Introduction: Why Hundred Islands Belongs on Your Backpacker Bucket List
When I visited Hundred Islands, I realized you can explore an entire archipelago in a single day—climb to a 360° viewpoint at sunrise, snorkel with giant clams by lunch, and end with a quiet swim on a kid-safe cove. Officially established in 1940 as the Philippines’ first national park, Hundred Islands National Park sits off Alaminos City, Pangasinan in the Lingayen Gulf—124 islets at low tide (123 at high), spread like emerald beads across clear, swimmable water. It’s a must-visit place for DIY travelers who want big scenery without complicated logistics.
If you’re asking “how to get to Hundred Islands from Manila,” this guide is for you. I’ll show the exact bus routes, where to transfer to tricycles for Lucap Wharf, and how to register at the tourism office without wasting time. You’ll get 2025-ready fees (day vs. overnight), fixed boat rates by size, and a realistic 2D1N itinerary you can tweak for couples, groups, or families. I’ll also share budget moves—like the market supply run before the boat—and safety notes first-timers overlook (life vest policies, sea conditions, and Leave No Trace).
Key Takeaway: For 2025, Hundred Islands remains one of the Philippines’ most backpacker-friendly adventures—easy access from Manila, transparent fees, and island-hopping that fits a tight budget and timeline.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts & Map Essentials
Where is Hundred Islands located?
Base: Lucap Wharf, Alaminos City, Pangasinan (Northwestern Luzon, Philippines)
Distance from Manila: ~230 km; Alaminos proper → Lucap Wharf ~5.5 km by tricycle
How many islands in Hundred Islands?
124 at low tide; 123 at high tide
Park Highlights (what to do in Hundred Islands)
Governor’s Island: best 360° view + long zipline
Quezon Island: picnic hub, kayaking, helmet dive, short zipline
Children’s Island: calm, shallow water for families
Marcos Island (Imelda Cave): cliff jump to a natural pool (check conditions)
Core Costs (2025) — quick reference
Park fees: Day (≈ ₱100–₱120) | Overnight (≈ ₱160–₱200) per person
Boat (per boat): Small 1–5 pax (≈ ₱1,400 day / ₱3,000 2-day); medium/large scale up
Refundable trash deposit: ≈ ₱200 per group
Life vest note: Transit vest included; separate rental for swimming/snorkeling
Local Tip: Do a quick market run in Alaminos before Lucap—water, snacks, and charcoal are cheaper on the mainland and stretch your Hundred Islands budget.
Phase 1: From Manila to Alaminos — Choose the Best Bus for Your Budget
Which bus lines go from Manila to Alaminos?
If you’re wondering how to go to Hundred Islands from Manila, the most reliable way is a provincial bus to Alaminos City. I’ve ridden several lines and found four common options with current price bands:
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Victory Liner (Cubao): ~₱420–₱700 one-way; ~5–6 hrs on NLEX–SCTEX, longer with stops.
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Five Star (Cubao/Pasay): usually ₱557–₱590 one-way; many late-night trips.
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Solid North (Cubao): regular to luxury; ₱600–₱800 one-way (luxury has WC/Wi-Fi). Some runs need a Dagupan transfer.
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Philippine Rabbit (Avenida): budget pick ₱430–₱470 one-way; usually longer (≈7 hrs) and less frequent.
Travel time is ~5–6 hrs on a clean expressway run; ~7–8 hrs if you leave in daytime traffic or hit multiple stops. For DIY travelers headed to Hundred Islands, I choose the nearest terminal to cut city commute costs and aim to arrive 30–45 minutes early. Bring cash for counter purchases and a power bank for e-tickets.
The “Bolinao Bus” strategy
Backpacker hack: ride any Bolinao-bound bus and alight in Alaminos. Bolinao schedules are more frequent, so you wait less and start your Hundred Islands day earlier. Same fare class applies—just tell the conductor you’re dropping at Alaminos. On weekends/holidays when direct Alaminos trips sell out, this trick often saves 30–90 minutes of terminal waiting.
