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Pangasinan, one of the top tourist destinations in northern Luzon, is about to reopen to more travelers post lockdown. Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III said that the province will soon allow visitors coming from outside of the Ilocos Region.

In August, the five local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan namely, Bolinao, Dasol, Manaoag, Sual, and Alaminos City have started to receive guests from Region 1.

The initiative is to support the Department of Tourism's (DOT) Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor, a program that promotes Region 1's tourism industry.

While we're still waiting for authorities' official announcement, we've rounded up the leading tourist destinations in Pangasinan that you should visit:

Minor Basilica of Our Lady Manaoag

If you are planning to visit Pangasinan, you should definitely visit the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, which is considered to be a top-rated destination in the country for Catholic travelers around the world.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the heritage church, located in the small town of Manaoag, drew thousands of devotees yearly.

Image source: aldrinooooo (IG)

Hundred Islands

If you want a fantastic island-hopping adventure, visit Hundred Islands National Park. It's a natural spectacle of 124 beautiful islets scattered in the waters of Lingayen Gulf.

Image source: thehundredislandsph (IG)

Patar Beach

Pangasinan boasts of several magnificent beaches including Bolinao's cream-colored sand Patar Beach.

It is a popular destination for those who want a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Image source: patarwhitesand (IG)

Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort

Balungao Hilltop Adventure Resort is situated on Mt. Balungao. It is a nature and sports adventure site which has a zipline, bungee trampoline, hiking trail, all-terrain vehicle trail, and paintball target shooting, among others.

Aside from these, the resort is also known for its hot and cold spring swimming pools.

Image source: melajdj (IG) | marianneszara (IG)

Death Pool

Originally called Depth Pool, “Death Pool" is a natural pool located on the far right side of Cabongaoan Beach in Burgos, Cabongaoan. It is dubbed as the "next big tourist attraction" of the province. Despite its name, it promises a thrilling and fun experience.

Image source: charrizedeniega (IG)

Enchanted Cave

Bolinao's famous Enchanted Cave should be on your priority list. It is a coral cave featuring a fresh-water pool with mesmerizing clear, blue water and awesome natural rock formations.

If you want a swimming experience unlike any other, pay a visit to Enchanted Cave.

Image source: philippinestravelbucketlist (IG)

Sunflower Maze

If you are into photography and Instagrammable landscapes, the giant Sunflower Maze in Pangasinan will not disappoint. The maze, which was opened to the public by Allied Botanical Corporation in 2017, is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It is located in Tayug, Pangasinan.

Aside from sightseeing, the farm also features different types of flowers, plants, and vegetables, and offers varieties of activities including cooking tutorials and harvesting crops.

Image source: mikee (IG)

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