Overnight Camping at Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
We went to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan in the hopes of slashing off 100 islands from our checklist. But, although we only got to set foot on three out of a hundred islands it had to offer, we were able to experience camping in Hundred Islands with a toddler.
Upon arrival in Manila (we hail from Cebu, in case you didn’t know that yet), we immediately set off on a journey to Alaminos City, Pangasinan.
We are a slightly cheap family and love to go backpacking so even if we lugged around our 12kg backpack and a huge backpack carrier, we took the public transportation anyway. We went through this decision carefully because Manila had a bad reputation – we didn’t want to be ripped off of our limited budget riding taxis.
How to Get to Alaminos City from NAIA
2) Drop off at the Baclaran stop then take the MRT from Taft to Araneta Center-Cubao. Fare is PHP 24 each.
3) From the MRT Araneta Center-Cubao Station, ask around for directions to the Victory Liner Bus Terminal. It should be around a 5-10 minutes walk from there. Those we asked around told us to take a ride to get there but we wanted to avoid the traffic and find traveling by foot a more precise way to get there.
4) At the Victory Liner Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Alaminos. Fare is PHP 393 each.
Getting to Lucap Wharf from Alaminos City
Finding your way towards the drop-off point to Hundred Islands, from the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Alaminos, is fairly easy. Plus, there are a lot of tricycle drivers who would immediately go after you upon arrival. The fare to Lucap Wharf from Alaminos drop-off is probably around PHP 15 but we hired the whole tricycle for PHP 70.
Warning: Some drivers can be very insistent. Ours made us try to stay in a transient house even if we told him we wanted to camp out at Hundred Islands. Make sure you know what you really want or you could get ripped off.
Getting to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan
We suggest heading directly to the tourist office right in front of Lucap Wharf if you want to avoid delays and high prices. Although some transient houses do offer boat tours to Hundred Islands, they be such a waste of time and money especially if you are not actually staying with them.
Boats come in three sizes – small, medium and large – but during that time, small boats were not allowed to sail due to the very strong winds. Just in case you come to Alaminos in the same situation that we did, make sure to waterproof your packs and yourself and prepare for a roller coaster ride to the islands. We paid PHP2500 for a medium boat that could have accommodated more than 10 people.
Camping at Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
We love camping with our toddler. Not only is it a big money saver, it also gives us the chance to bond and provide a unique experience to our daughter.
We decided to camp out at Quezon Island, which is one of the three most visited among the cluster of islands there. We were not able to take as many pictures as we would have wanted but the island did have a huge statue of Manuel L. Quezon, the second president of the Philippines, from whom the island was named after.
Feeling intimidated about camping with kids? Or camping in general? Well, you do not have to worry about that since the three main islands in the cluster have infrastructures put up (yes, sadly) to make guests comfortable. They have tables and chairs, water, a comfort room and even a canteen at the second floor. There is electricity at night but it can easily run out since they are just solar powered.
In one of our camping trips in Cebu, the three of us slept as early as 7pm. However, at Hundred Islands, we slept at around 5:30pm. We were that exhausted. Haha.
Sightseeing and Boat Tours
Our boat fee was slightly expensive also because we had to ask them to come back for us the next day. Anyway, I had been excited about seeing the other islands that next day but because we were on a limited budget, we were only given a short tour to two other islands – Governor’s Island and Children’s Island.
It was a short, sad trip. While we paid for their services, it did not feel quite right to have the boatmen wait for us while we sat and did nothing by the shore. We stayed about 20 minutes at Children’s Island (the water was also too cold and too low for a dip – thus making it ideal for children – so we did not stay long).
Governor’s Island offered one of the best views of the entire island cluster. I forgot how many steps it took for us to get to this viewing deck but it was definitely worth it, even with the heat of the sun. After some pictures, we took off and called it a day.
I guess all I really wanted was a nice long bath which, thankfully, was answered through the public bath right at Lucap Wharf. Each person is charged PHP 10 per bath (toddler was free of charge, of course).
Hundred Islands Tour Expense Summary
NAIA to Baclaran: PHP 20 each
MRT (Taft to Araneta-Cubao): PHP 24 each
Victory Liner Bus to Alaminos: PHP 393 each
Tricycle to Lucap Wharf: PHP 70 each (can vary depending on your haggling skills)
Hundred Islands Boat Rental: PHP 2500 for medium boat
Tent Space: PHP 200 per tent
Environmental Fees: PHP 80 each
Total Expense per Person: PHP 587 (not including boat and tent expenses, food)
Total Family Expense for Overnight Camping at Hundred Islands: PHP 3874 (not including food)
PS. Do you remember that house where Kim and Gerald stayed at during the last phase of their PBB House stay? That house was in fact located in Governor’s Island and can be rented for just PHP 10k a day (you get full access to the entire house with kitchen and it doesn’t matter how many you are).