Should you book online or buy at the terminal?
For peak months/long weekends, book ahead to lock seats and timing (some sites add a ₱10–₱30 convenience fee). On weekdays/off-season, walk-in is usually fine. I like 12MN–6AM departures: fewer city delays, and arrival aligns with Lucap Wharf registration. For a smooth Hundred Islands DIY start, screenshot your ticket, set reminders, and—if your Hundred Islands itinerary is tight—pay a little extra for the bus that leaves exactly when you need it.
Key Takeaway: Pick the soonest realistic departure from the nearest terminal—that single move saves hours and pesos on your Hundred Islands day.
Phase 2: Arrival in Alaminos — Tricycle to Lucap + Smart Supply Run
Tricycle options: public vs. chartered
From the Alaminos bus terminal, take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf (~5.5 km). Fares (typical 2025):
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Shared/public: ₱15–₱25 per person (you may wait to fill seats).
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Chartered/special: ₱60–₱100 per trip (leave immediately).
When I’m solo and flexible, I ride public to save a few pesos. With 3–4 people, I charter at once—the total equals ₱60–₱100 split among the group, and we reach the Hundred Islands tourism office earlier. Arriving 7:00–8:00 AM helps you secure boats, avoid midday heat, and fit more island stops.
Pro-move: Shop first in the public market
Before Lucap, I always do a market run. Mainland prices beat island markups by a lot:
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Water (6×1L): ~₱120–₱180 vs. island retail ₱25–₱35/bottle
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Charcoal (small bundle): ~₱40–₱60
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Seafood (per kilo, season-dependent): ₱250–₱450
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Alaminos Longganisa (dozen): ₱180–₱220
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Ice block: ₱30–₱50
This stop easily saves a few hundred pesos and upgrades lunch. If you prefer cooked food, grab ready-to-eat viands (₱80–₱150/serve) and eat once your boat is assigned.
Key Takeaway: Charter with a small group and buy on the mainland—that combo maximizes time and compresses your Hundred Islands transport+food spend.
Phase 3: Lucap Wharf — Registration, 2025 Fees, and Boat Rates
What happens at the Tourism Office?
At Lucap Wharf, head to the Hundred Islands National Park counter: fill the passenger manifest, pay park fees, and receive your trash bag (for deposit). 2025 per-person fees:
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Day tour: ₱100–₱120 (env. + entrance + insurance, 24h)
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Overnight: ₱160–₱200
Expect a refundable trash deposit of about ₱200 per group. Staff brief you on park rules, weather, and sea conditions—follow any Coast Guard route changes. Lines build after 8:00–9:00 AM; early arrival shortens processing. Camping? Confirm which islands are open for the night and note boat dispatch/return cut-offs to avoid overtime charges.
Boat rentals & a must-know life vest policy
Boat rates are fixed by capacity and duration (pay at the office; no haggling):
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Small (1–5 pax): ₱1,400 day | ₱3,000 2-day
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Medium (6–10 pax): ₱1,800 day | ₱3,800 2-day
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Large (11–15 pax): ₱2,000 day | ₱4,500 2-day
Go as a group to slash per-person cost (e.g., ₱1,400 ÷ 4 = ₱350 each for a day). Important: the vest included with the boat is for transit only. To swim/snorkel, rent a separate vest on the islands (about ₱50). I always rent—currents vary, and a vest lets you enjoy the clams/coral longer with less effort.
“Basura Mo, Iuwi Mo” refundable trash deposit
Pay ₱200 deposit, get a bag, bring it back filled to reclaim your cash. It’s a simple system that keeps Hundred Islands clean—practice Leave No Trace and pack out everything.
Key Takeaway: Register early, share a boat, and budget ₱50 for a swim vest—you’ll save time, money, and stay safer while exploring Hundred Islands.
