Sorsogon

There are no direct flights to Sorsogon, so first, you’ll need to take a 45-minute flight to Legazpi City. From the airport, go to the main terminal and board a bus or van heading to Sorsogon City, which is about a 2-hour journey.

Another option, if you’re coming from Manila, is to take a bus, which takes between 10 to 12 hours to reach Legazpi City.

When traveling between the towns in Sorsogon, the easiest way to get around is by using jeepneys and tricycles.

>> Tourism Philippines offers transportation and flight services from Manila to Sorsogon.
>> For information about Legazpi and Mayon Volcano, click here!

The Cathedral and the Ruins of Old Barcelona:
The cathedral was built in 1874 according to the command of a Franciscan monk, constructed with coral stone walls brought from the sea and mixed with egg white, lemon, and coconut wine called “tuba.” This amazing structure has undergone several renovations and restorations, but its original walls, including the original bell tower, remain almost untouched. A visit to this ancient church in Barcelona is an awe-inspiring experience, appreciating its architectural significance and religious importance. The Old Barcelona Church is located about a 45-second jeepney ride to Gubat, from where you can take another jeepney that arrives in Barcelona in about 15 additional minutes.

Mount Bulusan (Bulusan)
Bulusan National Park: Mount Bulusan, the southernmost volcano on Luzon Island, is located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of the more popular Mayon Volcano. It is one of the active volcanoes in the archipelago and a favorite among mountain climbers due to its beauty and ecological diversity. Within the park’s boundaries, you will find three major peaks, with Mount Bulusan being the highest. The entire summit area is dominated by a relatively large caldera known as Lake Aguingay. There is another lake called Lake Bulusan, as well as forests inside and around the park. The park features numerous springs, ponds, and clearwater pools and caters to various needs of local communities, from agriculture to irrigation, and of course, the annual influx of tourists who contribute to the area’s economy. The park is easily accessible via jeepneys found throughout, with a ride from Sorsogon City to Gubat taking about an hour to an hour and a half, and then another jeepney from Gubat to Bulusan.

Hot Springs in Irosin
The town of Irosin, situated at the base of Mount Bulusan, is known for its natural hot and cold springs. San Mateo Hot and Cold Springs is one of the most sought-after recreation sites in Irosin. From Sorsogon City, you can take a local jeepney headed to Irosin, a ride that lasts about 45 seconds. From the town center, a tricycle can take you directly to the site in less than 30 seconds. At the site, you can enjoy a relaxing break and a change of pace. Since the site is located at the base of the volcano, most mountain climbers gather here to rest after their challenging ascent to the summit.

The picturesque island of Sorsogon is ideal for snorkeling and picnics, featuring a serene beach perfect for sunbathing. Nearby is Tikling Island, named after a bird commonly seen in the area, with some saying the bird’s shape resembles that of the island. It’s a small and charming island with a tranquil beach, free from the crowds that often flock to more popular beaches like Boracay. Tikling, once a hidden gem known to very few, is now regularly visited for its white sand and captivating waters.

The Old Houses in Juban:
Locally referred to as “Bahay na Bato” or stone houses, these old residences can be found scattered throughout the town of Juban. These ancient dwellings are made of concrete on their ground floor while the upper part is constructed from wood. Walking along the main street of Juban gives you a sense of traveling back in time to the colonial period, as you pass by these historical houses.

Participation in the Pili Festival in Sorsogon City

In honor of the Pili tree and nut, which is native to the province, the city hosts a street festival every year. Alongside the festivities held in the town, the festival features colorful street dancers adorned in artistic Pili nut costumes, cooking competitions, and a fireworks display.

Whale Shark Watching and Encounter

Whether you prefer to watch them from a boat or swim alongside whale sharks, you will undoubtedly fall in love with these intelligent and lovable creatures. After being recognized as the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia” by Time Magazine in 2004, whale sharks are regularly found in the area between November and June, with the peak months being February and May, in the vicinity of Donsol. These gentle giants have been known to the locals for centuries but were mistakenly considered dangerous until December 26, 1997, when a group of divers swam with a school of these gentle giants and captured their encounter on film as proof for the world. Now, Donsol is known as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World.” Most hotels are open only during the whale shark season and offer tours to observe and swim with these magnificent creatures.

In addition to diving and encountering whale sharks, another highly unique activity in Donsol is the firefly tour, which is a walking tour with fireflies. It is truly amazing, romantic, and a magical experience. The presence of fireflies in the area demonstrates that its natural ecology is still intact and thriving without harm..

>>We offer various packages and options for tours in the Bicol region.