First Solo Travel: Going to Bani, Pangasinan

Part of my bucket list is to travel solo. After hearing this, my friends are all surprised and I felt that they want to discourage me of my plan. Travelling solo is not something new nowadays but it is also not that common. Why would anyone travel alone? That was the first question I had when I decided to go alone on a trip. It’s just like one day I daydream of going in different places on my own. I imagined the things I will do by myself and meeting people. And that was it!

It was supposed to be a vacation with officemates in Bolinao but because of different priorities the plan did not push through and each one set a plan on their own. However, I don’t want to be a loser staying at home doing nothing on a long vacation so I saw it as an opportunity to travel alone. 

Since the original plan was Bolinao, I started looking for a resort in Bolinao. I was looking for a cheap resort which is just near the beach and the Bolinao Lighthouse. Unfortunately, the resorts at Patar beach are expensive and the only affordable resort that I was able to find does not answer my call or emails.

While still searching for details of Bolinao, I saw a picture of a rustic but beautiful resort. The name of the resort is Oldwoods by the Sea. The resort is not located in Bolinao but in Bani, Pangasinan. It is the town before Bolinao. Since, it seems near I decided to book a reservation on the hotel.

It was a holiday and bus stations are full of people. I was at lost when I arrived at the bus station. I was already calling the resort to check with them if I can move my reservation when a bus going to Bolinao arrived. The line for the bus was so long and I know it will take me hours before I can ride a bus if I follow the line. I immediately went to the front of the bus and watch as the guard and a conductor ensure that no one will sneak in the bus. All seats in the bus were taken and those who insist to ride the bus will have to stand during the travel. I asked politely to the conductor to allow me ride the bus since I don’t have any companion. The conductor let me in and I went straight near the middle and positioned myself for a long standing ride. The conductor tapped my shoulder and said that he has a seat at the back and will let me sit beside him. He will tell the men sitting at the back that I’m his companion. The conductor was not the one on duty on that Bolinao bus and was riding the bus to get home in Tarlac. Luckily, I was able to have a comfortable seat going to Pangasinan.

It was a long travel, one which I enjoyed. The nice bus conductor went down to Camiling, Tarlac and I was on my own again. I reached Pangasinan, past noon and I arrived at Alaminos station around 2PM. I still have a half hour travel going to Bani. When I reached Bani, I mistakenly went down on the town plaza. I asked a girl who is at their store on how I can get to Oldwoods Sea Resort. My luck has not run out yet because she is very familiar with the place. She told me that it is still far from their place. She told me to go to Brgy. Tiep and from there I can hire a tricycle going to the resort. I went to the waiting shed and after 10 minutes of waiting an ordinary bus going to Alaminos arrived.

I went down to Brgy. Tiep and went to a nearby sari-sari store to buy an instant coffee. My head is already aching due to heat and I know that I need a refreshing bath and hot coffee after. Once I bought the coffee, I approached a guy and asked where I can ride a tricycle going to the resort. Good thing that the owner of the place was an ex-Mayor so everyone knows the place. After making arrangements with the tricycle driver it is another 30 to 45 minutes travel going to the resort. It is another wonderful moment to savor the countryside.

I arrived at the resort at almost 4PM. Although my day was almost consumed by my travel, it is worth it.