Out of Town Trip: A Guide For First-Time Travelers to Sorsogon

Want to visit Sorsogon? Before hopping onto the bus or plane, we’re sharing with you some tidbits about the place that you can bring with you when you travel to the beautiful province known as the ‘Land of Kasanggayahan’ or ‘A Life of Prosperity.’

Here are 3 great spots in Sorsogon that we think you shouldn’t skip when you visit:

Destination 1: Matnog

Matnog is a coastal municipality in the Philippines’ Bicol Region, located near the southernmost tip of Sorsogon province. It is well-known for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and diverse marine life. Matnog is also a popular starting point for visiting other Sorsogon tourist spots such as Donsol, Bulusan, and Irosin, and is home to the Matnog Ferry Port, which is the main gateway to Samar Island.

Here are some of the things you can do in Matnog: 

• Island hopping: Matnog is surrounded by picturesque islands that are ideal for island hopping and swimming. Tikling Island, Juag Lagoon, and Subic Beach are all popular places to visit.
• Snorkeling and diving: With its rich marine ecosystem, you wouldn’t want to miss out exploring the underwater world here. 
• Relaxing on the beach: If you just want to relax and bask under the sun, then go for it. Enjoy Matnog’s beaches with stretches of white sand and clear waters.
• Visiting the Matnog Church: One of the most popular tourist attractions here is the Matnog Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic church that was built in the early 1900s. 

Destination 2: Bulusan

Bulusan is a scenic municipality in Sorsogon province’s southeastern region. It is home to the spectacular Mount Bulusan, an active stratovolcano known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Bulusan,” as well as a number of other natural features like lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Mount Bulusan is the fourth active volcano in the country. Adventurers love trekking it by foot. However, note that the whole journey is not advisable for beginners as the trail starts by kayaking through Bulusan Lake, and may take approximately 6 hours to complete. This ascent is feasible as a day journey, but it is typically undertaken as an overnight trek.

Other spots in Bulusan that you may visit are the Bulusan Church, which was built in the early 1800s, and the Bulusan Museum, which has a collection of relics and exhibits that tell the narrative of Bulusan’s rich history and culture.

Destination 3: Donsol

Picture this, you’re swimming under water and then the gentle giants, aka whale sharks suddenly swim around you. That, friends, is the unique experience you’d have in donsot. 

As you experience the beauty and power of these delicate creatures, you will surely be filled with amazement and astonishment. So, if this is a part of your bucket list, then you might as well include a trip to Donsol when you go to Sorsogon. 

Pioneering sustainable whale shark tourism and is recognized by UNESCO, the municipality makes sure to safeguard the whale sharks and their ecosystem by implementing severe regulations. One of which is that visitors are prohibited to touch or approach the whale sharks. This is to ensure that the creatures are undisturbed in their natural habitat.

Sorsogon is really a treasure trove of natural wonders. Whether you choose to gaze upon the majestic slumbering volcano of Mount Bulusan, explore the UNESCO-listed jungle paradise of Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, bask under the sun in Matnog, or dive into the Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Zone for an unforgettable swim with these gentle ocean giants, you will surely have an amazing time in this part of the Philippines. 

Sorsogon is not only accessible via air through a flight going to Albay and from there a land trip takes about 1.5-2 hours, but also through a 12-14 hour land trip from Manila via bus. 

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a camera for your visit to this delightful region. Remember to appreciate the local culture and environment while you create your very own unforgettable Sorsogon experiences!

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