TALES OF THE MOTHERBACKPACKER

DAY 2 - MARCH 31, 2015 (TUESDAY)

For our second day in Pangasinan, we decided to drive all the way to Patar beach. Patar is also part of Bolinao, and in this place you will find your beach bum satisfaction.

GETTING THERE:

(Driving your own car) There are many road options from San Andres going to Patar. Best to research before hitting the road. Directional signs will also help you navigate to your destination. We reached Patar in a matter of 1 to 1.5 hours.

(For commuters) If you were staying in San Andres, you can rent tricycles to bring you to Patar Beach. Though doing so will eat your much precious time (and sadly in return you will be eating much unwanted ground dust lol!). Alot around 1.5 to 2.5 hours travel time. Though the LGU is continously working on the improvement of the roads heading Patar, ready yourselves for the ultimate probinsya feels and some off-road action along the way.

DESTINATION: PATAR BEACH

Planning our trip to Pangasinan, we originally wanted to just head directly to Patar. Though for people on a budget like us, we thought it would be very expensive checking in a Patar resort (facts according to my google-ing and blog reading). Which I eventually realized to be bollocks -- we spent double on gas money, accommodation expenses and travel time.

TIP: Research is key whenever you plan a trip (especially when it is your first time visiting the place). Google-ing and blog reading may be of big big help, but please note that entries you read may already be outdated. Make sure to check on the date the author wrote the entry. Or better yet, if you came across an accommodation, do not hesitate to give them a call. This may save you a lot of hassle (believe me). Also by doing so, you will be informed on their "UPDATED" rates, and if they have ongoing promotional discounts.

Puerto del Sol driveway (booking office to the left)

Again, thanks to my google-ing skills (haha) we found Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort -- one of the best but also one of the more expensive accommodations in Patar. This "luxury" resort is complete with variety of rooms, restaurants, swimming pools, massage services, and of course access to the coveted Patar beach. We decided to avail of their day tour (we were still checked-in in El Pescador). They charges us P550.00 per adult, and considered Ava free of charge (children below 3 years old are FOC). This gave us access to all resort amenities until 5PM. Aside from the entrance fee, they also required us to rent a beach cottage.

Puerto Del Sol is also strict with children wearing floaters while swimming. Too bad we did not bring Ava's salbabida, so we were forced to buy her a floater jacket (worth P100).

But instead of jumping on the pool just yet, we wasted no time and headed right to the beach. Too bad, Patar waters are no where near the shore when we arrived. As per one of the staff, we need to wait until around 3 to 4PM before the water rise. So we decided to put our cottage to good use ;)

behold... PATAR BEACH <3

low tide Patar waters (with wandering Ava)

This is us -- putting our cottage to good use ;)

she really does :)

A bit frustrated because of the low tide, it did not stop us to stroll through the shore, and try our luck at least have a dip on the water afar.

been walking for quite a while now. hanggang ankles pa din ang tubig

view of Patar beach from the other side

did these 'creative' shots to forget our frustration

until finally we gave up, sat on the ground. (mabasa man lang kami ng konti haha)

It's already close to noon, and the sun was already burning our skin, so we decided to walk back to the resort and literally dip ourselves on deep water. So we went to the pool area in Sitio Amore. Sitio Amore's architecture gives me the sophisticated but homey feel. It was just like waking up in the morning, and deciding to have a quick dip in your pool ;)

Lunch time - we just ordered food at the restaurant. We went at the bar near the pool and went for some refreshments and pizza.

10" meat and veggie pizza @ P599 (we were really hoping it was worth it)

When ordering food from the restaurant, make sure you aren't that hungry yet. Your order may take a little more time in the kitchen since they prepare food per order basis. With this, you are sure your food is freshly made. Our pizza crust was hand tossed and I can really taste that it was made fresh. Also, don't be shocked if everything on the menu is a little pricey (yes, even bottle water and drinks in can). The resort is trying to set a standard on their services, including food of course.

Resort staff are also very nice. The security guard served a la "tour guide" by tipping us where to find what in Pangasinan. He also mentioned about the shrimp farm we will pass by on our way back to Manila. And before I forget, kuya guard also looked for us when he noticed we left our sunscreen even after we were long gone.

More photos of our pool bumming:

Since our Ava was showing signs of restlessness, we decided to head back our cottage to take some rest. But as soon as we settled, Ava wouldn't sleep. So I decided to just watch her play in the sand, while the daddy takes a nap.

daddy takes a nap

Ava pretends to be a mermaid ;)

while I take selfies with a sleeping person haha! ;)

Finally, 3PM! We were really hoping water would've risen by this hour. We headed to the beach for the second time, but still no water to swim or even dip on. Water just rose up to 2 inches above my ankle :((

Anyways...

Ava collected some shells :) (brings back so many childhood memories)

para sa mga broken hearted.. lol!

AND OF COURSE.. THE PHOTO OF THIS WHOLE TRIP :)

It's almost 4PM, and we still plan to drop by the Enchanted Cave. We were not able to try on the other pools, but we didn't mind. The older pools were full of people (seems they were one big family on a reunion).. so no biggie :)

We took a quick shower, then checked-out. We were convinced we still have time to visit the Enchanted Cave, so off we went. Will be writing all about our Enchanted Cave adventure on my next entry.

ROUGH BUDGET REPORT:

PARTICULARS	COST
Day tour fee (P550 x 2pax)	1100
Cottage rental	200
Floaters	100
Meals	919
TOTAL	2,319.00

TIP: There are always cheaper but decent accommodations everywhere. Don't get tired researching. Ask around. You may have friends who already have been there -- or if you are lucky enough, a friend may be from that province. There is no better way to know a place than from the locals. And when you're already there, make friends.. expand your connections. You'll never get to experience everything in one visit. You will re-visit sooner or later.

Respect is key -- in all aspects. Respect the locals, their practices. Try to adapt to their culture. Be friendly to the staff. Saying thank you will bring you a long way. Your smile will bring smile on their faces, too :)

'Til then..

Linggo, Hulyo 26, 2015

BLOG BACKLOG: Five years behind

PANGASINAN 2015: PATAR BEACH

who's that mother backpacker?