Cabongaoan Beach: Hidden Gem of Burgos ~ PANGASINAN

The westernmost part of Pangasinan is home to many marvelous beaches. This is something Pangasinan must be proud of since almost one-third (1/3) of its boarders are surrounded by water: Lingayen Gulf on the North and South China Sea on the west.

Because of this terrain, it is no wonder that the municipalities bordering these bodies of water boast awesome beaches. Some of them are already known to beach-goers. Some are just waiting to be discovered. 

Our group became interested in exploring "not so famous destinations" (Destinations that are not yet highly commercialized). We are actually planning to head to Zambales to explore another "not so famous" island there. But when a colleague told us about Cabongaoan Beach, we immediately searched for it on Google. We were fascinated by the place so we decided to go to Cabongaoan Beach.  

Cabongaoan Beach is one of the hidden gems in the western coast of Pangasinan located in Brgy. Ilio-Ilio, Burgos. It has a long stretch of golden brown and white sand mixture similar to the sands of Patar Beach in Bolinao, crystal blue water and awe-inspiring rock formations.

The sloppy beachfront with golden brown and white sand mixture perfect for sand surfing or castle building.

The place promises seclusion as it is yet to be discovered by usual beach-goers. This makes Cabongaoan a perfect venue to hold weddings and other life's special occasions, or simply spend a great summer getaway with your friends or family.In fact, a wedding was held there the night before our visit. 

Because the beach is pristine, expect to step on stones and seaweeds when you dunk yourself for some swimming. The waves are small in the morning and a little bigger in the afternoon since it is facing one of the world's largest seas, the South China Sea. Sunset is also a wonderful sight in this place.

OPPPsss.. Playful minds.. =(

Cabongaoan Beach is worth discovering - walk along the shore by your bare feet or pass through the jagged rocks till you reach the edge of the rocky hill.

Some more climbs and we'll get there..

After a long walk and some climbs on pebbly and rocky shore, we finally reached the edge of the hill and rewarded by this picturesque view. The shallow part of the beach is carpeted with rocks [like flooring] and with few holes. We opted not to get down as we have no idea if it's safe or not. We just satisfied ourselves watching the water fills in and out of the holes, took some photos and savor the peaceful surroundings. 

Another interesting thing about Cabongaoan is that the beach has long rock embankment (like dike) about 15 meters from the shoreline that bars strong waves from hitting the shore. When someone reached that part, he/she would look like walking in the middle of the sea. During low tide, the rock embankment is highly visible.

Of course we did not miss the chance to experience how it feels like "walking in the middle of the sea". 

(Photo Credits: Anthony Lorenzo)

Make some wave fellas.

(Photo Credits: Anthony Lorenzo)

It's Chow Time!

Colors of the Philippines

By the way, we were the only visitors that time, so the place is all OURS. LoL! 

1) Oh I forgot to mention, when we finally settled on our cottage, it rained for about 30 minutes. By the way, we got the small cottage for only P300.00. There are also big cottages (see picture number 4) with 1 room, small terrace and a living room that ranges from P500.00-P800.00/day depending on the season. When the rain poured down, the owner allowed us to use the big cottage for free. Thanks to this kind fella. 2&3) Ongoing dismantling of the decorations and tents used in the wedding held the night before our visit. 5) The well. 6) Sunrise at around 7:30 am.

HOW DID WE GET THERE

The road going to Cabongaoan

We are from Urdaneta City. We departed at 3:30 in the morning and headed to Alaminos City (2 hours) via Dagupan City. We opted to rent a vehicle for our own convenience. Our guide is the map/directions we searched from Google. From Alaminos City, we took the Bugallon-Olongapo Road and passed by the Municipality of Mabini and reached Burgos town proper (around 45 minutes). From Burgos town proper we turned right to A. Guian St. (before Elem. School), passed by Brgy. Sapa Pequena and followed the rough and bumpy road and reached the Brgy. Ilio-Ilio marker (around 1 hour). We turned right and straight until we reached Cabongaoan Mini-Plaza. From there, the beach is just a few meters away (20 minutes).

FOR COMMUTERS COMING FROM MANILA:

If you are traveling from Manila, take Five Star (or Victory Liner Bus) with terminal in Pasay (Tel. No. 02-911-7359 / 421-4716 / 421-4717) and Cubao ( Tel No. 02-853-4772 / 851-6659 / 851-6614). They have daily trips to Alaminos City via Dau and Camiling, Tarlac. FOR MORE DETAILS, CLICK HERE!

From Alaminos, take Five Star or Victory Liner bus bound to Sta. Cruz or Olongapo, Zambales then tell the conductor to drop you off to Burgos Town Proper. Then from Burgos Town proper, make an arranged trip with tricycle going to Cabongaoan Beach, Brgy. Ilio-Ilio. Travel time is 6 & 1/2 to 7 hours. 

The big Wheel serves as landmark for Cabongaoan Beach (turn RIGHT) 

and Tambobong Beach-Dasol (turn LEFT) 

We arrived at Cabongaoan Beach at around 7:30 am. It took us about 4 hours to travel. But it is all worth it. 

With its natural beauty, it is no wonder that Cabongaoan Beach will be the next "Summer Destination" in Western Pangasinan. It is also my greatest hope that Cabongaoan will be maintained for the next generation to enjoy.

SEE MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK, CLICK HERE!

With Ton Lorenzo, Jenny Lim, Pamela Figuracion Mallorca, Sheryl Erpelo Lorenzo, Aileen Viray Columbino, Arlyn Nacorda Bautista, Ladee Lutrania, Alexandria Marie Figuracion, Dani Adaliga Vallo, Althea France Figuracion
Date of Experience: May 19, 2013