Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 11:26 pm
We will write all the awesome Bolinao tourist spots and best things to do in Bolinao. One of the most popular getaways from Manila.
Read here Hundred Islands travel guide and How to get to Hundred Islands From Manila
BOLINAO TRAVEL GUIDE
GETTING FROM MANILA TO BOLINAO BY BUS
If you want to get from Manila to Bolinao by bus. You have to ride a bus from Manila Cubao or Pasay. Victory Liner have routes from Cubao to Bolinao and Five Star from Pasay to Bolinao.
BUS SCHEDULE AND FARE MANILA TO BOLINAO
CUBAO TO BOLINAO
If you are going from Cubao to Bolinao the buses from Victory Liner starts at 6 30 am to 10 30 pm every 2-3 hours. The travel time is around 6-7 hours depending on the traffic. And the travel fare from Cubao to Bolinao with Victory Liner is 460 PHP.
PASAY TO BOLINAO
The buses leaving from Pasay to Bolinao with Five Star starts at 6 45 am to 11 30 pm every hour. The travel time from Pasay to Bolinao is around 7 hours and bus fare is 470 PHP. The bus from Manila to Bolinao will stop at DAU Bus Terminal in Clark where we are based and Tarlac.
Click here to book Manila to Bolinao bus ticket!
BEST TIME TO VISIT BOLINAO
Bolinao enjoys two kinds of seasons, the dry season from November to April and the wet season from May to October. It is recommended that travelers visit this Bolinao itinerary during dry season, especially from December to February when temperatures are much cooler and touring will most likely not be interrupted by rains and will not be really hot going around.
Click here to know more about the weather in Bolinao!
BOLINAO ITINERARY DAILY BUDGET TRAVEL
For your Bolinao itinerary many of the restaurants and hotels in Bolinao are inexpensive. A full meal can go for as low as 60 PHP per person while a bottle of beer can be bought for around 60 PHP. Restaurant meals can be bought in Bolinao for around 500-800 PHP for two people.
Transportation is also pretty cheap with jeepneys going all over the province prices are around 10-20 PHP depending on the distance! There are also buses and vans for longer distance and prices are cheap 40-80 PHP moving around Bolinao.
There are also budget hotels costing for around 600-900 PHP in a promo while three-star establishments go for around 1,000-2,000 PHP, that’s only $19-38 USD! For those who want a more luxurious stay, you can check in at very nice hotels at around $50-120 USD. You can also try AirBnB in Bolinao.
Book your accommodations in Bolinao Pangasinan through Agoda or Booking.
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook!
BOLINAO TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN BOLINAO
1. PATAR BEACH
Patar Beach has a lot of potentials to be more beautiful than it is right now because of its crystal clear waters and white sand. Even if it’s a public beach there are still only a few people that visit the place. Also, Patar Beach is only 5-6 hours away from Manila. Cottages and Hotels are available everywhere around and on-site.
2. SANTIAGO ISLAND
Santiago Island is North part in Bolinao and it’s one of the best things to do in Bolinao if you like snorkeling, diving and swimming you will enjoy in this place. Santiago Island is popular for fishing and the mangroves. You can rent a boat to go around for all these activities.
3. ROCK VIEW BEACH RESORT
Rock View Beach Resort is a beautiful one in the lsit of Bolinao tourist spots where you can spend the day. Rock View Beach has rock formations and you can rent cottages in the resort for 800-1000 PHP.
4. SNORKELING
Snorkeling is for sure one of the best tings to do in Bolinao. You can find place for renting your snorkeling mask but we recommend you to bring your own. Since all the places are beautiful and the water is so clear.
5. BOLINAO FALLS
Bolinao Falls has three falls you could choose from. The first one, Bolinao Falls 1 has the tallest height while Bolinao 3 is the shallowest. Lastly, Bolinao 2 is the best for enjoying the falls without compromising your swim. Kids can swim there too. Also, the water is cold and enjoyable.
6. TARA FALLS
Tara Falls is only 20 minutes ride from Bolinao Road and they are very accessible and paved. Tara Falls are smaller than Bolinao Falls but the water is so beautiful, and clear. The perfect place in your Bolinao itinerary to spend your day.
7. ENCHANTED CAVE
The Enchanted Cave is a well-received cave because the place is a mix of resort and a cave. The cave itself is small but the resort adds to the beauty of the cave. The pool inside the cave is about 8 feet but life vests are available. Swimming costs about 200 PHP per person while viewing costs about 150 PHP per person.
8. WONDERFUL CAVE
Wonderful Cave is located in Patar 20 minutes drive from Bolinao. Wonderful Cave is the perfect place for refreshing yourself if you like adventure with clear water and nice area to walk around. Wonderful Cave entrance fee is 200 PHP.
9. CINDY’S CAVE
Cindy’s Cave is a small cave located in Patar. If you like to explore caves you can check with the small pool for swimming and relaxing. Cindy’s Cave entrance is 100 PHP.
10. BALINGASAY RIVER
Balingasay River is located just 10 minutes driving from Bolinao. A perfect place to spend the day with your family and friends. There is a River Cruise where you will see the mangrove.
11. CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse remains as a beautiful spot to take pictures even if it’s already closed for the general public. However, it is possible to enjoy the views from atop even if you don’t climb the lighthouse due to restrictions. The sunset is the greatest view you could get so time your visit properly.
MORE BOLINAO TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN BOLINAO
HISTORICAL SITES
12. ST. JAMES CHURCH
St. James Church is a Spanish colonial church located in Bolinao. The church was made out of black coral stones and it has been suffering 1788 earthquake, 1819 fire and Typhoon Emong in 2009.
13. OUR LADY OF PURIFICATION PARISH CHURCH
Our Lady of Purification Parish Church is located in Binmaley and it was built 1627 by the Spaniards. It will be one of the beautiful churches in Bolinao if you like historical and religious sites.
14. BOLINAO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Bolinao National Museum is located close to Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. It will be interesting to see the traditional fishing implements, painting and ceramics. Also the Giant Clam one of the largest in the world. Bolinao National Museum is opened from Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.
FOOD TO TRY IN BOLINAO
15. SUNGAYAN GRILL FLOATING RESTAURANT
You can eat at Sungayan Grill floating restuarant ideal for groups. If you like you can even have your lunch while cruising the river for 1000 PHP extra fee. Seafood is delicious for an affordable price.
16. TRY BINUNGEY
One of the best things to do in Bolinao if you love food is trying binungey. They sell in the markets and it’s sticky rice cake steamed in the bamboo and its served with coconut milk.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLINAO
TREASURES OF BOLINAO BEACH RESORT AND HOTEL
Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and Hotel is one of the best Bolinao beach resorts for relaxing and having quiet time in the beach and pool area. With all the comfort that you need and facilities.
An ideal in the list of beach resorts in Bolinao for families. Room rates starts at 5000 PHP with breakfast included for two people.
Address: Sitio Abrac Patar, Bolinao, Bolinao, Philippines, 2406
Click here to check prices and availability!
PUNTA RIVIERA RESORT
Punta Riviera Resort is one of the beach resorts in Bolinao which offer humble facilities that might strike your interest. The view of the beach is good and the staff is accommodating, but some of the rooms might need a little improvement.
Some of the recreational facilities include canoeing , sauna, outdoor pool, fishing and massage.
A Bedroom Standard With Breakfast costs about $110 USD per night for four persons.
Punta Riviera Resort is located at Brgy. Ilog Malino, Patar Beach, Bolinao, Philippines, 2406 .
Click here now to book with discounts!
THEO’S BEACHFRONT COTTAGES
Theo’s Beachfront Cottages is located in Bolinao. The resort provides accommodations with free private parking. A terrace can be found at the lodge, along with a garden.
Room rates starts at 2500 PHP.
Address: Patar Road, Patar Beach, Bolinao, Philippines, 2406
Click here to check prices and availability!
TRADITIONAL FILIPINO RESTHOUSE
Traditional Filipino Resthouse is located in Bolinao in Patar. This beachfront property has a balcony and free private parking. The vacation home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with sea views.
Room rates starts at 6000 PHP.
Address: Patar Road Patar Traditional Filipino Resthouse, Patar Beach, Bolinao, Philippines, 2406
Click here to check prices and availability!
Book your accommodations in Bolinao Pangasinan through Agoda or Booking.
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook!
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Happy travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.