Travel Guide: Masamerey Beach in Sual, Pangasinan

Pangasinan is most famous for the Hundred Islands National Park, the golden beach of Bolinao and more recently, the Cabongaoan Death Pool. This province up north is a popular choice for those who want to indulge in a quick weekend getaway or a short vacation, because of its proximity to Manila- just about five to six hours by bus.

If you aim to unravel the secret destinations of Pangasinan, it’s time you visit the coastal town of Sual, a first-class harbor municipality next to Alaminos.

Based on the 2015 census, Sual has a population of more than 34,000. One of the towns where the Spanish galleon brought their goods for trading back in the day, Sual was part of Labrador town until it was declared independent in May 1805.

Sual might seem sleepy and unassuming at first but it is home to sprawl of cream-colored beaches, clear blue waters, unspoiled waterfalls, tropical islands, and secret coves. One of which is the unexplored coastal cove of Masamerey Beach in Brgy. Baybay Norte.

Fringed with colorful fishing boats, powdery sand, and aquamarine waters, Masamerey is a charming sitio that is home to a friendly local fishing community. It is off-the-beaten path and not many know about it so it’s perfect for serene getaways and relaxing vacations.

Read this related adventure: Discover An Isolated Paradise in Zambales: Hermana Mayor and Hermana Menor Islands 

HOW TO GET TO MASAMEREY BEACH 

It will take about five to six hours to reach Masamerey Beach from Manila. From Cubao and Pasay, ride a bus going to Alaminos. It is recommended to board a bus that leaves around midnight so you can reach Masamerey by early morning.

Victory Liner in Cubao has an hourly schedule going to Alaminos starting at 2:00 AM. The last trip leaves at 11:50 PM. Fare is Php 393 per way.

Once you’ve boarded an Alaminos-bound bus, there are two ways to reach Masamerey Beach:

1. Get off at Alaminos bus terminal. From the bus terminal, ride a tricycle going to Masamerey Beach (20-30 minutes, fare is around Php 250-350)
2. Get off at Brgy. Caoayan, Sual Pangasinan (Bus fare is only Php 373 if you alight here). Tell the conductor to drop you off at the crossing going to Sual Power Plant. From here, you can ride a tricycle going to Masamerey Beach (35-45 minutes, fare is around Php 200-300)

GETTING AROUND MASAMEREY 

Take note that there are no regular tricycles or jeepneys that ply the route going to Sitio Masamerey. 

If you need to go around, negotiate for a chartered trip from tricycles or motorcycles in the area. Find someone to split the fare with since special trips can be notoriously pricey. A tricycle can hold at least 3-4 passengers. 

Sitio Masamerey itself is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot. The road going to the sitio is well-paved so you can opt to bring your private vehicle.

WHERE TO STAY IN MASAMEREY 

There is only one resort in the area, the Masamirey Cove Resort (take note of the spelling; Masamerey is what the public beach is called while Masamirey is the name of the resort), which is owned by the town mayor of Sual.

You can book a room (starts at Php4,800) at Masamirey Cove Resort through Airbnb. Not yet signed up on Airbnb? Here's Php1,100 credits for you get started on your bookings! Sign up through this link to start booking.  

Masamirey Cove Resort

Masamerey, Baybay Norte, Sual Pangasinan

Contact Number: +63 (917) 136 5931

Book Here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18878340

Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/masamireycoveresort

Website: www.masamireycove.com

Read this related adventure: Masamirey Cove Resort: A Sweet Escape to the Coastal Life 

Alternatively, the residents of Masamerey are very welcoming and some of them offer their homes for tourists or their beachfront lawns for tent pitching. This is the way to go if you’re looking for a true immersion within the community. Contact Ate Michelle (09087822051). They offer cottages for day tours (Php500) and overnight accommodation (Php1, 200).

WHERE TO EAT IN MASAMEREY 

Since this destination is still undeveloped, you won’t find any restaurants here, except for Pana Pana Bar Restaurant of Masamirey Cove Resort, which offers Filipino and continental dishes.

To support the local community, it’s best to buy the freshest seafood catch from the managsigays or fishermen of Masamerey themselves. If you opted for a homestay, you can also ask your host to cook for you for a minimal fee.

There are also sari-sari stores in the sitio.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MASAMEREY

If you are a fan of letting time slowly pass by as you lounge by the beach or frolic under the sun, then Masamerey Beach is perfect for you. Noise is minimal and life is simple here. Here are some recommended things to do and places to visit when in Masemerey.

1. SWIMMING & SNORKELING 

You won’t be able to resist the powdery cream sand and the clear blue waters of this beach cove! Spend the day basking under the golden sun or snorkeling under the sea. 

There’s a reason why Masamerey Beach is dubbed as the “Boracay of Pangasinan.” The only difference is Masamerey is as rugged and raw as it can get. There’s peace, quiet, and charm.

2. LEARN TO FISH LIKE A PRO 

The destination is nestled in a cove that’s home to a local fishing community. Take the time to know the culture and ways of life in this sleepy sitio. Indulge into the bounties of the sea as you experience fishing with the managsigays or fishermen.

3. ISLAND HOPPING  

Comas Island

From Masamerey Beach, you can ride a baluto to visit Cabalitian Island, an inhabited island community in Sual. It takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the island from Masamerey. There are beautiful rock formations and a small cave to explore. Tent pitching is allowed in the island and there are also cottages that can be rented. Boat rates from Masamerey to Cabalitian Island starts at Php 500 for a chartered ride.

Aside from Cabalitian Island, the uninhabited islands of Comas, Tori-Tori, and Poro Maya can also be visited.

