BOLINAO FALLS, PANGASINAN: A Comprehensive DYI Travel Guide

Bolinao is known for its pristine beaches, stunning rock formations, and Cape Bolinao Lighthouse – considered as the “Hidden Jewel of the North.” And not to forget, it also boast a few majestic waterfalls.

Bolinao Falls, located in Pangasinan, has not one, not two, but three spectacular waterfalls that appeal to all kinds of travelers. The waterfalls were named using a numerical system, most likely due to their close proximity to the town proper. Bolinao Falls 1 is the highest of the three yet has a deeper catch basin compared to the two. The basin of Bolinao Falls 2 is wider. And Bolinao Falls 3 is a mash-up of the two falls.

The Bolinao Falls are a 5- to 7-hour drive from Manila. These are occasionally seen as a “side trip” after visiting the popular Patar White Beach, although I strongly advise to visit each (and go cliff-diving).

Cliff-Dived at Bolinao Falls 1

How To Get To Bolinao, Pangasinan

VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (Bus from Pasay or Cubao)

There are 3 main bus companies that travel to Bolinao, Pangasinan. They offer day and night trips, and you may book on an ordinary (non-air-conditioned) or air-conditioned bus, which operates on an hourly basis.

• Victory Liner from the Cubao Q.C. terminal
• FiveStar Bus Inc. form the Pasay City terminal
• Dagupan Bus Line from the Cubao Q.C. terminal.

Travel time is 5 to 6 hours, with three stops before arriving in Bolinao: Dau, Tarlac, and Alaminos. Bring food, gadgets, or anything else that will not bore you, especially if you do not enjoy long distance travel.

You can contact the bus company at the following numbers for bus schedules, ticket reservations, and other inquiries:

VICTORY LINER, CUBAO Q.C
Contact No.: (02) 8842 8679, 09985915102 (Smart), 09178425463 (Viber)
Email: info@victoryliner.com

FIVESTAR BUS LINE PASAY CITY
Contact No.: (02) 29117359 (Tel No.), 09277124349 (Globe), 09437065083 (Sun)

DAGUPAN BUS LINE, CUBAO Q.C
Contact No.: (02) 87272330 (Tel No.), 09178866784 (Globe)

Take a tricycle to your accommodation after you arrive at Bolinao Station. Due to unpaved roads, travel time takes another 20 to 35 minutes by tricycle or car to go from the bus terminal to the resort or hotel. The tricycle driver can also serve as your tour guide.

VIA PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION (Own/Rental Car)

Driving is one of the best and most convenient ways to travel to Bolinao, explore the town, and get to your next destination. The Subic, Clark, and Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) is the easiest route.

COVID-19 Update: Pangasinan Tourism Guidelines 2022

Pangasinan has reopened its doors to domestic travelers from MGCQ zones as of March 2021. There is no requirement for a travel authorization or medical certifications. However, the local government unit advised travelers to verify with the destinations first before traveling because some local governments might have different requirements, such as providing a negative RT-PCR test result while visiting a town or city in the province.

Upon arrival, leisure travelers must register at the Bolinao Tourism Office or authorized Bolinao Tourism Satellite Stations for screening and contact tracking. It should be noted that only tourists aged 15 to 65 are permitted to visit Bolinao.

What To Bring:

1. Register an S-PaSS account through S-Pass.PH, a week prior to your arrival date.
2. Register at Tara Na! Website, a week prior to your arrival date.
3. Booking confirmation from a Department of Tourism-accredited accommodation.
4. A valid ID
5. Government-issued COVID-19 vaccination card

Location

BOLINAO FALLS 1, 2, and 3
ADDRESS: Samang Norte, Bolinao Trail, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Entrance Fee & Other Charges

Bolinao Falls 1 – 50 PHP/pereson
Bolinao Falls 2 – 50 PHP/person
Bolinao Falls 3 – 20 PHP/person
Parking Fee – 20 PHP
Life Jacket – 50 PHP
Cottage – 200 PHP/cottage on every waterfalls