Where we’re going next: Mount Pinatubo, Zambales
Oh, hello there!
Pam is an outdoors-loving millennial momma who loves to hike, trek and camp in the beaches and mountains with her partner and their kiddos. When not exploring the great outdoors, she works with bloggers, coaches and solopreneurs to free up their time so they can work on the things that they love and enjoy the most.
Hundred Islands is my most recommended thing to visit or do in Pangasinan province. For a great drone video, pictures, and more about Hundred Islands you can visit this article: http://bit.ly/HundredIslandsNationalPark
Does the tent included in tent space renting (P200)? Or you will bring for your own tent?
Hi Carlo,
As far as I can remember, this did not include tent rentals. 🙁
You have what exactly a family is looking for ,for the island camping experience with toddler. I’ve been looking for an island camping experience with an affordable price because just like you we are planning on a family vacation too with a toddler of course. It will be very useful for us thank you for the complete details…
Hi Pam , we are a family of five is it possible para makatipid sa boat, ay join na lang kami with other campers in a medium or large boat, medyo takot kasi si Mrs, with small boat, we were planning for an overnight stay in hundred Island, have a glorious day Pam . . .
We’ll be going this weekend..with two toddlers! A 2yo and a 3yo. I was so hesitant, never travelled like this with our kids. We do roadtrips with them reached Bicol and Ilocos but hey, we’re un a PUV not a boat! But hubby insists that kids will be ok, any tips please?esp. Like how to gear them up. Are’nt-they-too-cold or isn’t-it-too-hot kind of mommy worries
Hello Rei.
I totally understand you. Based on our trip last year, it was EXTREMELY cold to stay in the water for long. However, it’s been getting really hot out lately so it might be different.
Basically, I just bring out sleeveless tops during our travels (because that’s a must here in the country) and then bring a light jacket like the blue one my daughter used here. Sleeved shirts, pajamas and onesies do fine for us at night as well. When your kids start to get antsy, just remove the jacket or switch to a thin, sleeveless top.
Hi! Just want to ask, are there tents for rent in the island itself? If yes, in what island? And how much per tent/night? Thank you! Planning to camp in hundred islands soon 😊
Hi, Samantha! I believe they offered tents for rent in Quezon Island but I am not sure how much their rates are. Keep in mind though that the island has no electricity (well, they have solar power but it went out by midnight already).
I wonder if they have a list of all 124 islands in there? Would you know?
Hi, Sir Thadz! Super late reply. I didn’t notice a list but the Tourism office probably had — we just didn’t ask. 😀
We’ve been to Hundred Islands before but never got the chance to stay overnight due to our schedule. We actually just checked it out, went on a boat, and left.
We’re planning to go visit again for an overnight, and this article is worth considering. Now I’ll have an idea of the do’s and dont’s. 🙂
I went there once, but I was still young then. I don’t want overpricing that some of our kababayan do too. I want to be thrifty as much as possible. This article is very helpful for those who plan to travel in a budget friendly way. Keep it up!
Thank you. We do hope people will learn from our experience. It was annoying but – all’s well that ends well. At least we didn’t end up touring with those transient house owners.
I love the sea, and this travel is definitely up to my liking, I love cruises and your photos show the great nature of the place!
Awesome! I love the idea of backpacking. Wish we can do that, too! Heard a lot of good things about pangasinan and with your detailed blog post- we might consider visiting the place, soon. 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go see the Hundred Islands! Been wanting to take my family but with three kids I don’t think we’d camp out. Haha!
That is definitely scary but I think it’s doable. 😉
Seems like one heck of a happy trip! I’d like to make my way there too.
It looks like a terrific place to go on vacation and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The pictures of the area are beautiful.
Thank you. It was a nice experience, definitely.
Over night camping. Seems good to try. Hundred Islands… so near from my in-laws place yet so far for me to reach.
I’ve been to hundred islands several times but never an overnight trip. It’s one of the more affordable places to visit.
What a nice family adventure. Sadly, only me and my daughter loves adventure. My husband prefers cold places like Baguio and Tagaytay, and hotel staycations … hehe
Haha. We’re aiming to go in Baguio area next. And well…I’d love hotels, too. But hostels and the like are more affordable and give out that hippie ambiance, too. We love it! 🙂
I’d like to plan for a camping trip soon as well.. Looks like a great experience!
ive never heard of this island before as I’m not based in asia. it looks nice though
Camping is definitely something I ‘ll like to try with the correct person. If I’m with some sort of bimbo with whine at stuff, I think I will rather not go!
