Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Sorsogon Shopping
Because Sorsogon is has a wide agricultural area and long shorelines, its products are a combination of those coming from the farms and those come from the sea. Thus, the province provides many options for people of different tastes and lifestyles.
Pili Nut
The pili nut is one of the most popular products of the Bicol region. Almost every province and municipality in the region has their way of preparing food products from this nut. The most common pili preparations are the sugarcoated pili nuts and the pili candies. You will also find pili tarts that are being sold in near Sorsogon tourist spots.
Rice
Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and many of the agricultural areas in the country cultivate rice to support the demands of the population. During your travel to Sorsogon, you are likely to find that many of the inland areas are utilized as farms for rice and crops. You will find palays being dried near the roads.
Food Products from Coconuts
Coconuts are also abundant agricultural products in Sorsogon. It is known to most people that there are many products that may be processed from the coconut tree. The fruit may be eaten fresh and the juice may be served as refreshments. The stem may be processed into coco lumber that is used for furniture and houses. The leaves may be used as broomsticks. Some handicrafts may also be made from coconut products.
Before you leave Sorsogon, one of the coconut products that you must try is the wine made from the juice of the fruit. It has a unique character that you will want to take home some bottles so that your friends can also try it.
Seafoods
Because the province of Sorsogon is bordered waters, the province is also rich in seafood products that are cooked the traditional way. Local fishes, mud crabs, blue crabs and prawns are usually cooked in gata (coconut milk) and spiced with the local sili (pepper).
Upon knowing what the local products of Sorsogon are, it is hard to resist not being able to try them or to take some home with you. The best way to find a selection of quality Sorsogon products is to come to local public market. There, the products are less expensive than if you purchase them near the tourist destinations, bus stops and ports. If you intend to buy quantities of products, don’t forget to try asking for a discount.
Sorsogon Transportation
Overview
The beautiful province of Sorsogon has stunning beaches and other tourist destinations that draw visitors to it. Hopping around the surrounding areas of Sorsogon is also very much possible with the ease and comfort that Sorsogon transportation provides. In fact, the different modes of Sorsogon transportation can be availed of by just about anyone and this is especially true for tourists. Knowing how to get to Sorsogon and around the city is a big plus especially if one is planning to cut down on vacationing expenses.
Getting to Sorsogon
Sorsogon can be found on the southernmost tip of the Luzon island and having said that, there are various modes of Sorsogon transportation that one can take to get to this province. For those who are coming from Manila and even Angeles City, there are two options to get here and these are via plane and via land. If one is coming from the southern part of the Philippines though, an option is to ride a ferry.
If one’s starting point is Manila and one is looking to avail of the cheapest mode of Sorsogon transportation, it would be wise to take the bus. The bus ride has two parts, the first of which will get one from Manila to Legazpi City. This bus ride will take about 10 to 12 hours and from Legazpi City, Sorsogon is accessible via another bus ride of less than an hour. The fare is less than Php1000 but if one wants to get there faster, there’s also the option of taking the plane.
Flying to Sorsogon is possible by hopping on a 45 minute flight from Manila to Legazpi City. Depending on the time of year that one travelled, there might be promotional offers that will bring down plane ticket rates to about Php1500. From Legazpi City, the only way to get to Sorsogon is to take the bus. The major airlines that transport people from Manila to Legazpi 3 to 4 times a week are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Getting Around Sorsogon City
The standard means of Sorsogon transportation are available once one is within the city limits such as jeepneys and tricycles. If one is making several stops at the town, the best mode of Sorsogon transportation would be the tricycle. Jeepneys are also an option and for those who need to go outside of Sorsgon’s perimeter, then there are the busses that traverse the national roads.
Sorsogon Hotels and Resorts
Overview
The Bicol Region is the province where Sorsogon can be found and it has 14 towns, the capital city being Sorsogon City. Because the Bicol region is quite a distance from Manila, when staying in this area it’s a good idea to find a hotel where one can stay at that will be mindful of all of one’s needs.
Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon
Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is found in Bacon District which is an hour drive from Legazpi City. This hotel has been built on an expansive lot and facilities include a gym, business center, swimming pool and because it is so near the beach, diving is an activity that is commonly done here. The Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is a 5-star hotel and they also offer massage and spa services. Booking online is available through their website with instant confirmation. Aside from the great services they provide, food is excellent at the Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon and there is room service available no matter what time of day. Since this hotel is a distance from the capital city, transportation can be arranged with front desk for a trip to the town and they also offer package tours. Room rates at Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon start at Php 3000 during off peak while during peak season the deluxe room rate is Php 5000.
Villa Isabel
However, if something closer to Sorsogon City is what one needs, then something that’s a little closer to it compared to Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is Villa Isabel. Villa Isabel is actually just a small hotel with only 10 rooms and this means that their team is more dedicated to upgrading the service they provide their guests. Villa Isabel is right in the heart of Sorsogon City on Flores Street in Burabod. From the outside, this hotel looks like a very big house, a hacienda to be precise, and among the activities they are able to offer their guests are package tours and whale shark interaction. Villa Isabel is also a favorite among locals for events such as weddings and birthdays since their packages are very affordable, starting at Php 300 per head. The amenities of Villa Isabel include a bar where aside from the cocktails that they serve, one can karaoke one’s favorite songs. The banquet hall has a very romantic atmosphere. The rooms at Villa Isabel are tastefully furnished, modern, fully air conditioned with functioning hot and cold showers and the rates start at Php 200 per night.
Sorsogon Restaurant Guide
One of the advancing and progressive provinces in the Philippines, Sorsogon takes pride in its inviting and relaxing restaurants. For the convenience of all tourists and travelers to the place, there are numerous Sorsogon restaurant guides that they can refer to if they are in search for dining places that have fine services, tasty specialties, affordable meals, and accessible locations. Hence, to everyone who plan to visit the restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, it is best that they use the travel guides so that they can pick the dining place that have dishes that will suit their budgets.
Types of Cuisines Available in Restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines
For those who consider the cuisines available in dining places before they choose a restaurant in Sorsogon, Philippines, it is important that they look at Sorsogon restaurant guides since these offer detailed information on the famous restaurants. Some of the dining places in Sorsogon, Philippines, that specialize in Filipino cuisine, and which are commonly featured in Sorsogon restaurant guides are Dahon Saging Restaurant, Manoy’s Restaurant, and Casa Dominga. Hence, for people who prefer grilled dishes, they can always visit the popular Acacia Grill Fastfood.
Costs of Meals at Dining Places in Sorsogon, Philippines
When it comes to affordability, travelers can always visit fastfood chains in the area such as Jollibee and McDonald’s. On the other hand, for those who have food budgets that range from 50 pesos to 200 pesos, there are small and simple dining places that are featured in Sorsogon restaurant guides like Jane’s Fastfood, Kim’s Fastfood, as well as Mike and Jerry Fastfood. On the other hand, for people who have budgets above 200 pesos, they can go to Kalundan Restaurant.
Accessibility of Restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines
Another important section in Sorsogon restaurant guides is the location of the dining places. Many travelers take into consideration the accessibility of restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, before they decide where to eat. Hence, three of the most accessible places in the province to have a relaxing, entertaining, and memorable dining experience are Graceland, Quick and Hearty, as well as Tajie’s Restaurant. In addition, by referring to Sorsogon restaurant guides, tourists can also know the exact location together with the contact information of dining places in the city in case they want to make reservations. Thus, with the interesting features and information available in the restaurant guides, travelers will definitely have a convenient, comfortable and great dining experience at the interesting province of Sorsogon.
Whale Shark Watching in Sorsogon
Figuring out what other leisure things to do at sea besides the usual swimming, diving, water skiing, or surfing? Fishing is fun but there’s no fun like catching the world’s biggest fish—catching it on video face to face. And they’re all waiting to be caught on candid camera out there in Donsol.
Donsol, Sorsogon, in the southern most tip of Luzon, is where the world famous whale sharks loiter. And there they loiter the whole year round—although their peak seasons have been reported from February to May, when the Donsol Sea is at its clearest and calmest.
This fishing and diving village has clusters of beautiful mountains greeting incoming visitors. Also the wide azure sea, humble, smiling people, and recently, a world popular marine phenomenon that brings the fisher folks with higher economic revenue yearly.
