Aside from the historical landmarks that one ought to visit when in Bacolod, there are also several other Bacolod destinations that can help one have a really good holiday. The beaches in Bacolod are beautiful and cater to a lot of water sports but aside from these there are other Bacolod destinations that are simply too enticing to pass on.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because the Bacolod destination of Sipalay Beach is very well known. From Bacolod City, getting to Sipalay Beach entails a short jeepney ride and one can even ask a tricycle to bring one there. Because this Bacolod destination is just a short distance from the city itself, it’s not just tourists who frequent this area, locals also spend weekends here to unwind. Sipalay Beach is in Sipalay town and once there, one will realize that it’s not just one beach that one is going to but several stretching for kilometers on end. The waters of Sipalay Beach are pristine and there is a diverse marine life that is any diver’s dream. One does not have to take up diving lessons though and become a certified diver to be able to enjoy the marine life, snorkeling is an option. This Bacolod destination is very convenient for those who feel that one day is not enough time spent at the beach because there are several small resorts there where one can spend a night or two. The cottages that offer lodging at Sipalay Beach are well maintained and they have good facilities so one never feels that the modern necessities are amiss. Another good thing about the resorts at this Bacolod destination is that they equipment for rent for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
The other name for Sipaway Island is Refugio Island but no matter what name one decides to call it, this is also good Bacolod destination if one wants to spend a day or two at the beach. The attraction to Sipaway Island lies in the many activities that can be done at this Bacolod destination including several water sports. While there, take time to ask about the Sipaway Island legends and visit the several centuries old Balete tree which is where most of the stories started. Among the things that are on Sipaway Island are recreational facilities, a couple of resorts and a wharf. The inhabitants of Sipaway Island are also very warm and friendly and speak a little English so feel free to ask them what life is like on the island.
Boracay is known in many different parts of the world as one of the best places to go to for that beach holiday. Here, basking in the sun the whole day and bar hopping at night are activities that are perfectly okay and many Boracay hotels allow you to do this every single day of your vacation.
Enjoy the sun and the pristine white sand beaches of Boracay at Friday’s Resort where cottages are made out of all Filipino products and pampering is a part of everyday life. For those traveling in big groups, Friday’s Resort has 5 cottages that are interconnected so one can have a private party every night if one feels like it. All the 34 cottages at the Friday’s Resort are made from bamboo and wood, all immaculately maintained and have modern necessities. 18 of these 34 cottages at Friday’s Resort look out directly to the beach and the view is simply magnificent. These 18 premier rooms have its own coffee and tea maker, all have king sized beds, fully air conditioned and a bathtub. This Boracay hotel is also very proud of its restaurant that serves excellent International and Asian cuisine and their facilities are first class. Friday’s Resort has a very large swimming pool, a gym, game room and a conference center for those who are in Boracay on business.
If upscale is what one is after, live it up at the The Panoly Resort which is nestled on its very own private land on the northern part of Boracay. This Boracay hotel is rather large, with 55 elegantly furnished rooms, some of which are connected, a spacious bathroom in each one, a mini-bar, IDD telephone, cable television and a fridge. Room service is available 24/7 at The Panoly Resort and because this Boracay hotel is committed to ensuring the privacy of their guests, one never has to worry about the place being too crowded especially during peak season.
The Panoly Resort has 6 different restaurants each one with a bar for the guest’s dining pleasure. Each restaurant has different specialties and one can choose to dine while looking out to the ocean or to a view of their massive swimming pool. Among the other facilities at the The Panoly Resort are a gym, a business center and the best part is, they have equipments for rent for any water sport that one can think of. This Boracay hotel also offers services such as massage, laundry and room service. The hospitality at The Panoly Resort is truly one of a kind in that one will not find a Boracay hotel with staff that is exceptionally accommodating.
Although Ormoc is recognized as a bustling commercial city, it is also becoming famous for its tourist sites. As this Ormoc beach guide will indicate, there are several places the tourist can go to for some swimming & diving.
