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BOLINAO, PANGASINAN

The Giant Clam Capital of the Philippines

History of BOLINAO

Historians have no exact record on the date Bolinao was created.  It was presumed that the town was created by virtue of a Royal Decree of Spain.  Records show that it was the year 1575 when Spanish Captain Pedro Lombi founded the first settlement with more or less 100 settlers.  The Municipal Council of Bolinao, by virtue of its Resolution No. 104 dated September 19, 1988 adopted July 25, 1575 as the Foundation Day of Bolinao in honor of the Patron Saint of the town, St. James the Great.

 

Bolinao was made a part of the Province of Pangasinan upon the enactment of Public Act No. 1004 dated November 30, 1903 of the Philippine Commission.

 

There are three (3) versions where the name Bolinao came from.  The name of the town could have been derived from the “Pamulinawen” tree which grew in abundance along the beaches.  The second story claims that the name of the municipality came from the fish species “monamon” commonly called “Bolinao” by the Tagalogs, Bicolanos and Visayans.  The third one is associated with the couple Bolido and Anao.  The combination of their names created the name Bolinao, which is the name of the town.

HOW TO GET TO BOLINAO

HOW TO GET TO BOLINAO
(Via Bus)

  • Approaching from Manila, heading to Bolinao requires an approximate 6-6.5 hour bus ride. From Cubao and Pasay there are three (3) bus companies that offer daily trip to Bolinao on multiple schedules. Another option is to take an Alaminos bound bus on a rare instance that direct trips are full on said terminals. From the City of Alaminos, Bolinao is only an hour away by either bus or UV express.

BOLINAO BUS VIA METRO MANILA 6½ HOURS TRAVEL TIME

  • Five Star Bus Co. (Cubao or Pasay Station) – Aircon/Ordinary – (02)853-4772 (02) 911-7359
  • Dagupan Bus Co. (Cubao Station) – Aircon – (02) 727-2330
  • Victory Liner Co. (Cubao Station) – Aircon – (02) 842-8679

By Private Car

  • Take North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and go straight ahead to SCTEX and exit via Luisita. At the junction of Siesta Court, turn left and take the road leading to Camiling, Tarlac and keep driving straight to Bugallon, Pangasinan. At the junction of Bugallon, turn left going to Alaminos and straight ahead to Bani. Once you reach the town of Bani turn right and straight ahead going to Bolinao.

GET TO KNOW BOLINAO

Tourist Attractions

Cape Bolinao Light House

Rising at 351 feet above sea level atop Punta Piedra point which is a towering hill of solid rock in Brgy. Patar, Bolinao.

Balingasay River

River that stretches in an approximate area if 5.5 kilometers from the Quibuar Spring and cascading to the Bolinao Falls in Samang Norte.

Silaqui Giant Clam Nursery

Home of the largest living bivalve mollusk or the giant clam (Tridacna Gigas) capital of the country which is known to be one of the most endangered clam species.

St. James Parish Church

Built in 1609, the St. James The Great Parish Church is the only religious structure in the country that bears the Coat of arms of Spain.

Bolinao Falls

Located in Brgy. Tara, Brgy. Samang Norte and Brgy. Tupa which is around 15.6 kilometers away from the proper.

Mangrove Nursery

Best place for learning and discovery area for mangrove propagations & reforestation.

Bolinao White Sand Beaches

Blessed with beautiful golden sand, crystal clear water, and a breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea.

Underground Caves

These caves are underground swimming pools. With the stalactites and stalagmites adding grandeur to nature’s deepest wonders.

Hidden Spring

Recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with fresh water from nearby spring.

Salt Farm

Home to one of the leading and biggest suppliers of natural salt and hand harvested in the country.

Dragon Hills

The Dragon Hills Agri-Farm located at Brgy. Luciente 2, Bolinao, Pangasinan. The farm has different varieties of dragon fruits such as red, yellow (Australian Golden Yellow Isis) and hybrid Vietnam White and physical graffiti dragon fruits.

Bolinao People's Market

Rock Formations

Dewey Sandbars

Little strip of land settled in the middle of the sea that appears only during low tide.

UP Marine Science Institute

Little Sisters of the Poor

St. Claire Monastery

The monastery was established following the visit of Mother Jeronima de Asuncion of the Order of St. Clare (Poor Glares) and a Franciscan friar to the town in 1621. A marker was built near the port to commemorate the event.

Festivals & Cultures

Mangunguna Festival

Mangunguna is Bolinao term meaning “fisherfolks”. It is a weeklong celebration specifically celebrated on the month of April.

Pakaway (Katig/Outrigger) Festival

Annual celebration to commemorate the abundance of marine resources and everyday heroes, the fishermen of Bolinao.

YATAB (Harvest)

Agri-Tourism Trade Fair showcasing the town’s agricultural, marine and artisanal products by local tourism associations and communities.

Foods & Delicacies

Binungey

Made from sticky rice and soaked in coconut extract. It is steamed in bamboo over fire. It is best served with coco jam.

Dried Danggit

Salted, sun-dried rabbitfish (spinefoot), which is abundant and native to the island's shallower waters.

Padas

Made by mixing measured amounts of fish and brine, which are traditionally then left to ferment from between 10 to 12 months until it produce.