WELCOME TO CABONGAOAN BEACH, PANGASINAN (CABO BEACH)

I've been searching for beaches over the internet and this is the one that I really want to go. This hasn't been commercialized yet, and that's the best part of it!

I've tried searching for blogs on this hidden paradise. The last one I saw was on year 2013!

THE JOURNEY

So I checked with Victory Liner Cubao for their schedules and what route should I take going to Cabongaoan Beach. Good thing, the operator is nice and friendly. (2 thumbs up to VL)

Okay, so their last trip going to Alaminos is 10:40PM. So I went there around 9:00PM to make sure that I would be able to board the bus. The only thing that's messed up with VL, is that they can't clear up their Rules. So, I was already sitting in the Bus when suddenly, there are some people, looking for seat numbers...that's when I realized, it was a reserve seat. I asked the conductor, and I was told to buy a ticket, and when I arrived at the terminal earlier I was told that I don't need a ticket. 

In short, I was waiting for an hour and a half not knowing that a ticket is needed to board the bus. Luckily, there's more seats available so I was able to board the last trip. 

*** Notice: Last trips going to Alaminos needs ticket reservation to make sure you'll board the last trip. First trip is 12:00AM

So the Travel time is around 5 hours reaching Alaminos, Pangasinan. As per the VL operator, the bus trips going to Burgos from Alaminos starts at 3:00AM. I arrived exactly 3:00AM at Alaminos VL Terminal and was able to board the bus going to Burgos (First Trip). 

The downfall on this was I thought the ride from Alaminos to Burgos is approximately 2 hours, and damn I was already at Burgos at 4:00AM. Haha, The wet market isn't open yet! So, I just wandered there for almost 2 hours to wait for the wet market to open. (Take note, there's no stores opened yet. But there were tricycle drivers and passengers waiting for a bus on where I was wandering. Haha) 

At last! it's 5:45AM, the market opens! Hallelujah! I was able to pick some meat and eggs to eat at the beach and some vegetables. Then, I was told that I can buy freshly caught fish at the beach area and I was so excited!

After buying some condiments and things I need, I called a tricycle driver and informed him that I'm going to Cabongaoan Beach and also contracted him to pick me up the next day. (Sorry didn't save his number. But don't worry there are lots of tricycle in Burgos - same charge)

So from Burgos going to Cabongaoan Beach, it took around 2 - 3 hours to reach the area. It was a bumpy and smokey ride! The roads aren't finished yet, but it's worth the trip! 

Good thing is that there are resorts open. There's a campsite resort, where you can just bring your own tent (didn't ask the charge how much since I don't even have a tent), there are also some cheap cottages/bahay kubo ranging from 500-800php, there are also high-end resorts that costs from 3000-5000 (Vacation House Style). 

So I went to the kubo cottage since it's the cheapest and I don't have my own tent. Okay, so the locals there are friendly, they let me borrow their grilling equipment which is nice and I was informed that we can buy fresh squids/fish around the area. 

For those who are toilet freaks like me. The only thing I'm concerned at first was the CR/Toilet. The restrooms there aren't as fancy probably unlike the ones on the high end resort. But the place I ended up only has a public restroom which are also being used by the "Bantay Dagat" Team. It's not really dirty. 

Electricity, yes there's electricity so you can bring your chargers and such. If you are using Smart, bad luck for your since there's no SIGNAL on the area. Only Globe subscribers are getting Signal on the beach. 

There are mini stores there, but it's a bit of a long walk. So better, buy the things you need before going to the area. 

THE BEACH

The place was breath-taking! It's better than Boracay! It's better than any other beaches I've seen. The sand is mocha-white and it's very fine!

When I arrived there, the beach is on High Tide and then, reaching the afternoon around 3:00PM, the water slowly goes down. It's Low Tide! I was able to walk almost at the middle of the beach and it was awesome!

So, I took advantage of the low tide time and went to the other side where there were hidden caves and I was told that it was a hiding spot for Japanese soldiers in the early era. Cool!

After a very long walk at the beach. I was told by a local that a pawikan was found and was brought to the Bantay Dagat Team. I can take pictures but only when they are releasing the turtle. They put a mark on the turtle for protection, probably because if other would have caught this, they might sell it for a fortune.

So here comes the Sun set.

There are no bars or gimmicks on this area. I just bought some alcohol and watch the sun set. 

Oh, there's Videoke haha.. That's the only entertainment I had for the night.

GOING HOME

At 12:00AM, I tuck myself in and woke up around 6:00AM in the morning. The morning is awesome, so as the Coffee.

I did another stroll and set up my camera to take shots. *** self timer at it's best! Haha

I waited for the manong tricycle driver and He picked me up around 10:00AM and was able to reach Burgos, around 12:00PM. 

From Burgos, I waited for a jeep to passby going to Alaminos and so I arrived at the Victory Liner Terminal around 2:00PM. I asked around where I can buy some PADAS to take home. So I walked around and found a Wet Market near a mall there. 

I boarded the Bus going to Cubao and left exactly 3:00PM. Travel time from Alaminos to Cubao is 7-8 hours and it depends on the Traffic. 

(Solo) EXPENSES AND HOW TO GET HERE

Take a Victory Liner Bus at Cubao going to Alaminos/Bolinao. Get off at Alaminos Terminal and take another bus going to Burgos. From Burgos, contract with any tricycle there to take you to Cabongaoan Beach and ask them to pick you up the next day or when you are going home. 

Going home, so wait for the tricycle to pick you up and bring you to Burgos Wet Market. From there, wait for a jeepney going to Alaminos and have them drop you off at the Cubao Bus Terminal (Victory Liner). Last trip going to cubao is 3:00PM. So make sure you arrive there before 3:00PM. 

Cubao - Alaminos (Victory Liner) - P393.00 (you have to buy a ticket before boarding the bus)

Alaminos - Burgos (Victory Liner) - P39.00

Food for 1 (Overnight) - P300.00

Burgos - Cabo Beach (Tricycle contract) - P300.00

Cottage/Kubo - P500.00

Burgos - Cabo Beach (Tricycle contract) - P300.00

Burgos - Alaminos (Jeep) - P26.00

Alaminos - Cubao (Victory Liner) - P393.00 (no reservation required, pay on the bus)

Total Expenses: P2251

Suggestion: It would be cheaper if you are in a group. 

Here are some resorts online: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cabo-Beach-Resort/212955635385528
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cabongaoan-Beach-Rovens-Place/625350290926306