Search for content, post, videos

Sorsogon: Bicol Region’s Freshest Tourist Destination

sorsogon

Sorsogon lies at the southernmost tip of Luzon in the province of Bicol. Dubbed as the gateway to the Southern Philippines, it’s the home of almost 800,000 hospitable Sorsogueños living with 14 municipalities and a city. Truly, a province surrounded by water. Ready yourself for a one-of-a-kind and rising eco-tourist destination in Bicol region.

Donsol Whale Shark
Photo Credit to Donsol Eco Tour

Sorsogon City is less than one and a half hour away from Legazpi. I don’t have any idea how exciting this Sorsogon trip could be. Fairly, when I hear the word Sorsogon the first thing that comes to my mind are the whale sharks of Donsol.

I had been part of many traveling groups and sadly, I hardly saw topics about this province. Evidently, Donsol is the most popular tourist destination in Sorsogon but I’m telling you, there are more reasons why your next destination should be Sorsogon

1. They Have a Hotel Which Isn’t Just a hotel, it’s a Destination!

Located in the heart of the city, Siama Hotel was our starting point in discovering the beauty of the province. Unlike any other hotels, Siama gave me a deeper connection with nature.

This boutique hotel is surrounded by tall coconut trees and lush garden. As soon as you enter their property you will instantly feel the detachment from the bustling part of the city.

The hotel is so quiet that you can hardly hear any noise. Truly, a perfect place for people who are looking for quality and relaxing vacation.

Check Rate and Availability

Hotel Lobby

The rustic, minimalist and contemporary design of Milo Naval; the owner of the hotel is one of the reasons why Siama is outstanding. It’s modern and yet you will feel that you are still connected with nature.

The receiving and dining area are cross-ventilated allowing air to flow easily. The walls are unpainted giving a more natural look. The objects are kept in the minimum making it so neat and the furniture are crafted from mahogany wood.

Siama Hotel Room

Did I mention that they have a big hammock over their swimming pool? The view is so instagrammable and absolutely the spot for your next profile picture.

Our room showcased how minimalist the owner is; the bed is comfortable and there’s no television to give you more time to unwind. Also, our room has easy access to their pool area. Wake up early and don’t miss the chance of hearing the birds humming while having your breakfast.

Siama Hotel

Siama Hotel is located at Sitio San Lorenzo, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Philippines

Looking for Hotel in Sorsogon? Save extra money by booking with Agoda

2. Be the First to Discover the Emerging Surfing Destination of Gubat

Surfers would really love to discover this raw, unspoiled, less crowded, uncommercialized surfing haven in Gubat, Sorsogon. From the moment we stepped out of our coaster, I could hear the rhythmic percussion of waves.

The beach is facing the Pacific Ocean and waves during this month (July) is ideal for beginners but I noticed that it’s bigger compared with the one in La Union. Locals said, for experienced surfers, the month of October – March is the best time to visit.

Gubat Sorsogon
Gubat, Sorsogon

It’s a long stretch of fine and gray-sand beach covered. There are no big resorts and party. If we will be given a chance to stay overnight, I can sense the chillax ambiance at night while having a drink.

Surfing - Gubat

How to Get There:

Coming from Sorsogon City, you can ride a jeep going to Gubat. From Gubat Town proper, catch a jeep going to Bulusan that passes by Rizal Beach or hire a tricycle that can bring you directly to Lola Sayong Surf Camp.

3. Their River Cruise with Firefly Watching is Enchanting

Your visit to Sorsogon will never be complete without trying Buhatan River Eco Adventure. It’s one of the newest attractions in the province founded and managed by the initiative of the people of Buhatan.

Buhatan River Cruise

I was expecting it to be like the river cruise that I had in Loboc, Bohol but it turned out to be different. This is more slow, calm, and relaxing. There was no buffet during the cruise, no band playing in the background, but I find it quite alright as it made the cruise more peaceful. The cruise can only take a maximum of 10pax.

Our rectangular, floating, bamboo cottage has a white cloth which serves as its roof. The chairs have white and soft cushions to sitting comfortable. During the cruise, we enjoyed different kinds of Pili Products and a juice made of ginger.

As we moved to our destination, which is a floating restaurant, I felt delighted to hear the story of Bayanihan (a spirit of communal unity and cooperation) to make Buhatan River Eco Adventure a success.

Buhatan River

People from the community help each other to plant mangroves, now its shoreline has lush vegetation. They clean and protect the river regularly and it created more jobs for the local.

After our delectable dinner, we tried to catch some shrimp using a square fish net that we throw on the river while waiting for the sun to set and started our cruise back to the starting point.

Buhatan River Cruise

The air became cool and the evening eats away all the colors and lights. Suddenly, there was a quick flicker and crackle of light, one at a time, too fast for the naked eye. Fireflies started to show up; warm glows that illuminated the night.

