Dingalan: DIY Guide

Dingalan, Aurora: Batanes of the East

Want to experience Batanes but do not have the budget yet? Worry no more. There is a cheaper and far nearer alternative for that. Let me introduce you to Dingalan, Aurora. Here are the tips on how to experience Dingalan DIY Style. 

Dingalan, a third class municipality in the province of Aurora. This rustic town offers many activities that will surely satisfy the wanderer in you. 

How to get there

Take note that going to Dingalan entails 4 - 5 hour land travel and multiple transfer of vehicles. 

1. From Manila to Cabanatuan

The first leg of the trip to Dingalan is the bus ride going to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, You have two choices here. If you're from northern Manila, you may opt to pick your ride in Cubao. If from south like us, it will be more convenient to ride in Pasay. Five Star Bus has a trip as early as 4 am. 

Fare - P192.00

Travel Time - 3 - 4 hours

2. From Cabanatuan to Dingalan Town Proper

The second leg is the ride from Cabanatuan to Dingalan, Aurora. Like the first one, you also have two choices here. Either you take a bus or ride a van. 

Fare - VAN, P100.00 BUS, P80.00

Travel Time - 1 - 2 hours

Important Note: Bus may take ample of time to wait for passengers. 

3. From Dingalan Town Proper to Feeder Port

This leg only takes about 10 - 15 minute tricycle ride. Feeder Port serves as the registration area for tourists and to hire your guide for the trip. 

Is hiring a guide required?

Hiring a guide is mandatory. The rate is P200.00 per destination. I recommend Ate Alicia, our ever jolly, cool, and caring guide of our trip. 

Ate Alicia even cooked and prepared our big meals for the entire trip. 

You may contact her at this number 09103452715

Where to Stay in Dingalan

There are transient houses near the Feeder Port. Rate for private rooms are around P1,500.00 a night. Or you may opt to rent a nipa hut at the White Beach instead. Rates varies but a nipa hut with  a private bathroom cost about P1,500.00. 

What Do To in Dingalan

1. Beach Bumming in White Beach

White beach is not really white. So do not expect Boracay-like sand. According to our guide, the sands here were white before but a great landslide occurred which caused its grayish shade. Well, white sand or not, it is still a very good place to take a dip. 

How to get there

From Feeder Port, you may ride a boat or walk along the beach to reach the white beach. 

Boat rentals is P800.00 back and forth plus the guide, so P1000.00. 

If you decide to walk along the beach, you only have to pay for the guide but you'll have to walk for about 30- 40 minutes.

Pebbles, yikes! Oh my tuhod. 

Cute Doggos accompany us all the way

2.  Watch the sunrise at Dingalan Lighthouse

Sunrise above the Pacific Ocean

Be one of the first Filipinos to receive the sunlight. Since Dingalan is directly facing east, you will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the sun as it slowly rise above the Pacific Ocean.

How to get there

Difficult roads lead to beautiful places. This requires you to take a 30-40 minute uphill trek from White beach, complete with a bit steep assaults, roped segments, and muddy trail. But it is worth all the hardship. The initial part of the trail was flat but muddy. Then you will pass by a small stream where you can rest for a bit. Here, you will find a junction. Take the trail leading to the right as the other trail will lead you to the Mountain View Deck. 

We started hiking around 5 AM from White Beach to make sure that we will witness the sunrise. 

3. Have a Rose and Jack Moment at the Mountain View Deck

I can show you the world

Lamao Cave can be seen from here

This is where everything becomes so surreal. It's like you're inside a post card. Feel the strong wind blowing from the ocean while listening as the waves crash to the natural seawall. 

We stayed the longest here. Just communing with nature. 

How to get there

From the junction mentioned earlier, take the trail leading to the left. The trail here is steeper, with longer roped segment. To go back, just backtrack the trail. 

4. Swim at the Tanawan Falls

Have a refreshing dip in the cool, clean waters of Tanawan Falls. Getting here means a ride and a bit of hiking but it's worth every effort.

How to get there

From Feeder Port, you will have to rent a tricycle going to the Tanawan Falls jump off. The ride is about 10-15 minutes. From the jump off, you will have to hike through an open trail for about 15-20 minutes.

Tricycle Fare - P300.00 back and forth. Max. 4 passengers
Environmental Fee- - P20.00/pax

Other Places to Visit

Our visit was cut short because of rough seas. We haven't visited the following places due to the advise of the local registration of its potential risks.

1. Lamao Cave - P400.00 boat ride

2. Umiray Intertidal

3. Matawe Beach

Tips for Dingalan DIY

1. Be prepared for a lot of hiking. Numerous locations require lots of walking. 

2. Wear comfortable pair of sandals or reliable slippers.

3. Consider the date in planning your trip. If you want to visit all the sites, then it is best to visit Dingalan during the summer. But if you want to have the sites to be somewhat secluded, then visit during "Ber" months. There will be fewer visitors but there is no guarantee that all the locations will be accessible. 

4. If ever you want to do Dingalan DIY Style, remember that the LAST VAN from Dingalan to Cabanatuan leaves at 2 PM. 

5. Stock on cash, there is no ATM in Dingalan. 

6. No 711, Alfamart, Ministop, or other convenience stores can be found in Dingalan. BUT you can buy all the necessities in the Public Market. 

Well here it is. Your guide to Dingalan DIY style. 

Thanks! Check out our other DIY guides. 

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