This small province located in the Bicol region is associated with the world’s largest fish species, the whale shark. However, it also offers a number of other natural attractions that can be enjoyed by any kind of adventurer. Behind its simplicity lies a rich local culture that will lead you to rediscover the joy of provincial life. Its old structures are also waiting to be explored to trace its past. Sorsogon definitely offers you nature and culture at its finest. To know more about the natural gems that it can offer you, scroll down to read about the best things to do in Sorsogon, Philippines.
1. Swim with the fish at Juag Fish Sanctuary - contributed by Tour Guide, Rikka Mae
Explore Juag Fish Sanctuary in Matnog, Sorsogon, a hidden gem just a quick boat trip from Port of Matnog. To get here, you’ll have to charter a boat from in town. The fee of 1,600 PHP (28.94 USD) is good for 10 people.
Run by Alex Geneblazo, this is a cozy spot for sea creatures such as bangus and lapu-lapu. It’s also ideal for those new to snorkeling or keen on photography, and you can enjoy a 30-minute swim or fish-feeding session. Remember, there’s a nominal fee for registration and environmental care to contribute to the sanctuary’s upkeep. The registration fees range from 50 PHP (0.90 USD) to 300 PHP (5.43 USD), while the environment fee is 20 PHP (0.36 USD).
2. Soak in the views of Nagsipit Falls - contributed by Tour Guide, Rikka Mae
If you happen to be in Casiguran, Sorsogon, you’ll come across a gem called Nagsipit Falls nestled in Barangay Inlagadian. Finding your way there will be a breeze with the help of Waze or Google Maps.
To reach the falls, begin your journey in Legazpi. Take either a jeepney, van or bus to Sorsogon. Then, hop on another jeepney heading toward Casiguran. Once you arrive at the town plaza, a quick tricycle ride will transport you to Nagsipit Falls, which you can enter for 45 PHP (0.81 USD) during the day and 150 PHP (2.71 USD) at night. This serene destination is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility amid the captivating beauty of the outdoors.
3. Explore the lagoon of Paguriran Beach
Located on Paguriran Island, there’s a lagoon that is enclosed in a huge rock formation. The lagoon can be reached via sandbar during low tide or can be swum on the chest-level water when its high tide. It offers clear waters, white sand, and picturesque scenery. Adventurers can climb on top of the rock and enjoy cliff jumping. Barefoot walking is not advised as some coral areas and rocks are pointy. This natural beauty can be crowded by locals during peak season and summer vacation. Cottages made of bamboo and nipa found along the shore can be rented, should you want a place to stay while enjoying your beach activities.
Paguriran Island and Lagoon
Address: Brgy. Sawanga, Bacon District Sawanga, Sorsogon, Philippines
Website: Paguriran Island Beach Resort
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4. Walk on the pinkish sand of Subic Beach
Considered as one of the hidden gems of Matnog Sorsogon, this beach is not easily visible from the coast and port of the town. It boasts pinkish-white sand due to the red corals that are found on the shore. Swimming may not be advisable as it has steep underwater depths and tides can be high during the rainy season. Huts can be rented at a very cheap price if you are looking for a shaded place to stay while grilling barbecues and having a picnic.
Subic Beach, Matnog Sorsogon
Address: Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines
Facebook page: Subic Beach
Tip from tour guide
Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon is known for its pinkish sand and clear blue waters, perfect for beach lovers. Surrounded by greenery, it's great for a relaxing day at Subic Saday and Dako.The water is clear and makes for great photos. The beach can get busy with visitors that are mesmerized by its pinkish sand. Before you visit, go to Matnog Port and check in at the Tourism Office to arrange your trip. They can help with boat and guide hires. Note, cave entry costs extra, and some resorts in the area may not have eateries, so pack some snacks. Also, visit Isla de Blas and Juag Lagoon for more fun. Try snorkeling and cave exploring for some adventure. For a genuine local experience, consider staying in Kuya Boy's simple Kubo cottages.
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. Spend a day at Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm
This agri-tourism farm site features an ecolodge with green architecture. Its rooms and halls were constructed using local materials and labor. Its rooms are patterned to resemble the traditional style of Bahay Kubo and have banig-buri midrib-and-bamboo ceilings and walls. The ecolodge also offers traditional sleeping options where you can sleep on the bamboo papag with a mattress or on the bamboo floor with a banig. During your stay, you can access and soak in its batis-cum-swimming pool (creek-cum-swimming pool). You may also feast on authentic Filipino dishes such as kinagang na pukot, adobadong tabagwang, and ensaladang paku.
Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm
Address: Purok Bacolod Brgy San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines 4704
Facebook page: Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you are heading to Sorsogon Province and want to experience staying on the slopes of Mt. Bulusan, the family-owned Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm is a must-visit. While here, we were able to enjoy basking in the verdant 4-hectare (9-acre) land with 2,400 colonies of stingless bees and different varieties of trees, flowers, and herbs. It also has eco-lodges if you want to stay for the night.
My family and I frequent here to relax and soak in the cold springs of Batis sa Uma. If hunger strikes, the on-site café offers beverages and snacks. Another great thing about this place is that it has a pavilion restaurant serving native delicacies. You can even buy pure honey and taro chips as gifts for your loved ones. Plus, guests can book the function hall for seminars, weddings, and other events.
6. Soak in San Benon Hot Spring
Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort, or more famously known as San Benon, sits at the base of a semi-active volcano, Mt. Bulusan. It offers pools with different levels of temperature. It has two hot pools, a lukewarm pool, a cold pool, and a hot tub. The resort is perfect for those who want to de-stress and enjoy naturally heated water to relax their muscles. It also features cottages for those who want to have a picnic, and rooms for those who want to stay overnight.