One of the most desirable destinations that this Ormoc beach guide can point at is Sabin Beach. The site is replete with several resorts that can provide you with all the amenities and accommodations that you will need in your stay. Of course, the main attraction is the beach itself, and the water and sands will definitely not disappoint. The clear blue skies are also only matched by the purity of the air you can breathe.
This Ormoc beach guide can also testify to the beauty of the surroundings at San Roque Beach. San Roque is a name that diving aficionados will recognize very well, as it is the site of several diving sites like Turtle Rock and the Coral Garden. However, the view from the beach itself is breathtaking.
The waters in San Roque Beach, as this Ormoc beach guide can point out, is very clear and the depth is perfect for those that just want to go swimming with their friends or family.
Not far from San Roque is Bitu On Beach. This Ormoc beach guide can indicate to you that apart from the untainted waters and the unspoiled white sands, the skies are also brilliantly set. Some prefer to watch the sun rise, while others prefer to gaze at the setting of the sun. Or you may just marvel at the myriad types of seashells along the coastline.
A good Ormoc beach guide should also include Kuting Beach. As one of the up and coming beach destinations in the Philippines, the number of cottages and resorts in the area are growing in number, which will make your stay in the area more comfortable and enjoyable.
Maamo Beach is the destination of tourists and travelers who want to do some exploring along with their swimming. This Ormoc beach guide can attest to the existence of a number of exotic fish and other underwater denizens that can only be found in this part of the Philippines, making it a haven for underwater explorers.
What this Ormoc beach guide has indicated is that there is more to the city than what most people believe. If you love going to the beach but want to experience something different from the usual, then you might want to include these beaches in your travel plans.
Bohol (an island situated in the Visayas in the Philippines, is a place of lush history and is a wonderful tourist destination. It is the home of the Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. What not many people know is that Bohol also has one of the most beautiful and awesome beaches in the Philippines or maybe even in the world. Some beaches there are not only a nice place for swimming and picnicking but also an excellent place for diving. Here, below are some of the beautiful and breathtaking beaches of Bohol.
Alona Beach – it is the most developed and probably the most beautiful beach on Panglao Island. It is located in the southwest side of the island with nice resorts and a numerous well equipped diving establishments. One must only be very careful in wading in the water because 20-30 meters away from the coast are some sea urchins.
Dumaluan Beach– is located 2 ½ kilometers from Alona Beach. It is here where Bohol Beach Club and some other more exclusive beach resorts of Bohol are located.
Bikini Beach – located about 8 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City. This beach is an ideal place for people who are fond of picnics.
Momo Beach –this one is situated on the north side of Panglao Island with shallow water and also with white powdery sand.
Doljo Beach – not far from Momo Beach and on the northwest side of the island is where this beach is located. It has clean blue water which is an ideal spot for scuba diving where divers can find undisturbed coral reefs abundant with many colorful fishes and many beautiful sea shells. It has also a long white sand shoreline.
Kaingit Beach – this beach is also in Tagbilaran City and is situated in a cove. It was developed by the city government of Tagbilaran and also maintained by them. One can observe here a sea which remains calm even on stormy weather.
Santa Fe Beach – this beach is located near the Poblacion of Albuquerque which is also 13 km from Tagbilaran City. It has white sand also and is fronting the open sea of Mindanao.
Laya Beach – located in Baclayon and is about 9 km from Tagbilaran City, is shaded by tall coconut trees. It is ideal for picnics and the rest houses are available at a minimum cost.
Duero Beach – this beach is situated 77 km from Tagbilaran City and is in the eastern part of Bohol. It is also a white sand beach which is shaded by palm and coconut trees.
Imelda Beach - it is located in Damiao and about 40 km from Tagbilaran City. It was once used as a campsite for boy and girl scouts of Bohol.
Canuba Beach – located in Jagna, is also blessed with white sand beach and clean blue waters shaded by palm trees.
