SORSOGON ITINERARY for 2 Days (Island-Hopping Experience)

Sorsogon is an exciting destination in the Bicol region. It boasts pristine beaches, historic sites, and even a hot spring! Proper planning is essential to fully experience these attractions.

There’s no need for concern, though. I’ll guide you through our two-day trip to Sorsogon. This journey took place in a few years ago when I participated in a group travel and met some wonderful new friends. We started our adventure by heading to the most distant part of Bicol, situated at the tip of Luzon. This is the town of Matnog, which houses the port for travelers bound for Samar, as well as other parts of Visayas and Mindanao. For a compact two-day trip, it’s advisable to rent a van. However, if you’re opting for a DIY route, you might need at least three days or possibly more.

Got the strategy for this journey? Start by traveling to the most remote location first and then work your way back, culminating in Albay before returning to Manila. Let’s begin.

DAY 1 : Islands of Matnog, Sorsogon

We traveled about 14 hours from Manila to Matnog. It was one of the longest land travels I have done recently. It was about 2 PM when we arrived in Matnog and went straight to our boatmen’s house (Contact Alex 09183045437) to prepare for the island hopping.

Matnog is blessed with tiny islands off its coast that are worth discovering with its pristine beaches. Our first stop is the island of Tikling.

Tikling island

The island derives its name from a bird called Tikling, which is abundant in the area. What immediately caught our attention upon arrival was its pinkish-white sand, a refreshing deviation from the usual pure white beaches we’re accustomed to.

Welcome!

As Tikling is privately owned, no resorts have been established there. We only encountered one family who lived on the island as caretakers. On the other side of the island, both small and massive rock formations can be found. This destination is undoubtedly a must-visit when you’re in Matnog.

READ THE BLOG POST: Tikling Island : The Pinkish White Beach of Matnog, Sorsogon

Juag Marine Sanctuary

A short distance from Tikling, we ventured into the inner parts of the smaller islands and stumbled upon a quaint lagoon. There stood a small house, owned by our guide. It turns out her father was the pioneer behind the marine sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to an array of fishes, varying in color and size. We were fortunate enough to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. The Juag Marine Sanctuary serves as an essential initiative to conserve and propagate various fish species.

That’s the one in the middle

Subic Beach

By the time we reached Subic Beach, it was already late in the afternoon. To clarify, this isn’t the Subic in Olongapo! Haha

While many associate the name Subic with the popular Export Processing Zone and port, there’s another “Subic” nestled in Sorsogon that promises a tranquil summer retreat.

Wow!

We camped on the beach for the night. The highlight, however, was the sumptuous dinner and bonding over drinks with fellow travelers. And, oh, did I mention this beach also has that unique pinkish-white sand? Intriguing, isn’t it? If these tales haven’t convinced you to visit Sorsogon yet, stay tuned for more travel stories from the following day.

Kwentong Barbero! HAhaha!

Good bye Subic Beach. Photo Credit: Michelle Garcia Lomotan

Waking up to the mesmerizing beach of Subic was an unforgettable experience, but our quest for adventure enticed us to explore other gems of Sorsogon. We made our way back to the mainland, eager to discover more of this captivating province.

READ THE BLOG POST: Subic Beach: The Wonder of Sorsogon

Day 2: More Tourist Spots in Sorsogon

San Benon Hot Spring in Irosin

Located in Irosin, Sorsogon, the San Benon Hot Spring was perfect for us. After a day of island hopping, this hot spring provided the much-needed relaxation we craved.

Group shot! Photo Credit: Nhel Montuya

It’s situated at the foot of an active volcano, which explains the hot temperature of the water. The pool was soothing, relaxing both our tired muscles and “fats.” Haha!

READ THE BLOG POST: Irosin: A Walk to the Hilltop Church

Bulusan Lake

Recharged and revitalized by the hot spring, our next destination offered another exciting nature experience.

Bulusan Lake, located in the town of Bulusan, is a serene body of water. It’s so peaceful that there’s almost a mystical quality to it. This was particularly evident when I tried kayaking to the middle of the lake; the feeling was extraordinary. I’m not certain if this is what people refer to as a “connection with nature,” but every destination affects travelers differently. For someone like me, who often reflects deeply on my thoughts, Bulusan Lake holds a special place in my heart.

Barcelona Church and Ruins

I was eager to dig deeper into our history by visiting the church and ruins of Barcelona, Sorsogon. If you’re unfamiliar with the province, you might be surprised to discover that Spain isn’t the only country with a Barcelona. The Philippines has one too!

Ruins

Upon alighting from the van, the Barcelona Ruins was the first site that caught my eye. After speaking with some tourism officers, they informed me that the early settlers of Barcelona were the tribal communities of Danlog, primarily hunters and fishermen.

In the early 1800s, the Spaniards arrived and took control of the entire community. They later named it “Barcelona” in honor of the then-capital town of Spain, Cataluna. Subsequently, they built the church located just across from the Ruins Park, which they named St. Joseph Church. Today, it’s commonly referred to as Barcelona Church and stands as one of the oldest churches in Bicol.

I had the opportunity to enter the church and offer a prayer. To be honest, praying in this church gave me a profound experience.

At that point in my life, I was still deeply mourning the loss of my father. I can’t quite explain it, but since then, I’ve come to view churches differently. Before, they were just new destinations to explore and learn about. Now, every church I visit becomes a place where I find solace in deep prayer.

READ THE BLOG POST: Barcelona Ruins and Church in Sorsogon

Yeah! Photo Credit: Nhel Montuya

Paguriran Island 

As the late afternoon approached, we had one more spot in Sorsogon on our itinerary. To my delight, it quickly became one of my favorites!

Paguriran Island is situated just a few meters off the coast, close enough that you can walk to it during low tide. As we reached the island, we were greeted by a lagoon surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.

Going to Paguriran Island

I once read a description saying the lagoon, when viewed from above, resembles a place where mystical creatures and mermaids might reside. Quite the thought, isn’t it?

I took a brief swim and then chose to climb to the island’s highest point. The view from there was breathtaking—showcasing both the mesmerizing lagoon and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on the other side. Absolutely spectacular!

READ MORE: Paguriran Island Island and Lagoon in Sorsogon

So there you have it—a glimpse into a potential travel itinerary for Sorsogon. One thing’s for sure: you’ll love what Sorsogon has to offer. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this enchanting province for yourself!

Note:  Other destinations to explore in Sorsogon are Whale Shark Watching in Donsol, Surfing in Gubat, and other attractions in Juban and Magallanes. If you have more time, there are also worthy to explore.

Note: First published on May 1, 2017. Updated for 2023

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