tourism. The dry season brings calm seas and visibility good enough for snorkeling. Avoid July through October: the southwest monsoon brings rough conditions in Lingayen Gulf and many banca operators suspend service to outer islands.
✈️ How to get to Hundred Islands National Park
From Manila, Victory Liner and Five Star buses depart from Pasay and Cubao terminals to Alaminos (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. Day trips from Manila are technically possible but leave little time on the water — an overnight stay in Alaminos is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions — Hundred Islands National Park
How much does a full day at Hundred Islands cost per person?
For a group of four on a full-day charter (PHP 2,000 boat fee), add PHP 100–150 in island entrance fees, PHP 150 for the zip-line, and PHP 300–500 for food and drinks — total around PHP 1,000–1,100 per person. Solo travellers or pairs can join shared banca groups at Lucap Wharf on busy weekends; ask the cooperative desk.
Is snorkeling worth doing at Hundred Islands?
Yes, though manage expectations relative to the Visayas or Palawan. Water clarity around the karst formations is reasonable from February through May, and the rock bases of outer islands host decent hard coral and reef fish. Bring your own gear (rental at the wharf is PHP 100–150 but quality varies). Best snorkeling is around the outer islands — the three main islands have been loved hard by tourism.
Can children visit Hundred Islands?
Hundred Islands is genuinely family-friendly. Children's Island with its shallow lagoon is ideal for young children; Governor's Island has calm swimming and the zip-line which most children above 6 enjoy. The main considerations are sun exposure (shade is limited on open bancas) and life jacket compliance, which is required for all passengers.
Can I camp on any of the islands?
Camping is permitted on Governor's and Quezon Islands for PHP 50 per tent per night, payable at the Lucap Wharf management office. The facilities are basic — picnic shelters and composting toilets — and you will need to bring all your own water and food. Camping on other islands is not permitted.
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First time in Hundred Islands National Park?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Citizens of most countries receive a free 30-day visa-on-arrival at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, extendable to 59 days (PHP 3,030). Alaminos has a BI field office for extensions.
Withdraw PHP in Manila or along the SCTEX/TPLEX highway exits before reaching Alaminos. Lucap Wharf is entirely cash-based: banca fees, entrance fees, and island stalls all require PHP.
Bring significant sun protection — the banca ride between islands offers zero shade. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Nearest hospital with emergency capability is Alaminos City General Hospital (10 minutes from Lucap Wharf). Water at the wharf and on the islands is not safe to drink — bring adequate supplies from town.
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.
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.
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