Cabongaoan beach is located at the western side of the Philippines, at the town of Burgos in Pangasinan.
Not many people know this beach which offers solitude, off-the-grid experience unlike other popular beaches.
You will be amazed by the off-white sand, clear water and peaceful surroundings. You will enjoy the unexplored natural beauty, the rumbling sound of the waves, the fresh sea breeze and the romantic sunset!
How to get to Cabongaoan beach
By Bus
From Cubao, you can take a bus bound for Alaminos. Victory Liner, Five Star Bus and Dagupan bus have regular trips going to Alaminos and the fare is around 400 pesos. The price may vary depending on the class and route you will choose. From Alaminos, take a jeepney and drop off at Burgos “bayan”. The jeepney fare is 30 pesos per head. From Burgos “bayan”, take a tricycle to take you to Cabongaoan beach. The fare is 300 pesos good for 3-4 people.
By private vehicle
You can use Waze or Google maps for navigation. It is about a 5 to 6-hour drive (or maybe shorter or longer depending on your speed) from Cubao. The roads are paved however, construction is ongoing in some portion going to Cabongaoan beach. There are street lights installed near the beach but not within the 21 km. drive from Burgos “bayan” to Cabongaoan beach. We highly suggest you drive during daytime when going or leaving Cabongaoan beach.
Where to stay
There are transient houses or resorts in Cabongaoan beach but you may reserve in Huts on Coral Hill where there are two huts standing on a hill that is naturally filled with red corals. It is located near the beach with a maximum capacity of 12 people and a parking good for even 10 cars.
What you can do in Cabongaoan Beach
Cook
We recommend that you make a stopover and buy your stuff at Labrador market along Labrador-Sual road as they offer affordable and freshly-caught seafoods like Milkfish (‘Bangus’), crabs, shrimps, small-sized octopus (‘pugita’), and many more. You can also get the ingredients you need for cooking.
It will take around 1 to 2 hours before you reach Caboangaon beach from Labrador market, that’s why it is better to bring a cooler with you. If you don’t have one, you can buy in the market a ‘styro-cooler’ and 20 pesos worth of crushed ice to keep your stuff fresh.
Huts on Coral Hill has complete sets of utensils and cooking equipment. Aside from the electric stoves, you may try preparing your dishes over charcoal or wood flame to experience the traditional way of cooking.
Dine
It’s always fun to eat by the seaside as you will enjoy the breeze of the sea and the calming rumble of the waves.
When you check in at Huts on Coral Hill, better inform the caretaker ‘Kuya Jimmy’ to reserve a cottage near the shore for you. You can bring your food (and drinks), and use the cottage anytime you want until you check out.
Play
It’s never too late to be a kid again. LOL.
Camp
Set up a camp by the shore and enjoy the beautiful sunset with your family and friends.
For camping tips, please check this Me and my dad camp.
Swim and experience the lagoon!
My brave (and early-riser?) friends managed to reach the lagoon (a.k.a. ‘the death pool’ or ‘depth pool’. I don’t know what is the right one. Hahahaha! So let’s just call it the lagoon).
It takes about 20 to 30-minute walk from Huts on Coral Hill. Better visit the place during low-tide or early in the morning.
Thank you!
All the credit goes to my friends who shared their photos and video, and prepared and cooked food for the group. Thank you, guys!
