Sorsogon: A Gem in the South

Sorsogon is the southernmost province in Luzon which is situated in the Bicol region. Its capital is the Sorsogon City. Sorsogon is approximately 615 kilometers distant from Manila and has a travel time of an average of 12 to 16 hours by land, depending on the traffic. To avoid long travel time, we chose to travel by air.

April 28, we departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport 4 (MNL) at around 1550H. Then, we arrived at Bicol International Airport (LGP) at around 1700H which was located in Legazpi, Albay. We were welcomed by the majestic Mayon Volcano.

Quick snaps with Mayon Volcano at the airport.

From Legazpi, we needed to ride a bus or van going to Sorsogon. Since it was our first time to go to Sorsogon by air, we didn't know how to get to the terminal. We asked the tricycle drivers for instructions and they told us that we could wait along the highway which was 1.8 kilometers from the airport. However, since it was already rush hour, we asked them to drop us to the terminal so we could get sure seats.

Upon arrival to the terminal, we rode a van going to Sorsogon proper. It was an hour and a half ride. We arrived at the Sitex terminal in Sorsogon at around 1930H; we called my cousin to fetch us as there were no more jeepneys lined up. Then, after a 15-minute travel from the terminal, we finally got home.

April 29, our first day in the province, we woke up to the sound of chirping birds and nature. We got up as early as 0600H, took our breakfast, then we went straight for a walk to the farmland. It was a breath of fresh air.

The view of hard work for the locals and rest for us.

In the afternoon, we went to Sorsogon City and visited the Lighthouse and Hanging Bridge in Sorsogon Rompeolas and the Capitol Park. We were supposed to visit the museum but it was still closed for visiting that time. Alternatively, we took some road trip in the city then headed back home.

This Hanging Bridge was closed but we took few steps to get a snapshot.

Tourist thingy at the Capitol Park.

April 30, we went to Matnog, Sorsogon for our 2-day trip in Subic Beach. We rode a jeepney for an hour and a half to Matnog Port. When we arrived there, we went to the Matnog Tourism to meet our tour guide and other company for the tour. (Shoutout to MG's Travel and Tours for a very affordable tour package!) When the boatman was assigned for us, we headed to the Subic Beach which is located in Calintaan Island, Sorsogon.

Subic Beach is one of the best known places to go to in Sorsogon. It is a 300-meter long island with a pinkish white beach due to the presence of tiny red corals in the shoreline and has crystal clear water. It is a good place to relax, swim, and breathe. When we arrived there, we dropped our things then we changed clothes and headed to Calintaan Cave.

Dronie with the joiners club of MG's Travel and Tours.

Thank you Ms. Marjorie Guda and Ms. Kathy Llanes.

Calintaaan Cave is a 15 minute boat ride to the west of Subic beach. It has beautiful rock formation and has palm trees planted on its terrain. The underwater sight was equally beautiful. The corals are alive and has different colorful fishes swimming back and forth. (Just too sad we forgot to take photos of them). Going into the cave was a challenge. The current was too strong outside especially inside. The opening of the cave is small so you cannot go inside the cave when the waves are high. After spending 30 minutes in Calintaan Cave, we headed to Juag Lagoon Fish sanctuary.

Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary was established by the Geneblazo family to become a safe place for marine animals and plants. Enclosed with bamboo structures, tourists can do snorkeling or swimming but putting on sunblock is not allowed. It has big fishes; underwater cameras are allowed only when you opt to snorkel which cost 200php per person.

We were unable to go to Tikling Island as the boatman refused to bring us there. Nonetheless, we just opted to enjoy the beautiful beach of Subic.

The day after, when we were about to go back home, one of our companion who was also a joiner of Subic tour gave us side trip to Barcelona, Sorsogon.

Barcelona, Sorsogon is known for its fruit crop lakatan which is a specie of banana. It has a place in history as it has the Saint Joseph Church commonly known as Barcelona Church. It was built by the Franciscan Friars in 1874. The church was made out of coral stones, beaten egg whites and tuba (local coconut wine). Across the street in front of the church is the Barcelona Ruins Park facing the Pacific Ocean. (Source: Tourist Spots Finder)

Thanks for the snaps Sir Chad! :)

May 2, we went to Lola Sayong Ecosurf Farm, a surf camp situated in Brgy. Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon. It is a great place for meditation, silence, chilling, and surfing. It has hammocks where you can sit and sway with the wind, and nipa huts to relax and stay overnight.