Located at the tip of Bicol Peninsula, Sorsogon is the southernmost province in the Luzon. Due to its location, travelers visit the province as it serves as the gateway to the Visayas, specifically to the province of Samar as well as to island provinces of Masbate and Romblon. The province with only one landlocked town promises beach getaways as well as other nature-inclined activities like trekking, kayaking and the likes. If you are thinking about visiting Sorsogon, here are the things to enjoy and places to go.
1. Enjoy the shores by Pakol Hill - contributed by Tour Guide, Rikka Mae
Head over to Santa Magdalena’s Pakol Hill, often referred to as the “Little Batanes of the South,” for an affordable outing. Enjoy the green scenery at the low cost of 10 PHP (0.18 USD) for adults and 5 PHP (0.090 USD) for kids. When you get there, catch a tricycle or ask the welcoming locals for directions.
This hill is a great spot for nature lovers and photographers, offering stunning views and good cell reception for those who want to share their experiences online. You’ll also find FMB Beach Resort nearby and a beach right below for leisurely moments under the sun.
2. Bask in the tranquil atmosphere at Parola Beach - contributed by Tour Guide, Rikka Mae
Parola Beach in Sorsogon offers a tranquil ambiance complemented by the surrounding rock formations of Bagatao Island of Magallanes, Sorsogon. A quick 30- to 45-minute boat journey from Magallanes port will transport you to this destination. The highlight of this place is the Lighthouse Station that grants breathtaking vistas. If you seek an escape, this beach, embraced by verdant foliage, boasts gentle waters. Additionally, you may even get to fulfill your dreams of being a mermaid while here!
3. Have a refreshing journey to Barangay Bacolod's spring - contributed by Tour Guide, Rikka Mae
Discover the natural beauty of Barangay Bacolod in Juban, Sorsogon, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tangke Nature Spring. This spring is known for its crystal-clear and refreshingly cool water ideal for drinking. The serene destination offers the perfect escape for relaxation.
Accessing it is an adventure in itself: opt for a thrilling ride on a habal-habal, a local motorcycle taxi, along slender trails at just 50 PHP (0.90 USD) per person or choose to stroll here from the highway while soaking in the picturesque surroundings. A nominal entrance fee of 25 PHP (0.45 USD) grants you access to this charming spot.
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4. Swim with the whale sharks
It all started in 1997 when these gentle giants were first spotted feeding on the plankton and krill in the waters of Donsol. Donsol is still a peaceful town and people still come here to swim with the whale sharks. Whale shark watching is Donsol’s top attraction. The “butanding” as the locals call them, are not hand-fed, unlike in Cebu and during the tour, so a guide and spotter are needed to accompany all eager tourists. The best time to see them is from December to May, with the busiest time being from February to March.
Whale Shark Interaction
Address: Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines
Sorsogon Tour Guide
Rikka Mae
Mabuhay! I am Rikka Mae, an Accredited Regional Tour Guide of the Department of Tourism Region V. I offer tour guiding services in Bicol particularly in the province of Sorsogon ( the whale shark capital of the Philippines). Bicol is among the regions in the Philippines that have impeccable tourist arrivals. It summarizes the geographical beauty of the entire country in a single region; the... Read more
Tours by Rikka
5. Get in touch with Mother Nature at Bulusan Volcano National Park
For nature lovers, a trip to Sorsogon won’t be complete without visiting any of the attractions within this national park. Mt. Bulusan is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, which erupted again in 2022. It also has various natural forms, from lakes to hot springs. Its trail even offers scenic lakes, hot springs, and forests. Those who don’t have the endurance can find peace and enjoy nature at the park or go kayaking at Bulusan Lake.
Bulusan Volcano National Park
Address: San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon
Opening hours: Open daily
Price: Environmental fee: 10 PHP (0.18 USD); admission fee: 50 PHP (0.88 USD) for adults, 25 PHP (0.44 USD) for students, and PWDs/senior citizens/children below 7 years old are free of charge
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Bulusan Volcano National Park is an eco-destination with a lot to offer. When we went here, we settled the entrance and environmental fees. Charged shuttle services are even accessible. However, note that climbing the peak has been prohibited due to the active volcano, which does not allow entry at the 4-kilometer (2-mile) radius Permanent Danger Zone. So, we just strolled the surrounding trails and the canopy walkway, which offers scenic views of the lake and the lush forest. Visitors can also try kayaking, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding at a fee. There are even protected bird species and endemic jade vines around the lake. After all the sightseeing and other activities, we went to the nearby Sagurong Restaurant and indulged in mouthwatering buffet meals.
