The Secret Beauty of Hundred Islands
The Hundred Islands, in Alaminos Pangasinan is the centerpiece of tourism; cover an area of 18.44 square kilometers (4,557 hectares) and are believed to be some two million years old. According to certain Pangasinan folklore, the islands were teardrops from a primeval giant who grieved the loss of his ladylove. Others tell of talltale mermaids who once inhabited its seas. The latest island count (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide), sums up the grouping of isles scattered along Lingayen Gulf, many of which are still unexplored, Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. The nearest islands from the Lucap Wharf are Sulpot Island, Monkey Island, Abad Santos Island and Hernandez Island, which are all 15 to 20 minutes away. The major islands, Children's, Governor's and Quezon can be reached after a 25 to 45-minute boat ride. The town Anda located north-east of Alaminos City, is often called the "mother isla...