Alaminos City is broadening its tourism appeal with a new land tour package that showcases attractions beyond the renowned Hundred Islands National Park. The package includes visits to the Bued Mangrove Park, St. Joseph Cathedral, Bolo Beach, an engineered bamboo factory, and the local market, aiming to attract more visitors and support tourism workers.
Rosalie Aruelo, the city’s tourism officer-in-charge, emphasized the importance of diversifying tourism options to enhance visitor numbers. She highlighted the city’s collaboration with tour operators to promote these new attractions. The Bued Mangrove Park, featuring a 448-meter boardwalk, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is a prime spot for bird watching, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when migratory birds are most active.
The St. Joseph Cathedral, established in 1770, has been rebuilt several times after fires, most notably in 1817. It stands as a historical landmark in the city. Bolo Beach, known for its pristine white sands, offers a variety of dining experiences at its resorts, catering to both party-goers and those seeking relaxation.
Visitors can also explore the engineered bamboo factory, where they can witness the creation of award-winning bamboo souvenirs. The city’s market provides a glimpse into local life and is famous for Alaminos longganisa, a beloved pork sausage.
The initiative comes after a 12 percent drop in tourist arrivals at Hundred Islands in 2024, attributed to weather disturbances. Aruelo mentioned that new facilities, including a chapel, museum, and function hall on Ramos Island, are set to open this month to further enhance the appeal of the Hundred Islands National Park.