I can’t explain the feeling exactly; I just think it’s magical, bizarre, and enchanting. I badly tried to catch a good photo but it’s too dark and they are too small that my camera failed to capture their beauty. I would be forever thankful that I experienced this kind of adventure.

For more information Call or Text 09399381215 or email Buhatan Barangay Council at brgybuhatan@yahoo.com

4. They Just Don’t Have a White Sand Beach – They Have a Pinkish White Beach!

While everyone goes crazy with fine white beach, people in Matnog, Sorsogon enjoy a pinkish white-sand beach. Matnog is the home of amazing aquatic species and incredible pinkish sand.

Sorsogon

We first visited Tikling Island, which reminds me of Islands in Britania, Surigao. It’s peaceful and there was only one nipa hut built on the island. The sand was mixed with small coral stones, the water was crystal clear and we were lucky to spot some wild boars roaming around. I hope they could keep the raw beauty of this island.

Tikling Island

Our next stop was my favorite; Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary. When I heard our guide said that it’s a good spot for diving and snorkeling, I immediately felt so ecstatic and would love to jump instantly. I never missed the opportunity to swim with fishes and they are incredibly big. At first, I was alarmed that they might bite me but sooner I enjoyed feeding them.

Juag Marine Sanctuary
Booking.com
Juag Lagoon

The last part of our tour was beach bumming at Subic Beach, Matnog’s very own pinkish-white beach. Absolutely, one of the best beaches I visited.

It’s low season during July, I believe we are the only visitors during that time. Water was incredibly clear and has different shades of blue and green. Sand is powdery and sparkling. This is my definition of Paradise – isolated, beautiful, and tranquil.

Subic Beach

How to Get There:

  • Coming from Manila by land you can take a bus bound to Matnog from Alabang, Cubao or Pasay. Look for bus companies like DLTB, Philtranco, or Penafrancia. Travel time is 14 hours. An alternate option is to take a bus bound to Samar, it will stop at Matnog Pier before boarding the ferry.
  • If you will fly from Manila to Legazpi, from the airport ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you at Daraga – Matnog bus terminal.
  • Alternatively, take a bus bound to Sorsogon City, then ride a jeep that can bring you to Matnog.

5. You Don’t Need to Fly out of the Country to Experience Switzerland

I felt like entering a different dimension when we entered the gate of Bulusan Lake National Park. No wonder because it’s nestled at the foot of an active Volcano.  The 1 km road from the gate up to the lake, which was surrounded by tall trees and plants was ravishing.

Bulusan Lake

The sun was about to set when we reached the lake. The beauty of Bulusan Lake, dubbed as the Switzerland of the orient made my jaw drop. Absolutely, the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen in the Philippines. The lake was surrounded by lush green trees, the water was clean and green too.

There are different activities available in the park. we tried the canopy walk and kayaking. But the best part of our stay was our short snack break on the floating villa at the heart of Lake Bulusan, where locals served us delicious Pili delicacies while listening to local songs. Some had a relaxing massage too.

Floating Cabana

If you want to explore more, beyond the lake are several springs, hiking trails, and falls. You can coordinate with the management to do these activities.

How to Get There:

You can take a tricycle from Irosin public market or wait for a Bulusan jeepney and alight at the Park entrance. From here, it’s a one-kilometer walk to the lake.

Sarung Banggi is a popular Bicolano song written by Potenciano B. Gregorio Sr. Sarung Banggi means one night or one evening ❤️

Other points of interest

  • Donsol whale shark watching
  • The century church at Barcelona and old houses at Juban
  • Cold and hot spring of Irosin
  • Seawater lagoon at Bacon
  • Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm

My 2 days tour to Sorsogon was truly not enough to experience and see everything that Sorsogon could offer. If I would summarize Sorsogon in a few words, it would be, “It has everything to satisfy your dream vacation.” Not to forget their delicious food, warm people, enthusiastic LGU, and community. If you are still wondering where to go next, think no more. Visit the Freshest destination of Bicol, Visit Sorsogon!

Note: This is a sponsored FAM Tour by Tourism Promotions Board to promote the province of Sorsogon. All views, posts, and opinions shared here are my own. Thank you TPB for inviting me to be part of this tour. Again, Travelosyo is glad to be part of your mission and vision.

36 comments

  • […] was part of our Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon tour or ALMASOR. In the second edition of ALMASOR’s “Soul of the South” coffee table book, […]

  • Hi Dear,
    Thanks for sharing this post. That blog was amazing, I am impressed with your thoughts. I got the best information about travel from this site, It’s very useful to all of us.

    • Hello Nitin,

      Thank you for reading my articles, I appreciate it! Have a good day ahead, and safe travels always!

