Contributed by Footlocker Wanderer
Dingalan is NOT the “Batanes of the East”.
If you are looking for a jam-packed adventure, I recommend you to visit this stunning destination.
About Dingalan, Aurora
Dingalan is a municipality in the province of Aurora. It is situated in the eastern part of the Central Luzon region facing the vast Pacific Ocean. It has many beautiful destinations that can satisfy your craving for extreme adventures – from hiking or trekking to Mountain View, to chasing waterfalls, exploring caves and beach bumming. So if you’re looking for the thrills of an extreme getaway, try visiting the places below and witness Dingalan’s own beauty that makes it distinct from other places.
Also read: Surfing at Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora
How to get there
Dingalan, Aurora is just a three to four-hour ride from Metro Manila. The easiest way to get there is to take public buses that head to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Several bus companies like Genesis Transport, Five Star Bus, ES Transit and Baliwag Transit operate this route. You can ride either from Cubao or Pasay. This will cost you around ₱180-200.
Once you arrive at Cabanatuan Central Terminal, you will have to take another one-hour ride via bus or van going straight to Dingalan. It will cost you around ₱90-100.
You will be dropped off in the city proper where you can hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take you to Dingalan Feeder Port located in Barangay Paltic, where you can register and pay the environmental fee of ₱50.
Things to do
There are many activities that you can do in Dingalan. But first, you have to register and pay an environmental fee of ₱50 at the Tourist Information and Assistance Center and hire a mandatory tour guide that would cost you ₱200 for every tourist spot that you wish to visit.
You have two options when going to the White Beach, where the Lighthouse and famous Mountain View are situated. One of them is to hire a private boat for around ₱800-1,000, or simply walk for almost 30 to 45 minutes. To reduce your expenses, I recommend joining other groups especially when you are travelling solo and just offer your share for the boat rental.
Who to contact
For a hassle-free tour, I highly recommend Jeffrey Tipon Tipon, a registered local guide. You may contact him at 09484098651. He can guide you in every must-see tourist spot in Dingalan.
Places to visit
There are numerous places to visit in Dingalan. But due to my short vacation leave, I only visited these places.
Lamao Caves
Dingalan Lighthouse
White Beach
Tanawan Falls
Where to stay
There are a lot of homestays and small hotels around the area, but I highly recommend you to stay at Lourdes and Buboy’s Cottages. They have treehouses and cottages that you can rent for around ₱300-2,500. You may contact them at 09185036080 or 09272882560.
You can also order sumptuous seafood dishes from Ma’am Lourdes, which cost about ₱400 for three meals.
Dingalan should be Dingalan. It should never be tagged as “Batanes of the East”. It has its own uniqueness and beauty. Let it be known for its own soul and rare enigma, and not just a second-rate version of another more popular destination which is Batanes.
Maedup! Dingalan!
Also read: 7 Easy Steps to Enjoy a Weekend Escape in Baler, Aurora
