13 Best Things To Do In Sorsogon, Philippines - Updated 2024

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

11. Go underground with Sorsogon’s wartime tunnels

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

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.