The Limahong Channel was where the Chinese Corsair Limahong proceeded north to Pangasinan when foiled of his attempt to establish a colony on the shore of Manila Bay. Pursued by the Spanish colonizers, he dug a channel in Domalandan, Lingayen that served as his escape way towards the China Sea.

Limahong: A Notorious Chinese Pirate

Limahong, Lim Hong, or Lin Feng was a notorious Chinese pirate and warlord who invaded the northern Philippine Islands in 1574. He built up a reputation for his constant raids to ports in Guangdong, Fujian, and Southern China. He was noted to have twice attempted, and failed, to overthrow the Spanish city of Manila in 1574.

The Unveiling of Limahong Channel: Limahong’s Escape from the Spaniards

The pirate Limahong began the construction of thirty vessels within his fort near the mouth of the Agno River, where all his soldiers were good workmen. The project was completed on August 4, 1575.

At noon of the same day, he set sail for his country after having been besieged within the fortification for over four months. This development took the Spaniards by surprise. They were astonished to see Limahong sailing out of the fort through a channel which was unknown to them. It was believed among the natives of the locality that Limahong constructed this channel with the utmost secrecy without either the land or sea force hearing it.

Limahong's legacy to Pangasinan

Today, many of the native Pangasinenses possess some tint of Chinese blood in their veins, and they are still distinguishable by their oblique eyes and light yellow complexion. Many citizens of Lingayen and other towns in this part of the province and along the Agno River are of Chinese ancestry. A monument of Limahong can be seen at the wharf in Barangay Lucap in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Access from Manila to Lingayen

From Manila, there are various bus lines that offer trips to Lingayen. Dagupan Bus takes the Manila-Lingayen route. You can also take daily buses to Dagupan, and from Dagupan, catch a bus or jeepney to Lingayen. From Manila, travel time is around 4-6 hours depending on traffic.

Buses that ply the Manila-Pangasinan route:
• Dagupan Bus Line (Quezon City to Dagupan) New York St., Cubao
• Victory Liner (Quezon City to Dagupan and Alaminos) Cubao, Q.C.
• Five Star Bus Line (Pasay City to Dagupan and Bolinao)
• City Trans (Manila to Dagupan and Bolinao)
• Philippine Rabbit (Quezon City to Dagupan and Bolinao) EDSA, Q.C.
• Philippine Rapid Manila to Dagupan and Bolinao)

Accomodations: Puerto Del Sol Resort - Barangay Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines