Island Hopping in Hundred Islands
Part of the Hundred Islands travel guide — see every topic in All Hundred Islands Guides.
Hundred Islands National Park is in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, in the north-west of Luzon. It has 124 small islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, in the Lingayen Gulf, many covered in green trees and ringed by white sand. Most islands are tiny and empty. A day of island hopping by boat is the main way to see the park. This guide explains how it works.
Lucap Wharf
All boats leave from Lucap Wharf, a few kilometres from the centre of Alaminos. Here you register at the tourism office, pay an environmental fee and rent a boat. Boats come in different sizes, and the price depends on the size of the boat and the tour you choose. A boat can be shared by your whole group, so it is cheaper for families and friends. Ask what is included, such as entry to certain islands, snorkel gear or life jackets.
The main islands
Only a few islands have facilities for visitors. Governor's Island has a viewing deck on a hill with a wide view over many islands. Quezon Island is the most developed, with a beach, picnic huts, toilets and a small store. Children's Island has a calm, shallow beach that is good for young children. Some islands have small caves, rocky coves or short stairs to viewpoints. Boat crews know the islands well and will suggest a route based on the tide.
Tours and routes
The simplest tour visits three or four main islands and takes a few hours. You can also ask for a longer day tour with more islands, snorkelling stops and time on quiet beaches. Some boats allow you to stay on an island for lunch and pick you up later. Arrange the plan and pick-up time with the crew before you leave the wharf. Bring your own food and water, as there are few stores on the islands. Take all your rubbish back to the mainland with you.
Overnight stays
Some islands allow camping or have simple huts for overnight stays. You need to arrange this at the tourism office at Lucap Wharf. Facilities are very basic, so bring food, water, a torch and insect repellent. Most visitors instead stay in hotels and guesthouses around Lucap or in Alaminos, then go out to the islands early in the morning. Staying near the wharf makes it easy to start before the day gets hot. Ask about current camping rules before you go.
Island Hopping at a glance
| Getting there | Lucap Wharf, a short tricycle ride from Alaminos City centre |
|---|---|
| Hours | Boats leave from early morning; return before dark |
| Cost | Environmental fee plus boat hire by boat size; check current rates |
| Best time | November to May, in the morning |
| Allow | Half a day to a full day |