Batanes of the East
Dingalan, Aurora
When we hear of Aurora on top of our mind is Baler, famously known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Little did people know that a beautiful place like Dingalan exists in Aurora. They call it the Batanes of the East. It is such an interesting thing to be compared to Batanes so due to my curiosity, I decided to explore the Dingalan, Aurora.
According to our local tour guide, Dingalan originated from a tale. Ding refers to a native person of the place and Ngalan means River which gives birth to Dingalan or simply Ding of the River. His another fascinating story is that 69% of Yamashita’s treasure was buried in the sea of Dingalan. Many treasure hunters visited the place, only a few succeeded and many failed. I don’t know how he came up with that percentage.
Dingalan, Aurora is located in the northeast part of Luzon facing the Pacific Ocean. It is often dubbed as the Batanes of the East because of their similarities. Batanes and Dingalan they said, have the same mountain landscapes and ocean sceneries. (So far in pictures, though, this is yet to be proven since I have never visited Batanes). Dingalan has clear and clean waters and the mountains are unspoiled. The spectacular ocean view from the green mountains will leave you in awe.
For those do not have the resources to go to Batanes, I suggest Dingalan be your budget Batanes trip, at least for now (Going to Batanes is actually not cheap, its price is equivalent to visiting 3 Asian countries).
I again joined a group event in Facebook and discovered the pristine beauty of Dingalan, Aurora. It is always a good thing to join a group to lessen your expenses, travel conveniently and of course, have a chance to meet other people along the trip. I have joined 3 groups so far this year and I enjoyed meeting all of them. Some of them are my Facebook friends now.
This trip is not a DIY trip since the organizer arranged everything for the group. All of us just paid a little extra, but still, it was inexpensive compared to other group tours I have inquired. Although this is not DIY, I will share with you a day tour budget travel guide to Dingalan, Aurora which you can do solo or with your friends and family. Take note that this is a mix of trekking, caving and swimming adventures so be physically prepared.
Places to Visit:
Tanawan Falls
White beach (Black sand)
Lamao Cave
Lighthouse
Juan’s Viewdeck
Mountain view
ITINERARY:
Day 01
12:00 AM – ETD to Dingalan, Aurora
5:30 AM – ETA to Dingalan, Aurora
5:45 AM – Boat ride or trek (15 mins) to Isla Dinagat (White Beach)
6:00 AM – Breakfast (packed)
6:30 AM – Trek to Light House
7:00 AM – Light House; photo ops
7:30 AM – Descend to White Beach
8:00 AM – Swim!
8:30 AM – Trek to Viewing Deck
9:00 AM – View Point
9:30 AM – Back to White Beach
10:00 AM – Lunch; Boodle fight
11:00 AM – Boat ride to Cave
11:30 AM – Caving, swimming near Rock formation
12:30 PM – Boat to Feeder Port
1:00 PM – ETA to Feeder Port
2:00 PM – ETA at Tanawan falls
2:30 PM – Swimming
4:00 PM – back to van; wash up
4:30 PM – Photo-ops at I LOVE DINGALAN
5:00 PM – ETD back to Manila
7:00 PM – Dinner along the way
10:00 PM – ETA Manila
All boats to Isla Dinagat departs from Feeder Port. We dropped here just for registration. We opted to trek to Isla Dinagat.
Passing the river to Isla Dinagat.
While trekking to Isla Dinagat, we passed by these beautiful wild flowers.
White Beach (but with blacks sands)
The trail up to the lighthouse.
Dingalan Lighthouse.
The view from the Lighthouse
From the Lighthouse, we descended to White Beach and started trail to the Viewing Deck and Mountain View.
At the viewing deck.
We had lunch and rest at the White Beach. We did a boodle fight and freshened up with Buko juice.
After lunch, we headed to the rock formation and Lamao Cave.
At the Rock Formation
This ocean view
From the Rock formation, we ride a boat going back to Feeder Port to go to Tanawan Falls.
Tanawan Falls
Last stop was the I love Dingalan sign before going back to Manila.
HOW TO GOT THERE?
