Whenever one thought of Sorsogon, the gentle giant whale sharks of Donsol first came to mind. However, upon further exploration, one would learn that the province offered a plethora of delights that included beautiful beaches, heritage towns, and other natural gems comprising waterfalls, quaint lakes, firefly-laden rivers, and sleepy volcanoes. From the rich flora and fauna, colorful culture and traditions, and platefuls of delicious local cuisine to everything that ticked every intrepid traveler's checklist, it was no wonder each time a visitor departed Sorsogon, heaps of memorable experiences were left behind.
Sorsogon: Beyond the Gentle Giants
The province's things-to-do list was full of exciting adventures. Swimming with the butandings in Donsol introduced visitors to the mesmerizing world of the underwater, especially where one could experience the thrill of chasing the gentle giants of Sorsogon.
Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t fast enough on my fins to catch up with them. I saw a whale shark from our boat for a moment or two, but lost sight of it when we dove into the water because they swam fast, though not so furiously; fellow travel writers from the other boat were lucky enough to swim with a playful baby whale shark.
The white sandy beaches lapped with turquoise-colored waters in Matnog lured beachgoers to a day of beach fixes and chilling at the long shores of the pinkish Subic Beach on Calintaan Island. It was also here where a variety of sea creatures could be seen up close at the Juag Fish Sanctuary.
Heritage & History
For heritage and history enthusiasts, the Spanish colonial houses in Juban provided a dash of throwback vibes to a simpler life more than a century ago. Lined up charmingly on a short part of the Maharlika Highway were four bahay na bato (stone houses) that were still immaculately preserved. The foundations of these houses, built way back in the 1890s, were made of stone bricks, upon which the wooden second floors stood.
One of the houses was even converted into a bed and breakfast called "Casa Feliz," where guests could stay for only two hundred pesos per bed per night. These houses came under threat of demolition a couple of years ago due to a planned road widening project. Thankfully, an online petition managed to halt it. A few towns away in Barcelona, additional history could be found in the ruins of the old Spanish tribunal or Gobernadorcillo house.
But wait, there was more history to uncover at Museo Sorsogon. The site of a former provincial jail and justice hall, it was transformed by the provincial government into a museum in 2019. Retaining its original early 1900s architecture, the museum featured ten galleries showcasing historical items related to the province of Sorsogon that were curated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office.
It also showcased artworks done by former inmates, such as the painting of the Lady of Justice found on the second floor, and a mural of revolutionary hero Che Guevara. The museum also converted the old exercise yard of prisoners into an amphitheater.
Coastal & Nature Gems
For the wave-riding buccaneers, the swell they were seeking could be found on the waters of Rizal Beach in Gubat town. This underrated surfing spot facing the Pacific Ocean was then becoming a favorite even among surfers from different parts of the globe.
Kambal Busay Falls in Bulusan, Sorsogon had me stripping down to my boxer shorts for a therapeutic dip while the others were busy hiking to the other falls because it totally exceeded my expectations. Another best thing about this was the waterfalls' five-minute accessibility from Zoe's Resort & Eco Adventure Park. The park had done a fine job keeping the place in great condition by minimizing man-made structures and managing visitors' capacity.
Snacking on pili nuts while enjoying a tranquil cruise over the greenish waters of the Buhatan River was an absolute treat. A community-led cooperative group, organized by the late Gina Lopez in 2014, managed this eco-adventure tour that took visitors along a narrow tributary flanked by mangrove forests, snaking its way until it met the waters of Sorsogon Bay. A local musician serenaded tourists on the floating cabanas with acoustic melodies accompanied by the background chirping hymns of several bird species.
One could not leave Sorsogon without experiencing the tranquility of Lake Bulusan. Kayaking in the middle of the lake with only the chirruping sounds of nature provided the perfect moment to listen to one's own thoughts. Given that there was no existing PHIVOLCS alert level, a trek to the Bulusan Volcano might have been in order for mountaineers on the lookout for a forested peak to conquer, as well as spotting numerous colorful bird species.
All of these and more could be experienced in Sorsogon. The Bicol region wasn’t hashtagged #ExcitingBicol for nothing because the provinces it covered, such as Sorsogon, fully lived up to their billing—offering travelers nothing but exhilarating and pleasant destinations.
Practical Travel Guide
How to Get There:
Fly to Bicol International Airport (DRP) in Daraga, Albay. From there, take a bus or van bound for Sorsogon City (approx. 1 hour). Public jeeps, tricycles, and motorized bancas connect all major coastal towns and attractions across the province.
Travel Tips:
Whale shark interaction season in Donsol peaks between November and May. Pre-book your boat slots with official tourism offices and ensure you respect environmental guidelines during wildlife encounters.
For an extensive guide, read this Sorsogon Travel Guide.
- Explore more destinations in our Exciting Bicol collection.
- Discover coastal and eco-tours in our Travel Guides.
