Of Peaks and Waves – Dingalan, Aurora
This time, we headed to Dingalan, the neighboring and a quaint municipality in Aurora. This is hidden behind the mountain Ranges of the Sierra Madre, adjacent to Quezon province.
We go out of our comfort zones not to escape life but rather, to enrich it with experiences. Experiences that keeps us grounded and shatters the thin ice that separates us from reality and the routine defaults of the adult world.
Lamao Caves
At the southernmost part of the Aurora province, lies Dingalan. It offers rugged shorelines and rustic features that has now become a tourist hotspot. Dingalan was given the moniker “The Batanes of the East” for its mountains and coasts that resembles that of in Basco.
Our group assembled in Cubao by 11:00pm and with a rented van, we took the 5 hour ride going to the feeder port of Dingalan. By 04:30am, we arrived earlier than expected. So we dozed off for a while until our boatman arrived.
Just in time for the sunrise, the mountain ranges were a welcoming sight. The play of colors of the morning sky were in full riot. It took around 15 minutes on still ocean waters until the glorious sunrise came. We’re glad the Pacific woke up on the right side of the bed.
We arrived at the Lamao Caves by 6:00am. Indeed, there were a lot of caverns peeking through the rugged cliffs of the mountain passes. The rock formations around are carved beautifully by the swells.
It is said that these caves are interconnected with each other. But strong typhoons caused rock slides that eroded cave interiors rendering other passages inaccessible.
After the trip around the Dingalan Coastline, we proceeded to the so called White Beach Resort.
The Lighthouse
Another 10 minutes passed and we docked at the shore of the lighthouse jump-off. Contrary to the name of the place, the shore is made up of gray-sand and tiny corals. We were then welcomed by the owner of the cottages.
By 8:00am we started the trek after having our breakfasts. The trail is relatively short and straightforward. In fact, it only took us 15 minutes to reach the very top of the hill where the lighthouse is located.
From the top of the lighthouse, the meandering mountain ridges were in full view. Dingalan Lighthouse was contrasted by the Pacific Ocean on both sides, something a photographer couldn’t resist.
The Batanes of the East moniker truly lives up to its name, but it is not right to compare such a place to another. Furthermore, every destination opens up to new experiences and is different from each other. Uniquely, Dingalan, will always be Dingalan and that is how it should stay.
At the recent light of events, most people who stands atop the beacon is increasingly becoming a trend, just to catch a good glimpse of the view and a quick photo snap.
Sometimes we often forget to remind ourselves of our safety, the risk of falling down a five-story lighthouse is neglected. As well as the preservation of the structure and its components may it be natural or artificial.
Always pay due respect to our surroundings, we had our fair share of lesson, we were very sorry for what happened. And were hoping that this won’t be happening again for the next visitors atop the Parola.
As of writing the top of the lighthouse is restricted for entry but a view deck at the hill has been installed.
We then got back at the feeder port by lunch time and headed to the town proper to have lunch. After lunch, we had a sidetrip at the Tanawan View Deck and immediately proceeded to Minalungao National Park in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.
Next Stop: Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija!
How To Get There
One can reach Dingalan, Aurora by taking any Cabanatuan bound buses in Cubao, Pasay, and Avenida (Five Star, Genesis, Baliwag Transit, ES Transport). Fare is less than 200php/pax and takes 2-3 hours depending on the time of the day.
● From Cabanatuan, you have 2 (two) options:
- Take Dingalan bound Vans, fare costs 120php/pax and takes 1-2 hours to reach the town proper. First trip is at 7am
- Take Umiray bound buses that passes through Dingalan Town Proper, fare costs 80php-100php and takes around 2-3hours. First trip is at 6am
● Upon arrival at Dingalan Town Proper, flag any tricycle going to the Feeder Port, takes 15-20 minutes, fare costs 20php-50php depending on your haggling skills
Travel Tips
● You can stay at any of the resorts around the area then visit the lighthouse the other day, or rent a boat going to the Lighthouse, boat rental costs 800php/2 way good for 15pax, includes a sidetrip to the Lamao Caves if the weather permits
● One can trek from the port/resort going to the lighthouse, but it will take much of your time
●There are a number of waterfalls hidden inside the mountains of Dingalan which has no names until now, most of them can be reached in less than an hour by foot
● Last trip from Dingalan to Cabanatuan is until 5pm
●Practice LNT principles, respect local ordinances
* No Solar Panels were harmed during our visit.
** Big thanks to Ms. Amie Valencia for reintroducing us to Dingalan, Aurora.
Planning to visit Dingalan? Ask us anything in the comments section below!
