Dingalan Aurora Travel Guide

Background

Dingalan is often tagged as the Batanes of the East because of its hill-like scenery and scenic view that are very similar to those found in the Batanes province. Dingalan is the southernmost municipality of the province of Aurora. It has big waves flashing on the scenic cliffside where the green grass meets the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Dingalan is located 183 kilometers northeast of Metro Manila. It’s a four hours drive from Metro Manila. Dingalan is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is surrounded to the north by San Luis, to the west by General Tinio, Nueva Ecija and Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan, to the south by General Nakar, Quezon, and to the east by the Philippine Sea. Its coastline was crafted with a rugged beauty that has attracted many local and international tourists.

Dingalan is a perfect destination to fill in your thrill-seeker heart and adventurous soul. From hiking the mountains to chasing waterfalls and swimming in deep blue waters. In addition, some of the tourists feel like they are already in Batanes province while exploring Dingalan. At the top of the hill, there is a beautiful lighthouse where visitors can have a wonderful view of the ocean and the surroundings.

Dingalan is a Dumagat word that means “by the River of Galan”. It was said that the place was named as such due to its area of land that bestrides fifteen rivers and streams which show the myriad of water.

According to Dingalan’s past history, early immigrants depict that Dumagat tribes occupy the territory now known as Dingalan. Before its transformation into a barrio, Dingalan used to be called Sitio of San Luis, a barrio of Baler, Aurora. In the early 1930s marriages among Tagalogs, Ilocanos, and Pampangos cultivate the ethnic lifestyle stock of immigrants.

During the second world war, Dingalan was occupied by the Japanese imperial forces. The Japanese imperial forces dominate the operation of sawmills and cut timber to construct their barracks and fort. The Dingalan-Gabaldon road was constructed in the year 1942 to 1945 as a logging road. On the brink of defeat in the year 1945, the Japanese forces used Dingalan Bay as an exit point when they withdrew and fell back.

In the year 1956, the barrio of Dingalan was created into a municipal district under Republic Act 1536. The reason for this is that Dingalan is very distant from the municipality of Baler. Dingalan became a constant municipality on June 16, 1962, under the Republic Act No. 3490. In addition, the entire region is suitable for highland agriculture and tree planting, cropping, pastime, and forest improvement.

Today, Dingalan forest has only two percent of its original old-growth tall hardwood tropical trees because of persistent logging between the years 1930 and 1995. More than ten percent of the area is bald or lacking trees. Its rate of deforestation is swifter than the Philippines’ average. The reality of the brownish color of Dingalan’s river channels unfolds the range of soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from the loss of sufficient tree cover uphill and upstream.

Dingalan is now a third-income class municipality in the province of Aurora. The municipality has a total of eleven barangays, three are classified as urban and eight are classified as rural. The terrain of Dingalan is characterized as mostly hilly, rolling terrain, and craggy because it is located at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountain range that crosses the whole municipality.

On the other hand, Dingalan Bay is a natural harbor where merchant ships could anchor one kilometer from the coastal region. It has forty-five kilometers of coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Dingalan also possesses inland natural wonders such as waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, and big rock formations. Last but not least, heavy rainfall is usually experienced in Dingalan during the last quarter of the year from September to December because the municipality directly confronts the Pacific Ocean.

Below are the attractions at Dingalan:

• I Love Dingalan Marker
• White Beach
• Dingalan Lighthouse and view deck
• Dingalan Feeder Port
• Tanawan Falls
• Tanawan View-deck
• Rock formations
• Lamao Caves
• Suah Rock Formation

My adventure to Dingalan

One of my dreams is to visit and see with my own eyes the beauty of Batanes in the northernmost part of the Philippines, unfortunately, I don’t have enough money and time to go there. One day, I saw photos online on my social media account about Dingalan. Then I was amazed because the scenic view of mountains, sea, and lighthouse in Dingalan is very similar to those found in Batanes province that I dreamed of. Since then I decided to find an organized day tour going to Dingalan, luckily I found one and I immediately joined that day tour.

Our trip was organized by the Facebook travel group, Jenny Travelista. I observed the itinerary in the group chat. The day tour event is July 25, 2018. I arrived at the meeting place in McDonald’s Aurora Boulevard, Cubao at exactly 12 am to meet the group then later our van left Cubao heading to Dingalan at 1 am. We arrived in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija at 5 am and we took some pictures at the Gabaldon marker and the beautiful wide road.

After done snapping photos we continue the road trip and I can see lots of green mountains and rice fields all the way to Dingalan. For this reason, my eyes were fully satisfied. Later we arrived at the Dingalan marker and we saw a lot of people there taking pictures even though it was weekdays. Then finally we have our turn and we took several pictures also.

