ABW Sept 2023-1

Lucap Wharf
At Anda you can explore the fresh natural beauty of the
hidden un-explored pristine Tondol Beach, with its fine white
sand and clear blue shallow waters, it is ideal for families
with young children.
Tondol Beach is located at the northern tip of Anda, an
island municipality that is accessible by boat across the
narrow Catubig Channel. Or the bridge constructed across
the channel in 1990 to connect the island with mainland
Pangasinan. The drive to Tondol Beach from town takes
around 30 minutes on fairly good roads. Tondol is best visited
during low tide when the white sand is either totally exposed
or when shallow, ankle-deep water is still blanketing the
beach. Mornings reveal Tondol Beach at low tide with the
fine, white sand exposed.
What makes Tondol unique is its long, shallow nature. There
is an island – Tanduyong – almost a kilometer away which can
be reached on foot during low tide. There is a considerable
amount of marine life besides the starfish and crabs on the
shallow beach. It’s best to visit Tondol during the summer or dry
months when the skies are blue, the beach is cleaner and does
not have as much debris (most of it biodegradable anyway) as
during the rainy months. As bloggers have repeatedly pointed
out, Tondol is also best enjoyed during low tide. The tides can
vary from week to week so it’s safer to stay for one whole day
at Tondol so you don’t miss the best viewing and swimming
times. Also make sure you are there early in the morning when
low tide usually comes in.
How to get there
By Bus, the best choice is the five star bus line from their
Pasay Terminal direct to their Terminal in the main street
of Alaminos City takes 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic
with a very low cost fare of P403. There is also Victory Liner
but they do not have a direct route and you would have
to change buses at Dau terminal in Angeles City. Once in
Alaminos if you are staying at a resort or home/hotel at
Lucap Wharf there are plenty of tricycles to take you there.
Places to Stay
There is any number of hotels to choose from in Alaminos and
Lucap, quite a few are just basic Filipino standards but there
are also places like the Romanz Garden Inn or in the main
town the Asia Nova hotel just two minutes walk from the Five
Star Bus Terminal is good clean modern accommodation that
boasts all the amenities like cable TV, Hot Water Showers and
Wi-Fi, starting at only P900 per night.
In Bolinao you have top resorts like the Punta Riviera which
would have to be one of the top resorts, there is also the
Puerto De Sol plus many others to choose from.
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