Sunday, November 30, 2014

Hidden Paradise in the province of Sorsogon

Last May my auntie invited us to go for a vacation in Bicol and I immediately said YES because I am so missing my mother’s hometown in Barcelona Sorsogon which I have visited 12 years ago. Our vacation also coincided with the Barcelona’s town fiesta so felt like a grand reunion happened during our stay where we met our relatives in our family tree.  The feeling is so nostalgic. I felt personal joy within myself that somehow i've come and seen again the place where once upon a time my mom spends her childhood days.

Barcelona Sorsogon

Barcelona Sorsogon

Barcelona Sorsogon St. Joseph parish

Barcelona Sorsogon St. Joseph parish

Barcelona Sorsogon Sunset


The big bonus during our vacation was an introduction to some places I never expected Sorsogon province would have. Some of the new born places for tourism that we have visited are the following:


1.       Mount Bulusan Volcano National Park
Mount Bulusan is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines located in Sorsogon. This mystical volcano will surely capture anyone’s attention with its evident magnificence. On this active volcano’s feet lies Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, a nature sanctuary perfectly hidden in the middle of a lush rainforest and a scenic lake as a centerpiece. The lake is one of Sorsogon’s major attractions. According to locals this lake is perpetually green because of the presence of algae and is surrounded by luxuriant trees that contribute to an even greener landscape. Bulusan Lake is gradually creating a name in tourism industry that's why tourist-friendly activities have been introduced along the perimeter of the lake. Kayaking, boating and water bikes while Hiking/trekking along the inner and outer crater are also offered to more adventurous visitors.


Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Bulusan Volcano Natural park

Family and relatives


2.       Island Hopping in Matnog
Juag Lagoon is a fish sanctuary and lobster farm included in the island hopping package in Matnog. It is like a real-life huge aquarium where visitors can feed and swim with sea creatures. Fish feeding is done through a raft and you must buy small fishes or pellets to feed huge fishes.  Fishes here are everywhere, of different sizes and colors. Very noticeable in here are the huge groupers just as big as a whole arm.


Matnog Island hopping 

This is how clear the water is while heading Juag Lagoon

Juan lagoon Matnog

Juan lagoon Matnog

Juan lagoon Matnog

Juan lagoon Matnog


On the other hand, there is Subic Beach located in Subic Daco, in Matnog Sorsogon. It is a 30-minute boat ride from Matnog, Sorsogon Port. Tourist fee is 75 pesos per head and boat rental for island hopping is 1600php for day tour and 2000php for overnight. Subic beach is an unexplored virgin island with pinkish sand, clear aquamarine waters, cool breeze air, and a very tranquil atmosphere. It is known for its white sand with a touch of pink because of crushed red corals. The tranquility of the place invites travelers to frolic on the island’s pinkish-white beach or take a dip in the placid, cold waters.  Subic beach in Matnog Sorsogon is truly a hidden gem of the province and we are so lucky to explore and enjoy this island at its unspoiled state.


Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

The clear and cold water of Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon



3.       Natural Springs
Masacrot Springs in Bulusan, Sorsogon is a flowing natural cold spring with green lagoon. This body of water was surrounded by cool shade of trees. Dipping into this cold spring was really refreshing! The soda water - like taste of this cold spring was the reason why it's called masacrot (mapakla)! This spring has been naturally carved from the Bulusan soil. There are lots of trees around. The water was so crisp and clear. No fuss. Pure nature. 

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon

Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon


Another hot spring in Sorsogon is San Benon Hot Spring, located in Irosin, Sorsogon just few kilometers from Masacrot Springs. San Benon's hot spring water was so relaxing and soothing to the nerves. Its sulfuric healing properties is said to be really good to the muscles and nerves. It was quite hot in the beginning but I got use to it eventually. 


San Benon hotspring Sorsogon

San Benon hotspring Sorsogon

San Benon hotspring Sorsogo

San Benon hotspring Sorsogo



We really enjoyed our vacation in my mother’s hometown. Not only we have got the chance to meet our relatives on our mother side but as travelers, me and my cousin Karl realized that our mother's hometown (Sorsogon) has lot of things to offer that we really didn't expect to visit and discover. Sorsogon surely has something that you will enjoy. Thank you to our Aunt Nancy and her siblings for letting us see and experience the hidden treasures of Sorsogon. Truly a hidden Paradise



Rizal beach Sorsogon

Fedillaga Clan



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