Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan is one of the Philippines’ most distinctive landscapes — a sprawling cluster of 124 islands and islets scattered across Lingayen Gulf, each topped with dense vegetation and ringed by clear turquoise water. Despite the name, there are actually 124 islands at low tide, ranging from tiny outcrops barely large enough to stand on to larger formations with beaches, picnic areas and overnight camping facilities.
Declared the Philippines’ first national park in 1940, Hundred Islands draws day-trippers and overnight adventurers from Manila and the broader Luzon region. The combination of affordable island hopping, good snorkelling, sea kayaking and easy access from the capital makes it a compelling alternative to more crowded beach destinations.
Top Things to Do at Hundred Islands
Island Hopping
The core activity is renting a bangka boat and hopping between islands. Three islands — Governor Island, Quezon Island and Children’s Island — have basic facilities including toilets, picnic shelters and designated swimming areas. Most visitors combine these three with two or three more secluded stops. Boat rental from Lucap Wharf in Alaminos City runs ₱1,200–₱2,000 depending on boat size and islands visited. Park entrance is ₱200 per person plus per-island fees of ₱20–₱50. Go early (before 8am) to beat tour groups.
Snorkelling and Swimming
The waters around the islands offer decent snorkelling with coral patches, sergeant fish, parrotfish and occasional sea turtles. Quezon Island has the best snorkelling access. Visibility is generally 3–8 metres. Snorkel gear rents for ₱100–₱150 at the wharf or on the main islands.
Sea Kayaking
Paddling between the islands by kayak is one of the best ways to explore at your own pace. Kayaks can be rented at Lucap Wharf and at Governor Island (₱150–₱200 per hour). The calm protected waters are suitable for beginners, and the limestone formations, sea caves and hidden coves are best explored at paddle speed.
Camping on the Islands
Quezon Island and Governor Island allow overnight camping. Bring your own tent, food and water — no shops are open on the islands overnight. Camping permits are arranged through the Hundred Islands National Park office in Lucap. Sleeping on the island — waking to a silent bay and a pink sunrise — is the highlight of many visitors’ Philippines trips.
Cave Exploration
Several islands have small limestone caves accessible at low tide. Marcos Island has a cave that can be entered and swum through at certain tide levels. Cave exploration is best done with a local guide arranged through the park office.
Where to Stay
Most accommodation is in Alaminos City or along the road to Lucap Wharf. Budget guesthouses start from ₱600–₱1,200 per night. Mid-range resorts along the approach road have pools and restaurants at ₱2,000–₱4,000 per night. For the most atmospheric stay, camp overnight on one of the islands.
How to Get to Hundred Islands
From Manila, take a Five Star, Victory Liner or Dagupan Bus from EDSA terminals (Pasay or Cubao) to Alaminos City, Pangasinan (4–5 hours, ₱350–₱450). From Alaminos bus terminal, take a tricycle or jeepney to Lucap Wharf (₱15–₱30, 10 minutes). By private vehicle, Hundred Islands is about 4.5 hours from Manila via NLEX and TPLEX.
Best Time to Visit
Best visited during the dry season (November to May) when seas are calm and visibility is good. Holy Week is the busiest period — boats book out and main islands get crowded. Visit on a weekday if possible. The rainy season (June to October) brings rougher seas and occasional typhoons that can close the park.
Plan Your Hundred Islands Trip
A day trip from Manila is feasible but tiring. Far better to book a night in Alaminos, spend a full day island hopping and return the next morning. For the full experience, camp overnight on Quezon Island. Combine Hundred Islands with Bolinao (90 minutes north) for its Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and whale shark season (November to May).
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