Bolinao Falls
Bolinao Falls is a popular destination for tourists in the area. It's not what I imagined it would be but I kept an open mind and just enjoyed the view and the water.
Aside from swimming in the cool waters, one of the fun things to do is to cliff dive! I watched several people dive or even perform stunts while jumping off the cliff. It took a few attempts (staring down at the waters and measuring how far it was before I hit it), before I finally decided to take the plunge. It wasn't so high, but jumping off a cliff isn't that easy for me. I guessed the height to be somewhere between 8-10 feet.
*There is an entrance fee of P50 for a visit to the waterfalls.
Enchanted Cave
The Enchanted Cave has all the makings of a tourist destination as there are already picnic grounds, paved pathways, stairs and even hammocks inside.
I found the last part of the list of things not to bring inside funny. No drunks allowed!
The inside of the cave was small and can only accommodate a small number of people, I can only imagine what the place would be like in peak season in the summer. Thankfully, my friend and I got there when there wasn't a lot of people. The waters inside the cave were cool and refreshing.
*There is a fee that totals P150 for the Enchanted Cave.
Bolinao Lighthouse
The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse was constructed in 1905 and designed by Filipino, British and American architects. It has been guiding vessels that sail through the West Philippine Sea for decades. The structure stands more than a hundred feet high.
St. James Church
The Spanish have left a lasting mark all over the Philippines. There is a good chance that you will see at least one Catholic church in a province you will visit, Bolinao is no exception.
The first religious mission in Bolinao were the Augustinians, they stayed from 1585 to 1587. The church is made out of black coral stones and is influenced by the high renaissance style.
Local Delicacy
Binungay is a local rice delicacy here in Bolinao. It is covered in bamboo and has a sticky taste similar to suman and other similar rice-based treats. The sweet sauce gave it flavor and made it delicious. My friend and I asked one of the stores to have its bamboo casing opened.
Bolinao is a fun weekend getaway with plenty of things to do or a good beach to bum around in. My friend and I booked a tricycle tour for P1400 that covered two days.