What comes to mind when you think of the perfect beach? Do you hear the sound of ocean waves crashing on the shore, sense the intoxicating smell of the sea, feel white sand shifting beneath your feet, maybe there are even a few surfboards or kayaks parked up nearby or dancing across the crystal clear waters.
Whatever you’re ideal sandy spot, I am willing to bet it doesn’t include hoards of noisy and inconsiderate masses with a plethora of beach going paraphernalia such as big umbrellas blocking your ocean view, sun loungers so close together you can’t walk to the sea and then the mix of shouting and screaming over cacophony of multiple sources of differing music…..ekkkkkk! Really, when it comes down to it, your image of paradise should be idyllic and, in an ideal world, your very own.
So it was great to hear about the well-kept secret, Pabrika Beach on the far western part of Macaboboni, Agno, Pangasinan; untouched by major tourism. The beach is home to a small fishing village and still retains a magical aura of peace, beauty, and tranquility. It has none of the trappings of modern tourism and has a limited supply of services such as food and water, bathroom facilities, cottages cafes etc, etc., but for purist beach-goers fortunate enough to find this secret spot, it is pure bliss. Sadly some predict the beach will soon be developed into a hotspot for tourists, but for now, the beach remains undeveloped.
For me personally, there is a special resonance with this place as it is my hometown and I have locked away in my memories the many special days I have spent there, during my childhood, with family and friends. Carefree, mesmeric days, like pages from a forgotten novel, and to be honest I was in two minds as to write this blog and share it with you, for fear of turning this beautiful backwater, into an another Boracay, El Nido etc. The problem is that the locals who remain there, scratch a meager livelihood from what is really subsistence fishing and farming. Ironically they are sitting within a highly desirable location that, with careful control and management, coupled with sensitive and ecologically managed development, could provide them with a much needed economic boost in their lives – sustainable, controlled and tasteful tourism has been achieved in many places around the world, and with proper control can be here without damaging the environment, local history and heritage.
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Waze:
Pin Sitio Pateng, Pangasinan and follow it.
By Commute:
Take a bus going to Bolinao. Get off at Tiep, Bani, then hire a trike/motorcycle going to Sitio Pateng, Macaboboni, Agno, Pangasinan. Trike from Tiep to Brgy. Macaboboni costs Php 250 then you’ll add more if you’re going to the beach.
As it stands now, the beach is accessible with no entrance fee and the roads culminate in a rough track for the last kilometers going to the beach but trucks, jeepneys, and motorcycles can get to the entrance of the beach but low slung cars will have a problem so it’s better to park and walk the final distance, which only takes around 20 minutes (it is safe to park your car and leave there for a night).
ACTIVITIES
Not many things beat a day by the seaside. There’s nothing quite like the feel of the sun on your back and waves breaking over your feet. This is a RAW & UNTOUCHED BEACH so don’t expect a lot!
- Pick up trash — an excellent way to teach kids about conservation.
- Make a bonfire (Do not do it on the beach or on the sand).
- Go snorkeling
- Good for camping.
- Overnight stay is allowed!
- Become a beach steward by cleaning up the beach.
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Explore a Tide Pool
NO ENTRANCE FEE!
When the tide goes out, take the opportunity to explore the miniature sea worlds left behind in the rocky crevasses. You can find starfish, sea urchins, anemones and all matter of snails and periwinkles, kelps and seaweed in the tide pools of this beach. – but be careful, they’re fragile. Do not touch them.
If you want to stay for a night but can’t find a comfortable place, You may go to the nearest Abagatanen beach where there are now transient houses and cottages you can stay if you visit the place. Tent pitching is also allowed without an extra fee.
- Day Tour Cottages = Php 500.00
- Overnight Cottages (Fan Room) = Php 1500.00
- Air-conditioned room (Good for 15 pax) = Php 5,000.00
- Tent for rent = Php 700.00 overnight good for 4-5
Make sure you all have the things needed before heading to Abagatanen Beach as there’s no markets or big stores in the area. Most of the establishments here have shared kitchens and parking lots.
Guys, can only suggest, go seek out this place quickly and lock the images into your memories just like me; it’s a memory that you will treasure forever.