6. Watch fireflies along Donsol River
Want to enjoy a different kind of nightlife? Along one of the tributaries of the 100-kilometer (62 mile) Donsol River is Ogod River and as you silently sail along, you can see how fireflies illuminate the ebony night of rural Donsol. These fireflies call the mangrove forests, coconut tress, and shrubs along the river home. An enjoyable activity and one of the top things to do in Donsol for families to enjoy the sparkling beauty of the area.
Firefly River Tour
Address: Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines
7. Chase waterfalls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Waterfalls in Sorsogon may not be as tall as those in Lake Sebu, but the clean waters and lush forests paint their own magical scene. Many of the falls are accessible to the public and can be found in and near the Bulusan National Park, such as Bayugin Falls. Palogtoc Falls, on the other hand, has a man-made pool for visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip. Some waterfalls remain undiscovered and off-the-beaten-path, such as Ubo Falls in Matnog.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you want to enjoy three cascading waterfalls near each other, visiting Zoe's Resort & Eco Adventure Park in San Roque, Bulusan, is a perfect idea. We frequent this place since it is home to Kambal Busay Falls, Hulugan Falls, and the Hidden Falls, where we spend the entire day soaking and swimming. Just note that you need to trek for a few minutes to reach the first two waterfalls, while it takes a 30-minute trek to get to Hulugan Waterfalls. We also did not have to worry about the slippery rocks and boulders since tour guides were always present to assist. However, if you are not keen on trekking, you can avail of the tractor ride, which can bring you to the trailhead.
Tip from tour guide
Ever checked out Kambal Busay Falls in Zoe's Resort & Eco-Adventure Park at San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon? For just 150 PHP (2.71 USD), you can see the falls, swim in the pool, and take advantage of plenty of parking. Best of all, it's near Bulusan Lake too. For me, it's one of the best spots in Sorsogon when you just want to unwind.
8. Dive with manta rays
Between Ticao Pass and Burias Pass is Manta Bowl, Bicol Region’s top diving spot. Though geographically it belongs to Masbate province, most divers access Manta Bowl from Donsol. A diving spot reserved only for advanced divers due to the current, it is worth the trip and difficulty once you spot manta rays gracefully swimming in the ocean. Manta Bowl is also home to whale sharks and other ocean species.
Manta Ray Diving
Address: Donsol, Sorsorgon, Philippines
9. Get a tan at Subic Beach
White sand beaches with crystal clear waters seem too mainstream in a country like the Philippines, but these beaches without the crowds set themselves apart. Now how about a dash of pink with Subic Beach in the island called Calintaan, some 40 minutes from the port of Matnog. Named Sorsogon’s best beach with its long stretch of white sand, water teaming with marine creatures and most of all, camping, is the best way to enjoy an overnight stay under the coconut tress. A high-rise nipa hut (shack) can also be rented. For those who want to enjoy more modern amenities, spend the night at Holy Trinity Beach Resort located at the end of the beach.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The municipality of Matnog is perfect for a beach holiday as it is home to the famous Subic Beach! If you’re commuting from Sorsogon City Grand Terminal, you can ride the minibus heading to Matnog proper, which is about a one-hour ride. From this beach, you can enjoy the pristine waters of Subic Liit and Subic Dako. This stunning place is also an ideal base if you're like me who loves to go on island hopping as several tour operators from the town offer such. When we went here, one of the famous side trips we experienced was feeding the different fish species, riding a bamboo raft, and snorkeling at Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary. Plus, the pink-sand Tikling Island is also nearby.
Tip from tour guide
While exploring Subic Daku, I discovered a captivating cave among the pink sand beaches in Matnog, Sorsogon. It was truly stunning and comparable to the sights of Coron, Palawan! If you want to see it, head first to Matnog Port and arrange your trip at the official Tourism Office. You can book day tours or overnight packages (they're the only ones who can handle boat rentals and provide guides). Just a heads up, the cost to enter the cave isn't included in the tour package.
10. Take a dip at Paguiriran Island
Something a little bit different is Paguiriran Island. It is not an island per se, but off-shore coral boulders shaped like a crater have accumulated water from the sea for day trippers to enjoy. During high tide, it resembles a saltwater lagoon. To get there, one has to walk from the beach. It can be easier during low tide but the best time to enjoy Paguiriran Island is during hide tide. You can also climb the spiky rocks and see the lagoon from above. The lagoon has a breathtaking backdrop too- Mt. Mayon, with its iconic perfect cone.
