BOLINAO, Pangasinan - Beyond its pristine white-sand beaches, the coastal town of Bolinao in western Pangasinan has more to offer to visitors.

Tourists can explore Bolinao's caves and coral beds, learn about its history and culture, or enjoy a cruise with lunch on Balingasay River.

Bolinao, facing the West Philippine Sea and with a population of 75,000, is at the end of a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Metro Manila. Buses take tourists to the town on runs that take five and a half hours.

Although the Pangasinan and Ilocano languages are widely spoken in Bolinao, the town has its own language, Bolinao or Binu-Bolinao.

"The Bolinao culture is still very alive, especially on Santiago Island," said Myrna Aguila, the town's tourism officer. The island, located off the northern tip of Pangasinan, has six of Bolinao's 30 villages.

"People there still practice bayanihan. If somebody gets married, everybody helps in the preparation. During fiestas, homes are open and visitors can just go in to eat," Aguila said.

Margaret Celeste, chair of the Movement of Bolinao Concerned Citizens Inc., said residents were fierce defenders of the environment, always ready to stand up to any threat.

In the 1990s, the residents opposed the construction of a P13-billion (S$400 million) cement plant in the town, prompting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reject the proponent's application for an environmental compliance certificate.

Tourists appreciate the town and its attractions, and always return, encouraging the construction of resorts and other lodging facilities over the last five years.

Responding to the increase in tourist traffic, Bolinao's tourism office has drawn up itineraries for visitors who want to explore the town.

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Bolinao: White-sand beaches and many more