EXPLORING SORSOGON

Many of us would usually choose some famous beaches as get away destinations. Probably on top of the list is Boracay and  don't forget El nido and Coron to complete. Guess what, we have something new to you and hopefully will be on your next escapade. 

Sorsogon, is one of the out-of-the-radar for most of the tourists. But did you know that this place has a lot to offer? Let's take the famous whale shark watching in Donsol as one, their wide array of prestine beaches,  don't forget the ever famous  Lola Sayong Eco surf camp, native food delicacies, hot and cold springs and the list goes on. C'mon let's reveal some of Sorsi's bragging beauty. 

Sorsogon is located at the southernmost part of Bicol Region and the last province of Luzon. It's also known as the gateway to Visayas region, since ferries, Roro's and other sea vessels dock in this place. So whenever you want to extend your journey you can ride a ferry going to Allen, Samar. 

How to get there?

🛫 Take the Manila to Legaspi route. From the airport you can charter tricycles going to Daraga Grand Terminal. Public vans and buses are easily accessible going to Matnog. Travel time takes 3-4hrs.

🚌 Buses are also available on flexible schedules from 12pm onwards in Alabang, Pasay, Cubao, and Buendia.

         💰 fare ranges from 1,000 pesos  and up

         ⏱ estimated time travel: roughly 13-15hour

🚞 PNR will be opened to public by announcement. Manila- Naga route only, then you need to take a bus or van going to Sorsogon.

🚘 Private Car, you can use waze or google maps. 

Places to Visit: 

📍Matnog Sorsogon (Tikling Island, Calintaan Island, Subic Beach, Juag Lagoon Sanctuary)

📍Irosin Hot and Cold springs

📍Bulusan Lake

📍 Barcelona Sorsogon

And now let's start to wander and explore this place.......

From Matnog Port, you need to visit their tourism office for instructions and to pay the environmental fee. You need to rent an outrigger boat for you to reach Calintaan. ( payment depending on the number of pax, if you're going for an island hopping, day tour or overnight stay). As to our case, we've payed 1,600 pesos. we were 3 people and opted to have a day tour since we have other places to visit. And by the way, routes includes only Juag Lagoon, Subic Beach and Calintaan cave, so it you want to visit Tikling Island you need to pay 500 on top of your boat rent. 

The port of Matnog

 

📍TIKLING   ISLAND

Welcome to its pristine color, from torquoise to bluish.
According to the locals, this is mainly the so called "pink
beach." And as I said earlier this island is not included in the
tour package. Also, pink sand may not be very visible as it
depends on the rays of the sun.

📍JUAG LAGOON SANCTUARY

🗝 REMINDER: SUNBLOCK IS NOT ALLOWED!

Here you can find different varieties of fishes, from big to small. You need to pay 100 pesos for a
small bowl/ basin of fish food and small fishes to feed them. If you opt to swim with them just be
sure not to wear sunblock.

 

Different kinds of fishes you can feed. I am holding
 small basin of food to give them. Out of excitement I
forgot to use the spoon to scoop it, I took it barehanded
😂

You need to ride a small bamboo raft( balsa) to reach
 the fish pen where you can find big clams, lobsters, big fishes.



📍 SUBIC BEACH
This beach is actually divided into two. The subic liit(small) and subic laki/dako(big). We landed on the
latter, here to find the pink powdery sand, hence pink beach. This place offers overnight stay, there are cottages and fan rooms ranging from 500 pesos and up depending on the number of people. They
also have available seafoods, just ask them to cook it for you. They might be asking for some donations for cooking and use of toilets as well. Small stores are also available in the island, though it may be a little bit pricey. It is advisable to buy your needs at the Matnog port before heading to the
island.

Goodnews! Electricity is available 24/7, so no need to worry of your gadgets being drained.

   The water is so clear, yes, it's very inviting but be careful and observant of the sea bed sloping down the shore. You might end up drowning.


📍 CALINTAAN CAVE

This is a few minutes away from Subic Beach. It is a small cave with an amazing view inside. The boatman will tie a rope on the stones, for you to reach the other end.    
   

             

Inside of Calintaan cave 

📍IROSIN MATNOG SORSOGON

In this side of the town you can find their hot and cold springs. There are plenty of resorts to choose from. 

📍BULUSAN LAKE 

This is located in Bulusan, Sorsogon. It lies at the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park and sits at 

the foot of Mount Bulusan, an active volcano. If you're looking for lushes green, serene and peaceful environment this place is all you need. 

Entrance fee: 20.00 for adults

                         10.00 for children 

   The air is so fresh, crisp and a bit chilly  since
this verdant place is also inside of a forest. So if you go there early, be sure to take a jacket with
you.

Opening time: 8am

You can rent a kayak if you want to entice with the nature and enjoy the lake.

 
📍BARCELONA SORSOGON

 Here lies the remnants of the old Presidencia
 building, used to be the municipal office and fortress but was destroyed by wars and typhooons.

Sorsogon has a lot more places to visit. The next time you visit Bicol, include this nature-rich town on your list and be mesmerized  by its beauty. Enjoy!

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