Dingalan Travel Guide

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The adventure starts when you rent a boat and visit three (3) spots along the coast of Dingalan. For a low price of 1000 php ($21), you'll be able to rent a boat good for seven (7) people. Life jackets are available for rent, around 25 pesos (23 cents) a piece.

> Sightseeing Caves
There are a lot of caves around the Dingalan Coast. If the season is right, the sea may be calm enough for the boat to enter these natural wonders.

>Dikapanikian River
Farther from the caves is the Dikapanikian River. This river spot is seen merging with the sea, so the current near the mouth of the river is quite strong. Don't worry if you wish wade in this pristine spot. The ground at the mouth of the river is a bit elevated so that you won't be dragged into the sea.

>White Sand beach (almost)
The residents of Dingalan says that this is the only beach with sand that is almost uninhabited. This is the perfect spot for eating lunch and snacks. Cottages are available in the area. For a decent price of 500 pesos ($10.63) for a quiet beach, it's a good deal. Coconuts are available here upon request.

Gina's Eatery is a cross between a "fine dining restaurant, countryside version" and a mini resort. While the amenities and food selection were limited, it was refreshing to have your meal in native huts supported by bamboo stilts in the middle of what was once a rice field.

From the looks of it, they are in the process of expanding the business with the addition of more and bigger huts on the slope of the hill as well as the still unfinished small pool.

Given its location, the fresh air blowing from the distant bay can swell your appetite and induce you to sleep afterwards.

Favorite Dish: Our visit timed with the ultra marathon when Gina's is the official "caterer". Probably, they were not ready for the influx of people that they only have 2 dishes prepared: sinigang na isda (fish in sour soup) and adobong pusit (squid stewed in vinegar and soy sauce).

Not sure if it's due to our hungry state or the way they cooked the dishes, we finished everything in a few minutes.

There is no nightspot in Dingalan.

Let me rephrase that. There are no nightspots in Dingalan like those you find in most vacation spots. But if you like a quiet walk on the beach or having a bottle of beer while sitting on a rock and watching the light on the waves, then the whole strand of beach is for you.

The most excitement you can have here is to help the fishermen unload their night's catch and maybe get your fishy reward. :D

Dress Code: bug spray, flip-flops and shorts.

Getting to Dingalan is very easy. If you are not taking your own transport, you can make the trip in easy stages:

1. Take a bus (Baliwag, Five Star, Genesis) to Cabanatuan City (P180.00/way), then
2. Get off at the Central Terminal and go look for Danilo bus (P80.00) (non-a/c) going to Dingalan or Umiray. Lately air-conditioned vans have started to include Dingalan in their run.

Never plan to go to Dingalan when it is almost typhoon season because the Laur-Gabaldon stretch of the road easily gets flooded.

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When you reach Dingalan Port, you have most likely missed this nameless river. If not for the advice of Mayor Zeny Padiernos, we might not have visited it. The river is located just outside the road towards Dingalan Port. The path is noticeable, but you wouldn't think it would lead to the river. The river is beautiful. For those who want to escape the heat, jump in the cool and refreshing river. This may be the real place to relax. There are around 2-3 picnic nipa huts. For assistance in going there, try to contact Mayor Zeny Padiernos.