Balingasay River Cruise

 

The Balingasay River Cruise is a popular tour offered by Sungayan Grill, a local restaurant in the town of Bolinao in Pangasinan. It's a relaxing boat ride along the serene Balingasay River where visitors can enjoy the picturesque view of the mangrove forest, lush greenery, and the beautiful rock formations. The cruise usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and it's an excellent opportunity to appreciate nature and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Balsas parked on the banks of Balingasay River

A motorized banca pulling our floating dining room

The buffet features a wide variety of Filipino dishes, as well as seafoods such as crabs, shrimps, calamares and different varieties of fish such as bangus and tilapia. Grilled pork liempo and vegetables are also served together with fresh fruits and ensaladas. You can also enjoy unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.

  

The cruise itself is a relaxing and scenic experience. You will cruise along the river for about 45 minutes, passing by lush green vegetation and small villages.

The Sungayan Balingasay River Cruise Buffet is a great way to experience the beauty of Bolinao and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time. It is also a great option for families, groups, and couples looking for a fun and memorable dining experience.

How much does it cost?

The entire cost of the cruise can be split into two: cruise rate and the meal cost. The cruise rate is the price you pay to rent the balsa where you would dine while the meal cost is the price you pay for the meals or drinks that your group will consume aboard.

Menu courtesy of Sungayan Grill

The cruise rate depends on the number of people and the corresponding size of raft (balsa) that will be used:

• Group of 12 – Php 1,000.00
• Group 13 to 18 – Php 1,500.00
• Group 19 to 30 – Php 2,000.00

How to get there:

1. Take a bus from Manila to Bolinao. There are several bus companies that offer direct trips to Bolinao from PITX or Cubao, such as Victory Liner, Five Star Bus, and Dagupan Bus Line. The travel time is around 6-7 hours.
2. Once you arrive in Bolinao, take a tricycle or jeepney to Balingasay River. The tricycle ride will take around 15 minutes, while the jeepney ride will take around 30 minutes.
3. Once you arrive at Balingasay River, walk for about 5 minutes to reach Sungayan Grill.