Cabalitian Island (Sual, Pangasinan, PH)

I feel we are all islands in a common sea. – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

As I have mentioned from my previous write-ups, one great thing about living in an archipelago, like the Philippines, is that one has endless options of beaches to choose from. From powdery white beaches to ashen grey sandy beaches to pink coralline beaches, name it – we have it! Pangasinan, a province in Northwestern Luzon, is particularly gifted with a variety of beaches. Well there is the famed Hundred Islands of Alaminos, Patar Beach in Bolinao, and the off-beaten beaches of Burgos and Dasol. And just when you thought these are just the ones you can go for a summer escapade. Didn’t you know that off the coastline of seaside towns Sual and Labrador are islands you can explore?

From among these island, Cabalitian Island is a potential eco-tourism site. The island is 4.5 kilometers off the coast of Sual – a fishing town that is about an hour away from Dagupan City.  A 30-minute boat ride from the Sual town proper will take you to this lush island surrounded by cerulean water. Cabalitian has a characteristic gritty light brown sand beach and clear water ideal for swimming.  At one end, scenic rock formations and caves can be found.

Cabalitian may not be the usual vacation spot; nonetheless, it is a good respite for people likes to get away from a city’s hustle-and-bustle. It is recommended to bring your own food as there are no restaurants within the island; there are small stores but commodities could be quite pricey.

Most people who visit the island do a day trip. However, if you decide to stay overnight, bring with you your own tent. There are also small cottages that may be rented. You can also do an island-hopping activity. There are 3 nearby, uninhabited islands in the area namely Poro Maya, Comas and Tori-Tori.  I was fortunate to have visited 2 of them.

Here are photos of Poro-Maya and Comas Islands:

Comas Island

Comas Island

During my visit to the islands, all I did was to take photos of the 3 islands I went to; and had a quick dip in the waters of Cabalitian. I went back to the mainland late in the afternoon and while on the boat, I was amazed to have witnessed a stunning sunset at this side of Pangasinan.

Poro-Maya Islet

Poro-Maya Islet

How To Reach Cabalitian Island:

If you are coming from Manila, ride a bus (Vicory) bound for Alaminos or Bolinao. Inform your driver that you you be dropped either in Sual town proper (proceed to the fishing port) or Tobuan Beach in nearby Labrador town. From there, you’ll need to rent an outrigger boat. A boat ride may cost around 500.00 Php (back and forth) but may cost higher if you opt to do the island-hopping.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be a wanderlust. Take it easy ebriwan. Roamulofied out.