Later, we arrived at Dingalan Feeder Port at 6:20 am after a fast drive. The weather is perfect, clear, and blue skies above us. The port was busy when we arrived because of the regular daily load of public sea transport. We take photos there and we have breakfast at the food stall near the Feeder Port. After our registration, briefing, securing our guide, and wearing the appropriate life vest, we charter and rode a motorized boat going to the white beach.

The boat ride is smooth with an amazing view of the vast Pacific Ocean and Dingalan itself. As we go along the boat trip, we can also see a lot of seashore caves, it’s a fantastic view to behold. We arrived at Lamao Cave at 7:20 am. We are fortunate because the waves and the wind are not that strong so our boat gets inside one of the caves.

We take a dip and swim there. Then I noticed as the distance gets farther the water current becomes stronger inside the cave because of the waves coming from the Pacific Ocean. Also, the cave is also wide enough to accommodate boats coming in. Indeed, it’s not an ordinary cave.

It is a series of caves located along the seaside cliff of Dingalan, Aurora and these caves are constantly lured by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The waves can be sometimes a little rough. Nevertheless, our group had a thrilling experience at Lamao Caves. However, we didn’t stay too long at the Lamao Caves because we needed to follow the itinerary and the waves were getting bigger, later the boat departed and headed to our next destination which is White Beach.

We arrived at White Beach at 8:20 am. We noticed that the beach is simple and not as white as the white-sand shoreline in the photos. Anyway, the beach is still spectacular and impressive for local tourists while enjoying the sea view. Also, It has beach resort huts and cottages that can accommodate tourists and travelers and they also have a local store.

Then after arriving at the beachfront, our tour coordinator prepares the boodle fight menu lunch then we leave some of our things at the cottage. After that, we bring some of our drinking bottles, and then we hike uphill for thirty minutes to reach the Dingalan Mountain Viewpoint. In my point of view, this is the main highlight of the day tour adventure.

The trail is easy and well-established with some ropes to assist us in getting to the top. The trail going to the top is mostly covered with trees. However, at the summit, there are no trees to offer us shade from the extreme heat of the sun. Along the trail, we met a couple from Australia who also wanted to see the view from the mountain view deck.

When we reach the Dingalan mountain viewpoint, the view in front of us is breathtaking and jaw-dropping. I’m totally speechless. It was so worth it. It’s a special place where we can see the mountains meet the sea at its finest. We can see the rugged coastline of Dingalan, the rolling slopes of the mountains, the magnificent blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the picturesque long stretch of the mountain.

We can also see a glimpse of the Dingalan lighthouse from the mountain view deck. Our group is so lucky to witness this once-in-a-lifetime view. We have a panoramic and wonderfully clear view of the entire surroundings and I experience the beautiful vibes of what Dingalan has to offer. To be honest, I can’t describe the feeling, it was so fulfilling to see and feel it all.

Without a doubt, I can say and feel that Dingalan is very akin to Batanes province. It deserves to be named and recognized as the “Batanes of the East”. It’s also windy there that some of the member’s hats were blown away. Nevertheless, we enjoy, relax, feel the fresh air coming in and savor every moment at the top even though it’s very hot there because the sun is already high at that time and the place is super exposed. We take unstoppable and unlimited solo pictures, group pictures, and videos at the top.

After filling our cameras with lots of majestic pictures and memories, we start going down a few meters and then walk uphill going to the lighthouse. The trail to the lighthouse is a twenty-minute hike. At the top, I noticed that there are also no trees to offer us shade and there are only tall grasses in the area.

After that, we climbed down the hill for twenty minutes to go back to the beach and have our boodle lunch there. While going down the hill, our tour guide told us that the main source of income here in the province of Aurora is actually agricultural farming such as coconut, banana, and vegetable as the main products. On the other hand, the second source of income and livelihood in the region is fishing.

Then upon reaching the flat ground and cottages, our tour coordinator told us to start eating our lunch. As a result, the boodle fight is fun because we are so hungry at that moment. We need to satisfy our cravings. The menu includes seafood, grilled fish, salted egg, garlic rice, fried chicken, and dried fish. When we were full, we rested a little bit, buy some coconut juice, took a nap, and later we rode a motorized boat again going back to Dingalan Feeder Port.

As we headed back to Dingalan Feeder Port, our boat made a brief stop midway at the Suah Rock Formation. Dingalan is also famous for its stunning rock formations. We arrived there past 12 pm. Then we explored the place, took pictures, and watched waves coming from the Pacific Ocean crash into the rock formation. Our group noticed that the water is clean and clear and it was a bit cold. On another side of the rock formation, there’s a small saltwater lagoon where the water is gently calm.

