Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and Bolinao Town

Two parts of Bolinao are worth visiting on a stay at Veue, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (1.3 km, about 3–4 minutes from the property) and Bolinao town itself (about thirty-five minutes away).

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse built in 1905, with panoramic views of the coast. The tower stands 30.78 m (101 ft) tall on a site 107 m above sea level, giving it one of the widest sightlines on the Pangasinan coast. The grounds have grown into a small spot in their own right, with local shops selling souvenirs, food, and clothes alongside the view.

• Distance from Veue: 1.3 km · ~3–4 min by car
• Best time: sunset for the view, or early morning for the light
• Map · Directions from Veue

Worth a quick stop on the way in if you arrive in daylight, or on the way out as a last view of the coast.

One thing to know before you go: you cannot climb the tower. There is a 140-step spiral staircase inside leading to the illumination room, but visitors are not permitted up it. The lighthouse is viewed and photographed from the grounds. Worth knowing so nobody arrives expecting the climb.

It stands on Punta Piedra Point, and it is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, after Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte. It was built by American, British, and Filipino engineers to guide international shipping across the West Philippine Sea toward Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. It ran on kerosene for most of its working life and was only electrified in 1980.

Bolinao Town

The main town is about thirty-five minutes from Veue. It has the markets, the church, and the practical stops that round out a longer visit to the area.

St. James the Great Parish

Built in 1609 and one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.

• Distance from Veue: 18.7 km · ~35 min by car
• Daily Mass: 6:00 AM
• Sunday Mass: additional services at 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
• Best time: mid-morning or late afternoon
• Map · Directions from Veue

Even if you are not religious, the church is worth seeing for the history alone.

The detail that makes it: the church is built from native black coral stone, which gives it a dark, rugged look quite unlike the pale stone of most Spanish-era Philippine churches. It has survived a good deal, including an earthquake in 1788 that brought down its original bell tower and a fire in 1819, and during the pirate raids it served as a fortress as much as a place of worship.

The Wet Market

A short distance from the church. Fresh seafood landed that morning, plus vegetables, fruit, and meat from local sources.

Look for binungey, the Bolinao delicacy made by soaking glutinous rice in coconut extract, packing it into bamboo tubes, and steaming the tubes over an open fire. There is also a dedicated section for sun-dried seafood, including dilis and danguet. Both travel well and are the things to bring home, so the market is worth timing into your departure day as well as a mid-stay trip.

• Distance from Veue: 18.7 km · ~35 min by car
• Best time: early in the morning for the freshest catch
• What to bring: cash, and a cooler bag if you are buying seafood for the cabin
• Map · Directions from Veue

A Note on Bolinao History

Bolinao was founded around 1575 by Spanish Captain Pedro Lombi. The town moved to the mainland in 1596 because of attacks by Moro pirates. The name has three traceable origins: the Pamulinawen Tree where the original settlers met, the abundance of Monamon bolinao fish in the waters, and the local legend of Bolido and his love Anao.

Planning Your Visit

• A half-day in town is enough for the church, the wet market, and lunch.
• Combine with the lighthouse on the way back to Veue.
• Drive yourself using Google Maps or Waze.