So, if you’re planning to spend your vacation on a beach, why not try spending it in one of the beautiful beaches of Bohol in the Philippines. You can enjoy nature in a most relaxing atmosphere with the advantage of modern facilities at a more reasonable cost.
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 tourist spots are being taken care of by the government and preserved.
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 one of the most well known Sorsogon tourist spots 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. Of all the Sorsogon tourist spots this one is one of the best, because when you to go to Rizal Beach, it 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.
Most of the Sorsogon tourist spots are focused on the water and the ocean, but 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 is one of the best Sorosogon tourist spots and it 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.
These tunnels were built – by hand – during World War II to protect the island from a possible invasion of the Philippines. History On December 8, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Forces landed in Sorsogon, then under American occupation. The Americans left the province and returned after the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945. During the occupation, the Japanese soldiers forced filipinos to dig these tunnels. Some of them are still intact, and some of the tunnels have been used as a hideout for Japanese soldiers during the Second World War.
This site is open daily from 9am to 8pm.
The Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Site was established on July 9, 2015 and it is a protected area located in the municipality of Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines.
The site is administered by the Department of Tourism (Philippines) through its Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Site protects the habitat and habitat of the whale shark. And it is even possible to come snorkle with these gentle giants. The site is situated along the coast of Donsol, Sorsogon, about 4 kilometers from the town proper and is considered one of the best whale shark interaction sites in the world. It is situated within a mangrove swamp and is connected to the ocean through an opening in the mangroves which leads to a narrow channel that connects to the ocean.
Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Site is open daily from 7am - 4.30pm
Phone: +966 50 236 4663
The Bigaho Ecopark is an ecopark located in the municipality of Bigaho, Sorsogon.It has a total area of about which is used for agricultural purposes and as a tourist destination. History The Bigaho Ecopark was established in 1998 under the management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Municipal Government of Bigaho. The Bigaho Ecopark is named after the local grass called “Bigaho”
The establishment of the Bigaho Ecopark was initiated to serve as a model for other ecoparks in the Philippines.
It is open for public use and is accessible by walking, hiking, bicycling, and by motorcycle. The park is located at Bacon - Sawanga - Prieto Diaz Rd, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Philippines.
Palogtoc Falls in Sorsogon is one of the most beautiful falls in the Philippines. It is located in Barangay (village) Palogtoc, Sorsogon and is considered as one of the major tourist attractions in the province. You can visit these waterfalls by walking through a winding and narrow trail that goes through a mangrove forest. The falls were known to be in existence since the early 1900s. The falls is a is one of the most popular Sorsogon tourist spots.
Phone: +63 907 521 6960
The Bulusan Volcano Natural Park is a beautiful volcano park with an active volcano, which is visited by people from all over the world. It is one of the must-see Sorsogon tourist spots. The volcano is the fourth most active volcano in the Philippines. Which is why there is a permanent dangerzone in the area within 4 kilometers from the summit. Last time the volcano had a notable incident, was July 15 2015, where it had a phreatic eruption.
There is a wide selection of Bulusan Volcano tour packages on offer from local tour agents, or you can do the trip by yourself if you prefer that.
The best time to visit is during the dry season between October and May.
Paguriran Island in Sorsogonm is a small island located south of the Philippine province of Sorsogon, in the Central Visayas region.
The island is known for its crystal clear magical lagoon which has long been the subject of local folklore and legends. The lagoon is located inside Paguriran Island Resort, which is part of the municipality of Sorsogon.
Paguriran is more like a rock formation than an island. Even though it is surrounded by water, Paguriran is only a short distance away from a sandy beach. You can walk to it at low tide or even high tide when the water level is usually waist-high.
The easiest way to get to Paguriran Island is via Bacon. From Sorsogon City, you can ride a jeepney or a tricycle to the town of Bacon.
The Barcelona Church and Ruins in Sorsogon, Philippines is a World Heritage Site in the province of Sorsogon. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 29, 2012.
