“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

Tondol Beach has been praised for its low-tide beauty. Why? This is because of the beach’s soccer field wide sea floor without water that extends far and wide. The water only starts to set in at a certain time of the day with a knee-high to hip-high water level as the deepest. Maybe to some, this isn’t exciting at all. But for some, especially for kids, I think this is a perfect beach place – shallow water and fine white sand!

This not-so-frequented beach in Western Pangasinan is in the town of Anda. And for only Php5 entrance fee, you can have the beach to bum around. If you intend to do some island-hopping, you may go to the nearby Cory Islet and Tandulyong Island. Because of the extreme low-tide, one can actually go to Tanduyong Island by just walking your way (just like what we did before).

The beach is indeed ideal for an all-day bumming. There are cottages available if you intend to stay overnight. The beach also offers a stunning view of both the sunrise and the sunset. There are also mangroves at one section of the beach, adding up charm to the place.

Tanduyong Island: Located on the right side of Tondol beach shore is the small island of Tanduyong. It is a pretty easy 20-minute walk. The island has coconut trees and some unique flowering plants and a sole nipa hut where a family lives. The sand that surrounds the island is coralline and sandy. There is a part though that looks like a shifting and mini sandbar that could be ideal for taking photos.

Where to Stay:
JCT Beach Resort
Tondol, Anda
Landline: (+6375) 658-6419
Mobile Phone: 0921-494-9248

Tondol White Sand Beach Resort
Tondol, Anda
Landline: (+6375) 619-541

How to get to Tondol Beach:

Ride a bus from Manila to Alaminos town via Victory Liner or Five Star. Once in Alaminos, ride a bus bound for Anda Town proper. (I have heard though that there are buses going straight to Anda already so this is a better option). Then, rent a tricycle to Tondol Beach. The average rate is 150php per tricycle, 1way.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’.