Dingalan Travel Guide: Aurora’s Paradise on Earth
Dingalan, Aurora: Paradise on Earth
Read also: Aurora Province Travel Guide: How to enjoy PH’s Surfing Capital
Dubbed as the “Batanes of the East,” the municipality of Dingalan is in the eastern portion of Luzon Island. Being the southernmost municipality of the province of Aurora, its mountainous landscape mimic that of the ones found in Batanes (thus the nickname.) When I visited the place last March 2022, the weather was just fine and warm and the landscape is just a mix of the blue ocean and the green terrain of the mountains.
The Dingalan Feeder Port is the major jumpoff point to go island hopping around the municipality. There are around 5 interest points in Dingalan and all of them are perfect for the gram. The boat ride going to and from the different tourist spots is also an adventure on its own, especially when the waters become wavy. The people, too, are all kind and warm and even our tour guides are super assistive and friendly – they can also take a good photo of you!
Why choose to visit Dingalan?
Read also: Aurora Province: Discovering PH’s Surfing Capital
Why choose to visit Dingalan? It is because the scenery is out of the usual! As your main transport throughout the trip is by boat, you get to see the terrain of the municipality from a distance. It is like you are in a movie where you get to see different scenes of landscapes depending on what location you are in.
The tour guides and the locals, too, are very entertaining and they assist you on whatever you need. They also tell some trivia about the place and the things to see and do in the area. Dingalan also offers a vast view of the Pacific Ocean (perfect for sunrise) and the nearby Polilio islands of Quezon Province.
For our trip, we were brought to Lamao Cave (which can be visited inside during low tide), to the Rock Formations with a Death Pool, to the Dingalan Lighthouse, Dingalan view deck, and the White Beach where we had our boodle fight lunch. We also had a side trip to Tanawan Falls and to the Dingalan Sign near the boundary with Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija before going home.
The two view decks from the Lighthouse and the main View Deck offers visitors different perspectives that both overlook the Pacific. 180-degree views of unspoiled waters and overlooking the topography of Dingalan.
If you do not have the time, energy, and budget to go to Batanes just yet, Dingalan is a good precursor for your dream trip to the northernmost province in the Philippines! It has its own identity that can be juxtaposed to that of Batanes but can never be compared – both provinces of Batanes and Aurora have different sites to offer – that is the beauty of exploring the Philippines!
How to get to Dingalan, Aurora
Read also: Aurora Travel Guide: Places you must see before leaving (Part 1 of 2)
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Via Private Vehicle: |
From Baguio: You can ply through Marcos Highway or Kennon Road and you can opt to go through MacArthur Highway or enter to TPLEx Rosario Exit. *If via MacArthur Highway, take a left turn at the Carmen-Rosales National Road and straight ahead to Rosales-Umingan Road. You will also have to pass through the municipalities of Lupao, San Jose City, Rizal, Bongabon (take a left turn to Barangay Larcon), and Gabaldon. Then upon reaching Gabaldon, just follow the road going to Dingalan, Aurora. *If via TPLEx, take Rosario Exit and egress to Carmen Exit. Take a left turn to Pangasinan-Nueva Ecija Road and take a right turn upon reaching Rosales-Umingan Road (landmark is Total Rosales Gasoline Station.) You will also have to pass through the municipalities of Lupao, San Jose City, Rizal, Bongabon (take a left turn to Barangay Larcon), and Gabaldon. Then upon reaching Gabaldon, just follow the road going to Dingalan, Aurora. **You can use your preferred navigation app for easier reference. |
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From Manila: Drive to NLEx and egress to Mabalacat Exit. Enter SCTEx and go to Tarlac City exit. Take the Santa Rosa – Tarlac Road and continue to Dingalan – Gabaldon / Palayan City Road until you reach Dingalan. **You can use your preferred navigation app for easier reference. |
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Via Public Transport: |
From Baguio: Take a van going to Cabanatuan City (the terminal is usually located within the periphery of Burnham Park, near Good Taste Otek Branch) and alight from the Cabanatuan Central Terminal. From there, take another van going to Dingalan, Aurora. Upon reaching the town, take a tricycle going to the Feeder Port. |
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From Manila: Take a bus going to Cabanatuan City (the terminal is usually located in Cubao, Quezon City) and alight from the Cabanatuan Central Terminal. From there, take another van going to Dingalan, Aurora. Upon reaching the town, take a tricycle going to the Feeder Port. |
Projected Expenses
Fare expenses
| A) Manila – Cabanatuan Bus | ₱ 200.00~ | 3 hours |
| B) Baguio – Cabanatuan Van | ₱ 250.00 – 300.00~ | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| Cabanatuan – Dingalan Van | ₱ 100.00~ | 1 hour |
| Dingalan Town Proper to Feeder Port Tricycle | ₱ 20.00~ | 10 minutes |
Expenses for the tour
| Boat Rental (maximum of 10 pax per boat) | ₱ 1000.00 | Whole Day |
| Environmental / Eco Fee (per pax) | ₱ 50.00 | |
| Lamao Cave and Rock Formation (additional) | ₱ 500.00 | 1 hour |
| Cottage Rental | ₱ 500.00 | 1 day |
| Boodle Fight Lunch (per pax) | ₱ 180.00 | |
| Guide Fee (per group / boat) | ₱ 800.00 | Whole Day |
| Mountain view Entrance Fee (per pax) | ₱ 20.00 | 1 – 2 hours |
| Tanawan Falls Entrance Fee (optional) | ₱ 20.00 | 1 – 2 hours |
For this tour, I have joined The Northern Nomads Group on Facebook by Arvin Balageo who organizes trips in and out of Northern Luzon. For future trips and travels, you can check his Facebook Page here! You can also contact kuya Rolly Afable, a local tour guide in Dingalan for more inquiries at +63 966 746 7795.
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