This is now one of the well visited Sorsogon tourist spots and is home to the oldest church in the Philippines built by the Spanish Franciscans. The church is famous for its unique architecture and is believed to be the oldest existing church in the Philippines. It is said that the construction started in 1582 and finished in 1583. The church was also built under the leadership of Fr. Francisco de San Antonio, a priest from Spain.
This a a great spot to visit and there are many centuries-old buildings around the church if you walk around the streets nearby.
The Geneblazo family established the Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary to become a safe and healthy habitat for aquatic animals and plants to thrive. The fish sanctuary is open to the public today who wish to learn about marine biodiversity and conservation.
It's a privately owned sanctuary that protects marine life from pollution and fishing. Examples of marine species in the sanctuary include giant clams, marine turtles, lobsters, sea cucumbers, and oysters.
The sanctuary is set up like a fish farm, because it is enclosed with bamboo structures to protect the marine life. In addition to serving ito protect the wild life, it also serves as one of the more popular destinations for day trips from the Sorsogon tourist spots in general.
Tikling Island in Sorsogon is famous for it's pink sand beach with fine, smooth and powdery grains of sand.
This is one of the best beaches featured here in this small guide of Sorsogon tourist spots and definitely worth a visit.
The best thing about this island is its location. It is a private island that allows access for day tours, and while there are no accommodations or huts for rent, there are no fees either. However, you'll definitely want to leave a tip with the caretaker if you choose to visit. The island is covered with coconut and other tropical trees, and the beach has an amazing, sparkling view.
The island is accessible with regular outrigger boats from Matnog.
A trip on the Ogod River is an amazing way to spend an evening. The thick vegetation attracts thousands of fireflies every night and the boatride is tranquil and relaxing. Tour packages are available for visitors who want to see the amazing fireflies in the Ogod River. They'll enjoy the 2-3 hour boat ride, transfer by tricycle, and guide
Philippine beaches are as many as the shores of this multi-island archipelago. If it has 7,100 islands, count on pristine beaches counting more than that. To make a beach experience more rewarding it pays to do some necessary preparations. Sometimes beautiful beaches are no guarantees of fun swims and diving without the needed preparations.
The best Philippine beaches are often the nearest around. If in Manila, search out beaches nearest to the city. Surf the Internet for beaches in nearby provinces. Of course, Manila Bay is out of the question. Cavite beaches are possible options. Subic and Zambales beaches are next options. Then we can also check out as far as Bicol, or Quezon Province. The latter three are a bit too far and need more preparations to enjoy. Remember, if the Philippine beach destination is too far, more time might be wasted just traveling to and from it.
Why not just swimming pools? Swimming pools are also good but they lack the natural appeal of beaches. Just think of natural sea winds, rushing waves, fine white sand, shore corals, underwater reefs and wildlife, palm trees swaying, gentle sun, morning breeze, and dreamy sunsets. If it’s possible to have these at a pool, still, only Philippine beaches have naturally salty water.
Then there’s the food and water factor. Most Philippine beaches offer grilled sea foods on sight, bottled and canned sodas, bottled water, and native delicacies peddled around. But improper and unsanitary handling of food (we don’t see how it is done) can spoil a beach trip, no matter how beautiful a beach is. Bringing packed food or lunch is not a better option either. We understand how beach heat and time can hasten germ propagation in food. Plus, if food is packed in Styrofoam, food poisoning is more probable. So what do we do?
The best option is bring cash, look for a wet market near the beach, buy fresh food, and cook on red-hot charcoals or in pots over fire. It gives the beach trip an overall perfect rustic picnic experience that is unmatched by any other beach dining option. Just bring along paper plates topped with aluminum or wax paper. Better still, if we’re really after a total native junket by a Philippine beach, use plastic plates covered with plastic bags and topped with banana leaves.
Enjoying Philippine beaches is a given---they are all perfect, in a sense. What’s really important is how to prepare the enjoyment the entire length of a trip.