About

Hundred Islands National Park is located in the northern Philippines in the province of Pangasinan. There are 124 pristine coral reef islands scattered across an area of 7.12 square miles (18.44 sq km).

The islands feature a coral reef foundation with the above ground cliffs being comprised of limestone.  Vegetation is plentiful and covers the majority of the islands in full.  Only some of the islands feature beaches and the level of the tide may determine if they are accessible or not.

The majority of wildlife is accounted for by the species below the ocean waters or up in the sky.  Some of the bird species include grey-backed tailorbird, lemon-throated warbler, Philippine Bulbul, Philippine Coucal, Philippine duck, Philippine hawk-cuckoo, and the white-eared brown-dove.

Governor Island and Quezon Island are two of the islands that have been developed for tourism.  Visitors can kayak around the islands or zip line overhead for two different perspectives.  Scuba diving is also offered to explore the pristine waters and the coral reefs around the islands.

Things to See

An aerial view of the hundred islands is a highlight showing the expanse of these coral reef landscape.  To really enjoy the highlights of these islands you need to engage the different views from above, kayaking around, and snorkeling or scuba-diving below.  It is only three these collective experiences that you can truly appreciate the splendor of this national park.

Things To Do

The majority of activities are geared at exploring the islands.  Whether out on the water, underneath the water, or walking around the islands, it is about experiencing the different perspectives of the islands.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is available on Governor’s Islands and Quezon Island.  You can also boat out and snorkel around some of the other islands as well.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is available on Governor’s Islands and Quezon Island.  This is a little more adventurous than snorkeling and allows you to explore beneath the ocean waves a little more intimately.

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Kayaking

You can rent kayaks and explore the waters around the islands giving you a unique look of the different islands while also getting in some exercise at the same time.

Island Hopping

Hundred Islands National Park, consisting of 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, is famous for its island hopping tours. These tours allow visitors to explore several islands, each with its own unique features and landscapes. Popular stops include Quezon Island, Governor’s Island, and Children’s Island.

These tours typically involve small boats that shuttle between the islands, offering ample time for exploration, swimming, and picnicking. Governor’s Island, for instance, hosts a viewing platform providing panoramic views of the park.

Snorkeling

The clear blue waters surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkeling. The coral-rich areas, particularly around Marcos Island and Cuenco Island, offer vibrant marine life, including a variety of fish species and sea turtles.

Snorkeling gear is often available for rent from local operators, making this activity accessible even to those who travel light. This is an excellent way for visitors to engage directly with the natural beauty of the underwater ecosystems of Hundred Islands.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the calm waters of Hundred Islands National Park at one’s own pace. Many of the islands are close enough to each other that visitors can comfortably kayak from one to another. The tranquil waters around these limestone islands make for an ideal kayaking environment, suitable even for beginners. Rental kayaks are available on some of the larger islands, such as Quezon Island.

Island Hopping

Hundred Islands National Park, consisting of 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, is famous for its island hopping tours. These tours allow visitors to explore several islands, each with its own unique features and landscapes. Popular stops include Quezon Island, Governor’s Island, and Children’s Island.

These tours typically involve small boats that shuttle between the islands, offering ample time for exploration, swimming, and picnicking. Governor’s Island, for instance, hosts a viewing platform providing panoramic views of the park.

Snorkeling

The clear blue waters surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkeling. The coral-rich areas, particularly around Marcos Island and Cuenco Island, offer vibrant marine life, including a variety of fish species and sea turtles.

Snorkeling gear is often available for rent from local operators, making this activity accessible even to those who travel light. This is an excellent way for visitors to engage directly with the natural beauty of the underwater ecosystems of Hundred Islands.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the calm waters of Hundred Islands National Park at one’s own pace. Many of the islands are close enough to each other that visitors can comfortably kayak from one to another. The tranquil waters around these limestone islands make for an ideal kayaking environment, suitable even for beginners. Rental kayaks are available on some of the larger islands, such as Quezon Island.