Bus ride from Cubao to Cabanatuan – Php185 one-way (Fivestar Bus)
Bus ride or van from Cabanatuan to Paltik – Php 50 one-way
Eco Fee -Php 50
Feeder Port to White Beach (Option of Boat ride or trek from Feeder Port to White Beach) – the boat is P800 for a group of 8-10 pax. The amount is inclusive of boat rides going to White Beach, Lamao Cave, rock formation area and back to Feeder Port.
Trek and tour guide fee – Php 400
Mountain View – Php 50
WHAT TO WEAR?
-Trek attire (recommended are quick-dry leggings/ shorts and top but cotton can also be worn since it is a short trek to the lighthouse and viewing deck)
-Wear trek sandals
WHAT TO BRING?
– Packed Breakfast and Lunch
– Water 2-3 Liters ( depends on your own consumption)
– Trail Foods (chocolates, biscuit, jelly ace, crackers)
– Extra Clothes + Swimming clothes
– Cap
– Camera
– Sunglasses
– Sunblock
– Medicine
– Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
– ID with Emergency Contact
Reminders:
* Pack light as possible
* Always Prepare for the unexpected things.
* Leave no trace to the trail / avoid throwing anything/littering.
April 5, 2017 @ 8:10 pm
Oh wow. Batanes is so beautiful! I’ve never even heard of it before, but it’s on my bucket list now!
April 5, 2017 @ 11:08 pm
Batanes is a beautiful place. I would love to take a trip there with my wife.
April 6, 2017 @ 1:26 am
That is some busy schedule! Looks like such a great time though. The lighthouse is beautiful.
April 6, 2017 @ 3:04 am
That lighthouse is so modern looking and COOL! I would enjoy the hike up to it as much as the lighthouse itself! What a lovely place to visit!
April 6, 2017 @ 6:29 am
What a beautiful place to visit.
April 6, 2017 @ 7:24 am
What a wonderful day trip! The ocean view is beyond beautiful and I love the lighthouse as well.
April 6, 2017 @ 2:53 pm
I’ve heard that Baler is really beautiful. Your pictures are amazing. I would love to go one day.
April 6, 2017 @ 10:13 pm
Beautiful! I love the falls so that is always a must for me. I’ve never seen black sand so I would love to experience that as well.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:30 pm
Black sands are common here in the Philippines. You should visit sometime.
April 6, 2017 @ 11:31 pm
I’ve never even heard of this place before! I thought my geography was decent too!
April 7, 2017 @ 12:50 am
It looks like you had a marvelous trip to Batanes. I love the pretty photos of the open water. Open water shots always look so pretty and calm. Of course, just looking at your schedule you made me tired just thinking about it. 🙂
April 7, 2017 @ 2:28 pm
hahaha. I have not squeezed all of them. It was tiring though. Did not finish all the falls
April 8, 2017 @ 2:43 am
It sounds like a great excuse to head back to Batanes again soon. I hope that you rested up from your trip. 🙂
April 7, 2017 @ 12:56 am
Stunning. I love the itinerary. I like to stick to them. I’ve never left North America, but I can tell my time is coming!
April 7, 2017 @ 2:57 am
Batanes is beautiful. I love that it has mountains and an ocean. It might take a little time for me to get up to the lighthouse, but it would be worth it. On my bucket list!
April 7, 2017 @ 2:26 pm
it was not that hard. 10-20 mins trek only.
April 7, 2017 @ 3:24 am
It looks like paradise! So many stunning photographs. I’ve never heard of Baler before this post, but I don’t know that much about the Phillapeans. I like that you included your schedule and trips for travelers in this post.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:26 pm
I only saw few foreigners when I was there. It was really a paradise.
April 7, 2017 @ 3:41 am
WOW, I need to add Batanes to my travel list, how beautiful! The mountains would be a place I would visit daily.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:23 pm
Sure it is.. go visit!
April 7, 2017 @ 3:47 am
Wow I never heard of this place! Thanks for showing us how nice this country is. I love taking photos of the country namesake logo sign glad u found it!
April 7, 2017 @ 2:22 pm
yes its on our schedule!lol
April 7, 2017 @ 4:24 am
The photos are crisp and clean. Your pics are everything! Such a beautiful place. You captured it really well.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:20 pm
Thank you!
