The Philippines has yet a lot to offer - from the beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and even breathtaking road views - there's so much to discover to this archipelago.
If you are looking for an alternative destination, then you might want to check the ‘Daang Kalikasan’ (Nature’s Highway) in Pangasinan.
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| Daang Kalikasan in 2021 |
The newly built road is located in Pangasinan connects the motorists and travelers to Zambales.
Daang Kalikasan, an old road directly linking Pangasinan to Zambales used by illegal loggers, has partially reopened and quickly became a local tourist hot spot in Northern Luzon.
The reopening of the scenic Daang Kalikasan’s Mangatarem, Pangasinan side was discovered by people to have a beautiful view from the winding road on the crest of hills and mountains.
The 54-kilometer long road stretches from Mangatarem in Pangasinan all the way to Santa Cruz in Zambales. It cuts through several forests and mountains in the region, giving motorists an overview of the beautiful landscape.
The road instantly became an Instagrammable and selfie spot for travelers with its commanding view of the awe-inspiring surrounding areas, even with its deforested state.
The Pangasinan and Zambales provincial governments are reportedly eyeing the road to become an eco-tourism draw and are already engaged in tree planting activities to reforest the mountainous site.
Daang Kalikasan could be one of the most scenic roads in Philippines - if not, in the whole Luzon island at the least.
WHERE TO GO FROM DAANG KALIKASAN
Daang Kalikasan is a strategic way (once it's completed) if you are going to the following destinations:
- Manleluag Spring National Park (Mangatarem, Pangasinan): The Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape is a protected area containing natural hot springs in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. The park was converted into a protected landscape area in 2004 and now has a total area of 1,935.17 hectares (4,781.9 acres) and a buffer zone area of 965.09 hectares (2,384.8 acres). It is one of only two protected areas in Pangasinan, the other one is Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.
- Tambobong Beach and Colibra Island (Dasol, Pangasinan): Dasol is known for having it's beautiful secluded islands such as Snake Island, Colibra Island and its famous Tambobong Beach. Traveling to Dasol from Mangatarem will only take about 2 hours drive once Daang Kalikasan is finished.
- Potipot Island (Candelaria, Zambales): Potipot Island is a small and pristine island just 10 minutes by boat from Uacon in Candelaria, Zambales. The island boasts of a stunning beach with clear turquoise water and white sandy shores of sugary sands and rough coral stones.
- Hermana Menor and Hermana Mayor Islands (Zambales): Hermana Menor also known as Makatira Island, is a remote and private beach. It's owned by Palawan Governor Jose Alvares and the Hernandez family of Zambales. Contrary to Hermana Menor, Hermana Mayor is not yet open to the public. It is privately-owned by the Toda family. This island also features a long stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Unlike Hermana Menor, this white beach is more established. It has golf course, a man-made lake, some cottages, and among others.
- Magalawa Island (Candelaria, Zambales): Located in Zambales, Magalawa island is a 56-hectare island frequently visited by tourists during the summer. It is quite famous for its sandbar and white fine sand. Unlike other beaches, Magalawa is pretty affordable and not that crowded. Add to that its turquoise blue waters and you got yourself a paradise to look forward to.
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| Opening of Daang Kalikasan |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Daang Kalikasan
- Is Daang Kalikasan finished?
The portion of the scenic Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem is nearing completion although the construction of the full length of the four-lane 19.68-kilometer road started in 2017 will not be completed till 2023 - How long is Daang Kalikasan km?
The scenic Daang Kalikasan road is a 54- kilometer stretch old abandoned logging road used by illegal loggers widened and improved, of which the construction of the Mangatarem, Pangasinan side started in 2017 linking Sta. - Who made Daang Kalikasan?
The project was initiated in 2012 by then 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, now mayor of Lingayen town. - Is Daang Kalikasan a nature friendly project?
Daang Kalikasan is well-known for its grassland mountain, this greenery project will help wrap the mountains with lush greenery and dense forest in 5 – 10 years.
Daang Kalikasan was actually an old logging road that was used by illegal loggers to allow their heavy duty trucks and harvested trees to pass across mountainous terrains and forest areas. But since illegal logging stopped, the abandoned road has been widened, improved, and spruced up to provide the fastest and shortest link from Pangasinan to Zambales and vice versa.
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