Patar Beach is a stretch of white sand in Pangasinan Province on the Philippines island of Luzon. It is a good low-key escape with minimal tourist infrastructure beyond a few hotels and resorts.
This beach was an important landing site during WWII, especially for the Japanese during the early stages of war. Later, the Liberation Forces made this an important launching point for major operations. The most prominent site on the beach is Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, built by the Americans long before the war in 1903.
Most of the accommodation options along Patar Beach are made of thatched palm and bamboo creating a very authentic and tropical character. Given the laid-back atmosphere, activities consist of relaxing on the beach or at poolside, with intermittent walks to the lighthouse.
Tourism is important on this beach as it makes up much of the local economy, however fishing is still one of the leading industries. Locals combine the two where possible, offering low-key chartered fishing excursions at half or whole-day rates. Other diversions include caving and visits to the Bolinao Museum or the local church.
Getting There & Away
The easiest way to get to Patar Beach is to board a coach bound for the city of Bolinao. There are many bus companies with service to Pangasinan Province including Dagupan Bus, Five Star and Victory Liner. If you hire a car, use the North Luzon Expressway, exiting at Dau and following the signposts for Alaminos until you reach the town of Bani, where there’s a turnoff for Bolinao. Manila, with its international airport, can be reached by car in 4 hours, 30 minutes.