Paguiriran Island
Address: Sawanga Beach, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon
Opening hours: open daily
Traveler's tips
One of the hidden gems of Sorsogon, a province in the Bicol region, is Paguriran Island. It is an islet with a lagoon in the middle. The island is a short walk from the white beach and is only knee-deep during low tide. The island is mostly composed of jagged rock formations. When we visited, it was low tide, so we were able to walk from the shore to the island, while some tourists still opted to go there via boat. Another great thing about this tourist spot is that it's less than an hour away from the capital city of Sorsogon. This could be one of your stops as you visit other attractions in the area, including Lola Sayong Surf Camp, Rizal Beach, and Tulay sa Tibo, which is a mangrove sanctuary."
11. Go underground with Sorsogon’s wartime tunnels
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For historical exploration, visit one of the tunnels in the town of Bulan. There are two tunnel systems in the town and they are believed to connected to each other. The first one is found in San Francisco, Bulan, Sorsogon, built to secrecy so that only one person can fit into its tiny entrance. The other tunnel system is in Sta. Remedios, with a bigger entrance. All tunnels were believed to be hideouts as well as storage for guns, ammunitions, and even the famed Yamashita treasure. Areas believed to be living quarters, containing makeshift beds and temple chambers, concludes that the Japanese spent a long time underground.
12. Visit the heritage church of St. Joseph Parish
For those who want some less active yet fulfilling things to do in Sorsogon, visit the fast-rising heritage town of Barcelona. Yes, this town is named after the Spanish City, just like most towns in the Philippines. The parish of St. Joseph faces the sea and is one of the oldest in the Bicol region. Similar to other colonial churches, the main materials used were quarried coral stones, piled up using a mixture made from egg whites, lime, and coconut wine called, “tuba”. Built in 1874, its façade, walls, and bell tower are still intact. Beside the church is a Spanish ruins called Presidencia Building.
St. Joseph Parish
Address: Poblacion Norte, Barcelona, Sorsogon
Tip from Trip101 local expert
This Neoclassical church in the tranquil town of Barcelona was built in honor of Saint Joseph the Worker. Its façade and exterior still have their centuries-old charm, while the belfry has been updated and the interiors were restored by the National Historical Commission. Moreover, its ceilings have stunning paintings of religious scenes, which makes this place a work of art. This place is even more magical during Christmas, with several decorations and nightlights. After the mass, you can also head to a café called Curia, which sits beside the church and offers pasta, cakes, and coffee. Alternatively, you can enjoy meals at Food Alley fronting the place while enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean and the centuries-old structures at Barcelona Ruins Park.
13. Savor Bicolano cuisine
It is through food that you get to learn more about a place deeper. When in Sorsogon, you can enjoy local breakfast at small eateries near their local markets and town squares. Then there is the baluko, pen shell that some refer to as a hybrid of mussels and scallops. Usually cooked with coconut milk, baluko can be battered and then fried or baked. For local cake, try their Timitim, a steamed cassava cake with pili nuts.
A southern charm
Some might find Sorsogon not as accessible as other destinations in the Philippines, but it has saved its attractions from mass tourism and commercialization. To this day, most of the towns and islands in the province are still laid-back and untouched. Thus, Sorsogon is the destination for travelers who genuinely want to see what the Philippines has to offer - secret beaches, protected marine creatures, and delectable local cuisine.
Soak in the cold spring of Batis sa Uma
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aleca Florano
Visiting the province of Sorsogon will not be complete without soaking in its serene cold springs. Heading to these places is also ideal if you are planning for a summer holiday. If you are looking for options, admission to the family-owned Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm will give you access to Batis sa Uma. This cold spring has two pools with water coming from the lush Mt. Bulusan. While swimming, you can bask in the cool mountain breeze and the tranquil ambiance of the trees and lush vegetation surrounding the farm.
You can even rent a nipa cottage for as low as 500 PHP (9 USD) and use the grilling facilities here. Additionally, there are shower and toilet areas for your convenience. Just note that the cold spring pools are only accessible from 8am to 5pm. However, if you want to stay for the night, the bee farm offers affordable eco-lodges and has a restaurant and café.
History
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