The Main Event: Island Hopping — Best Stops & Activities
When I launched from Lucap at sunrise, I finally “got” why Hundred Islands is a DIY favorite: short hops, varied stops, and clear, swimmable water. If you’re asking what to do in Hundred Islands, build around the Big Four—then add a hidden gem if seas stay calm. I’ve added estimated 2025 activity prices so you can budget in advance.
The Big Four (what each island is best for)
Governor’s Island — I climb the ~180 steps first for a 360° park view and golden-hour photos. The long zipline starts here (est. ₱250/jump). Tip: stash your dry bag before the ride so you can go hands-free.
Quezon Island — Picnic central with tables and sheds (budget ₱200–₱400 if you rent one). It’s my go-to for water activities: kayak (est. ₱250/hour for 2 pax), helmet diving (est. ₱400 per 15–20-minute session), short zipline (est. ₱100/jump), and banana boat (est. ₱1,500/ride or ₱250/person, min. 6–7). The nearby coral garden and giant clams are an easy paddle away.
Children’s Island — Shallow, calm water = family win. I bring first-timers to snorkel here. Facilities are basic; bring snacks and refillable water. For non-swimmers, rent a swim vest (est. ₱50 separate from the boat’s transit vest).
Marcos Island (Imelda Cave) — The classic cliff jump into a natural pool that exits to sea. I always check with the boatman or lifeguard for safe ledge height and water clarity. If currents are up, I skip it—thrill is optional; safety isn’t.
Other worthy stops (Hundred Islands hidden gems)
Pilgrimage Island — Christ the Savior statue + Stations of the Cross; best tackled in the cool morning.
Cuenco Island — A dome-like cave/tunnel and a quieter pocket for a short swim.
Virgin Island — Gentle stroll via pontoon bridge from Governor’s; great for slow shots and shade.
Rentals & thrill menu with prices (plan a small activity fund)
Budget ₱300–₱800 per person for one or two highlights:
Zipline: long ₱250, short ₱100
Helmet dive: ₱400 per session
Kayak: ₱250/hour (2 pax)
Banana boat: ₱1,500/ride or ₱250/person
Jetski: ₱1,000/15 minutes (1–2 pax)
Snorkel set: ₱250/set (mask + snorkel)
Swim vest rental: ₱50 (recreation)
Local Tip (Budget): Pick one “wow” (long zipline or helmet dive) and share a kayak hour. That combo keeps your Hundred Islands spend tight while covering thrill + chill.
Key Takeaway: Plan a core loop—Governor’s → Marcos → Quezon → Children’s—then add one hidden gem and budget ₱300–₱800 for activities to keep your Hundred Islands day fun and affordable.
The Backpacker Budget: Fixed vs. Variable Costs + Sample Scenarios
Fixed vs. variable costs (share big items with friends)
For a Hundred Islands trip, I split costs into:
Fixed: boat rental, chartered tricycle to Lucap (best shared).
Variable: roundtrip bus, per-person park fees, food/water, and add-on activities.
Sharing fixed items drops your Hundred Islands budget fast—bring friends.
Sample budgets: solo (camp), couple (camp), group of 4 (room)
Below are realistic Hundred Islands DIY costs for a 2D1N trip from Manila. Prices are per person.
