Outdoor fun in the Hundred Islands

MANILA, Philippines - Despite its popularity, the Hundred Islands remains unspoilt and inviting. In 2008, it even landed on the cover of the book 501 Must-Visit Islands published in the United Kingdom. And for good reason: scattered like beautifully cut emerald stones on the blue-green waters of the Lingayen Gulf are 123 coral islands, complemented by abundant inland and underwater flora and fauna, cream-colored fine sand that yield to every step, and friendly local islanders.

The Hundred Islands now offers outdoor activities such as zipline, wall climbing and rappelling for the weekend adventurer who wants a change of scenery and a little workout. All these can be enjoyed in an outdoor adventure package for only P175.

A visitor commences the 120-meter zipline ride by going up a tower located on one end of Quezon Island, one of the more developed islands in the national park. Highly skilled zipline operators, trained by Outland Adventure of Davao, secure the rider with a harness and protective headgear. Glide above the clear waters and see the island from a bird’s eye view.

Located in the same tower as the zipline take-off point is the man-made rock climbing wall for beginners. Other activities include cliff jumping and swimming in the underwater cave of Marcos Island; snorkelling at Coral Garden; communing with wildlife at Bat Island and Monkey Island; and exploring the tiny, secluded coves of Cuenco, Old Scouts and Lopez islands.

The less audacious may choose to go swimming or kayaking in the shallow, unhurried waters of Children’s Island or enjoy the breathtaking vistas on the view deck of Governor’s Island. Just in case an adrenaline rush kicks in, this island also has a 546-meter zipline that connects to the Virgin Island, which can be availed of for only P250.

Quezon Island offers facilities and amenities for rent at reasonable rates (rent a picnic table for P200 or a pavilion for P4,000). Bigger groups can rent a guesthouse good for 15 persons for P5,000. The famed Pinoy Big Brother house at Governor’s Island can also be rented for the same amount. Nature lovers can opt to commune with nature by pitching a tent and camp out on the shores of Quezon Island for P200. Tents can readily be rented for an additional P400.

Dining and lounging by the sea aboard a floating cottage, which can accommodate more than a dozen persons, will cost around P1,000. Those on a tighter budget can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy anywhere in the islands, or buy from the food stalls and concessionaires in the area.

To experience the Hundred Islands, get on a bus bound for Alaminos or Bolinao. The trip will take five hours. In Alaminos, charter a tricycle to the Lucap wharf and get off at the local tourism office where visitors must register and can rent an outrigger boat.

The fee ranges from P1,000 to P4,500 depending on the size and type of the boat (regular boat or service boat) and length of stay (day tour or overnight). A day tour on a regular boat, for instance, allows 20-minute visits each to Quezon Island, Governor’s Island and Children’s Island. Choosing a service boat, on the other hand, entitles users to visit all the islands without time restriction.

For convenience and worry-free road travel, Victory Liner plies the Alaminos and Bolinao routes daily, every hour from 4 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Weekend warriors can enjoy a first-class trip with well-cushioned seats, fully functional airconditioning system, strong Wi-Fi connection, and courteous, highly trained personnel.

For information on schedule of trips, and for advance ticketing services, visit www.victorliner.com.