After thirty minutes of exploring the rock formation, we head back to the Dingalan Feeder Port where our van is waiting for us. The next destination in our itinerary is Tanawan Falls, one of the hidden gems in Dingalan. When our van heads towards the falls, the rain starts to pour. We arrived at the jump-off point in Tanawan Falls around 2 pm. The trail is super muddy because of the rain.

As we hike, we have a short talk with the local tour guide. According to our local tour guide, since the municipality of Dingalan is located near the Pacific Ocean, it is usually hit by typhoons. An average of four typhoons directly affect Dingalan each year, with eighteen percent of the average twenty-two typhoons that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Also, he mentions to us that the typhoon passing each year is adverse to Dingalan because it provokes other threats in the region such as massive floods, storms surge, and landslides, resulting in damage to property and lives.

From jump-off, we hike for thirty minutes going to Tanawan Falls. Upon reaching the falls, we were disappointed because the water current was strong, discolored, and dirty, so we never attempted to swim for our own safety but we did take pictures of the falls. Then a few moments later, we go back to the jump-off point and we wash up.

We have our afternoon snack at the local store near Tanawan Falls. We ordered some noodles and cold drinks. Later our van departs from Dingalan and heads back to Metro Manila. After four hours of a smooth road trip, we arrived in Manila.

Overall the day tour trip is worth it and I must say that Dingalan is really a fantastic destination for those looking for a quick out-of-town and a weekend vacation. In general, my adventure to Dingalan, Aurora sums up with this great quote “Enjoy every moment of your life.”

Things to bring on your visit to Dingalan:

Extra pocket money
Power bank
Camera
1 to 2 liters of bottled water
Trash bag for your waste
Personal medkit
Hygiene kit
Trail food
Extra clothes
Swimwear or swim gear
Valid ID
Hiking sandals
Alcohol
Sunblock or sunscreen (optional)
Arm sleeves (optional)
Cap, hat, or umbrella (optional)

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Dingalan

12:30AM – Meet up at a designated location
1AM – ETD Dingalan Aurora
5AM – Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, photo-ops
6AM – ETA Feeder Port Dingalan, Aurora, breakfast, and registration
6:45AM – Boat ride going to Lamao Caves
7:20AM – Lamao Caves, swimming
8:20AM – ETA White Beach
8:25AM – Start hiking to Mountain View Point, photo-ops
9:30AM – Going to Dingalan lighthouse
10AM – Descent back to the white beach
10:30AM – Boodle lunch
11:30AM – Boat ride going to Rock formation
11:50AM – Suah Rock FormationRock formation, photo ops
12:30PM – Boat ride going back to back to Feeder Port
12:50PM – ETA feeder fort, van transfer going to Tanawan Falls
2PM – Start hiking going to Tanawan Falls
2:30PM – Swimming and photo ops at Tanawan Falls
4PM – Tidy up
4:20PM – ETD going back to Metro Manila
10PM – ETA Metro Manila

Sample 2 Day itinerary to Dingalan by Commute (Overnight)

Day 1
12AM – Assembly at Cubao
1AM – Departure going to Cabanatuan City
4AM – Arrival at Cabanatuan City Central Transport Terminal, ride a bus going to Dingalan
6AM – Arrival at Dingalan, take breakfast, and ride a tricycle going to the falls
7AM – Laktas Falls, Abungan Falls, Lipit Picnic Ground
12PM – Back in Barangay Ibona, ride a bus or tricycle going to Barangay Matawe
12:30PM – Arrival at Matawe, take lunch at Marilou’s Eatery
2PM – Matawe beach
3PM – Ride a tricycle going to the Feeder Port, buy food and other essentials
4PM – Registration, secure a local guide
4:30PM – Hiking going to the White Beach
5PM – Arrival at white beach, rent a cottage or a tent, free time, dinner, and socials
9PM – Lights-out, sleeping time

Day 2
4AM – Wake-up call, quick breakfast
5:30AM – Hiking going to Mountain Viewpoint and lighthouse
6:30AM – Sunrise in Lighthouse or Mountain View
8AM – Hiking back towards the beach
8:30AM – Back in White Beach | Breakfast | Break camp | Check out
10AM – Trek back to the Feeder Port
10:30AM – Back in Barangay Paltic, ride a tricycle going to Tanawan Falls
11AM – Arrival at Tanawan Falls
1PM – Ride a tricycle going to Dingalan
1:30PM – Lunch
3PM – Ride a van or a bus going back to Cabanatuan City
4PM – Arrival at Cabanatuan City Central Transport Terminal, ride a bus bound to Cubao
8PM – Arrival at Cubao, home sweet home

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors such as the weather condition, delay, extended time of photo ops, group pacing, etc.