A) Solo, Camping
Bus RT (Manila–Alaminos): ₱1,142
Tricycle RT (chartered share = solo): ₱200
Park fees (overnight): ₱200
Boat (small, 2-day; solo shouldering): ₱3,000
Tent rental (small): ₱500
Food & water (market + 1 budget meal/day): ₱800
Activity fund (choose one, e.g., long zipline): ₱250
Contingency (10%): ₱609
Estimated total: ₱6,701
B) Couple, Camping (split boat + tent)
Bus RT: ₱1,142
Tricycle RT: ₱100
Park fees: ₱200
Boat share: ₱1,500
Tent rental share: ₱250
Food & water: ₱800
Activity fund: ₱250
Contingency (10%): ₱424
Estimated total: ₱4,666
C) Group of 4, Mainland Room (split boat + room)
Bus RT: ₱1,142
Tricycle RT: ₱50
Park fees: ₱200
Boat share: ₱750
Room near Lucap (≈₱3,000/night ÷ 4): ₱750
Food & water: ₱800
Activity fund: ₱250
Contingency (10%): ₱394
Estimated total: ₱4,336
Key Takeaway: Grouping up and doing a market run trims Hundred Islands costs most; pick one “wow” activity to stay on budget.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Watch
The best time to visit Hundred Islands is December–May (dry season). I aim for weekday mornings to beat crowds and secure boats quickly. March–May is peak—fun vibe but stronger sun; start early and hydrate. June–November brings rain and choppy seas; trips can be canceled last minute, so check Lucap Tourism/Coast Guard updates the day before. For softer light and cooler climbs on Governor’s Island, December–February is ideal. Traveling with kids and asking about things to do in Hundred Islands for families? Choose calm days and prioritize Children’s Island for shallow, gentle water.
Key Takeaway: For reliability, comfort, and fewer lines, target weekday, dry-season mornings for your Hundred Islands adventure.
What to Pack (and What I Wish I Brought)
Hundred Islands packing list: what I actually bring
When I pack for Hundred Islands, I keep it light but water-ready. Sun is intense and gear gets splashed, so protection and dry storage matter most.
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50), wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses
Rash guard and quick-dry swimwear; light cover-up for boats
Aqua shoes for rocky entries and shell bits
10–20L dry bag for phone, camera, and receipts
Waterproof phone pouch and a small microfiber towel
Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) and short cables
Refillable bottle (at least 1L) and light snacks
Basic meds: motion sickness, pain reliever, antihistamine, band-aids
Cash in small bills for rentals and sheds
Optional to save rentals: personal snorkel set, compact mask defog, and a thin mask strap
Local Tip: I label my dry bag with my name; boats often carry multiple groups. A tidy kit keeps your Hundred Islands day smooth and stress-free.
2D1N DIY Sample Itinerary (Manila → Alaminos → Islands)
Hundred Islands itinerary 2 days: my tested flow
Day 0 (Late Night) — Manila to Alaminos
11:30 PM: Be at Cubao/Pasay. Buy snacks and water.
12:00 MN: Board the bus to Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Sleep well.
Day 1 — Islands core loop
5:00 AM: Arrive Alaminos; quick breakfast near the terminal.
6:00 AM: Market run for water, seafood, and charcoal.
6:45 AM: Tricycle to Lucap Wharf; go straight to Tourism Office.
7:00 AM: Register, pay fees, get trash bag; assign a small boat.
7:30 AM: Governor’s Island for the 360° view; optional long zipline.
9:30 AM: Marcos Island (Imelda Cave) for cliff jump if conditions allow.
12:00 NN: Quezon Island lunch; rent a table, kayak or helmet dive.
3:00 PM: Children’s Island for mellow swim and first-time snorkel.
4:30 PM: Return to Lucap; claim deposit; check in near the wharf.
7:00 PM: Seafood dinner on the promenade; back up photos and gear.
Day 2 — Easy wrap-up
7:30 AM: Wharf stroll; buy simple souvenirs.
9:30 AM: Tricycle to terminal; grab bus snacks.
10:00 AM: Bus to Manila; ETA late afternoon.
Key Takeaway: Start Day 1 by 7:00–7:30 AM, follow a Governor’s → Marcos → Quezon → Children’s loop, and keep your Hundred Islands timing tight for a relaxed, budget-friendly trip.
Responsible Travel & Park Rules (Read This Before You Splash)
When I visit Hundred Islands, I follow simple rules that keep the park pristine and trips safe. Leave No Trace: bring a reusable bottle, minimize plastic, and return your trash bag to claim the refundable deposit. Respect the life-vest policy: the vest included with your boat is for transit only—rent a separate swim/snorkel vest if you’re heading into deeper water. Protect corals: never stand on reefs, chase wildlife, or feed fish; use reef-safe sunscreen. Keep noise low at night—camping areas share the same sea breeze and silence. Finally, heed Coast Guard advisories: if conditions change, follow your boatman’s route adjustments or cancellations. That’s how we keep Hundred Islands beautiful for the next backpacker.