Sorsogon can be reached through a land trip, public bus or private car, via the Philippine Tourism Highway. This is about a 15-hour drive of refreshing rustic sceneries from Manila taking the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Donsol used to be a quiet fishing and cottage industry town, frequented by storms and annual rains. Then God sent forth hundreds of whale sharks. The sightings first became a household byword in diving circles in the community. Then the news was passed on to some visiting tourists. Soon it overflowed to the tourism world. Now thousands flock to Donsol.
Locally the whale sharks are called “Butanding.” These gentle giants loiter in Donsol waters all year round, as observed by guys from the World Wildlife Fund. No other place in the country—or in the world—can one spot whale sharks hanging around that long.
The thought of swimming and diving with the world’s largest fish out there in deep sea is scary, to say the least. Yet these mammoth creatures are harmless and often let humans swim and dive with them side by side. It was both fascinating and magical, said one who had glided with them underwater. It was like the world stopped, he added.
At Donsol, these whale sharks may appear in a group of 10 to 15 at one time. The Donsol harbor has one of the highest densities of whale sharks in the world. Whale sharks can measure from 15 to 40 feet long. They have silvery polka dots all over them and feed only on plankton and krill. Donsol has tons of Plankton in its waters. So that’s why they’re here year round.
Whale shark watching, like diving, is a growing sea hobby worldwide and is available and affordable in Donsol, Sorsogon. It is Donsol’s main attraction today besides its other natural features that also draw the curiosity of visitors.
[Tags]Whale Sharks, Sorsogon, Donsol, Whale Shark Watching[/Tags]
Sorsogon Destination Guides
Overview
The economic boom of Sorsogon the past couple of years has led to more businesses relocating to this area and more revenue for the local government. What’s good though about this region is that despite the economic advances it has made, it remains true to its heritage and many Sorsogon destinations are being taken care of by the government and preserved.
Rizal Beach
The province of Sorsogon has its share of magnificent and picturesque beaches that are not like other beaches in the Philippines. Take for instance Rizal Beach which is the most well known Sorsogon destination when it comes to beaches. Found in Gubat, Rizal Beach is about half an hour drive from the city itself and this long stretch of fine white sand makes it a great picnic location for locals and visitors. Rizal Beach has a line of small hotels and resorts that are affordable so in case one is thinking about spending a night or two here, it’s very possible. Day trips to Rizal Beach can also be made by families who just want to enjoy being outdoors or couples who just want to spend a romantic afternoon together. What’s good about this Sorsogon destination is that to go to Rizal Beach will not cost one anything unless of course one opts to stay in one of the resorts. If one wants to do some water sports aside from swimming, the resorts here have equipment for rent to both guests and non-guests.
Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort
Veering away from beaches but still on the topic of water and swimming, Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort is a great Sorsogon destination found in Irosin. Although Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort is in essence a hotel, day trippers are welcome to enjoy the hot and cold springs. It’s actually rare to find both hot and cold springs in one Sorsogon destination so going here is definitely a unique experience and a very relaxing one at that. Many believe that the hot springs at the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort have therapeutic effects but although no one is one hundred percent certain whether it does, it is still very relaxing to just take a dip in it. The hot water at the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort comes from a nearby volcano, Bulusan Volcano. This Sorosogon destination is very famous in the region because there is no place that even comes close to what the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort offers.
Sorsogon Travel Guide
One of the tourist destinations in the southern region of the Philippines, Sorsogon province offers special places to all travelers and vacationers in the place. For people who are in search for the famous tourist attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines, they can always refer to Sorsogon travel guides since these feature hospitality service providers and restaurants where people can sleep and dine during their stay in the area. Additionally, the travel guides also offer instructions on how to get the famous tourist spots in the province.
Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines, are main features in Sorsogon travel guides. For those who like to have a tour to the famous spots in the province, they can always refer to the travel guides for detailed information on how to reach the natural attractions and manmade attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines. Hence, some of the natural attractions that are worth visiting in the province are Masacrot Springs, Palogtok Falls, and Paguriran Island. Meanwhile, for people who have interest in visiting manmade tourist spots in the area, they can always go to beautiful beach resorts, namely Dancalan Beach Resort, Rizal Beach Resort, and Libanon Beach Resort, or they can visit parks like Sorsogon Provincial Capitol Park, Bulusan National Park, as well as PNOC Eco-Park.