I whine a lot, too. But I think I’m getting better at keeping my complaints to myself lately. 😉
It’s so useful that you broke down the expenses so that those who plan trips there won’t get fleeced! Your family looks like they had a great time!
Thank you. I hope others will find it useful as well.
What a fantastic post, filled with great tips on how to make the most out of a camping trip to Hundred Islands! I went camping with my daughter for the first time last year and loved the freedom and such a cheap alternative to getting out and about and seeing more of England! 🙂 Sim x
Wow. We would love to camp around or go on a road trip in Europe as well.
Looks like a really nice place to go.I guess you had an enjoable experience. I look forward to visit this place sometime in the future.
I’ve been here before, when I was in highschool. I wish I’d taken more time to appreciate it then. My mom forced us to go and we stayed in the boat and did nothing. I wish I could;ve swam but then maybe I could’ve died so that;s a good thing. Thanks for sharing 😀
Hahaha. That’s quite a funny memory. I think the daughter enjoyed though. She didn’t want to get out of the water even though it was really chilly.
I’m sure you guys had a blast! Hundred Islands is one of the tourist spots in our country that we’d really like to visit.
I’ve been seeing Hundred Islands from postcards since I was young. And now, after ___ of existence, I still haven’t been there. Perhaps this post is a motivation to make my dream come true.
wow, ang galing, vacationing with a toddler is hard enough but camping?? wow, im impressed!!!! 🙂
Thank you, Mommy Sarah. It’s definitely more challenging than camping on your own/as a single person but it has its perks. We love the big smile on our daughter’s face when we go to a new place. 🙂
I love your travel photos! Your journeys with kids are amazing and so inspiring!
Looks like such a fun adventure. I want to take my kids there too someday.
You should soon.
Thanks for dropping by!
How I wish to see the Hundred Islands. I wish when my kids get older, my hubby will become more adventurous we get to go to places like that.
I would really suggest going out even at the nearest park in your area. It’s really a fun way to bond and get exercise, too. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Mommy Lani!
I’ve never been on hundred islands. Nakita ko lang from a far on our way to Bolinao. Pero grabe ah! You we’re able to commute with a toddler from Cebu to Pangasinan??!! Wow!
Yes, we made sure to “train” our daughter to become used to travelling early on – she definitely does not fuss a lot when we are on the road. It is even much easier to make her fall asleep when we’re travelling than when we’re at home. 🙂
So it IS possible to bring a small kid in Hundred Islands! Definitely part of this summer’s bucket list! Thank you for posting about it. 😀
It sure is possible. The partner and I believe it’s possible to go (and camp) anywhere with your toddler – mountains, beaches, etc. It just takes a little more effort though.
I want to go back to Alaminos. Last time I was there was several years ago waaaah! I want to go on an adventure with my toddler too!
xoxo
MrsMartinez
You should go there again for a family getaway. I’ll bet so many things have changed since the last time you went there. 🙂
You’re doing so well with your child – exposing her to traveling and our mixed culture and our land. I’m green with envy!!!!
Thank you, Mommy May!
I actually envy you more because you get to stay at home and homeschool your kids. We’re aiming to travel-school so we’re trying our best to lay out the foundations well. Haha.
Nice! Haven’t been there but thanks for posting! 🙂 At least if ever pupunta na kami, I have a go-to blog to check out. 🙂 Cheers!
Thank you for dropping by. You should definitely go there.
Wow that’s a fantastic adventure! Honestly, I’m not really a big fan of taking long, far family trips, as I find it impossible to manage two kids outdoors. Haha but hopefully when they get a bit older, this single mama will have the courage to take them to a similar adventure outside Cebu too. Hehe
Well, true. I probably wouldn’t be courageous enough to go anywhere far without the partner around. But you could definitely take short trips around Cebu instead. Hehe. Maybe we could even meet up!
We went there 3 years ago and this post makes me want to go back! ♥
I haven’t been to Alaminos yet. but seeing your photos and your experience makes me wanna go this summer.
It’s definitely a great place to check out. 🙂
I have never been to Pangasinan. And I am so jealous seeing you and your family being able to see the Hundred Islands. I hope I could visit that wonderful place someday, too.
This trip was our first time there and we stayed overnight only. Hopefully next time we could stay longer and explore more places.