San Benon Hot Spring
Address: San Benon Monbon, Irosin, Sorsogon
Price: 40 PHP (0.79 USD)
7. Kayak at Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
Bulusan Volcano Natural Park is a protected rain forest surrounding Mt. Bulusan. It’s bounded Sharp Peak Mountain, Hormahan Mountain, Lake Aguingay, and Bulusan volcano. One of the attractions best enjoyed inside the park is the Bulusan Lake, which is ideal for kayaking. While enjoying the emerald green water, you can marvel at the teeming lush green forest with tall trees and lush tropical plants. Other things to see here include grassland, abandoned farmland, and rural gardens
Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
Address: Brgy. San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon
Opening hours: 7am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: from 50 PHP (0.88 USD)
Tip from tour guide
Adventure seekers can hike Mt. Bulusan, which is open to the public as long as they are accompanied by an accredited mountaineer. The starting point for the hike is Bulusan Lake. The best time to climb is during summer time, from March to mid-June. Hikers can still hike from July to December, but they should expect the weather and visibility to be 50%.
8. Go surfing in Gubat
Perfect for surfers looking for a less crowded surfing site, this beach features waves that are not mixed with stones but just saltwater and sea sand. Along the shores are small stalls where surfboards can be rented. Surfing lessons are also offered at a very reasonable price. Since the area is not yet fully developed, there are no fancy establishments or restaurants around. For food, you can order affordable home-cooked local dishes from modest canteens. There are also cottages and hammocks that you can stay in, should you want to immerse yourself in provincial life.
Gubat
Address: Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippiness
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Nothing beats Lola Sayong’s laid-back place, perfect for a surfing holiday. It is also an eco-surf camp that has already released over 120 hawksbill turtles into the sea. Avid surfers can join the Lola Sayong Surf Club with an annual membership fee of 850 PHP (15 USD), which gives a 10% discount on the nipa hut accommodations and allows entry to the camp any day. Alternatively, visitors can opt for the regular entrance and surfing lectures fee. Moreover, this place hosts seasonal surfing competitions, which lure tourists from all over the country. You do not have to worry if you are a newbie to surfing just like me since the waves here are beginner-friendly. After a full day, you can relax on the available hammocks or head to Granny’s Hub for mouthwatering meals.
Tip from tour guide
If you're near Gubat, check out Liyang Cave. For just 10 PHP (0.18 USD), you'll find a refreshing spot away from the heat. This lesser-known cave is naturally beautiful. It's perfect for those who prefer the simple things because the area isn't developed. The water is a stunning shade of blue, bringing to mind a tortoise shell. It's also cool and refreshing. When I visited, it made me think about how important it is to protect places like this. I made sure to leave it as I found it, undisturbed and peaceful.
Traveler's tips
This is a long stretch of beach featuring numerous beachfront accommodations and restaurants. I visited during Holy Week, and it was bustling with both locals and tourists. One of the most renowned surf camps in the area is Lola Sayong, a picturesque spot adorned with tall coconut trees and charming nipa huts. The coffee served here is also exceptionally good, making it a great place for a gram-worthy experience.
9. Swim with the whale shark at Donsol
Donsol is known to be a place where the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks is found and whale shark sightings can be guaranteed. With simple snorkeling equipment, you can see the gentle giants. Meanwhile, non-swimmers should not need to worry as life vests are provided and you can also request a personal guide prior to heading out to the sea. To go to the whale shark interaction site, you will be ferried on a boat with a maximum of six passengers on board. You’ll get to swim with the whale shark after the Butanding interaction officer instructs you on how to jump in the water.
Donsol
Address: Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippiness
10. Go on a river cruise with Buhatan River Eco Adventure
Get on board the river cabana that is pulled by a small boat downstream to enjoy this relaxing tour. During the river cruise. you’ll see lush mangrove vegetation and occasional bird sightings. You’ll also feast on local treats, which include pili nuts, cassava, taro chips, and lemongrass juice. The best time to begin this cruise is in the late afternoon moving towards the evening. This way, you can marvel at the river scenery in daylight, enjoy a sunset view, and watch the fireflies that come at night time.
Buhatan River Eco Adventure
Address: Buhatan River, Buhatan, Sorsogon, Philippines
11. Explore the World War II Japanese tunnels
Bulan’s Japanese encampments consist of an intricate cave system. At present, the caves are burrowed under a tiny hill and remain well-preserved. To get inside the tunnel, you have to bend or crawl. Due to the small entrance, only one person can pass at a time. Inside the tunnel are elevated parts and a chapel. This tunnel served as a bunker, hideout, and storage area for bombs, guns, and other explosive materials by the Japanese during WW2.
Bulan - World War II Japanese Tunnels
Address: Sta. Remedios, Bulan, Sorsogon
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
12. Hike to Bayugin Falls
Expect to be slightly challenged getting to the Bayugin Falls as a 20-minute trek will require you to pass slippery paths with moss on the ground. Some parts have bamboo handrails where you can hold on while walking the trail going down to the falls. Upon reaching the falls, you can dip yourself in the cool waters of the basin. There are cottages around the area but no stores, so make sure you bring some snacks if you want to have a picnic. This natural attraction is ideal for the summer season and it can be muddy and slippery during the rainy season.
Bayugin Falls
Address: Barangay San Francisco, Bulusan, Sorsogon
Price: 15 PHP (0.30 USD)
Explore the best of Sorsogon
Sorsogon has a myriad of things to offer that will captivate any nature lover who visits this town. This list contains only some of the most incredible things to do in Sorsogon. With a combination of nature, culture, and biodiversity, it is truly a place not to be missed.
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