Captivating Dasol ~ PANGASINAN

Some of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines are also among the least popular and least accessible. While it is true that Pangasinan is a favorite weekend destination because of the famed Hundred Islands in Alaminos, and the overrated Patar Beach, Bolinao Falls and The Lighthouse of Bolinao, another gem is just waiting for you to discover – The Tambobong White Sand Beach and Culebra Island in Dasol.

It was in 2010 when I first learned of Tambobong from a fellow blogger, Adventurous Feet. (CLICK HERE to read the article). He did a very good presentation of the place that got me interested. I then told my friends from Addessa (where I used to work) about it. We actually planned several trips but none of the plans pushed through.

It was only on May 1, 2014 when finally, I set foot on the white sands of Tambobong together with my friends from CB Mall to celebrate the birthday of Kysser. 

Reaching Tambobong is no easy [as of this writing] where one must traverse the rugged, bumpy and dusty trail so it is recommended to use a high-wheeled vehicle. From Burgos Town Proper, it can be reached in 1 and a half hours. We rented a 20-passenger seating capacity jitney although we were only 5.. Sad, some of our friends did not make it, but we pushed through with the plan.. 

Set foot, FINALLY!

Very little is known about Tambobong, this secluded barrio in the westernmost part of Dasol, Pangasinan is home to one of the country's best kept treasures. It is a small fishing village with fine, white-cream-powdery sand and crystal clear waters that you can see small fishes or even a school of fish when you take a dip. The water is very calm in the morning and a little wavy in the afternoon. "Papag" or bamboo couch are readily available for rent at the beachfront ranging from P350 to P500 depending on the season. You can reserve or get a "papag" from the resort owned by Nanay Benilda located in front of the beach. 

"The Soul" of Dasol

A trip to Tambobong will not be complete without setting foot on the majestic Culebra Island. So after feasting on the foods we brought, we rested for a few minutes and asked the staff of the resort if there is an available boat that will bring us to Culebra. To our dismay, the staff told us that they can't allow their boatmen take visitors to the island due to rough waves.  Tambobong is situated on the westernmost part of Pangasinan and is also facing the South China Sea so expect bigger waves in the afternoon. It was already past 3pm. Silence and sadness filled our faces. We sat down on the "papag" and just stared at the Culebra Island. Yes, Culebra can be seen from the shoreline of Tambobong and appears like a sand bar stacked in the middle of the sea with three coconut tree. 

That time, we were so helpless. We thought of the long and winding road we passed on just to get there.. and the possibility that we may not be able to get there, again.. We felt that we can't let that day pass without stepping on the island. So we looked for a "bangkero" (boatmen) around and negotiated for a short trip to Culebra. The bangkero said the waves are big and rough already. But we insisted and asked for a possible way we can get to the island. Good thing the bangkero we negotiated with is very accommodating and grasped our eagerness and frustration to get to Culebra. The next words he uttered are music to our ears. Culebra here we come! 

Culebra (or Collibra or Snake or Camaso) Island is a small island that can be reached by an outrigger/fishing boat, 20 to 25 minutes from the shoreline of Tambobong. It is said that the island got its name from a sea snake "Culebra" or "Collibra" that according to old folks and locals inhabited the place long time ago. It has fine, white-cream sand. It is best to visit the island in the morning as the waves are not that rough and the sun is not too harsh because the island has few trees to give visitors a shed.

There were 4 coconut trees on the island but the other is is already dying. Camping is allowed and as of the moment, there were no camping fees or entrance fees collected to those who wants to stay overnight on the island. Just the rent for the boat that ranges from P750.00 - P900.00 for a short trip (2-3 hours stay). Higher fees or additional fees will apply for longer stay or overnight since boatmen will have to fetch you the next morning or on the time you specify. 

Five For Fun ~ Jofrel, Jen, Ella, Kysser and Joel [me]

Where to stay in Tambobong

Tambobong White Sand Beach Resort is one of the pioneering resorts in Tambobong. It is a family run resort headed by Nanay Benilda. The resort offers Airconditioned Rooms, Fan Rooms and Kubo (Nipa Hut). They also owned some of the "papags" at the beach front and can arrange a boatride to Culebra Island. We were not able to meet Nanay Benilda when we visited Tambobong, but there are a lot of reviews and feedbacks saying that she is really kind-hearted woman. 

Starfish. Sea grasses appear during low tide, usually in the afternoon.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Own Vehicle:

Take the road going to Alaminos City. From Alaminos City, take the Alaminos-Olongapo Road. You will be passing by the Municipality of Mabini until you reach Burgos town proper. From Burgos town proper turn right to A. Guian St. (before Elementary School), and follow the rough, bumpy and dusty road until you reach the Brgy. Ilio-Ilio marker on the right side and the big vehicle wheel on the left side. The big vehicle is actually the landmark going to Tambobong. Turning right will lead you to another Gem of Pangasinan, the Cabongaoan Beach (CLICK HERE to read the article about Cabongaoan). Turn left and follow the trail until you reach Tambobong. Travel time from Alaminos City is approximately 2 and 1/2 hours.

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 approximately 7 to 7 and 1/2 hours. 

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

1. Tambobong can be reached 1 and a half hour ride from Burgos Town Proper - this is the easiest way to get there.

2. Rentable "papag" at the beach front ranges from P350-P500 depending on the season.

3. Boatride to Culebra ranges from P750-900 for a short trip (2-3 hours stay), higher or additional fees apply for longer stay or overnight.

4. Camping overnight is allowed in Culebra Island.

5. Bring hats or towels and apply sunblocks - there's not enough shed on the island.

6. Kill nothing but time. Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.

Date of visit: May 1, 2014

With: Kysser Mirador, Ella Sta Cruz, Jennifer Zamora and Jofrel