Discover Tondol White Sand Beach

Sea of Tondol in the early morning.

© Carl John Carolino

Hello, fellow memories hoarders. It’s now summer time and this is the perfect season to gather and cherish memories. I know some of you have planned your itinerary few months ago. Maybe some of you have already finished trips. Maybe some of you are still longing for adventures.  If you still have spare time and still looking for fun, I am recommending a place which will give you relaxation this summer.  The place is also perfect for those who are still staying in their houses. I know it well because it is located in our locality. This summer, try to explore Tondol White Sand Beach.

This quaint spot being dubbed as “Little Boracay of the North” is the pride of Anda, Pangasinan, the lone island municipality of the province. With its fine, white sand and cool, pristine waters, the place got its periphrasis being compared with one of the famous beaches in the world, Boracay. The place started to become popular in the late 1990’s as being featured in national television in the country. As years go by, thousands of people have seen the alluring beauty of the place and captivated by it that makes them to return to the paradise for many times. 

 

Let me be your tour guide at this moment. How are you going to reach the place? If you are in Manila, you need to travel six hours in the road if you are riding in a bus going to Anda. You will have a lesser hour of trip if you have your own car. Because of Tarlac- Pangasinan- La- Union Expressway (TPLEX), the trip is now faster than before.  

As you enter Anda, you are going to pass by Anda Bridge that connects the municipality to mainland Pangasinan. For few minutes, you will reach the town proper. Haven’t brought something to eat? Do not worry. There are many stores that offer packed foods, bottled drinks and other stuff. If you are a bus passenger, after the bus trip, you need to go to the tricycle station going Tondol. There is a 30- peso fare per head but you can have a special trip for 120 pesos. 

From town proper, you need to take 15- 30- minute trip going to the barangay. At this moment, minutes can be augmented due to road construction in some barangays. You need to have patience for this. Well, all journeys are not smooth all the time. The tiredness that caused by the excruciating hours of travel will be displaced as the cool breeze mesmerize you. 

The tourist spot is being managed by Municipality of Anda and Barangay Tondol. To maintain the operation of the place, the management is only charging a minimal entrance fee worth five pesos. The place offers amenities such as cottages facing the coastline. Each cottage can be rented for hundreds of pesos depending on hours of rents. You and your family, friends and officemates are protected by the cottages made of bamboo and other light materials. 

 

Your feet will enjoy the texture of the sand and your body will be freshen up by the crystal clear water of the beach. You can play beach volleyball, patintero and build sand castles in the area. In the shoreline, you can see Tanduyong Island or now called as Toothbrush Island. The small island has lofty coconuts positioned like bristles of toothbrush that’s why it named that way. Reaching the area is possible by renting boat or wait for low tide to happen. You can walk going to the island during the period. 

Tanduyong Island

After bathing on the saltwater, you can rinse yourself using the restrooms of the beach with a low price to pay. If you need assistance, feel free to ask to the staff about your needs. The personnel who are residents of the barangay are hospitable and affable. 

As time passed by, the number of hotels flourished. If you are planning to stay overnight or for longer days, there are now several mini- resorts and hotels offering rooms for two, for family and friends. These are the following:

• 828 Gems
• JCT Resort
• Tondolandia
• Secret Garden
• Sarmiento Beach House
• Summerset Beach Cottages

For the rent of rooms and contact information of the establishments, you can search them on Facebook. I advise you that you should do reservations earlier.

As you stay in the locality, it is now your time to know what Tondol offers to all. Aside from the beautiful ambiance, you can witness how fishermen catch fishes and crustaceans and other marine creatures. Our barangay is rich on marine resources. These fresh catch are turned to delectable cuisine. 

I hope that I have given excitement to you and convince you to navigate my barangay. Pack now your things, prepare your summer apparel, charge now your phones and cameras, have your pocket money and enjoy visiting out place. Experience the culture and delight on the nice things that Tondol and its people offer to all. Do not forget to share the information.

Have a safe trip!