Hotels
After a tiring day traveling to the famous tourist destinations in the province, there are attractive hospitality service providers in Sorsogon, Philippines, where people can have a relaxing sleep. For those who are in search for lodges and inns that offer affordable accommodation rates, most Sorsogon travel guides offer information on any of these hospitality service providers, Manuel’s Lodging House, Saint Peter Lodging House, and Magtangob Lodging House. However, for those who prefer to stay in hotels, they can make advance reservations in Hotel Maria Concepcion, Hotel Olympus, and Central Hotel.
Restaurants
Dining is another feature in many Sorsogon travel guides. For tourists who like to dine in restaurants that offer delectable Filipino dishes, they can try the specialties of Kalundan Restaurant, Dahon Saging Restaurant, and Manoy’s Fastfood. In addition, there are fast food franchises that have affordable meals such as Jollibee, Mike and Jerry Fastfood, as well as Jane’s Fastfood. For the exact locations of these restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, they can refer to Sorsogon travel guides for them to easily find the dining places. With the attractive features of Sorsogon travel guides, tourists can surely have a worry-free vacation in one of the beautiful provinces of the Philippines, Sorsogon.
Sorsogon Travel Agents
One of the advocates of eco-tourism in the Bicol Region is Sorsogon City. This third class city is located at the southernmost tip municipality in Luzon. Sorsogon City is considered to be the ‘Gateway to Southern Philippines’ and one of the leading cities in terms of urban lifestyle and economic progress.
Best Place for Eco-Tourism
If a tourist or a visitor is really inclined with nature or would just like to hang out with nature, then the province of is considered to be one big eco-tour destination. Eco-tourism is really a flourishing industry in Sorsogon. All the Eco-Tourism related activities and spots are within easy access with the seat of government and the capital situated in Sorsogon City. The Butanding or Whale Shark Interaction, one of the highly anticipated itineraries, is also included as a tourist package.
This interaction with these lovable sea critters could be experienced at the waters of Bacon District of Sorsogon City, Magallanes, Castilla, Pillar and Donsol. Checking out some exotic flora and fauna could happen at Mount Bulusan Natural Park and the captivating Buluan Mountain Lake Resort. Marine Sanctuaries and attractive dive sites also define what eco-tourism is all about in Sorsogon City. Numinous caves with mystical folk legends could also be explored. Sorsogon’s historical and cultural heritage could also be realized around the place because of the old historic ruins and churches that withstood the tests of time.
Summing it up, tourists or visitors could do a lot of things in Sorsogon City. From rigorous physical activities such as snorkeling, swimming, diving, etc., to just chilling it out and communing with the nature by the beach side, Sorsogon offers a total package of relaxing with wonders of nature.
The Sorsogon Adventure
Sorsogon City has a lot in store for its visitors and tourists who really are nature lovers. To keep up with the pace of the growing wave of eco-tourism in Sorsogon City, travel agencies are supported. One of the noted travel and tours agencies is the Whale Shark Adventure and Tours. They offer great adventure packages that will make a tourist’s stay very memorable. Most of their itineraries are aquatic related events such as snorkeling, diving and of course butanding or whale shark interaction.
Nature has its own way of giving relaxation and relief to tired and overly stressed bodies. Therefore it is a simple reminder to at least appreciate and respect Mother Nature. Sorsogon City has been a manifestation of a caring child for Mother Nature as the place promotes, preserves and improves the beauty of Mother Nature. Everybody is called to be a nature lover.
Sorsogon Sightseeing Guide
Tourists and visitors would usually equate visiting Sorsogon to whale shark interaction. However, there are more interesting sights that can be found in Sorsogon than we usually know. The sights here may not be the same as the others you’ll find in the Philippines, but they are worth looking into. We have a Sorsogon sightseeing guide below for some of the interesting places in the Philippines’ southernmost province.
