Dingalan Aurora (August 2016) / Photo Credits to @scrubout
How to get here?
From Cubao, you may take a Five Star or Genesis Transit bus bound to Cabanatuan City. This would take you for about three hours or so provided that there is no traffic. Alight from Cabanatuan terminal and from there, you have two options going to Dingalan, Aurora; (1) take the Dingalan Transit bus or (2) the passenger van, which is a bit faster than the latter. Keep your eyes wide open for an hour travel time and be rewarded with the greenery along.
Where to Stay?
A. Dingalan Bay Resort: They have rooms for rent, which starts from P600.00 with fan and P1,200.00 with aircon/overnight. It has two beds (good for 4 pax) and a basic bathroom.
B. White Beach: You may either pitch your tent here or rent a cottage from P200-P500.00. They accept "paluto" or you can bring your goods here and have it cook yourselves.
A. Dingalan Bay Resort: They have rooms for rent, which starts from P600.00 with fan and P1,200.00 with aircon/overnight. It has two beds (good for 4 pax) and a basic bathroom.
B. White Beach: You may either pitch your tent here or rent a cottage from P200-P500.00. They accept "paluto" or you can bring your goods here and have it cook yourselves.
Where to go?
1. Matawe Sea Ranch: For a day tour, you might want to hire a tricycle for P300.00. The road was a bit bumpy and rough. You need to walk for about 10-15 minutes before reaching the intertidal pools (low tide) where you can either swim or just feel every gush of fresh air and listen to the sound of waves going in and out of the intertidal pools.
Matawe Sea Ranch view deck
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Intertidal Pool |
B. Tanawan Falls: This would take about a 30-minute trek going to the waterfalls from the jump off. It can't accommodate a bulk of people so we waited some time before we finally owned the place. Cliff diving is a must here!
Tanawan Falls.
C. Dingalan Lighthouse: The boat ride from Dingalan Feeder Port to the White Beach is a bit pricey (P700.00), but you may take a trek along the shoreline during low tide for about 30 minutes (varies on your pacing) to finally reach the White Beach like we did.
Shoreline going to the White Beach.
Weekday Warriors (Me and Tine).
Please keep in mind that the last trip going back to Cabanatuan City is 2:00 p.m. and for you to savor the moment at the lighthouse, I suggest that you take it on a weekday to avoid the crowd.
Dingalan is a laid back travel destination near Manila for you to slow down, forget the noise in the city, the traffic jam along EDSA, the everyday battle on MRT, and all; have at least peace of mind for a while and recharge your soul before going back to work. And at this point in time, I must say, "Dingalan Syndrome" is for real. Have a break. Beat the unforgiving summer heat. Enjoy the blue skies. Breathe in some fresh air. Let your eyes wander to feed that wanderlust in you. Let the syndrome be always with you.
(July 2017) If you happened to still have ample time before heading back to Manila, you can visit 915 Foodhouse at 915 Zulueta St., Cabanatuan City. They are open from Mondays thru Saturdays 11:00-9:00 p.m. They serve Tapsilogs, Korean Bibimbap, pasta, and more. We tried their House Special Bibimbap (P100.00), Chicken Pesto (P149.00), and Creamy Mushroom Soup (P90.00). The owner is very hands on from the designs of the wall, the utensils, and food preparation. It's a good place for a quick chit chat with a friend, family gatherings, meetings, or if you just want to pig out. I'm sure that you will have a good time dining here not only because every corner of 915 Foodhouse is Instagram-worthy, but of your dining experience that will give you the feeling of home. A place where you always wanted to go back.
Dingalan is a laid back travel destination near Manila for you to slow down, forget the noise in the city, the traffic jam along EDSA, the everyday battle on MRT, and all; have at least peace of mind for a while and recharge your soul before going back to work. And at this point in time, I must say, "Dingalan Syndrome" is for real. Have a break. Beat the unforgiving summer heat. Enjoy the blue skies. Breathe in some fresh air. Let your eyes wander to feed that wanderlust in you. Let the syndrome be always with you.
(July 2017) If you happened to still have ample time before heading back to Manila, you can visit 915 Foodhouse at 915 Zulueta St., Cabanatuan City. They are open from Mondays thru Saturdays 11:00-9:00 p.m. They serve Tapsilogs, Korean Bibimbap, pasta, and more. We tried their House Special Bibimbap (P100.00), Chicken Pesto (P149.00), and Creamy Mushroom Soup (P90.00). The owner is very hands on from the designs of the wall, the utensils, and food preparation. It's a good place for a quick chit chat with a friend, family gatherings, meetings, or if you just want to pig out. I'm sure that you will have a good time dining here not only because every corner of 915 Foodhouse is Instagram-worthy, but of your dining experience that will give you the feeling of home. A place where you always wanted to go back.
Travel Date/s: June 18-20, 2016/August 7, 2016/ July 2017
Update: We went back in Dingalan last weekend (August 7, 2016), the lighthouse is now closed to public and is now in coordination with the local Tourism of Dingalan.
Essentials:
- Sun Protection (sleeves, cap, sunblock)
- Rubber shoes (advisable)/sandals (optional)
- Water at least 1 liter
- Snacks/Candies
- Packed Lunch
- Camera/Powerbank
Expenses:
A. Day Tour (Transportation Only):
- P185 x 2=P370 (QC-Cabanatuan back and forth)
- P80 x 2=P160 (Cabantuan-Dingalan back and forth)
- P300=tricycle ride for the whole day
- There is still no standard guide fee for the locals going to the lighthouse so you may give anything in kind. Note: A guide is REQUIRED because they have the KEY of the lighthouse's gate, so better grab one.
B. Overnight (Transportation and Accommodation Only):
- P185 x 2=P370 (QC-Cabanatuan back and forth)
- P80 x 2=P160 (Cabantuan-Dingalan back and forth)
- P300=tricycle ride for the whole day
- P100.00=Guide Fee (Lighthouse)
- P600=Dingalan Bay Resort Room with fan overnight
- P200-500=Cottage if you're staying at the White Beach
Contact Persons:
- Ate Wena of Dingalan Bay Resort: 0922 808 2191
- Ellaine: 0926 735 4400
- Ate Neng: 0909 031 6069
- Kuya Alvin: 0905 954 5390