How to Go to Dingalan 

By commute 

1. From Manila, go to Cubao bus station and ride a five-star bus going to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The bus fare is 213 pesos and the travel time is approximately 3 hours. Note: there are also vans in Cubao going to Cabanatuan City.
2. From Cabanatuan City, ride a van going to Dingalan, Aurora. The van fare is 120 pesos and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Note: Vans are available as early as 5 am in the morning and depart when they are full. 
3. From Dingalan, ride a tricycle going to Feeder Port located in Barangay Paltic. The tricycle fare is 20 pesos and the travel time is approximately ten minutes. 
4. From Feeder Port, ride a motorized boat going to white beach, which is the jump-off point going to Dingalan mountain view deck. The boat rental fee is 800 pesos good for a roundtrip or two-way and the travel time is approximately around 20 to 30 minutes. 

Note: if you’re commuting going back to Cabanatuan City, you may ride a van or bus with the last trip at around 3 pm. 

By private vehicle

1. From Manila, drive your car all the way to NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and exit at Mabalacat, Pampanga.
2. Then take the SCTEX (Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway) and exit at Tarlac City.
3. Then take Santa Rosa – Tarlac Road and proceed to Dingalan – Gabaldon Road until you reach the municipality of Dingalan.
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• White Beach is the drop-off point to the Dingalan view deck and lighthouse after the boat ride. You can charter a boat going to White Beach for 800 pesos round-trip good for 10 people only. Also, you have the option to walk along the coast for forty minutes to reach the beach. 

• As of today, climbing the lighthouse is strictly prohibited.

• It’s highly advisable to go early in the morning if you want to do the Dingalan day tour.

• Cellphone signals are mostly present in White Beach.

• There are mini-stores near Tanawan Falls where you can buy souvenir items and food before going back to Manila.

• If you’re planning for a DIY (do it yourself) day tour in Dingalan, leave your house early in the morning to be able to catch the first boat trip going to White Beach at around 6 am.

• It is important to note that a tour guide is required to go to any desired Dingalan destination. The tour guide rate is 200 pesos per location. You may contact this number 09662793608 for tour guide services. 

• Make sure that you wear strong and comfortable hiking sandals when exploring Suah Rock Formation and Dingalan mountain view deck.

• Pack light as much as possible. Bring only the important things you needed on the day tour.

• It’s highly recommended to go on weekdays rather than weekends to avoid crowds and long waiting times. Also, please join an organized tour going to Dingalan to lessen your expense, especially in the boat rental.

• Please be reminded to buy your food and other important things before going to Dingalan Feeder Port.

• There are plenty of beach resorts in Dingalan that offer top-rated accommodation at an affordable price such as Cave Beach Resort, Gina’s Guest House, Shalom Guest House, Fil Dane Inn, Coastal Cove Resort, Matawe Bay Ocean Front Resort, and Carpio Beach Resort. Aside from this, there are other homestays and beachfront cottages in town. So you don’t have to worry if you have no advanced booking or reservation.

• There is an eatery in Dingalan that offers a cheap food menu or home-cooked meals. Also don’t miss their special halo-halo drinks if you visit during the dry season.

• From Barangay Malinao which is the main jump-off point of Mt. Sawi, you can ride a bus or van going to Dingalan.

• The trail going to the view deck and lighthouse can be muddly slippery, especially during the wet season. It is highly recommended to go to Dingalan during the summer season only for more convenience and less trouble.

• The boat ride going to Lamao Caves is optional because it will depend on the wave current. 

• There is a bus going straight to Metro Manila, just consider the travel time as this has many stops.

• To reach Tanawan Falls, you can hire a tricycle or walk toward the falls for twenty minutes.

• Please follow the Leave No Trace principle at all times. Keep all your trash with you and dispose of them in the proper way.

• For more information and inquiries about Dingalan please visit their official website and Facebook page. 

• Last but not least, I highly recommend getting an organized tour when you plan to visit Dingalan to lessen your personal expense. Included in the Dingalan organized day tour trip is a van transfer from Manila to Dingalan and vice versa, 1 hosted meal (lunch, boodle fight), tour coordinator fee, tour guide fee, drivers fee, environmental fee, parking fee, cottage fee, boat ride, and white beach entrance fee. On the other hand, excluded from the day tour trip are restroom fees and shower fees. 
  
  
  

Sometimes do more things that make you forget to check your cellphone. Also sometimes a small decision can change your life forever. On the whole, I hope this Dingalan day tour travel guide and reference has been beneficial to you and galvanized you to try outdoor. Also, don’t forget to share this with your family, friends, groups, loved ones, companions, and colleagues if ever you plan on doing the Dingalan day tour too. Remember sharing is caring. God bless you in all your future travel adventures. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Until next time.