Key Takeaway: Pack out what you pack in, wear the right vest, and let corals—and fellow campers—rest.
FAQs about Hundred Islands
Where is Hundred Islands located?
In Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, within the Lingayen Gulf of Northwestern Luzon, Philippines.
How many islands are in Hundred Islands?
124 at low tide and 123 at high tide—a true pocket archipelago.
How to go to Hundred Islands from Manila?
Ride a provincial bus to Alaminos, take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf, register at the Tourism Office, then board an official boat for island hopping.
How much is the Hundred Islands entrance fee and boat?
Expect standardized park fees (≈ ₱100–₱120 day; ₱160–₱200 overnight per person) plus fixed boat rates by capacity and duration (e.g., small 1–5 pax ≈ ₱1,400 day / ₱3,000 two-day). A refundable trash deposit (~₱200) also applies.
What are the best Hundred Islands activities?
View decks on Governor’s, snorkeling with clams, ziplines (long/short), kayaking, and cliff-jumping at Marcos Island when conditions permit.
Where to stay: camping or mainland?
Camping delivers sunrise magic but offers basic facilities. Mainland rooms near Lucap provide private baths, breakfast, and charging—great for families and gear.
Key Takeaway: For a smooth DIY, register early, share a boat, and plan one “wow” activity.
Key Takeaways
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and shorten queues.
Group up to split the boat; it’s the biggest money saver.
Do a market run in Alaminos for cheaper water, seafood, and charcoal.
Register at Lucap for official fees, maps, and your trash deposit bag.
Life vests: transit vest ≠ swimming vest—budget for rental.
Core loop: Governor’s (views) → Marcos (cliff jump) → Quezon (rentals) → Children’s (calm swim).
Stay style: camp for sunrise and solitude; mainland for comfort and breakfast.
Key Takeaway: Plan tight, start early, and keep Hundred Islands clean and safe.
Contact Information & Booking Details
Planning your Hundred Islands tour in advance ensures a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re looking for boat rentals, accommodations, or guided tours, having the right contact details and booking resources will make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Below are the essential details to help you book a Hundred Islands tour efficiently.
Hundred Islands Tourism Office
For inquiries regarding entrance fees, boat rentals, tour packages, and park regulations, you can contact the Hundred Islands tourism office:
- Location: Lucap Wharf, Alaminos, Pangasinan
- Contact Numbers:
- 0917-828-4001 (Globe)
- 0968-205-8137 (Smart)
- Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
The tourism office serves as the registration area for all visitors. It is mandatory to register and pay the environmental and entrance fees before starting your Hundred Islands tour.
Where to Book a Hundred Islands Tour Online
To ensure availability, especially during peak seasons, you can book a Hundred Islands tour in advance through online travel platforms:
- Klook – Offers Hundred Islands day tour packages, including round-trip transportation from Manila.
For a smooth and worry-free experience, it’s best to contact the Hundred Islands tourism office in advance, arrange boat rentals, and book your tours online. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, having the right contact number for Hundred Islands ensures a well-organized and unforgettable island adventure.
Round out your Pangasinan loop with these guides:
11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Pangasinan: https://lakbaypinas.com/11-must-visit-tourist-spot-in-pangasinan-guide/
Patar Beach Bolinao (resorts & hotels): https://lakbaypinas.com/patar-beach-bolinao-pangasinan-resort-hotel-2024/
Bolinao Falls (entrance fees & location): https://lakbaypinas.com/bolinao-falls-pangasinan-entrance-fee-location/
Bolinao Tourist Spots (best beaches, falls & resorts): https://lakbaypinas.com/bolinao-tourist-spots-best-beach-falls-resort/
