Dagupan

Dagupan is the largest city in Pangasinan, with a population of 174,000 people in 2020. That is not saying it couldn't use a bit of a facelift though. The city is among the top producers of milkfish (locally known as bangus) in the province; it is sometimes called the Bangus Capital City.

Understand

Dagupan, Pangasinan, is a thriving city located along the Lingayen Gulf. Its name is believed to have been derived from the Pangasinan word "dagup," which means "to ferry across" or "a place where one crosses a river." It is known for its vibrant culture, commerce, and the famous Bangus Festival, celebrating the milkfish (bangus) industry.

History

Dagupan's history traces back to the polity of Kaboloan, which existed back before the Spanish colonialization.

Get in
  • By car: From Manila, you can drive north via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and continue on the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Afterward, take the exit leading to Dagupan City. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
  • By bus: Dagupan is accessible by bus from Manila. Several bus companies operate trips to Dagupan, and you can find buses departing from major bus terminals such as Cubao or Pasay. The bus journey may take approximately 5 to 6 hours. An A/C bus from Manila to Dagupan costs ₱445 and takes 5 hours. Victory Liner, Dagupan Transport, Fermina Transport, and First North Luzon Transit operates most air-conditioned buses from Manila. A non-A/C bus from Dagupan to Baguio costs ₱110 and takes 3 hours.

Get around

As in other Philippine provinces and cities, jeepneys, bus and tricycles are very common. In some parts, there are sidecars or pedicabs.

See
  • 🌍 Magsaysay Fish Market and Landing Center. The fish industry in action. Here you can probably see some of Dagupan's much-acclaimed milkfish and other dainty creatures that dwell in the brackish water. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Dagupan City Museum, AB Fernandez Ave, ☏ +63 75 523 1007. Some say it's just the Dagupan mayor's office, but, hey, maybe you'll get to shake his hand and get your picture taken with him. There is a little choo-choo parked out front. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Japanese-Philippine Garden Park. Just a kind of stele in a plaza along the beach. (updated Oct 2020)
  • Tondaligan Beach
  • Tondaligan People's Park
  • Bonuan Beach

Do
  • 🌍 Tondaligan Blue Beach. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Bonuan Beach. (updated Oct 2020)
  • Bike or hike the marine countryside of nearby San Fabian.
  • Take a country excursion to Mangaldan, a neighboring town founded by Dominican order missionaries from Spain and established as an encomienda (farm labor) system around 1591.
  • Bangus Farm Tour: Explore local fish farms and learn about the milkfish (bangus) industry in the area.
  • Cultural Immersion: Discover the city's culture by visiting markets, museums, and historical sites.

Buy
  • 🌍 CSI Mall Dagupan, Lucao Road, ☏ +63 75 522 4228. M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 9AM-8PM. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Robinsons Place Pangasinan, Urdaneta–Dagupan Road, Calasiao, ☏ +63 75 632 0282. M-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Su 10AM-9PM. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 CSI Market Square, AB Fernandez Ave. 9AM-7:30PM. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Nepo Mall - Dagupan, Arellano St, Brgy. Pantal. 10AM–8PM. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 CityMall Mayombo - Dagupan. (updated Oct 2020)
  • There are also various supermarkets around, including Puregold Supermarket locations on Mayombo Road and in Calasiao and Bonuan; SM Hypermarket on Dagupan Road; and Magi in Mangaldan. Unitop Mall has your dollar store appeal to it.
  • 🌍 SM Center Dagupan, M.H. Del Pilar & Herrero Road. 10AM–9PM. (updated Sep 2023)

Eat

Try one of Dagupan's best dishes which is the Pigar-Pigar made out of beef and vegetables like onions and cabbage. Most of the eateries that serve this food can be found at Galvan Street, beside CSI Square Dagupan. Come and taste it for yourself and see how delicious this food.

  • 🌍 Ciudad Elmina Restaurant. Quirky but serene setting where you get to eat right next to tilapia fish farms. Also, a good place to try pigar-pigar. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Sílantro Fil-Mex Cantina, #229 Perez Blvd, Downtown District. 10AM–10PM. (updated Sep 2023)

Budget

Mid-range

Drink

Sleep

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Star Plaza Hotel, AB Fernandez Avenue (Value star inn is behide the star plaza hotel), ☏ +63 75-523-4888. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Star Plaza Hotel and Value star inn are in downtown Dagupan. The restaurant serves a wide range of delicious food. Value star inn and Star plaza hotel have the same owner. single/double fan/a/c rooms with own bathrooms. 
  • 🌍 Bedbox Hotel, Rizal and Nueva Streets. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 🌍 Hotel de Luc, Tapuac Road (Lyceum-Northwestern University), ☏ +63 75 515 8684. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 🌍 Inn Asia Hotel - Dagupan City, Lucao DM Building Judge Jose de Venecia Avenue, ☏ +63 94 6132 0355. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)

Splurge

Go next
  1. Lingayen: The provincial capital known for its historical sites, including the Lingayen Gulf War Memorial.
  2. Manaoag: Home to the famous Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, a popular pilgrimage site.
  3. San Fabian: Known for its beach resorts and scenic views along the Lingayen Gulf.
  4. Calasiao: Famous for its "Calasiao Puto," a type of rice cake, and historical sites.
  5. Mangaldan: A town known for its agriculture and rural landscapes.
  6. Baguio: Summer capital of the Philippines.
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