To say that Tambobong Beach is one of Pangasinan’s finest beaches is an understatement. A couple of hours away from the humble municipality of Dasol, this peaceful haven might be playing hard to get, but still draws a few curious beach fanatics in search of pure bliss. The difficulty of getting here will just make you sigh in disbelief, but wait ‘till you arrive and you’ll see why it’s all worth it. After a 7 hour exhausting travel and endless grumbles, you’ll breathe in with a satisfied feeling as you see a long stretch of warm white sand, peaceful emerald waters and the scenic views off the coast of Tambobong.
Getting There:
Budget wanderers, be patient as this is going to be a long hot ride. You can ride a bus from Victory Liner or Five Star station in Edsa, Cubao going to Alaminos. Try to get in Cubao as early as possible so you could reach Dasol before noon. After five hours, find the victory liner bus station in Alaminos going to Sta. Cruz and tell the conductor to drop you off in Dasol. Endure 45 minutes of blistering ordinary bus ride to Dasol, and expect a lot of stopovers along the way as the bus catches more passengers.
The jeepney terminal is located near the small market of Dasol town. There are only three daily trips to Tambobong in the morning, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to get here before noon. Share a ride with loads of goods, LPG tanks, sacks of food and other things bought from the market by the passengers. Otherwise rent a tricycle, only if you absolutely have no other way (which would probably be the case), but be forewarned of the 30-minute nerve-racking rough ride on the rock-strewn roads to Tambobong.
Walk or just get off in Belinda’s resort, as the locals call it, located at the far end of Tambobong coast. There are probably just two resorts in Tambobong but this one is the most recommended.
If you’re going back to Dasol, skip the tricycle or jeepney ride. Catch more pleasing views by riding a boat from Belinda’s resort to back to Dasol town. And yes, this is way better than another torturous tricycle ride.
Notable Things:
A vast stretch of hot white sand
The cool and bright green waters with soft white sand underneath
The friendly and helpful locals
The jumping point to Snake Island
The Crocodile island view from the Tambobong shore
Budget Matters:
Accommodation rates in Belinda’s resort range from P800 (good for 4 persons) to P4500 (A house for 15 persons), there is also the nice beach front “papag” where you can rent for P500. The owner is very kind and helpful, so if you plan to camp near the beach, just ask her politely. Some locals around and those whom you would be riding with in the jeepney might sometimes invite you to drop by in their homes for a lunch or for a free stay.
Satisfy your hunger by ordering food of your choice for P150-P200 (good for sharing) and they will cook it for you. Swim or just relax on the “papag” in front of the beach while waiting for the delicious meal and heaps of rice delivered to you.
Belinda’s Resort contact #: +639105641382 (For boat ride or room reservation)
For transportation costs:
(Prices are subject to change)
Bus from Cubao to Alaminos - Ordinary P277, Air-conditioned P351
Bus from Alaminos to Dasol (via Sta. Cruz Bus) - P40
Jeepney from Dasol to Tambobong - P40
Or Trycycle - P400 (2-way)
By Boat (from or to Dasol) - P600
Nuisances and Joy Killers:
The undeveloped dusty road to Tambobong, if this is really called a road, will get in to your nerves. The 30-minute tricycle ride might cause you some headaches after. Get in Dasol early for the jeepney but be patient enough for a series of stopovers along the way to unload cargos. Bring bottled waters to drink and some wet towels to dampen your skin from time to time as the scorching heat will really make you feel tired and dehydrated.
Okay the beach resort is clean and well-maintained, so no complaints about that. Except that when you eat in the beach-front “papag”, a swarm of hungry stray dogs will gather around you as you eat. They are cute and not so annoying at first. However when they start getting close to your feet, then it gets bothersome, as if they’re trying to tell you to “hurry up and feed us your leftovers!”.
Posted by MissForlorn, Photos by Peregrine
0 comments :