Additionally, Masamerey Beach can also serve as a jump-off point going to Hundred Islands. Boat rates start at Php3, 000 good for 10-15 persons.

Read this related adventure: Calaguas Island: Are We There Yet? 

Yours truly visiting Hundred Islands xx kilos and years ago! 

Hundred Islands National Park in 2008 

4. CHASE WATERFALLS

If you are a fan of chasing waterfalls, there are four falls here for sightseeing. Matico Falls is the nearest one while Mayaman Falls, Mambaciano, and Mabuclao Falls are also in the area. 

The views going around the sitios of Sual 

5. ADMIRE THE BEACH FROM AN INFINITY POOL 

The gorgeous infinity pool at Masamirey Cove Resort is a great vantage point for admiring the beach cove. There are sun beds and cabanas available for use of guests.

Want to enjoy this magnificent pool without breaking the bank? Opt to visit for a day tour (Php500 entrance fee for adults and Php385 for kids). Cottages are also available for rent (Php500).

6. EXPLORE THE PALBUTAN  

The palbutan is the pebbled side of Masamerey Beach. There are rock formations to admire here. Great for adventurous souls who want to rough it out. Instagram-worthy, too! 

7. VISIT THE SUAL POWER PLANT

The Sual Power Station as seen along the way from Masamerey to Alaminos 

A trip to the Philippines’ largest coal powered plant can also be arranged. The Sual Power Station is considered as the most-effective coal-fired power plant in the country. 

Mirant Services LCC used to own the plant but today, it is owned by Team Energy, a joint venture of Marubeni Corporation and Tokyo Electric Power Corporation. If you are pressed for time, the towering structure can also be seen from the road.  

Read this related adventure: 25 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Batanes 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY TOUR 

11:50 PM – Depart from Manila via Victory Liner

05:00 AM – Arrival in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, take tricycle going to Masamerey

05:30 AM – Arrival in Masamerey Beach

06:00 AM – Start of Island Hopping / Chasing Waterfalls / Sual Power Plant

12:00 NN – Back to Masamerey Beach, Lunch

01:00 PM – Explore Masamerey Beach Cove, swimming and snorkeling

03:00 PM – Depart from Masamerey to Alaminos City

03:30 PM – Arrival in Alaminos City

04:00 PM – Depart from Alaminos City to Manila

10:0 PM – Arrival in Manila

If you don't want to go through the meticulous trip planning, why not join a day tour to Masamerey Beach via Leave No Trace Travel and Tours? They can also arrange exclusive overnight tours, depending on your requests and preference. 

Contact Number: 09994377702
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/Leave-No-Trace-Travel-and-Tours-144343507262454

WEEKEND TRIP: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

Day 00

11:50 PM – Depart from Manila via Victory Liner

Day 01

05:00 AM – Arrival in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, take tricycle going to Masamerey

05:30 AM – Arrival in Masamerey Beach

06:00 AM – Check-in at homestay/resort

07:00 AM – Explore Masamerey Beach Cove, swimming and snorkeling

12:00 NN – Lunch

01:00 PM – Chasing Waterfalls / Sual Power Plant

04:00 PM – Back to Masamerey Beach, swimming and pictorials

06:00 PM – Dinner

08:00 PM – Happy Hour!

Day 02:

07:00 AM – Start of Island Hopping / Day tour at Masamirey Cove Resort, lounge at infinity pool

12:00 PM – Back to Masamerey Beach, Lunch

01:00 PM – Swimming, snorkeling, stroll around the fishing community

03:00 PM – Depart from Masamerey to Alaminos City

03:30 PM – Arrival in Alaminos City

04:00 PM – Depart from Alaminos City to Manila

10:0 PM – Arrival in Manila

BUDGET AND EXPENSES

Bus Fare
Php 380 – 390, per person, per way

Tricycle
Php 200 – 300 per tricycle, per chartered ride

Day tour at Masamirey Cove Resort
Php 385 for adults | Php 280 for kids

Cabana rental at Masamirey Cove Resort
Php 500, good for 3-5 persons

Overnight at Masamirey Cove Resort
Starts at Php 4,800 for two persons with breakfast

Overnight at Masamerey homestay
Starts at Php 1,200 per cottage (Php500 for a daytrip) 

Boat Rental for nearby island hopping
Starts at Php 500 per boat

Boat Rental for Hundred Islands
Starts at Php 3,000 per boat, good for 10-15 pax

OTHER TIPS & REMINDERS 

• As always, be a responsible traveler by practicing the LEAVE NO TRACE principle
• The town of Sual strictly enforces a "NO LITTERING" rule. You'll see a lot of signage and trash bins around. There's a penalty of Php 500 - 2,000 if you violate this ordinance 
• Masamerey beach is a coastal fishing community. There are residents who live there so respect their privacy
• The best time to visit is during dry months (November – May) but as long as there’s no typhoon, you will surely enjoy Masamerey Beach
• Electricity is available
• Smart signal is weak in the area
• No need to pay any environmental or entrance fee for access to the public beach 
• Tent pitching is allowed and free along the shore, but be sure to ask permission if you plan to pitch in front of a house
• There are sari-sari stores in the sitio
• You may want to bring your own food and water as there’s only one restaurant and resort in the area.  You can also ask your homestay host to cook for you
• Bring cash as the nearest ATM is in Alaminos City already 
• Snorkeling set is not included in your boat rental fee. Bring your own gears
• Parking is available at Masamirey Cove Resort
• If you are on a day tour at Masamirey Cove Resort, there are available cabanas and clean restrooms 
• If you are joining an organized tour, Leave No Trace Travel and Tours (09994377702) is your best bet! 

Are you planning to visit this charming coastal cove up north soon? Share your plans in the comments below! 

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