  • […] Related Article [Sorsogon: Bicol Region’s Freshest Tourist Destination] […]

  • It’s really nice and beautiful presentation Sorsogon; it’s a perfect tourist destination. I cannot resist myself to be here. Could you please suggest me the best hotel in Sorsogon?

  • Such a wonderful place, Sorsogon…Very interesting article with wonderful photos. I really like your post. Keep it up.

  • wow, I love the beach, I love the pool the lake, and everything your so lucky na nkapunta sa mga lugar na to…

  • Just wow! Sorsogon sure looks like a very beautiful place and a very interesting travel destination. Swimming with the whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I would really love to try it with my boys. I sure hope we can go there one day and visit the many wonderful attractions you featured here on your post. Definitely adding Sorsogon to my bucket list!

  • A nice view plus a nice place to stay at. I’d love to visit here one day. The cruise looks like something we’d definitely try too.

  • Can you share the rates of Siama Hotel, please? I have been seeing a lot of posts lately paying the beauty of Bicol the praises it deserves. I have never been to Bicol before but my friends and I are planning on visiting next year. I hope it pushes through! I’d love to go whale shark watching! 🙂

  • Ah, Sorsogon. The neighboring province of our hometown. It’s surely is a must-visit in the country. 😉

  • Wow! I mostly see reviews about Bora, Vigan, and those common places and it is my first time indeed to read an experience about sorsogon. Now this is indeed a travel destination, a must visit place! I am eyeing to visit Vigan but now, I am thinking twice about the former and Sorsogon.

  • That looks like so much fun! I have always wanted to go to a pink beach. And the tropical fish are amazing! I don’t surf myself but it would be fun to watch the expert surfers!

  • Enough reasons to make me want to go! I love the hotel. Would definitely like to stay there for a holiday. I love easy access to the pool area. Had that once in Crete as well and it was great. Love the beach pictures and I’m I would love Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary.

  • Your post made me want to go to Sorsogon soon! I love the boutique hotel you went to. I love that they don’t have tv. I believe that communing with nature and reading books or having conversations with family and friends are better ways to recreate and spend one’s vacation.

  • It’s nice to know that they have done so much already to enable more tourists to visit Sorsogon… In particular Gubat, Irosin and other nearby towns. I used to go there every other week but it was for business. Back then, tourists? What tourists? Even on the road we were always wary because of NPA.

  • The photos of the lagoon and the Siama Bote are enough to get me booking a visit there right away, haha! I think it’s best we go when the weather is more agreeable though. Thanks so much for shaken the different options for first-timers!

  • When I hear Bicol, I remember my ex, especially Donsol, that’s where he live. Unfortunately, I’ve never been there, I’d love to see the butanding, they’re very famous already! The places you visited are really cool!

  • Wowza! Love your adventurous side and able to see this wonderful places. I love to explore this places someday. Thanks for sharing these great photos..:)
    http://www.wish4less.info

  • The place looks so lovely.so nice to have so many wonderful places in Philippines.

  • The 14-hour land travel is bearable if this beaty of the province awaits you. Never been to Sorsogon but have seen the beauty of it through your photos and this well-written article. Thanks, Cai!:)

  • Wow! What an incredible place! And that hammock – looks amazing!

  • My almost trip hahaha.. I’d been to Sorsogon already but I didn’t really experience any of the things that you did on this trip so I’m inggit. But at least now I know what to do when I come back to revisit.

  • These are really beautiful places to get away, first the minimalist hotel, an idyllic place to just relax and be one with nature, then the pristine beaches which seem untouched by man and finally a piece of Switzerland in the Philippines. A truly magical experience indeed.

  • My friend who’s from Sorsogon has been bugging me for forever to go there. She’s from Gubat. I definitely can see why Sorsogon is a rising tourist destination in the South. It has lots to offer! Would definitely want to stay at Siama Hotel too. that hammock!

  • Wow! This looks like a not to be missed region of the Philippines. I can’t believe how much you can see in 2 days. I would love to visit when the whale sharks are around. What is the best month to visit for that?

  • Perfect timing to read your post as we are planning to go for a road trip to Bicol next month and Sorsogon will be part of it. Thanks for sharing these top tips and guides. Will be very useful for us.

  • So amazing!!! Lots of fun things to do here. Would love this place to be my next local getaway trip! 💙💙💙

  • I love Siama’s dining table top. Oh that hammock on the pool! Excellent idea. The rustic yet comfy look of the river cruise boat is gorgeous. That’s it, need to check out Sorsogon some time soon.

  • THAT POOL!!! Wow, most picturesque shot ever. Great photos Cai!

  • Wow, you’ve visited these tourist spots for 2 days only. I always hear Matnog from my relatives who always visit Bicol, maganda nga.

  • Wow, you’ve visited these tourist spots for 2 days only. I always hear Matnog from my relatives who always visit Bicol, maganda nga. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.