Hundred Islands National Park Trails

The national park is really not a hiking destination.  However, the four islands developed for tourism do have plenty of places you can walk around to explore the islands.  There is a short hike to the top of Governor Island that features a platform with panoramic views out over the islands.  Some of the other islands have beaches you can walk on which are accessible by boat tours.

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Governor's Island Viewpoint Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 0.5 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of about 50 meters.

Description: This trail leads to the highest point on Governor’s Island, offering panoramic views of the Hundred Islands.

The hike is short but steep, culminating at a viewing deck where hikers can see a stunning overview of the surrounding islands.

It’s a popular spot for photography and to appreciate the scale and beauty of the national park.

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Pilgrimage Island Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Around 0.3 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of about 60 meters.

Description: Pilgrimage Island offers a spiritual journey alongside physical exertion, with a series of steps leading to a giant statue of Christ the Savior at the summit.

Along the climb, hikers can stop at various stations of the cross, making it a reflective and rewarding experience with panoramic views of the sea and nearby islands from the top.

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Quezon Island Nature Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.2 kilometers round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This easy, short walk on Quezon Island is perfect for families and casual hikers.

The trail loops around the island, offering beautiful seaside views, opportunities to spot local wildlife, and access to small, secluded beaches.

It’s a leisurely way to explore one of the park’s most visited islands.

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Marcos Island Cave Path

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Less than 0.1 kilometers one way, with minimal elevation gain but requires a short swim.

Description: The Marcos Island trail is more of an adventurous path leading to a cave where hikers can then swim into the hidden lagoon inside.

The hike itself is short and easy, but the swim adds an element of adventure, making it a unique experience combining hiking, swimming, and exploring.

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Children's Island Nature Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, but generally less than 0.2 kilometers with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Designed for easy exploration, Children’s Island offers gentle paths that meander around the island, suitable for hikers of all ages.

These trails are short, offering a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, with easy access to its beaches and shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

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Governor's Island Viewpoint Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 0.5 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of about 50 meters.

Description: This trail leads to the highest point on Governor’s Island, offering panoramic views of the Hundred Islands.

The hike is short but steep, culminating at a viewing deck where hikers can see a stunning overview of the surrounding islands.

It’s a popular spot for photography and to appreciate the scale and beauty of the national park.

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Pilgrimage Island Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Around 0.3 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of about 60 meters.

Description: Pilgrimage Island offers a spiritual journey alongside physical exertion, with a series of steps leading to a giant statue of Christ the Savior at the summit.

Along the climb, hikers can stop at various stations of the cross, making it a reflective and rewarding experience with panoramic views of the sea and nearby islands from the top.

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Quezon Island Nature Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.2 kilometers round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This easy, short walk on Quezon Island is perfect for families and casual hikers.

The trail loops around the island, offering beautiful seaside views, opportunities to spot local wildlife, and access to small, secluded beaches.

It’s a leisurely way to explore one of the park’s most visited islands.

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Marcos Island Cave Path

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Less than 0.1 kilometers one way, with minimal elevation gain but requires a short swim.

Description: The Marcos Island trail is more of an adventurous path leading to a cave where hikers can then swim into the hidden lagoon inside.

The hike itself is short and easy, but the swim adds an element of adventure, making it a unique experience combining hiking, swimming, and exploring.

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Children's Island Nature Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, but generally less than 0.2 kilometers with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Designed for easy exploration, Children’s Island offers gentle paths that meander around the island, suitable for hikers of all ages.

These trails are short, offering a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, with easy access to its beaches and shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Park Protection

Hundred Islands National Park was created to protect the pristine wilderness found in the coral reef created islands in northern Philippines.  The protection extends to the diversity of wildlife found in the bird and aquatic species that live amongst the islands.  Only four of the islands have been developed for tourism keeping the remaining islands in their natural state.

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