Our little Sorsogon sightseeing guide starts with the province’s most popular attraction, whale shark interaction. Sorsogon is admittedly the whale shark capital of the Philippines. The place to go to would be the little quiet town of Donsol. Whale sharks, locally named ‘butanding’, usually converge in the waters of Donsol starting in October and would last until May. You can get to Donsol from Legazpi City, where the airport is, by taking a taxi, bus, or air-conditioned van. The drive to Donsol will usually take an hour.
The beaches and tropical water fun is the next part of our Sorsogon sightseeing guide. Rizal Beach is located in the town of Gubat, which is about 25 minutes away from Sorsogon City. After getting into Gubat, you’ll have to switch to a jeep or another vehicle headed for Rizal Beach to get there. This is a favorite hang out and picnic area complete with resorts and other accommodations.
If you’re looking for one of the exotic sights in the Philippines then you might want to get to the Bacon District then to the small island of Paguriran. This is a picturesque island, with a matching lagoon, that has been made into a marine sanctuary. You’ll have to take a 20-minute boat ride from Bacon to get to the island.
Our Sorsogon sightseeing guide won’t be complete without any historical sites. One such site is the Barcelona Church that was constructed in the 19th century. There is also a nearby ruin of an old Spanish fort. You’ll also find a lot of old houses lining the streets of Juban and an old Spanish shipyard in Pilar.
As part of our Sorsogon sightseeing guide, we have a few travel tips when roaming around the province. First is that you should check with the local tourism office for information. However, if you hired a guide or have arranged your trip with an agent then everything will be taken cared of. The tourism office will usually give you a brief orientation. This is especially important for people interacting with the whale sharks for the first time.
The usual means of transportation within a town is usually by tricycle. Jeepneys are also available if you prefer to get on them than get cramped in small vehicle like a tricycle. There will always be vehicle terminals for buses, jeepneys, and other vehicles. When looking for public transport, simply ask anyone to point you to the terminal.
Not that many visitors to the Philippines would usually think to tour the province but they could be missing out on a lot of tropical adventures unique to the place. Thus making a Sorsogon sightseeing guide necessary. The province has a lot more interesting sights that you won’t find anywhere else in the Philippines.
Sorsogon Hotel Guide
When in Sorsogon, Philippines, it’s not just important to go sightseeing and see and hear the sights and sounds of this beautiful place, it’s also important to find a hotel that feels like home. This Sorsogon Hotel Guide showcases the hotels in the area that have positive reviews and are highly recommended by both Filipinos who travel to this area and tourists.
First up on the list in the Sorsogon Hotel Guide is the Sirangan Beach Resort. This hotel is located in Caricaran, Bacon District, Sorsogon City, Philippines. It’s a relatively small hotel but what places it on top of the list in the Sorsogon Hotel Guide is that though it only has 8 rooms, this quaint place was designed for those who want to sleep and wake up hearing the gentle lap of the waves. All rooms are a convenient walking distance to Bacon Beach but this did not prevent management from building a big pool in front of the hotel for those who prefer to lie on a deck chair by it. Known for its romantic ambience perfect for couples, its rooms are luxurious, spacious and gives one that home away from home feel.
Hotsprings Resort, located in Irosin, Sorsogon City, Philippines also makes it to the Sorsogon Hotel Guide. Irosin is known for its hot springs and if one wants to be closer to these, then Hotsprings Resort is the place to be. Hotsprings Resort is located close to the Bulusan Lake and a short hike can be made from Patad to the crater-lake and since this place is not something that’s well known for the locals, if one is looking for that secluded area that epitomizes pristine, then this is the perfect spot.
Vitton Resort is another quaint place that specializes in something completely different than the previous two. Vitton Resort is in the Sorsogon Hotel Guide because it is the best place to get that close encounter with the whale shark. This hotel in the Sorsogon Hotel Guide in Donsol Sorsogon, Philippines and it’s conveniently located near the whale shark interaction center and offers bungalows that have 1-2 rooms. The resort is peaceful at night and ensures privacy, a true escape when in the Philippines.
Last but not the least in this Sorsogon Hotel Guide is Palm Creek Resort. This place in the Philippines is for those who prefer the great outdoors so much more than being indoors. The beach is right in front of the cabin and since this place is somewhat remote, it can be expected that this especially quiet at night.