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Hundred Islands National Park
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The Hundred Islands National Park is a protected area located in Alaminos, Pangasinan, in northern Philippines. It is the first national park in the country, established in 1940. The park is composed of 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, scattered along the Lingayen Gulf. These islands are believed to be ancient coral reefs that became exposed due to falling sea levels, and they vary in size and shape. Only three islands have been developed for tourism: Governor's Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. The park has a wide range of activities such as island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and camping. Its clear waters are home to diverse marine life, including giant clams (Tridacna gigas) which are being conserved in the area. The unique 'mushroom-like' shape of many islands is due to erosion.
- Location: Philippines
- Top sights: Welcome to Pangapisan arch · Welcome to Mona arch · Welcome to San Jose arch
- Nearby: Hundred Islands (Alaminos) (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 17 | 18 | 34 | 64 | 244 | 410 | 599 | 724 | 439 | 260 | 88 | 45 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The standard entry point is Lucap Wharf in Alaminos City, where visitors charter motorized outrigger boats to access the islands. Tricycles and buses connect the wharf to the wider city and surrounding provincial transport hubs.
Best season
Planning a visit between the drier months of December and May is highly recommended to ensure calm seas and favorable boat travel conditions. Avoiding the wet season minimizes the risk of sudden storms and rough island-hopping waters.
Terrain & paths
The landscape consists of numerous mushroom-shaped limestone islands featuring small sandy coves, intriguing caves, and forested hillocks. Moving between different beaches and viewpoints often involves short but uneven, rocky trails.
What to bring
Sun protection, plenty of drinking water, and insect repellent are essential as facilities on the islands are quite limited. Snorkeling equipment and sturdy water shoes are very beneficial for thoroughly exploring the shallow reef areas.
Parking
A designated parking area is typically available directly near the Lucap Wharf tourism office, where you register and arrange boat rentals. It is usually secure, but arriving early is advisable during peak weekend tourist influxes.
Safety
Pay close attention to the boatmen’s instructions, ensure your life vest is properly secured, and be cautious of slippery paths within caves. Some swimming areas can experience sudden drops in depth or surprisingly strong ocean currents.
Time needed
Visitors commonly allocate roughly a half-day to a full day depending on the number of islands they genuinely wish to stop at and explore. Shorter trips focus on just the main developed islands, while comprehensive tours take much longer.
Geography
Facts
- Comprises 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide.
- Considered the first national park in the Philippines, established in 1940.
- The islands are ancient coral reefs that emerged to the surface.
- Only three islands have been developed for tourism.
- It hosts a conservation site for giant clams.
- The mushroom-like shape of the islands is due to erosion.
- The park covers an area of 16.76 square kilometers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Hundred Islands National Park (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are there really 100 islands?
There are actually 124 islands, which shrink to 123 at low tide.
What are the popular activities there?
Island hopping, snorkeling, and swimming are the main attractions of the park.
How do you get around the islands?
You rent a local boat (Banca) that takes you to different islands for the whole day.
Are there accommodations on the islands?
On some islands, there are simple camping areas or guesthouses for overnight stays.
Is the best time to visit seasonal?
Yes, the dry months between February and May offer the best conditions for boat trips.
Hundred Islands National Park: where is it located?
Hundred Islands National Park is located in Philippines.
Hundred Islands National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Welcome to Pangapisan arch, Welcome to Mona arch, Welcome to San Jose arch.
Hundred Islands National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Hundred Islands National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Hundred Islands National Park is a protected area located in Alaminos, Pangasinan, in northern Philippines.
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