Joshua Berida
Sorsogon is a province in the southernmost part of Luzon, in the Bicol Region. The province consists mostly of coastal towns, with the exception of Irosin. Sorsogon City was only formed in 2000, after the municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon were merged. It is home to noteworthy attractions such as beaches, a volcanic lake, and historic landmarks.
If you’re planning to visit once new normal rules for Sorsogon are in place, here are some of the things to do and places of interest to include in your itinerary.
Paguriran Island
Paguriran Island is located in Sawangga, Bacon . This idyllic spot has rugged rock formations in its azure waters and a beach to just hang out in. Make your way to the lagoon a few meters from the shore to swim and try cliff diving.
How to get there
From Sorsogon City, board a jeep bound for Sawanga at the terminal. Fare is around P45 one way. Alight at Paguriran Beach (around 2 to 3 hours). It’s better to spend the night in Paguriran, because jeeps are scarce and no longer travel to the city late in the afternoon.
Tikling Island
This island has beautiful rock formations and thriving corals. You’ll find a rock formation that looks like a throne, among other things. Admire the views and go snorkeling during your visit.
How to get there
From Sorsogon City, make your way to the integrated bus and jeep terminal. Board a jeep departing for Matnog. Once in town, look for a boatman for a day tour rental. The rate is P1,600*** for up to 10 people. This also includes Juag Lagoon and Subic Beach.
Fees:
- P50 registration for locals
- P300 registration for foreigners
- P20 environmental fee
***All fees already include all three destinations (Tikling Island, Juag Lagoon and Subic Beach).
Juag Lagoon
Juag Lagoon is included in your island hopping itinerary while in Matnog. This marine sanctuary is home to a few rare fish. You can also find clams, lobsters, turtles, groupers, and others in the different pens. You can swim and snorkel in one of the pens while you feed the fish.
Subic Beach
Walk along the shore and let your feet sink into a long stretch of powdery pink sand in Subic Beach. Dip into the turquoise waters to cool off and forget your worries. The waves can get rough during certain times of the year, so prepare ahead.
Bulusan Lake
This volcanic lake is an excellent place to chill and enjoy nature amid diverse flora and fauna. There are also hiking trails for those who want an adventurous day out. You can swim in the lake or paddle around by renting a kayak for P100. If you’re hiking, there’s a P550 registration fee, a guide costs P500 a day for five people, while a porter costs P350 a day.
How to get there
From Sorsogon, go to the integrated bus and jeep terminal. Once there, get on a jeep departing for Gubat. At Gubat, board a jeepney traveling to Bulusan. After reaching Bulusan town, you can hire a tricycle to take you to the lake for P300 roundtrip.
Donsol Whale Shark Interaction
Donsol transformed from a sleepy town to one that many tourists want to visit. The whale sharks can range from 4m to 12m long! They also have huge mouths to suck in shrimp. The whale shark viewing season is from November to June, while ideal months to see the gentle giants are April and May.
How to get there
Legazpi is a possible jump-off point en route to Donsol. You can take the van for P100 or the jeep for P70. The trip takes anywhere between 1.5 hours to two hours.
Fees:
- P300 registration fee
- P3500 half day boat rental
How to Go to Sorsogon
There are frequent buses departing from Metro Manila to Sorsogon. If you are departing from EDSA Cubao, you can board an Isarog Line bus that leaves at 3:30pm and costs around P1,340 or a Penafrancia Tours bus that leaves at 5:30pm for P1,230; at 8:30pm for P1,690. You can also board a DLTBCo bus leaving from LRT Buendia at 4:00pm and 7:00pm for around P1,210.
