Dingalan, Aurora: A Rainy Month Adventure in a Summer Place

When I planned for this trip, I wanted to find the perfect destination for a quick yet memorable day tour—something that fit our tight schedule. This was for our early Christmas celebration last 2023, a rare chance for us to go on a long trip together since we didn’t often get to travel as a family.

Dingalan, Aurora immediately caught my attention as it was just 5 to 6 hours away from Manila and budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for our quick getaway. But more than that, its breathtaking landscapes had already captivated me even before I set foot there. I had seen stunning photos while scrolling through social media, and I knew right away that we had to experience its beauty in person. I booked our trip with Sev ZC Van Rental and Travel & Tours for PHP 1,499 per person under their Dingalan Day Tour Package.  

They picked us up from Greenfield, Pasay, around 12:30 AM, and we arrived in Dingalan at around 5 or 6 AM (I can’t recall the exact time). Our first stop was a local carinderia, where we had breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. As we were eating, the rain started to pour and the clouds were dim but luckily it didn't rain that hard. 

After almost an hour, we headed to Dingalan Feeder Port, where we met our local tour guide, who assisted us throughout the tour. It also stopped raining. They gave us a brief orientation about the destination and shared important safety reminders. 

Once everything was set, we hopped onto a bangka boat, eager to explore the main attraction. Even during the boat ride, we were already having so much fun. Sitting at the front of the boat, we couldn’t stop laughing as the waves splashed against our faces. And wow—the view was breathtaking! The stunning contrast of the deep blue sea and lush green mountains was both vibrant and refreshing at the same time. 

We arrived at White Beach Resort, where we were greeted by its serene beauty. The view and vibe always remind me of Lilo & Stitch. While the sand wasn’t pure white, it had its own character and was still stunning in its own way. Before fully exploring the beach, we took some time to snap a few pictures. But our first real adventure? A mountain trek! Yes, we kicked off the day with a hike, and luckily, I had mentally prepared myself for it after doing some research beforehand. 

Honestly, I was a bit worried about my parents, especially my mom, wondering if they could make it to the top and truly enjoy the trek given their age. But to my surprise, my mom was taking it easy, while my dad ended up being the one helping me and my sister! The hike was quite challenging, especially since it had rained earlier, making the trail steeper and the steps stickier.

Still, the experience was unforgettable—our first-ever family trek, filled with laughter and funny reactions every time one of us needed a helping hand. Our tour guide was incredibly helpful, making sure we were safe and guiding us along the way. 

When we reached the top, the first thing I noticed was how crowded and windy it was! There were so many people—it felt like one of those expectation vs. reality moments. And the wind? It was so strong that for the entire moment, I genuinely thought it might blow me away! Despite that, its beauty was truly admirable and well-deserving of the title "Batanes of the East."  

Then, our tour guide asked if we wanted to hike to Dingalan Lighthouse, which was visible from where we stood. However, since he mentioned that the view would be similar and considering how tired we already were, we decided to skip it. Also, from where we stood, we could see Lamao Cave, which was actually included in our tour along with the rock formation. I had been looking forward to exploring it, but unfortunately, we couldn’t proceed due to the strong waves and high tide at that time. For safety reasons, it was a no-go. 

Going down the mountain was another challenge. For most people, it was easier than climbing up, but for me, it was the opposite. The trail was slippery, and I felt like it was dragging me down with every step! We spend our remaining time at the White Beach Resort and had our boodle fight lunch that is included on our package.

For our last attraction, we visited Tanawan Falls. To get there, we rode a tricycle, and honestly, I lost count of how many times I bumped my head and had to grip tightly! The road was steep once again, but this time, it was also incredibly rocky, with big stones making the ride even more bumpy and thrilling. We did the same thing as go went back. 

The water at Tanawan Falls was absolutely freezing, and the area was quite rocky as well. We had to climb a large rock to reach the upper part of the falls, which honestly scared me. Since I can’t swim and have a bit of a fear of heights, I decided to stay back and wait for my family to come down. I also had no plans to swim—I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the icy cold water! Later after, it started to drizzle so we decided to go back and end the tour.

Overall, our trip to Dingalan, Aurora, was an unforgettable experience—a perfect mix of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and quality family time. Despite the exhaustion and some missed attractions, exploring a new place together as a family made it all worthwhile. This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about creating lasting memories. I’m especially happy that my family truly enjoyed it, and even now, we still find ourselves comparing it to the other places we’ve visited. Dingalan has set the bar high for our future adventures!

~Wander like a sea turtle—slow and graceful, but always heading toward adventure. ~