April 7, 2017 @ 4:52 am
I’ve never heard of that location before. It looks like a gorgeous place to visit though!
April 7, 2017 @ 2:19 pm
Yes it is!
April 7, 2017 @ 5:47 am
I’ve never heard of this place but it looks and sounds beautiful. I love tropical places like this. What a treat!
April 7, 2017 @ 6:22 am
I can’t imagine living such an adventurous life. I’m tired just reading your schedule. Those flowers are beautiful.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:19 pm
hahaha I’m in yolo mode.lol
April 7, 2017 @ 8:18 am
Looks like an amazing place to visit. Those pictures are amazing. Love the tips and the scenery.
April 7, 2017 @ 9:30 am
I have been wanting to go back to the Philippines ever since I left 5 years ago. I can not wait to go next year. I will have to check out White Beach. I have never seen black sand before.
April 7, 2017 @ 2:18 pm
Go back! so many beautiful places to visit.
April 7, 2017 @ 9:52 am
This looks like a wonder place and I love to travel to places I have never heard of and I am going to add this to my list.
April 7, 2017 @ 11:31 am
I never even considered traveling here. With all the places to visit, I am really thinking of adding it to the top of my bucket list.
April 7, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
That view from the lighthouse is gorgeous! I’m from the Philippines, but this is the first time that I’ve heard of Dingalan. Shame on me. 🙂
April 8, 2017 @ 12:53 am
This may have to be added to the list of must visits. The pictures are beautiful and the scenery looks so calming and gorgeous.
April 8, 2017 @ 2:02 am
Those are some very beautiful photos. Makes me wish I were there now. The water looks so gorgeous in the photos.
April 8, 2017 @ 6:48 am
I actually never heard of this place, but it looks so gorgeous! Also, the lighthouse is unique looking.
April 8, 2017 @ 7:07 am
What gorgeous landscapes! Your photos are stunning.
April 8, 2017 @ 9:28 am
I consider myself to be a very seasoned traveller and I can’t believe that I have never heard of this place! I have so many friends from the Philippines so I hear constantly how beautiful it is there!
April 8, 2017 @ 9:36 am
Thank you for sharing your photos. I love to travel and I do frequently. However, if I were to choose whether to explore a city or a tropical island, I’d choose the latter anytime. There is so much more to experience with nature than being among the throngs of shop-crazy people. I will take note of Baler and possibly try to visit Batanes too!
April 8, 2017 @ 10:52 am
This looks like paradise! Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Admittedly .. this is the first time I’ve hear of Baler and haven’t had a chance to learn much about the Phillapeans. I’ll pass your post along to my hubby .. I think this is one to add to our travel wish list!
April 8, 2017 @ 2:46 pm
Your photos are breathtaking! It looks like paradise. I would love to travel there one day
April 8, 2017 @ 9:38 pm
All places are really great and awesome. Its so much interesting! I would love to be there. I love it super.
April 9, 2017 @ 9:28 pm
That is quite an itinerary! I love the photo with all the wildflowers! 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
April 10, 2017 @ 5:44 am
This sounds like you had a wonderful time indeed. These places look gorgeous and I would love to do this some day. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
April 10, 2017 @ 11:31 am
Looks like paradise to me! What an incredible place to enjoy and visit. Your photos make me want to jump into one of them and visit right now! The flowers you are sitting around are so pretty!
April 11, 2017 @ 1:05 am
I will have add this to my travel bucket list. Looks like a lot of fun in the sun!
April 13, 2017 @ 3:05 am
I’d never heard of Batanes before but it looks absolutely beautiful! Another place to add to my travel bucket list I think!
Louise x
October 21, 2017 @ 7:04 am
Ano po tour eto? Love to go there seeing your pics
December 15, 2017 @ 1:09 am
Hi Elvie, you can check the contact person I wrote. You can also check Tianggala facebook page and message Eric. 🙂
February 14, 2019 @ 9:44 pm
Hi there, just want to correct the fare you indicated, cabanatuan to dingalan bus fare is 80 and on van is 100, and from dingalan terminal to feeder is 15.00 per head only…
April 19, 2019 @ 4:32 pm
Hi Eunice! Thanks for the update. Please note that this trip was 2 years ago. I appreciate your inputs for our readers.